Based on NMFS’s receipt of an application from TPWD, for incidental take regulations and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this action proposes regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to fisheries research using gillnet gear. Takes during these activities have the potential to result in Level A harassment and serious injury or mortality. The proposed regulations would set forth permissible methods of taking, means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stocks and their habitats (i.e., mitigation), and if applicable, on their availability for taking for subsistence uses; and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. LOAs issued under the regulations would authorize the take of marine mammals incidental to the specified activities for a five-year period.