01-3736. Letters of Authorization To Take Marine Mammals

AGENCY:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice of issuance of a letter 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 a Letter of Authorization to take polar bears incidental to oil and gas industry exploration activities has been issued to the following company:

Company: BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Activity: Production.

Location: Northstar.

Date Issued: January 9, 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 Letters of Authorization are 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: January 29, 2001.

David B. Allen,

Regional Director.