Marine Mammals Research Permit Application
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This law notifies the public about an application for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals and their parts, filed by Dr. Susana Caballero from Nova Southeastern University. The research aims to study genetic diversity, population structure, and connectivity of marine mammals in Florida, the Caribbean, South America, and Antarctica over a period of seven years. Various research activities include behavioral observations and eDNA sampling, and the applicant may biopsy sample multiple marine mammal species while also managing the import and export of marine mammal parts under other authorizations.
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Key Changes
- Establishment of a permit for marine mammal research
- Flexibility in sampling methods including behavioral observations and eDNA sampling
- Inclusion of multiple marine mammal species for research and part management
Obligations
What this law requires
Dr. Susana Caballero and Nova Southeastern University must obtain a Marine Mammal Research Permit from NMFS before conducting any research activities on marine mammals or marine mammal parts
The permit applicant must comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and implementing regulations at 50 CFR part 216 for all taking and importing of marine mammals
The permit applicant must comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and implementing regulations at 50 CFR parts 222-226 for taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species
The permit applicant must comply with the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.) for any seal research activities
Public comments on the permit application must be submitted via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov with File No. 29107 in the subject line on or before May 11, 2026