Marine mammals: Incidental taking; authorization letters, etc.— Oil and gas industries; polar bears and Pacific walruses,

[Federal Register: April 16, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 73)]

[Notices]

[Page 18932]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr16ap98-70]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

Letters of Authorization to Take Marine Mammals

AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

ACTION: Notice of issuance of Letters of Authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and gas industry activities.

SUMMARY: In accordance with section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) implementing regulations, notice is hereby given that Letters of Authorization to take polar bears and Pacific walrus incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities have been issued to the following companies:

Company

Activity

Date issued

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc............. Exploration (Liberty).......... March 16, 1998.

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc............. Exploration (Flaxman Island)... March 16, 1998.

Exxon Company, U.S.A.................... Construction (Flaxman Island).. March 24, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John W. Bridges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, (800) 362-5148 or (907) 786-3810.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Letters of Authorization were issued in accordance with Service implementing regulations 50 CFR 18.27 and 50 CFR 18.128.

Dated: March 30, 1998. Robyn Thorson, Acting Regional Director.

[FR Doc. 98-9366Filed4-15-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-01-M