NOAA Seeks Comments on Marine Mammal Paperwork
Published Date: 7/21/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating the paperwork rules for people and groups who want special permits to study, import, export, or keep marine mammals and endangered species. This affects researchers, zoos, and others who work with these animals, making sure the process stays clear and efficient. They’re asking for public feedback before finalizing the changes, with no new fees or big time changes expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Permits and Reports Still Required
If you are a researcher, zoo, public display facility, or other institution that takes, imports, or exports marine mammals or ESA-listed species, you must apply for permits or authorizations and submit required reports. Public display forms are mandatory and permit applications are required to receive a permit; permit applications are typically submitted once every five or ten years and reports are submitted annually or more often if incidents occur.
Estimated Time Burden (Hours Listed)
NOAA estimates specific average hours per form: scientific research and enhancement permit applications, 50 hours; public display permit applications, 50 hours; protected species parts applications, 20 hours; photography permit applications, 16 hours; General Authorization Letters of Intent, 10 hours; major permit modifications, 35 hours; minor modifications, 3 hours; various reports and recordkeeping range from 2 to 12 hours. Total annual burden hours are estimated at 6,923 across 656 respondents.
Public Display Inventory and Export Documentation Rules
Public display facilities must keep an inventory in the National Inventory of Marine Mammals (NIMM) using forms such as the marine mammal data sheet and transfer/transport notification. Inventory reporting must be submitted 15 days prior to transporting or transferring marine mammals and within 30 days after the date of birth or death. Exporting facilities must provide documentation that the recipient facility meets standards comparable to U.S. requirements.
No New Fees or Major Time Changes
NOAA states that this revision and extension of the information collection is not expected to impose new fees or major time changes on applicants. Existing forms (NOAA FORMs 89-880, 89-881, and 89-882) will continue in use under OMB Control Number 0648-0084.
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