Importation of Polar Bear Trophies From Canada; Proposed Rule on Legal and Scientific Findings to Implement Section 104(c)(5)(A) of the 1994 Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 18

RIN 1018-ADO4

Importation of Polar Bear Trophies From Canada; Proposed Rule on

Legal and Scientific Findings to Implement Section 104(c)(5)(A) of the

1994 Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives notice that the

comment period on the proposed legal and scientific findings for

issuance of permits for the importation of polar bears (Ursus

maritimus) taken in sport hunts in Canada, including ones taken, but

not imported, prior to enactment of the 1994 Amendments of the Marine

Mammal Protection Act will be reopened for 15 days to obtain further

comments.

DATES: Public comments received on or before November 6, 1995 will be

considered by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted to the Director, Fish and Wildlife

Service, c/o Office of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive,

Room 420(c), Arlington, Virginia 22203.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Stansell, Chief, Office of

Management Authority, at the above address, or call (703) 358-2093; fax

(703) 358-2280.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service published proposed findings for

issuance of permits for the importation of sport-hunted polar bear

trophies on July 17, 1995 (60 FR 36382). The original comment period

ended on August 31, 1995. The Service received a request from The

Humane Society of the United States, Washington, D.C., The Humane

Society of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Polar Bears Alive,

Tiburon, California, to extend the comment period by 45 days to allow

for further review and opportunity to comment by interested parties.

The Service has decided to extend the comment period by 15 days in the

interest of meeting their request as well as the interests of the

public and organizations who are seeking expeditious completion of the

regulatory process. Interested organizations and the public are invited

to comment on concerns as outlined in the July 17 Federal Register.

Authority: This notice was prepared under the authority of the

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et

seq.).

Dated: September 25, 1995.

George T. Frampton, Jr.,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

[FR Doc. 95-25995 Filed 10-19-95; 8:45 am]

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