[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 91 (Monday, May 12, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25349-25350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11738]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 042303B]


Marine Mammals; File No. 1045-1713

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. Stephen J. Insley, Hubbs-Sea 
World Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham St., San Diego, California 
92109, has applied in due form for a permit to take northern fur seals 
(Callorhinus ursinus) for purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before June 
11, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the following 
office(s):
    Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 
20910; phone (301)713-2289; fax (301)713-0376; and
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone 
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249.

[[Page 25350]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Jefferies or Amy Sloan, 
(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), and the Fur Seal Act 
of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    This research project is designed to remotely investigate atsea 
interactions between northern fur seals and ships, particularly the 
impact of commercial fishing vessels on the northern fur seals. 
Annually, ten lactating female northern fur seals from the Pribilof 
Islands in Alaska will be captured, measured, outfitted with 
datalogging instrumentation, and released. The individuals will be 
tracked and recaptured, the datalogger removed and the animals 
subsequently released. Additionally, authorization for Level B 
Harrassment of northern fur seals is requested for 50 pups, 50 breeding 
females, 25 mature males, and 50 immature males, annually. These 
activities will be authorized over five years. The results of this 
research will provide important information for management decisions 
regarding northern fur seals.
    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.
    Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this 
application should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and 
Education 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.
    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: May 6, 2003.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-11738 Filed 5-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S