[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 226 (Monday, November 26, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 65942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22954]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD16


Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1702

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

ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal 
Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98115-0070 has been 
issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 782-1702.

ADDRESSES: The amendment 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)427-2521;
    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
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Adams or Kate Swails, (301)713-
2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 10, 2007, notice was published in 
the Federal Register (72 FR 57524) that an amendment of Permit No. 782-
1702 had been requested by the above-named organization. The requested 
amendment has been granted under the authority of the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the 
regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 
CFR part 216).
    The amended permit adds authorization to conduct additional 
activities on up to 20 adult harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) annually in 
Washington and Oregon. These seals, excluding pregnant or lactating 
females, would receive gas anesthesia following capture, have stomach 
temperature transmitters inserted via stomach intubation, and have an 
external data logger attached externally. The purpose of the additional 
protocols is to augment current studies on harbor seal diet and 
abundance. This amendment would not result in capture or disturbance of 
marine mammals beyond those numbers already authorized by the subject 
permit, which was issued on September 16, 2003 (68 FR 58663).
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the 
activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

    Dated: November 19, 2007.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22954 Filed 11-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S