Notices. Notice; receipt of application
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/register/2026/02/09/2026-02498A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648-XF512] Marine Mammals; File No. 29070 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32608 (Michael Walsh, DVM, Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts of for scientific research.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 11, 2026. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by selecting “Records Open for Public Comment” from the “Features” box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species home page, *https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov,* and then selecting File No. 29070 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request via email to *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.* Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.* Please include File No. 29070 in the subject line of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to *NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.* The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., or Jennifer Skidmore,
(301)427-8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 *et seq.* ). The applicant requests a 10-year permit to study marine mammal health through research and diagnostic testing of parts. Parts from up to 700 individual cetaceans and 400 individual pinnipeds (excluding walrus) may be imported, exported, and received annually. Sources of foreign and domestic parts may include subsistence harvests, captive animals, other authorized persons or curated collections, bycatch from legal commercial fishing operations, and foreign stranded animals. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: February 4, 2026. Shannon Bettridge, Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2026-02498 Filed 2-6-26; 8:45 am]
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- 50 CFR 216
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