This final rule updates and consolidates the regulations for special exception permits to: Take, import, export, or carry out any other otherwise prohibited act involving marine mammals for the purposes of scientific research, enhancing the survival or recovery of a marine mammal species or stock (enhancement), educational and commercial photography, and public display under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA); take, import, export or carry out any other otherwise prohibited act concerning endangered or threatened marine mammals for scientific purposes or enhancement under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA); and, determine the status and disposition of rehabilitated stranded marine mammals. This rule sets forth revised procedures for these permits in order to make administration of the NMFS marine mammal permit program more efficient, consistent, and predictable. This rule also updates OMB Paperwork Reduction Act approval numbers for applications and reports for special exception permits.