Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Fisheries Research

NMFS' Office of Protected Resources has received a request from the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting fisheries research, over the course of five years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the SEFSC'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 SEFSC's application and request.