[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 17146] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-8615] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 033099D] Marine Mammals; File No. 945-1499-00 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of application. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, has applied in due form for a permit to take humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and killer whales (Orcinus orca) for purposes of scientific research. DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before May 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); and Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, 709 W. 9th Street, Federal Building, Room 461, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802 (907/586-7012). 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: Jeannie Drevenak, 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 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and wildlife (50 CFR 222.23). The applicant is requesting authorization to inadvertently harass up to 200 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) 20 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and 75 killer whales (Orcinus orca) annually for scientific research purposes during observational, photo- identification, prey assessment and acoustic monitoring activities, and collection of sloughed skin samples for export to New Zealand. Research will be conducted in the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, Alaska over a five year period. The applicant proposes to initiate this work on May 1, 1999. 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: March 30, 1999. Ann Hochman, Acting Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 99-8615 Filed 4-7-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F