[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 84 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23607-23608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11026]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 042799C]


Marine Mammals; File No. 486-1506

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. Brent Stewart, Hubbs-Sea World 
Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham St., San Diego, CA 92109, has applied 
in due form for a permit to take California sea lions (Zalophus 
californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), 
harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi), northern fur seals 
(Callorhinus ursinus), Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) 
and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) for purposes of scientific 
research.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before June 
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); and
    Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, NOAA, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213 (phone: 562/980-4001, Fax: 562/980-4018).
    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: Sara Shapiro or 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 (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 fish and 
wildlife (50 CFR 222.23), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant seeks authorization to continue long-term research on 
the demography and community ecology of California pinnipeds and to 
further characterize the resource and habitats used by each species, 
including patterns of spatial and temporal similarities and

[[Page 23608]]

differences. Requested activities include: tagging, blood and lavage 
sample collection, VHF and satellite-linked instrumentation, dye-
marking, and harassment.
    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: April 27, 1999.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 99-11026 Filed 4-30-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F