The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has received a request from the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting fisheries research, over the course of five years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NMFS is announcing receipt of the AFSC’s request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on the AFSC’s application and request. Comments and information must be received by NMFS no later than November 17, 2016.