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 com...
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION:
Notice; receipt of application.
SUMMARY:
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. 1361et 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. 4321et 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.
16 U.S.C. 1361
50 CFR part 216