[Federal Register: May 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 84)] [Notices] [Page 23607-23608] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr03my99-35] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 042799C] Marine Mammals; File No. 486-1506 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Dr. Brent Stewart, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham St., San Diego, CA 92109, has applied in due form for a permit to take California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) for purposes of scientific research. DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before June 2, 1999. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/ 713-2289); and Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802- 4213 (phone: 562/980-4001, Fax: 562/980-4018). Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this application should be mailed to the Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, 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 by other electronic media. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Shapiro or Ruth Johnson, 301/713- 2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit 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.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and wildlife (50 CFR 222.23), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). The applicant seeks authorization to continue long-term research on the demography and community ecology of California pinnipeds and to further characterize the resource and habitats used by each species, including patterns of spatial and temporal similarities and [[Page 23608]] differences. Requested activities include: tagging, blood and lavage sample collection, VHF and satellite-linked instrumentation, dye- marking, and harassment. 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: April 27, 1999. Ann D. Terbush, Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 99-11026 Filed 4-30-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F