[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 24, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 37466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15952]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 061803A]


Marine Mammals; File No. 716-1705

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

ACTION: Receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Fred Sharpe, Ph.D., Alaska Whale 
Foundation, 4739 University Way NE, [numsign]1239, Seattle Washington 
98105, has applied in due form for a permit to take humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) for purposes 
of scientific research.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before July 
24, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the following offices:
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Lewandowski or Gene Nitta, 
(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 and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226).
    The proposed activities involve research on North Pacific humpback 
whales and killer whales and are a continuation of studies previously 
authorized under Permit Nos. 866 and 716-1456. Studies on Pacific 
herring will also be conducted in order to test various aspects of 
humpback foraging ecology and social biology. In order to examine the 
behavior, social structure and foraging ecology of North Pacific 
humpback whales, the applicant is requesting authorization for 350 
annual takes by close approach for photo-identification and behavioral 
observation, 280 annual takes by acoustic recordings and playbacks of 
conspecific sound and 18 annual takes by suction cup tagging with 
Crittercam/TDR dive tags. The researcher also proposes to continue 
opportunistic photo-identification and behavioral observation of killer 
whales and is requesting 300 annual takes for these purposes. All 
research activities will be conducted over a five year period in the 
waters of southeastern Alaska including Chatham Strait, Dixon Entrance, 
Cross Sound, and Icy Strait and the waters of Washington state.
    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: June 19, 2003.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-15952 Filed 6-23-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S