02-1665. 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)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servie 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 have been issued to the following companies:

Company	Activity	Location	Date issued
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Rendezvous #3	Dec. 10, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Tuvaaq 1, 2, and 3	Dec. 10, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Pioneer #1	Dec. 10, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Spark 6, 7, and 8	Dec. 10, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Nova 1 and 2	Dec. 10, 2001.
Phillips Alaska, Inc	Exploration	Mitre #1	Dec. 10, 2001.
Fairweather Geophysical	Exploration	NPR-A and Colville Rvr	Dec. 10, 2001.
BP Exploration	Production	Northstar Unit	Dec. 10, 2001.
Harding ESE, Inc	Production	Gwydyr Bay State A1	Dec. 12, 2001.

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 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: December 19, 2001.

David B. Allen,

Regional Director.