[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 103 (Friday, May 29, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32009-32010]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10710]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XF823]


Marine Mammals; File No. 29749

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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[[Page 32010]]

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the BBC Natural History Unit and 
Factual Productions Limited, (Responsible Party: Victoria Webb), 
Bridgewater House, Counterslip, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6BX, United 
Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or 
educational photography on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 29, 2026.

ADDRESSES: These documents are available upon written request via email 
to [email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 29749 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Erin Markin, Ph.D., 
(301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to film the strand feeding behaviors of 
bottlenose dolphins in the waters of South Carolina for a television 
series, ``Americas II''. Filmmakers would approach up to 1,260 dolphins 
annually by vessel for behavioral observations, filming, and the 
operation of an unmanned aircraft system. Up to two vessels would 
target a group of dolphins at a time. The permit would be valid through 
November 2027.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et 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: May 26, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-10710 Filed 5-28-26; 8:45 am]
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