00-14454. Letters of Authorization To Take Marine Mammals

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, DOI.

ACTION:

Notice of issuance of two 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 two Letters of Authorization to take polar bears and Pacific walrus incidental to oil and gas industry exploration activities have been issued to the following companies:

Company	Activity	Date issued
Western Geophysical Company	Exploration	May 22, 2000.
ARCO Alaska, Inc.	Exploration	May 26, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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 were 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: May 31, 2000.

Gary Edwards,

Deputy Regional Director.