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 have been issued to the following companies:
| Company | Activity | Location | Date issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil Prod. Co | Exploration | Pt. Thomas field studies | Apr. 19, 2002. |
| EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) | Exploration | McCovey | Aug. 13, 2002. |
| ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc | Exploration | Puviaq #1 and #2 | Nov. 15, 2002. |
| Western GeCo | Exploration | NPR-A | Dec. 23, 2002. |
| ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc | Exploration | Titania #1 | Dec. 16, 2002. |
| Fairweather Geophysical | Exploration | NPR-A and Colville Rvr | Dec. 13, 2002. |
| Anadarko Petroleum Corp. | Exploration | Hot Ice #1, #2, #3 | Dec. 23, 2002. |
| ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc | Exploration | Oberon #1-3, Placer #1-3 | Dec. 26, 2002. |
| PGS Onshore, Inc. | Exploration | NPR-A | Feb. 14, 2002. |
| TotalFinaElf E&P USA, Inc | Exploration | NPR-A | Feb. 19, 2002. |
| Pioneer Natural Resources USA | Exploration | Kuparuk/Thetis Island | Feb. 21, 2002. |
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Craig Perham at the 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:
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: March 4, 2003.
David B. Allen,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 03-5832 Filed 3-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M