Marine Mammals; Scientific Research Permit (PHF# 895-1450)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 032598B]

Marine Mammals; Scientific Research Permit (PHF# 895-1450)

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 Ms. Rachel Cartwright, 10 Greave,

Romiley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 4PU, England, has applied in due form

for a permit to take North Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera

novaeangliae) for purposes of scientific research.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before May 15, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for

review upon written request or by appointment in the following

office(s):

Permits Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-

West Highway, Room 13130, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301/713-2289);

Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, 501 West Ocean Boulevard,

Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 (562/980-4001); and

Protected Species Program Manager, Pacific Islands Area Office,

2570 Dole Street, Room 106, Honolulu, HI 9682-2396 (808/973-2987).

Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this

request, should be submitted to the Director, 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 application 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeannie Drevenak, 301/713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the

authority 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), the Endangered Species

Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations

governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered fish and

wildlife (50 CFR 222.23).

The purpose of the proposed research is to study humpback whale

calf behavior and development in Hawaii waters, over a three year

period.

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.

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: April 9, 1998.

Ann D. Terbush,

Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected

Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.

[FR Doc. 98-9979 Filed 4-14-98; 8:45 am]

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