[Federal Register: December 29, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 249)]
[Notices]               
[Page 73062]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29de99-129]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 
Change in Administrative Jurisdiction of Navassa Island

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are announcing the establishment of Navassa Island National 
Wildlife Refuge located in the Caribbean Sea, and that the Secretary of 
the Interior has delegated the authority for the civil administration 
of Navassa Island to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffery M. Donahoe, Chief, Division of 
Realty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 
622, Arlington, Virginia 22203; Telephone (703) 358-1713; FAX (703) 
358-2223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This gives public notice of the 
establishment of the Navassa Island National Wildlife Refuge. A 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Director of the United 
States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the Director of the 
Office of Insular Affairs (both within the Department of the Interior) 
established the refuge on April 22, 1999. On December 3, 1999, the 
Secretary of the Interior transferred full administrative 
responsibility for the island and its territorial waters from the 
Office of Insular Affairs to the United States Fish and Wildlife 
Service by Secretarial Order 3210.
    We will continue to administer this area under the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee), 
the general regulations governing the National Wildlife Refuge System 
published in Title 50, Subchapter C, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and rules.
    The refuge consists of all of Navassa Island located in latitude 
18'25'' N and longitude 75'02'' W from Greenwich together with the full 
extent of its territorial sea, which currently extends outward to 12 
miles. Secretarial Order 3210, dated December 3, 1999 delegated the 
authority over Navassa Island from the Secretary of the Interior to the 
Director of the Service. We took this action in furtherance of United 
States sovereignty over Navassa Island and to protect the unique 
ecosystem of Navassa Island, the adjacent coral reefs, and marine 
waters.
    The Service, which has been managing the refuge pursuant to the 
MOU, will continue to manage it under all applicable laws, policies, 
and regulations that govern the National Wildlife Refuge System. In 
carrying out those responsibilities, and consistent with those 
authorities, we shall ensure that we manage the unique ecosystem of the 
refuge to preserve its character in support of the protection and 
conservation of the fish and wildlife in the refuge.

    Dated: December 15, 1999.
Jamie Rappaport Clark,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 99-33407 Filed 12-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P