[Federal Register: May 11, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 90)]
[Notices]               
[Page 25294]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11my99-35]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 050399B]

 
Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1510

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that National Marine Fisheries Service, 
National Marine Mammal Laboratory, has applied in due form for a permit 
to take killer whales (Orcinus orca) for purposes of scientific 
research.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before June 
10, 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);
    Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point 
Way, NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA, 98115-0070 (206/526-
6150);and
    Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean 
Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001).
    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: Ruth Johnson or Sara Shapiro 301/713-
2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the Regulations Governing the 
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to take up to 350 killer whales (Orcinus 
orca) by biopsy sample over a 5-year period. Animals will be 
photographed during sampling. Samples will be exported to England for 
genetic analysis. Up to 2500 will be inadvertently harassed annually. 
The purpose of the research is to investigate genetic diversity, food 
web dynamics and contaminant levels in North Pacific killer whales.
    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.

    Dated: May 4, 1999.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-11880 Filed 5-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F