[Federal Register: November 2, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 211)]
[Notices]               
[Page 59163-59164]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02no99-46]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 102699F]

 
Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1532-00

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 the National Marine Mammal 
Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science

[[Page 59164]]

Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, BIN 
C15700, Seattle, WA 98115, has applied in due form for a permit to take 
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), northern fur seals (Callorhinus 
ursinus), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) for purposes of 
scientific research.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before 
December 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);
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668 (907/
586-7221); and
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, BIN C15700, 
Seattle, WA 98115 (206/526-6165).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 
(MMPA; 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 and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226), and the Fur Seal 
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to take Steller sea lions by harassment 
during aerial surveys, capture, brand, tissue sample, biopsy and blood 
sample, attach satellite/VHF transmitters and tag with Allflex tags, 
and scat collections. The applicant will also conduct behavioral 
observations and set up remote monitoring stations on rookeries and 
haulouts. Additionally, northern fur seals will be taken by harassment 
during Steller sea lion surveys on Bogoslof Island and harbor seals 
during surveys in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. The 
applicant indicates that mortalities probably will not occur, but 
requests authority for up to five accidental moralities.
    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.
    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.
    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: October 27, 1999.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28644 Filed 11-1-99; 8:45 am]
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