80 FR 48299 - Programmatic Environmental Assessment on the Issuance of Take Authorizations in Cook Inlet, Alaska
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 155 (August 12, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 155 (August 12, 2015)
| Page Range | 48299-48301 | |
| FR Document | 2015-19814 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 48299-48301] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-19814] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XE101 Programmatic Environmental Assessment on the Issuance of Take Authorizations in Cook Inlet, Alaska AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces: Its intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the environmental impacts of issuing annual Incidental Take Authorizations (ITAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for the taking of marine mammals incidental to anthropogenic activities in the waters of Cook Inlet, AK, for the 2016 season and; its intent to institute an MMPA authorization cycle wherein companies planning to submit MMPA incidental harassment authorization applications for work to be conducted in Cook Inlet in 2016 do so by no later than October 1, 2015. DATES: All comments, written statements, and questions regarding the proposed process and preparation of the EA must be received no later than September 11, 2015. ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email comments is [email protected]. Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25-megabyte file size. NMFS is not responsible for comments sent to addresses other than those provided here. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. [[Page 48300]] An electronic copy of the application may be obtained by writing to the address specified above, telephoning the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the Internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8484. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101 (a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment for a period of one year or less, a notice of proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. The term ``take'' under the MMPA means ``to harass, hunt, capture or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill.'' Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ``harassment'' as ``any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment].'' Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of such takings are set forth. NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as ``an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.'' Concern for Cook Inlet Beluga Whales Cook Inlet is a semi-enclosed tidal estuary located in southcentral Alaska and home to the Cook Inlet beluga whale, a small resident population that was designated as depleted under the MMPA and listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2008. The stock has not recovered, despite implementing subsistence hunting regulations in 1999, and cessation of hunting in 2007. In light of this, and in recognition of the increasing industrial activity and development in Cook Inlet, NMFS has taken a number of actions that reflect the high level of concern for the species, including: 1. On October 14, 2014, NMFS announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act to analyze the effects on the human environment of issuing authorizations for the incidental take of marine mammals from activities occurring in both the state and Federal waters of Cook Inlet, AK, from Knik Arm in the northern part of the Inlet to the southern edge of Kachemak Bay on the southeastern part of the Inlet and to the southern edge of Cape Douglas on the southwestern part of the Inlet (``Cook Inlet beluga EIS''). NMFS included a 75-day public comment period for the Notice of Intent and conducted a scoping meeting in Anchorage Alaska on November 3, 2014. 2. On November 3, 2014, NMFS convened a multi-stakeholder meeting in Anchorage Alaska: Conservation and Recovery of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales in the Context of Continued Development. The purpose of the meeting was to engage stakeholders and begin exploring Cook Inlet specific solutions for mitigating and monitoring adverse effects on belugas, while also allowing for sustainable development. The first day of the two-day workshop was devoted to background and updates related to the status, ecology, and stressors of Cook Inlet belugas and the standards set by the MMPA and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The second day included an exploration of measures and strategies to minimize anthropogenic impacts, promote recovery, and increase understanding of impacts, as well as a discussion of these objectives in the context of ensuring MMPA and ESA compliance for future activities. Information related to this meeting is available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/cookinlet.htm. 3. In May 2015, NMFS unveiled its ``Species in the Spotlight: Survive to Thrive'' initiative. This initiative includes targeted efforts vital for stabilizing eight species--including the Cook Inlet beluga whale--identified among the most at risk for extinction. The approach involves intensive human efforts to stabilize these species, with the goal that they will become candidates for recovery. 4. On May 15, 2015, NMFS released the Draft Recovery Plan for Cook Inlet belugas. The population continues to show a negative trend, despite the cessation of subsistence since 2005. Although the exact cause of the continued decline in the absence of subsistence hunting is unknown, the Recovery Plan identifies likely threats, including three threats of high relative concern: noise, catastrophic events, and the cumulative and synergistic effects of multiple stressors. Threats of medium relative concern include disease, habitat loss or degradation, reduction in prey, and unauthorized take. Due to an incomplete understanding of the threats facing Cook Inlet beluga whales, NMFS is unable to identify with certainty the actions that will most immediately encourage recovery. Until we know which threats are limiting recovery, the strategy of the Recovery Plan is to focus on threats identified as medium or high concern. Announcements The actions summarized above include multi-year efforts that are not likely to result in substantial changes in the short-term. NMFS announces here additional steps to help inform agency decision making in the interim. Annual Programmatic EAs--The preparation of an EIS is a lengthy and intensive process that, in the case of the for Cook Inlet beluga EIS, will likely take two or more years. Accordingly, in recognition of our ongoing concern over Cook Inlet belugas, while the Cook Inlet beluga EIS is being prepared, NMFS will develop annual Programmatic Environmental Assessments (EAs) to analyze the effects of issuing of multiple concurrent one-year MMPA authorizations to take Cook Inlet beluga whales. A programmatic EA will aid us in more effectively assessing the aggregate effects of multiple incidental take authorizations and to more comprehensively consider a range of mitigation and monitoring measures in the context of the multiple activities. MMPA Authorization Cycle (Application Deadlines): To support our efforts to prepare an annual Programmatic EA that covers all MMPA incidental take authorizations issued within a year, NMFS is creating an application cycle for incidental take authorizations that include Cook Inlet beluga whales, beginning with the 2016 open water season. NMFS requests all prospective MMPA incidental take authorization applicants for a given open water season submit their applications by October 1st of the [[Page 48301]] preceding calendar year (unless the activity is scheduled to occur before May, in which case they should be submitted earlier). Receipt of those MMPA applications by October 1 will aid NMFS in the development of a timely and well-informed EA and related MMPA authorizations. NMFS cannot guarantee the processing time for applications received after October 1. Dated: August 6, 2015. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015-19814 Filed 8-11-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Notices 48299
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUMMARY: The New England Fishery DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, Management Council (Council) is
New England Fishery Management scheduling a public meeting of its Risk National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. Policy Working Group to consider Administration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: actions affecting New England fisheries RIN 0648–XE101
Agenda Items in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Recommendations from this group will Programmatic Environmental
The Committee will meet to review be brought to the full Council for formal Assessment on the Issuance of Take
recent stock assessment information consideration and action, if appropriate. Authorizations in Cook Inlet, Alaska
from the U.S/Canada Transboundary
Resource Assessment Committee and DATES:This meeting will be held on AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
information provided by the Council’s Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Groundfish Plan Development Team ADDRESSES:
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
(PDT) and recommend the overfishing Commerce.
level (OFL) and acceptable biological Meeting address: The meeting will be
ACTION: Notice; intent to prepare a
catch (ABC) for Georges Bank yellowtail held at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Programmatic Environmental
flounder for the 2016 fishing year. They Spring Street, Portland, ME 04101; Assessment; request for comments.
will also review information provided Telephone: (207) 775–2311; Fax: (207)
by the Council’s Skate PDT and 772–4017. SUMMARY: The National Marine
recommend the OFL and ABC for the Council address: New England Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces: Its
northeast skate complex for fishing Fishery Management Council, 50 Water intent to prepare a Programmatic
years 2016–18 and address other Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. Environmental Assessment (EA) to
business as necessary. analyze the environmental impacts of
Although non-emergency issues not FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: issuing annual Incidental Take
contained in this agenda may come Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, Authorizations (ITAs) pursuant to the
before this group for discussion, those New England Fishery Management Marine Mammal Protection Act
issues may not be the subject of formal Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. (MMPA) for the taking of marine
action during this meeting. Action will mammals incidental to anthropogenic
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
be restricted to those issues specifically activities in the waters of Cook Inlet,
listed in this notice and any issues Agenda items: AK, for the 2016 season and; its intent
arising after publication of this notice The panel will continue the to institute an MMPA authorization
that require emergency action under development of a Risk Policy ‘‘Road cycle wherein companies planning to
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Map,’’ which will address the submit MMPA incidental harassment
Act, provided the public has been implementation of the Council’s Risk authorization applications for work to
notified of the Council’s intent to take Policy across all Council-managed be conducted in Cook Inlet in 2016 do
final action to address the emergency. species; plan future work and address so by no later than October 1, 2015.
Special Accommodations other business as necessary. DATES: All comments, written
This meeting is physically accessible Although non-emergency issues not statements, and questions regarding the
to people with disabilities. Requests for contained in this agenda may come proposed process and preparation of the
sign language interpretation or other before these groups for discussion, those EA must be received no later than
auxiliary aids should be directed to issues may not be the subject of formal September 11, 2015.
Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at action during this meeting. Action will ADDRESSES: Comments on the
(978) 465–0492, at least 5 days prior to be restricted to those issues specifically application should be addressed to Jolie
the meeting date. listed in this notice and any issues Harrison, Chief, Permits and
arising after publication of this notice Conservation Division, Office of
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
that require emergency action under Protected Resources, National Marine
Dated: August 7, 2015. section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West
Tracey L. Thompson, Act, provided the public has been Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable notified of the Council’s intent to take mailbox address for providing email
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. final action to address the emergency. comments is itp.young@noaa.gov.
[FR Doc. 2015–19804 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am] Comments sent via email, including all
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Special Accommodations attachments, must not exceed a 25-
megabyte file size. NMFS is not
This meeting is physically accessible responsible for comments sent to
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE to people with disabilities. Requests for addresses other than those provided
sign language interpretation or other here.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric auxiliary aids should be directed to Instructions: All comments received
Administration Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at are a part of the public record and will
RIN 0648–XE089
(978) 465–0492, at least 5 days prior to generally be posted to http://
the meeting date. www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
New England Fishery Management
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. incidental.htm without change. All
Council; Public Meeting Personal Identifying Information (for
Dated: August 7, 2015.
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries example, name, address, etc.)
Tracey L. Thompson, voluntarily submitted by the commenter
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), may be publicly accessible. Do not
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. submit Confidential Business
Commerce.
[FR Doc. 2015–19803 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am] Information or otherwise sensitive or
ACTION: Notice; public meeting.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P protected information.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 Aug 11, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_48454/page/1.svg)
![48300 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Notices
An electronic copy of the application MMPA and listed as endangered under the goal that they will become
may be obtained by writing to the the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in candidates for recovery.
address specified above, telephoning the 2008. The stock has not recovered, 4. On May 15, 2015, NMFS released
contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER despite implementing subsistence the Draft Recovery Plan for Cook Inlet
INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the hunting regulations in 1999, and belugas. The population continues to
Internet at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ cessation of hunting in 2007. In light of show a negative trend, despite the
pr/permits/incidental.htm. this, and in recognition of the increasing cessation of subsistence since 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara industrial activity and development in Although the exact cause of the
Young, Office of Protected Resources, Cook Inlet, NMFS has taken a number continued decline in the absence of
NMFS, (301) 427–8484. of actions that reflect the high level of subsistence hunting is unknown, the
concern for the species, including: Recovery Plan identifies likely threats,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. On October 14, 2014, NMFS including three threats of high relative
Background announced its intent to prepare an concern: noise, catastrophic events, and
Environmental Impact Statement the cumulative and synergistic effects of
Sections 101 (a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
pursuant to the National Environmental multiple stressors. Threats of medium
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
Policy Act to analyze the effects on the relative concern include disease, habitat
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
human environment of issuing loss or degradation, reduction in prey,
upon request, the incidental, but not and unauthorized take. Due to an
intentional taking of small numbers of authorizations for the incidental take of
marine mammals from activities incomplete understanding of the threats
marine mammals by U.S. citizens who facing Cook Inlet beluga whales, NMFS
engage in a specified activity (other than occurring in both the state and Federal
waters of Cook Inlet, AK, from Knik is unable to identify with certainty the
commercial fishing) within a specified actions that will most immediately
geographical region if certain findings Arm in the northern part of the Inlet to
the southern edge of Kachemak Bay on encourage recovery. Until we know
are made and either regulations are which threats are limiting recovery, the
issued or, if the taking is limited to the southeastern part of the Inlet and to
the southern edge of Cape Douglas on strategy of the Recovery Plan is to focus
harassment for a period of one year or on threats identified as medium or high
less, a notice of proposed authorization the southwestern part of the Inlet
(‘‘Cook Inlet beluga EIS’’). NMFS concern.
is provided to the public for review. The
term ‘‘take’’ under the MMPA means ‘‘to included a 75-day public comment Announcements
harass, hunt, capture or kill, or attempt period for the Notice of Intent and The actions summarized above
to harass, hunt, capture, or kill.’’ Except conducted a scoping meeting in include multi-year efforts that are not
with respect to certain activities not Anchorage Alaska on November 3, 2014. likely to result in substantial changes in
pertinent here, the MMPA defines 2. On November 3, 2014, NMFS the short-term. NMFS announces here
‘‘harassment’’ as ‘‘any act of pursuit, convened a multi-stakeholder meeting additional steps to help inform agency
torment, or annoyance which (i) has the in Anchorage Alaska: Conservation and decision making in the interim.
potential to injure a marine mammal or Recovery of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales in Annual Programmatic EAs—The
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level the Context of Continued Development. preparation of an EIS is a lengthy and
A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential The purpose of the meeting was to intensive process that, in the case of the
to disturb a marine mammal or marine engage stakeholders and begin exploring for Cook Inlet beluga EIS, will likely
mammal stock in the wild by causing Cook Inlet specific solutions for take two or more years. Accordingly, in
disruption of behavioral patterns, mitigating and monitoring adverse recognition of our ongoing concern over
including, but not limited to, migration, effects on belugas, while also allowing Cook Inlet belugas, while the Cook Inlet
breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or for sustainable development. The first beluga EIS is being prepared, NMFS will
sheltering [Level B harassment].’’ day of the two-day workshop was develop annual Programmatic
Authorization for incidental takings devoted to background and updates Environmental Assessments (EAs) to
shall be granted if NMFS finds that the related to the status, ecology, and analyze the effects of issuing of multiple
taking will have a negligible impact on stressors of Cook Inlet belugas and the concurrent one-year MMPA
the species or stock(s), will not have an standards set by the MMPA and the authorizations to take Cook Inlet beluga
unmitigable adverse impact on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The whales. A programmatic EA will aid us
availability of the species or stock(s) for second day included an exploration of in more effectively assessing the
subsistence uses (where relevant), and if measures and strategies to minimize aggregate effects of multiple incidental
the permissible methods of taking and anthropogenic impacts, promote take authorizations and to more
requirements pertaining to the recovery, and increase understanding of comprehensively consider a range of
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of impacts, as well as a discussion of these mitigation and monitoring measures in
such takings are set forth. NMFS has objectives in the context of ensuring the context of the multiple activities.
defined ‘‘negligible impact’’ in 50 CFR MMPA and ESA compliance for future MMPA Authorization Cycle
216.103 as ‘‘an impact resulting from activities. Information related to this (Application Deadlines): To support our
the specified activity that cannot be meeting is available at: http:// efforts to prepare an annual
reasonably expected to, and is not www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ Programmatic EA that covers all MMPA
reasonably likely to, adversely affect the cookinlet.htm. incidental take authorizations issued
species or stock through effects on 3. In May 2015, NMFS unveiled its within a year, NMFS is creating an
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
annual rates of recruitment or survival.’’ ‘‘Species in the Spotlight: Survive to application cycle for incidental take
Thrive’’ initiative. This initiative authorizations that include Cook Inlet
Concern for Cook Inlet Beluga Whales includes targeted efforts vital for beluga whales, beginning with the 2016
Cook Inlet is a semi-enclosed tidal stabilizing eight species—including the open water season. NMFS requests all
estuary located in southcentral Alaska Cook Inlet beluga whale—identified prospective MMPA incidental take
and home to the Cook Inlet beluga among the most at risk for extinction. authorization applicants for a given
whale, a small resident population that The approach involves intensive human open water season submit their
was designated as depleted under the efforts to stabilize these species, with applications by October 1st of the
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 Aug 11, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_48454/page/2.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 155 / Wednesday, August 12, 2015 / Notices 48301
preceding calendar year (unless the Amendment 80 cooperatives provide and initiatives of Air University
activity is scheduled to occur before their 2016 Halibut PSC Management educational programs and will include
May, in which case they should be Plans at the December 2015 Council an honorary degree presentation.
submitted earlier). Receipt of those meeting. Since 2011, all vessels and Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as
MMPA applications by October 1 will companies participating in the amended, and 41 CFR 102–3.155 all
aid NMFS in the development of a Amendment 80 sector have been sessions of the Air University Board of
timely and well-informed EA and affiliated with one of two Amendment
Visitors’ meeting will be open to the
related MMPA authorizations. NMFS 80 cooperatives, the Alaska Seafood
public. Public attendance shall be
cannot guarantee the processing time for Cooperative or the Alaska Groundfish
accommodated on a first-come, first-
applications received after October 1. Cooperative. The plans should be
designed not just to accommodate the served basis up to the reasonable and
Dated: August 6, 2015. safe capacity of the meeting room. In
Donna S. Wieting,
revised hard caps, but to bring savings
to levels below the hard cap. addition, any member of the public
Director, Office of Protected Resources, wishing to provide input to the Air
Affected Public: Business or other for-
National Marine Fisheries Service. University Board of Visitors’ should
profit organizations.
[FR Doc. 2015–19814 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am] Frequency: Annually. submit a written statement in
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. accordance with 41 CFR 102–3.140(c)
This information collection request and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal
may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow Advisory Committee Act and the
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE the instructions to view Department of procedures described in this paragraph.
Commerce collections currently under Written statements must address the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric review by OMB.
Administration following details: The issue, discussion,
Written comments and and a recommended course of action.
Submission for OMB Review; recommendations for the proposed Supporting documentation may also be
Comment Request information collection should be sent included as needed to establish the
within 30 days of publication of this appropriate historical context and
The Department of Commerce will notice to OIRA_Submission@ provide any necessary background
submit to the Office of Management and omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. information. Written statements can be
Budget (OMB) for clearance the Dated: August 7, 2015. submitted to the Designated Federal
following proposal for collection of Sarah Brabson, Officer (DFO) at the Air Force address
information under the provisions of the detailed below at any time. However, if
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. a written statement is not received at
[FR Doc. 2015–19805 Filed 8–11–15; 8:45 am]
Chapter 35). least 10 calendar days before the first
Agency: National Oceanic and BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
day of the meeting which is the subject
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
of this notice, then it may not be
Title: Alaska Cooperative Progress
Report on the Incidental Catch of Pacific DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE provided to or considered by the Air
Halibut. University Board of Visitors’ until the
OMB Control Number: 0648–0697. Department of the Air Force next meeting. The DFO will review all
Form Number(s): None. timely submissions with the Air
Air University Board of Visitors University Board of Visitors’ Board
Type of Request: Regular (revision of
Meeting Chairman and ensure they are provided
a currently approved information
collection). to members before the meeting that is
ACTION:Notice of meeting of the Air
Number of Respondents: 6. University Board of Visitors. the subject of this notice. If after review
Average Hours per Response: Bycatch of timely submitted written comments
Avoidance Progress report, 40 hours; SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the and the Board Chairman and DFO deem
Prohibited Species Catch; Amendment Federal Advisory Committee Act of appropriate, they may choose to invite
80 Halibut Prohibited Species Catch 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the submitter of the written comments
Management Plan, 12 hours. the Government in the Sunshine Act of to orally present the issue during the
Burden Hours: 264. 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and meeting that is the subject of this notice.
Needs and Uses: This request is for 41 CFR 102–3.150, the Department of In accordance with 41 CFR 102–
revision of a currently approved Defense announces that the Air 3.140(d), any oral presentations before
information collection. University Board of Visitors’ fall the BOV shall be in accordance with
The purpose of this collection is for meeting will take place on Monday, 16 agency guidelines provided pursuant to
each sector in the Bering Sea and November, 2015, from 8 a.m. to a written invitation and this paragraph.
Aleutian Islands Management Area approximately 5 p.m. and Tuesday, 17 Direct questioning of Board members or
(BSAI) groundfish fisheries to inform November, 2015, from 7:30 a.m. to meeting participants by the public is not
the North Pacific Fisheries Management approximately 3 p.m. The meeting will permitted except with the approval of
Council (Council) of their progress on be held in the Air University the DFO and Chairman. Additionally,
voluntary, non-regulatory methods they Commander’s Conference Room in any member of the public wishing to
are using within their fishery Building 800 on Maxwell AFB in attend this meeting should contact the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
cooperatives to reduce halibut mortality Montgomery, Alabama. person listed below at least five
and to report the effectiveness of those The purpose of this meeting is to calendar days prior to the meeting for
actions in absolute reductions in halibut provide independent advice and information on base entry procedures.
mortality. recommendations on matters pertaining
At its June 2015 meeting, the Council to the educational, doctrinal, and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa
requested that, in addition to providing research policies and activities of Air Arnold, Designated Federal Officer, Air
the BSAI Halibut Prohibited Species University. The agenda will include University Headquarters, 55 LeMay
Catch (PSC) Progress Report, topics relating to the policies, programs, Plaza South, Maxwell Air Force Base,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 Aug 11, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_48454/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2016-09-27 22:27:31
Document Modified: 2016-09-27 22:27:31
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice; intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment; request for comments. | |
| Dates | All comments, written statements, and questions regarding the proposed process and preparation of the EA must be received no later than September 11, 2015. | |
| Contact | Sara Young, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8484. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 48299 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE10 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR