[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 244 (Monday, December 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70395-70396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33729]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 121098C]


Marine Mammals; Scientific Research Permit (PHF# 924-1484)

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 Dr. Marsha L. Green, Ph.D., 
Department of Psychology, Albright College, P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 
19612-5234, has applied in due form for a permit to take North Pacific 
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 20, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the following 
office(s):
    Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/713-2289);
    Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, 
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001); and
    Protected Species Program Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office, 
2570 Dole Street, Room 106, Honolulu, HI 9682-2396 (808/973-2987).
    Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this 
request, should be submitted to the Director, 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 application 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: Jeannie Drevenak or Trevor Spradlin, 
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.), and the regulations 
governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and 
wildlife (50 CFR part 222.23).
    The purpose of the proposed research is to evaluate the behavior of 
whales in the presence of vessels. The research goals are to more 
precisely delineate which vessel parameters and approach techniques 
cause changes in humpback whale behavior and to more clearly define the 
interactive effect of size of vessel and engine loudness. Humpback 
whales may be harassed during controlled vessel approaches and surface 
and underwater observations and recordings of whale behavior and

[[Page 70396]]

social sounds. The proposed research would be conducted in Hawaiian 
waters between Maui and Lanai and off the northwest coast of Hawaii 
between Kona and Hawi from January 1, 1999 through May 15, 2004.
    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: December 14, 1998.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33729 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F