# Marine Mammals; File No. 876-1402
**AGENCY:**
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
**ACTION:**
Issuance of permit amendment.
**SUMMARY:**
Notice is hereby given that Howard C. Rosenbaum, Ph.D. and Robert DeSalle, Ph.D., American Museum of Natural History, Molecular Systematics Laboratory, 79th St. & Central Park West, New York, New York 10024, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 876-1402-00 to extend the expiration date through June 30, 2003.
**ADDRESSES:**
The amendment and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s):
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Jennifer Skidmore or Ruth Johnson, (301)713-2289.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
The requested amendment has been granted under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), the provisions of 50 CFR 216.39 of the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), the provisions of the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
Issuance of this amendment, as required by the ESA was based on a finding that such permit: (1) Was applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of the endangered species which is the subject of this permit; and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA.
Dated: March 7, 2003.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.