🐋Marine Mammal Research Permit
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals, including endangered blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B. borealis) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales.
Learn More🐟New 5-Year Finding Allows Yellowfin Tuna Imports from Select Countries
The NMFS Assistant Administrator (Assistant Administrator) has issued a new 5-year affirmative finding for the Governments of Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Spain (referred to hereafter as "The Nations") under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) related to the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) tuna purse seine fishery and the importation of yellowfin tuna from nations participating in this fishery. This affirmative finding will allow the importation into the United States of yellowfin tuna and yellowfin tuna products harvested in the ETP, in compliance with the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP), by purse seine vessels operating under The Nations' jurisdiction or exported from The Nations. NMFS bases the affirmative finding determination on reviews of documentary evidence submitted by the Governments of The Nations and of information obtained from the Inter- American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
Learn More🐬Permit Issued for Bottlenose Dolphin Research
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Charted Marine Consulting, 536 Fairfax Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507 (Responsible Party: Kristi Fazioli) to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Learn More📸Notice of Marine Mammal Photography Permit Application
Notice is hereby given that Matthieu Haentjens, Friends of San Juan Island, 707 Boyce Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.
Learn More🐬Notice of Permit Application for Marine Mammal Photography
Notice is hereby given that Passion Planet, 33-34 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JN, United Kingdom (Responsible Party: Phillippa Tagg), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.
Learn More🐋Incidental Take Authorization for Marine Mammals in Alaska Railroad Project
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Seward Freight Dock construction project in Seward, Alaska.
Learn More🌊Regulatory Notice on Lutak Dock Replacement Project Impact
NMFS has received a request from the Haines Borough for the reissuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of six species of marine mammals, by Level A and Level B harassment, incidental to construction activities associated with the Lutak Dock Replacement project in Haines, Alaska. The project has been delayed by 1 year and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The initial IHA was effective from June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025. The Haines Borough has requested reissuance with new effective dates of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Learn More🐬NMFS Issues Harassment Authorization for Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHA) to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Base Kodiak Homeporting Facility in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska.
Learn More🐬Business Implications of Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Amendment
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 22156-05.
Learn More🐬Authorization Notice for Taking Marine Mammals in Texas Research
NMFS has received a request from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to fisheries independent research surveys conducted in the coastal waters of Texas over the course of five years (2025- 2030). Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the TPWD's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on the TPWD's application and request.
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