[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 243 (Thursday, December 18, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 70493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31227]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 103003D]


Marine Mammals; Photography Permit Application No. 1050-1727-00

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 the NOAA Pribilof Islands 
Restoration Project Office, National Ocean Service, 7600 Sand Point 
Way, Seattle, WA 98115 [Principal Investigator: John Lindsay] has 
applied in due form for a permit to take Northern fur seal seals 
(Callorhinus ursinus) for purposes of commercial/educational 
photography.

DATES: Written or telefaxed comments must be received on or before 
January 20, 2004.

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
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 
1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax (206)526-6426; and,
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone 
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Johnson or Jennifer Jefferies 
(301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of section 104(c)(6) 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). Section 
104(c)(6) provides for photography for educational or commercial 
purposes involving marine mammals in the wild not listed as endangered 
or threatened. NMFS is currently working on proposed regulations to 
implement this provision. However, in the meantime, NMFS has received 
and is processing this request as a ``pilot'' application for Level B 
Harassment of non-listed marine mammals for photographic purposes.
    The applicant proposes to take by harassment up to 2000 northern 
fur seals each year during ground and underwater filming activities. 
The purpose of the proposed project is to collect high-definition 
digital media of contemporary norther fur seals on the Pribilof 
Islands, particularly breeding and territorial behaviors in a natural 
setting on rookeries and haulout areas for public television 
documentary series. The documentary series will combine footage of 
northern fur seals with original research, photographs and other 
documents about the history of commercial fur sealing on the Pribilofs 
with emphasis on key historical figures. The action area is the 
Pribilof Islands, including St. George, St. Paul, Walrus and Otter 
Islands and Sea Lion Rock. The Permit would expire 2 years after the 
date of issuance.
    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 to (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: December 11, 2003.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31227 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S