01-30303. Letters of Authorization To Take Marine Mammals

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implementing regulations (50 CFR 18.27(f)(3)), notice is hereby given that the following Letters of Authorization to take polar bears incidental to oil and gas industry exploration activities in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska has been issued to the following companies:

Company	Activity	Location	Date issued
WesternGeco	Exploration	Alaska North Slope	October 19, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Spark #1	October 22, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Oxbow #1	October 22, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Outlook #1	October 22, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Hunter #1	October 23, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Rendezvous #1 & # 2	October 23, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Nanuq #4	October 24, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Antigua #1	October 29, 2001.
BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc	Exploration	Sakonowyak River	October 30, 2001.

Contact: Mr. John W. Bridges at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, [phone] or [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Letter of Authorization is issued in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Rules and Regulations “Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities (65 FR 16828; March 30, 2000).”

Dated: November 8, 2001.

David B. Allen,

Regional Director.