[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 106 (Friday, May 31, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27337-27338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-13605]



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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[I.D. 052196C]


Marine Mammals

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

ACTION: Receipt of application to modify permit no. 926 (P562).

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Dr. Robin Baird, Marine Mammal 
Research

[[Page 27338]]

Group, victoria, B.C., Canada, V8P 5L5, has requested a modification to 
Permit No. 926.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before July 1, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The modification request 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); and
    Director, Northwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 7600 
Sand Point Way, NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA (206/526-6150).
    Written data or views, or requests for a public hearing on this 
request should be submitted to the Chief, Permits Division, F/PR1, 
Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject modification is requested 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 Permit Holder is currently authority to take (i.e., harass) up 
to 300 killer whales (Orcinus orca) annually, up to 25 of which may be 
radio tagged via suction cups annually, in waters off Washington state, 
over a five year period. The purpose of the research is to study killer 
whale behavior and ecology.
    The Holder is now requesting that the Permit be modified to 
authorize the harassment and suction cup radio tagging Dall's porpoise 
(Phocoenoides dalli), in order to study that species' diving behavior. 
Up to 100 animals may be radio tagged annually. Up to 200 non-target 
animals may be inadvertently harassed annually during tagging 
activities. Activities will be undertaken in the waters of Juan de Fuca 
Strait, Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, Georgia Strait, and the waters 
surrounding the San Juan Islands.
    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: May 22, 1996.
Ann D. Terbush,
Chief, Permits and Documentation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-13605 Filed 5-30-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F