[Federal Register: May 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 99)] [Notices] [Page 28360-28361] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22my98-56] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 051498B] Marine Mammals AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application for amendment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2396, has requested an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 848-1335. DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before June 22, 1998. ADDRESSES: The amendment request and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East- West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/713-2289); Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001); and Protected Species Program Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office, 2570 Dole Street, Room 106, Honolulu, HI 96822-2396 (808/973-2941). Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this request should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this particular request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301) 713-0376, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Please note that comments will not be accepted by e-mail or other electronic media. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannie Drevenak, 301/713-2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 848- 1335, issued on June 10, 1997 (62 FR 32586) is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the endangered species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and wildlife (50 FR 222.23). The permit holder is currently authorized to conduct population assessment, disease assessment, recovery actions, and pelagic ecology [[Page 28361]] studies of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) at all locations within the Hawaiian Archipelago and at Johnston Atoll, through May 31, 2002. The permit holder is now requesting that the permit be amended to authorize the relocation or removal of up to 10 adult male Hawaiian monk seals from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, in the event that such seals are known to cause mortality to nursing or weaned pups. 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 this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: May 15, 1998. Ann D. Terbush, Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 98-13499 Filed 5-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F