Modification of the Duration of Certain Permits and Letters of Confirmation Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

NMFS hereby modifies the regulations for Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) section 104 permits, including scientific research, enhancement, photography, and public display permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the General Authorization. The modification removes the 5-year regulatory limitation on the duration of section 104 permits and LOCs. This change gives NMFS the discretion to issue these permits for longer than 5 years, if such a duration is appropriate. This rule applies only to permits and LOCs issued under section 104 of the MMPA.