[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 2, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 44425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16538]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 062602F]


Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals

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

ACTION: Reopening of nomination period for expert panels.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary of Commerce is required by the Dolphin 
Protection Consumer Information Act to conduct specified scientific 
research under of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and, by December 31, 
2002, to make a finding based on the results of that research, on 
information obtained under the International Dolphin Conservation 
Program, and on any other relevant information as to whether the 
intentional deployment on or the encirclement of dolphins with purse 
seine nets is having a ``significant adverse impact'' on any depleted 
dolphin stock in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
    This notice reopens the nomination period for scientists to serve 
on two expert panels referenced in the proposed organized decision 
process published in the Federal Register on Feb. 15, 2002: the 
Ecosystem Expert Panel and the Indirect Effects Expert Panel. Each 
expert panel will assess peer-reviewed scientific studies and other 
information and individually provide scientific advice to address 
specific issues the Secretary will be considering in making the final 
finding. The expert panels are scheduled to meet September 4-6, 2002, 
in La Jolla, CA.

DATES: The nomination period will be open from June 25, 2002, to July 
10, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to the Director, NMFS Office of 
Science and Technology, F/ST, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD, 20910. Nominations may also be sent via facsimile at 301-713-1875. 
Nominations will not be accepted if submitted via electronic mail or 
the Internet.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole R. Le Boeuf, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, 301-713-2322.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 9, 2002, NMFS published a request for 
nominations for the two expert panels. The Federal Register notice at 
67 FR 31279 provides instructions on the questions and charge of each 
expert panel, the nomination process, panel member qualifications, the 
selection process, and the determination of cost reimbursement. It also 
describes the process NMFS will carry out to solicit nominations, 
select five qualified scientists for each panel, and recommend them for 
appointment by the Secretary. The expert panels are scheduled to meet 
September 4-6, 2002, in La Jolla, CA. Each expert panel will assess 
peer-reviewed scientific studies and other information and individually 
provide scientific advice to address specific issues the Secretary will 
be considering in making the final finding.

Deadline for Submission of Nominations

    NMFS is soliciting nominations by July 10, 2002. See ADDRESSES 
above.

    Dated: June 26, 2002.
Phil Williams
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16538 Filed 7-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S