[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 195 (Monday, October 7, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 52404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25580]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 217 and 222

[Docket No. 960730211-6211-01; I.D. 072296B]
RIN 0648-AJ03


Environmental Assessment on North Atlantic Right Whale Protection

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of environmental assessment.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the availability of the Environmental 
Assessment (EA) on a proposed rule limiting the approach to northern 
right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).

DATES: The comment period on the proposed rule ends on November 5, 
1996.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the EA should be sent to Dean 
Wilkinson, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dean Wilkinson at (301) 713-2322.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 7, 1996, a proposed rule was 
published in the Federal Register to prohibit vessel and aircraft 
approaches within 500 yards (460 m) of northern right whales (61 FR 
41116). At that time, NMFS stated that an EA on the proposed rule was 
in preparation. The EA is now available. Copies of the EA or the 
proposed rule can be obtained from the Office of Protected Resources, 
NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The public comment period on the proposed rule 
will end on November 5, 1996.

    Dated: October 1, 1996.
Nancy Foster,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-25580 Filed 10-04-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F