FWS Seeks Input on Who Can Study Seals and Whales
Published Date: 6/6/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public feedback on requests to work with marine mammals, like studying or helping them, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They also shared news about permits they recently approved. This affects researchers, conservationists, and anyone working with these amazing sea creatures, with opportunities to comment before decisions are finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Public comment on marine mammal permits
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comment on applications for permits to conduct activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. You can submit feedback before the Service finalizes decisions on those permit applications.
Announcement of recently issued marine mammal permits
The Service announced that it has recently issued permits in response to prior applications for activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If you apply for or work under such permits, this notice reports recent approvals by the Service.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12951, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10287, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Information Collection: Procedures for Non-Federal Navigation Facilities
The FAA is asking for public feedback as it renews its approval to collect info about non-federal navigation facilities like local airports and private air navigation aids. This helps keep these facilities safe and up to FAA standards. No changes or new costs are planned—just a smooth renewal to keep things flying right!
Next: 2025-10290, Synopsys, Inc. and ANSYS, Inc.; Analysis of Agreement Containing Consent Orders To Aid Public Comment
Synopsys and ANSYS, two big tech companies, are settling a dispute about unfair competition. They’ve agreed to follow new rules that keep things fair for everyone in the market. This deal helps protect customers and competitors, with no extra costs or delays expected.