# Marine Mammals; File No. 29565
**AGENCY:**
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
**ACTION:**
Notice; receipt of application.
**SUMMARY:**
Notice is hereby given that Mission Partners Entertainment Group (Responsible Party: Greg Eliason), 5500 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80111, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.
**DATES:**
Written comments must be received on or before April 13, 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. 29565 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:**
Courtney Smith, Ph.D., 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.* ), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
The applicant requests a permit to film up to 324 bottlenose dolphins ( *Tursiops truncatus* ), annually, in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park. Filming and photography would occur by vessel and aerial (crewed and unmanned aircraft) platforms, and the footage would be used for a documentary film. Any permit issued would be valid through August 1, 2028.
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: March 9, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.