Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations to Take, Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, and for Maintaining a Captive

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division is proposing an extension of the currently approved information collection OMB Control Number 0648-0084, with no changes. 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 “take” (e.g., to harass or harm), 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 relative to 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; the proposed methods and mitigation to minimize impacts to the species; a description of the impacts to the species and environment; and the requested time frame of the permit. Permit and authorization holders must submit reports on the activities they carry out. 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 latest form for Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations to Take, Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, and for Maintaining a Captive expires 2026-12-31 and is listed under ICR 202310-0648-001.

Permit & Authorization Applications: Scientific Research & Enhancement (SR/EN), SR/EN Parts Only, Public Display (PD)

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Natural Resources - Conservation, Marine and Land Management