Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 161 / Friday, August 21, 2026 / Notices • Upon aggregation dispersal, ME DMR would work with participating vessels to return their gear to its required configuration within 30 days. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. (Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) Dated: August 19, 2026. Shannon Bettridge, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2026–17126 Filed 8–20–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XF902] Marine Mammals and Endangered Species National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that permits have been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as applicable. ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review upon written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. SUMMARY: 54311 Sara Young (File Nos. 29313 and 29621) and Amy Hapeman (File No. 29749); at (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested permits have been issued under the MMPA 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 ESA of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226), as applicable. Notices were published in the Federal Register on the dates listed below that requests had been submitted. To locate the Federal Register notice that announced our receipt of the application and a complete description of the activities, go to https:// www.federalregister.gov and search for the file number provided in table 1 below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: TABLE 1—ISSUED PERMITS File No. RTID Applicant Previous Federal Register notice 29313 .......... 0648–XF554 .. 29621 .......... 0648–XF774 .. 29749 .......... 0648–XF823 .. Michelle Shero, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543. NMFS Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98118 (Responsible Party: Nancy Friday, Ph.D.). BBC Natural History Unit and Factual Productions Limited, 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FA, United Kingdom (Responsible Party: Victoria Webb). 91 FR 13294, March 19, 2026. 91 FR 29118, May 19, 2026. 91 FR 32009, May 29, 2026. khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICE In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance was based on a finding that such permits: (1) were applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: August 19, 2026. Larissa Plants, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2026–17150 Filed 8–20–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XF960] Marine Mammals; File No. 26329 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Brandon Southall, Ph.D., Southall Environmental Associates, Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95076, has applied for an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 26329. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 21, 2026. SUMMARY: 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 ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:03 Aug 21, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Issuance date July 1, 2026. July 9, 2026. July 10, 2026. Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 26329 mod #4 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. 26329–01 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: Amy Hapeman or Sara Young, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 26329 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 E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 21AUN1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with NOTICE 54312 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 161 / Friday, August 21, 2026 / Notices 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and 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.). Permit No. 26329, issued on October 21, 2022 (87 FR 68133, November 14, 2022), authorizes the permit holder to study behavioral responses of 17 cetacean species in California waters. Researchers seek to identify key characteristics of species-typical calling, diving, feeding, social, and movement behavior in cetaceans, and under what conditions and contexts these behaviors are affected by human noise disturbance. Researchers may approach cetaceans by vessel for observations, suction-cup tagging, collection of sloughed skin, acoustic playbacks, prey mapping, photo-identification, and unintentional harassment. Five pinniped species may be unintentionally harassed during fieldwork. The permit holder requests to amend the permit to consolidate and improve the management and reporting of fieldwork that currently occurs with collaborating scientists under several research permits as follows: (1) add suction-cup tagging and sloughed skin collection as procedures for six authorized odontocete species; (2) allow deployment of suction-cup tags by uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in addition to attachment by pole; (3) authorize the use of a suction-cup tag unit that has a built-in echosounder; (3) authorize active acoustics for prey mapping for all authorized species; (4) authorize biopsy sampling for all cetacean species that could be tagged; (5) increase take numbers for multiple cetacean species for currently authorized methods in addition to new requested methods including: invasive (darb/barb or deep-implant) tagging and UAS surveys for counts, observations, photo-ID, photography/videography, and photogrammetry; and (6) update the personnel list and their roles. See the application’s take table for details on take numbers and methods for each species. The permit would be valid until March 31, 2028. 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 this application to the Marine Mammal VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:03 Aug 21, 2026 Jkt 268001 Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: August 19, 2026. Larissa Plants, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2026–17153 Filed 8–20–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XF954] Marine Mammals; File No. 29892 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Edward Charles, Open Plant Studios, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HG, United Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography on marine mammals. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 21, 2026. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review 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. 29892 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: Erin Markin, Ph.D., or Amy Hapeman, (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.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests a 5-month permit to film humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawaii for a documentary featuring Dr. Sylvia Earle. Up to 210 humpback whales may be filmed and observed by a vessel and unmanned aircraft system. Up to 105 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and 700 spinner (Stenella longirostris) dolphins may be unintentionally harassed, observed, and opportunistically filmed during these activities. 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: August 19, 2026. Larissa Plants, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2026–17107 Filed 8–20–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XF962] Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its Joint Hawaii Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Advisory Panel (AP) and Bottomfish Advisory Review Board (BARB), American Samoa FEP AP, Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC), Mariana Archipelago FEP Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) AP, and Social Science Planning Committee (SSPC) to discuss and make recommendations on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. DATES: The meetings will be held between August 28 through September 3, 2026. For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The Council will hold its Joint Hawaii Archipelago FEP AP and BARB, American Samoa FEP AP, FIAC, Mariana Archipelago FEP CNMI AP, SSPC meetings in a hybrid format with in-person and remote participation (Webex) options available for the members and the public. In-person attendance for the Joint Hawaii Archipelago FEP AP and BARB, FIAC SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 21AUN1 

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 161 (Friday, August 21, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54311-54312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17153]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XF960]


Marine Mammals; File No. 26329

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Brandon Southall, Ph.D., Southall 
Environmental Associates, Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 
95076, has applied for an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 
26329.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 21, 
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 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 26329 mod #4 from the list of available applications. These 
documents are also available upon written request via email to 
[email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 26329-01 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Sara Young, (301) 427-
8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 26329 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

[[Page 54312]]

1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and 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.).
    Permit No. 26329, issued on October 21, 2022 (87 FR 68133, November 
14, 2022), authorizes the permit holder to study behavioral responses 
of 17 cetacean species in California waters. Researchers seek to 
identify key characteristics of species-typical calling, diving, 
feeding, social, and movement behavior in cetaceans, and under what 
conditions and contexts these behaviors are affected by human noise 
disturbance. Researchers may approach cetaceans by vessel for 
observations, suction-cup tagging, collection of sloughed skin, 
acoustic playbacks, prey mapping, photo-identification, and 
unintentional harassment. Five pinniped species may be unintentionally 
harassed during fieldwork. The permit holder requests to amend the 
permit to consolidate and improve the management and reporting of 
fieldwork that currently occurs with collaborating scientists under 
several research permits as follows: (1) add suction-cup tagging and 
sloughed skin collection as procedures for six authorized odontocete 
species; (2) allow deployment of suction-cup tags by uncrewed aircraft 
system (UAS) in addition to attachment by pole; (3) authorize the use 
of a suction-cup tag unit that has a built-in echosounder; (3) 
authorize active acoustics for prey mapping for all authorized species; 
(4) authorize biopsy sampling for all cetacean species that could be 
tagged; (5) increase take numbers for multiple cetacean species for 
currently authorized methods in addition to new requested methods 
including: invasive (darb/barb or deep-implant) tagging and UAS surveys 
for counts, observations, photo-ID, photography/videography, and 
photogrammetry; and (6) update the personnel list and their roles. See 
the application's take table for details on take numbers and methods 
for each species. The permit would be valid until March 31, 2028.
    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 this application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: August 19, 2026.
Larissa Plants,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-17153 Filed 8-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P