Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations to Take, Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, and for Maintaining a Captive
ICR 202606-0648-002 · OMB 0648-0084 · Received in OIRA
Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations to Take, Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, and for Maintaining a Captive
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
07/21/2026
table that charts list comparision
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2026
656
993
6,923
6,568
82
80
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division proposes revisions to the currently approved information collection OMB Control Number 0648-0084. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is revising permit application instructions for the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to align with new regulations and streamline processes. Key changes include removing the 5-year limit on MMPA permit durations, creating specific instructions for endangered corals, and updating guidance for Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operations to improve take reporting. Additionally, the agency is redesigning its online application system (APPS) and splitting public display instructions into separate capture and importation categories to better meet statutory requirements.
This information collection is under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; MMPA), the Fur Seal Act (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.; FSA), and the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA). The MMPA, FSA, and ESA prohibit âtakeâ (e.g., to harass or kill), import, and export of marine mammals and endangered and threatened species, with limited exceptions. Pursuant to Section 104 of the MMPA and Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA, persons or institutions may apply for special exception permits to take, import, or export marine mammals or endangered or threatened species for scientific research or enhancement purposes. Section 104 of the MMPA also allows for Letters of Confirmation under a General Authorization for scientific research, permits for commercial and educational photography of marine mammals, and permits for capture or import of marine mammals for public display. Issuance of permits is a federal action subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Persons or institutions seeking to take, import, or export protected species are required to apply for a permit or authorization and demonstrate that the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements are met. The information required in this collection is used by NMFS to make the determinations under the MMPA, FSA, ESA, NEPA, and their implementing regulations prior to issuing a permit or authorization; to evaluate the impacts on protected species; to establish appropriate permit conditions for the activity proposed; and, to ensure compliance with the Acts. Information required includes the name, affiliation, contact information and qualifications; the purpose of the request; the species, age, sex, and number of animals proposed to be taken, imported, or exported; location; a description of the impacts to the species and environment; the proposed methods and mitigation to minimize impacts to the species; and the requested duration of the permit. Permit and authorization holders must submit reports on the activities they conduct. Also, the MMPA mandates NMFS maintain an inventory of marine mammals in public display facilities and for those facilities to report certain information about the marine mammals to NMFS (via the National Inventory of Marine Mammals [NIMM]).
The number of respondents and responses decreased overall as these numbers were being double-counted by separating out the recordkeeping requirements from the reporting requirements. The time burden increased as a result of an increase to the Photography application burden hours based on a stakeholder comment.
$1,190,446
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Amy Hapeman 999 999-9999
Reginfo record details
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Permit & Authorization Applications: Scientific Research & Enhancement (SR/EN), SR/EN Parts Only, Public Display (PD)