81 FR 13341 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations To Take, Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal Inventory Under the Marine Mammal Protection, the Fur Seal, and the Endangered Species Acts

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 49 (March 14, 2016)

Page Range		13341-13342
FR Document		2016-05612

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 49 (Monday, March 14, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13341-13342]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05612]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Basic 
Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations To Take, 
Import, and Export Marine Mammals, Threatened and Endangered Species, 
and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal Inventory Under the Marine 
Mammal Protection, the Fur Seal, and the Endangered Species Acts

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 13, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Amy Sloan, NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 ((301) 427-84010), 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for a revision and extension of a currently 
approved information collection.
    The Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; MMPA), 
Fur Seal Act (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.; FSA), and Endangered Species Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA) prohibit certain activities affecting 
marine mammals and endangered and threatened species, with exceptions. 
Pursuant to section 104 of the MMPA and Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA, 
special exception permits may be obtained for scientific research and 
enhancing the survival or recovery of a species or stock of marine 
mammals or threatened or endangered species. Section 104 of the MMPA 
also includes permits for commercial and educational photography of 
marine mammals; import and capture of marine mammals for public 
display; and, Letters of Confirmation under the General Authorization 
for scientific research that involves minimal disturbance to marine 
mammals. The regulations implementing permits and reporting 
requirements under the MMPA and FSA are at 50 CFR part 216; the 
regulations for permit requirements under the ESA are at 50 CFR part 
222. The required information in this collection is used to make the 
determinations required by the MMPA, ESA and their implementing 
regulations prior to issuing a permit; to establish appropriate permit 
conditions; and to evaluate the impacts of the proposed activity on 
protected species. Inventory reporting pertaining to marine mammals in 
public display facilities is required by the MMPA.
    This information collection applies to certain protected species 
for which NMFS is responsible, including cetaceans (whales, dolphins 
and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), sawfish (largetooth 
and smalltooth), sea turtles (in water), and sturgeon (Atlantic and 
shortnose). The information collection may be used for future listed 
species.
    The currently approved application and reporting requirements will 
be revised to (1) create separate sections for marine mammals versus 
non-mammal species where doing so will result in less burden to the 
applicant (e.g., for scientific methods); (2) clarify to applicants why 
the information is required and what level of detail is needed for our 
analyses; (3) create `enhanced help' features (e.g., pop-up windows) in 
the online application system, Authorizations and Permits for Protected 
Species (APPS; https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/) to make the instructions 
more accessible; (4) create a streamlined application and online module 
in APPS for scientific research permits involving only import, export, 
or receipt of biological samples (i.e., where no animals in the wild 
are affected); (5) make photography permit applications accessible via 
APPS.

II. Method of Collection

    Permit applications, permit reports, and inventory reports are 
available in paper or electronic versions (online or via email). 
Respondents may submit all applications and forms by email, facsimile, 
or mail. Respondents may also submit scientific research and 
enhancement permit applications and Letters of Intent under the General 
Authorization online via APPS.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0084.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular (revision and extension of a currently 
approved collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals; business or other for-profit 
organizations; not-for-profit institutions; state, local, or tribal 
government; Federal government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 536.
    Estimated Time per Response: Scientific research permit 
applications, 50 hours; public display permit applications, 30 hours; 
photography permit applications, 10 hours; General Authorization 
applications, 10 hours; major permit modification requests, 35 hours; 
minor permit modification requests, 3 hours; scientific research

[[Page 13342]]

permit reports, 12 hours; public display permit reports, 2 hours; 
photography permit reports, 2 hours; General Authorization reports, 8 
hours; public display inventory reporting, 2 hours; and record keeping, 
2 hours per permit or authorization type (including permits for 
scientific research, public display, photography, General 
Authorization; and retention or transfer of rehabilitated animals).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 7,455.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,000 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 8, 2016.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-05612 Filed 3-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 49 / Monday, March 14, 2016 / Notices 13341

c. Rare events bycatch workshop plan effort to reduce paperwork and mammals in public display facilities is
iv. Discussion and synthesis respondent burden, invites the general required by the MMPA.
6. Public Comment public and other Federal agencies to This information collection applies to
9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2016 take this opportunity to comment on certain protected species for which
proposed and/or continuing information NMFS is responsible, including
7. FEP Annual Report Review Part II collections, as required by the cetaceans (whales, dolphins and
A. Pelagic Non-longline Fishery Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. porpoises), pinnipeds (seals and sea
Sections lions), sawfish (largetooth and
i. Summary of relevant fishery data DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before May 13, 2016. smalltooth), sea turtles (in water), and
ii. Protected species section sturgeon (Atlantic and shortnose). The
iii. Discussion and synthesis ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
information collection may be used for
B. Insular Fishery Sections to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental
i. Summary of relevant fishery data future listed species.
Paperwork Clearance Officer, The currently approved application
ii. Protected species section Department of Commerce, Room 6616,
iii. Discussion and synthesis and reporting requirements will be
14th and Constitution Avenue NW., revised to (1) create separate sections for
C. Discussion on Monitoring Protected Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
Species Interactions under the FEP marine mammals versus non-mammal
Internet at JJessup@doc.gov). species where doing so will result in
Annual Reports
D. Discussion on Data Gaps and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: less burden to the applicant (e.g., for
Research Needs Requests for additional information or scientific methods); (2) clarify to
8. Council’s Research Priorities copies of the information collection applicants why the information is
A. Five-year Research Priorities instrument and instructions should be required and what level of detail is
B. Cooperative Research Priorities directed to Amy Sloan, NOAA Fisheries needed for our analyses; (3) create
C. Discussion Office of Protected Resources, 1315 ‘enhanced help’ features (e.g., pop-up
8. Public Comment East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD windows) in the online application
9. Committee Discussion and 20910 ((301) 427–84010), Amy.Sloan@ system, Authorizations and Permits for
Recommendations noaa.gov. Protected Species (APPS; https://
10. Other Business & Next Meeting apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/) to make the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Special Accommodations instructions more accessible; (4) create a
I. Abstract streamlined application and online
These meetings are physically module in APPS for scientific research
accessible to people with disabilities. This request is for a revision and
extension of a currently approved permits involving only import, export,
Requests for sign language or receipt of biological samples (i.e.,
interpretation or other auxiliary aids information collection.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act where no animals in the wild are
should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, affected); (5) make photography permit
(808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; MMPA), Fur
Seal Act (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.; FSA), applications accessible via APPS.
8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the
meeting date. and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. II. Method of Collection
1531 et seq.; ESA) prohibit certain
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Permit applications, permit reports,
activities affecting marine mammals and
Dated: March 9, 2016.
and inventory reports are available in
endangered and threatened species,
paper or electronic versions (online or
Tracey L. Thompson, with exceptions. Pursuant to section 104
via email). Respondents may submit all
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable of the MMPA and Section 10(a)(1)(A) of
applications and forms by email,
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. the ESA, special exception permits may
facsimile, or mail. Respondents may
[FR Doc. 2016–05637 Filed 3–11–16; 8:45 am] be obtained for scientific research and
also submit scientific research and
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P enhancing the survival or recovery of a
enhancement permit applications and
species or stock of marine mammals or
Letters of Intent under the General
threatened or endangered species.
Authorization online via APPS.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Section 104 of the MMPA also includes
permits for commercial and educational III. Data
National Oceanic and Atmospheric photography of marine mammals; OMB Control Number: 0648–0084.
Administration import and capture of marine mammals Form Number(s): None.
for public display; and, Letters of Type of Review: Regular (revision and
Proposed Information Collection; Confirmation under the General extension of a currently approved
Comment Request; Basic Authorization for scientific research that collection).
Requirements for Special Exemption involves minimal disturbance to marine Affected Public: Individuals; business
Permits and Authorizations To Take, mammals. The regulations or other for-profit organizations; not-for-
Import, and Export Marine Mammals, implementing permits and reporting profit institutions; state, local, or tribal
Threatened and Endangered Species, requirements under the MMPA and FSA government; Federal government.
and for Maintaining a Captive Marine are at 50 CFR part 216; the regulations Estimated Number of Respondents:
Mammal Inventory Under the Marine for permit requirements under the ESA 536.
Mammal Protection, the Fur Seal, and are at 50 CFR part 222. The required Estimated Time per Response:
the Endangered Species Acts information in this collection is used to Scientific research permit applications,
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

AGENCY: National Oceanic and make the determinations required by the 50 hours; public display permit
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), MMPA, ESA and their implementing applications, 30 hours; photography
Commerce. regulations prior to issuing a permit; to permit applications, 10 hours; General
ACTION: Notice. establish appropriate permit conditions; Authorization applications, 10 hours;
and to evaluate the impacts of the major permit modification requests, 35
SUMMARY:The Department of proposed activity on protected species. hours; minor permit modification
Commerce, as part of its continuing Inventory reporting pertaining to marine requests, 3 hours; scientific research

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13342 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 49 / Monday, March 14, 2016 / Notices

permit reports, 12 hours; public display be brought to the full Council for formal Dated: March 9, 2016.
permit reports, 2 hours; photography consideration and action, if appropriate. Tracey L. Thompson,
permit reports, 2 hours; General Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Authorization reports, 8 hours; public This meeting will be held on
DATES:
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
display inventory reporting, 2 hours; Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 9 a.m.
[FR Doc. 2016–05636 Filed 3–11–16; 8:45 am]
and record keeping, 2 hours per permit ADDRESSES: BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
or authorization type (including permits Meeting address: The meeting will be
for scientific research, public display,
held at the Holiday Inn, 300 Woodbury
photography, General Authorization; DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801; phone:
and retention or transfer of rehabilitated
(603) 431–8000; fax: (603) 431–2065. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
animals).
Estimated Total Annual Burden Council address: New England Administration
Hours: 7,455. Fishery Management Council, 50 Water RIN 0648–XE075
Estimated Total Annual Cost to Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950.
Public: $1,000 in recordkeeping/ Marine Mammals; File No. 18636
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
reporting costs.
Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
IV. Request for Comments New England Fishery Management Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
the proposed collection of information SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Commerce.
is necessary for the proper performance ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit.
of the functions of the agency, including Agenda
whether the information shall have SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the The Committee plans to discuss the permit has been issued to Iain Kerr,
agency’s estimate of the burden Atlantic Herring Fishery Management D.H.L., Ocean Alliance, 32 Horton
(including hours and cost) of the Plan in regards to plans for a public Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 to conduct
proposed collection of information; (c) workshop on the Management Strategy research on 15 species of whales,
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and Evaluation of Atlantic Herring including endangered sperm (Physeter
clarity of the information to be Acceptable Biological Catch control macrocephalus), southern right
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the rules, Plan Development Team (PDT) (Eubalaena australis), blue
burden of the collection of information analyses related to localized depletion (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B.
on respondents, including through the in inshore waters and potentially physalus), humpback (Megaptera
use of automated collection techniques develop a definition of localized novaeangliae), and sei (B. borealis)
or other forms of information depletion, a problem statement and whales.
technology. related measures, and/or task PDT with ADDRESSES: The permit and related
Comments submitted in response to additional analyses. The Committee also documents are available for review
this notice will be summarized and/or plans to discuss Georges Bank haddock upon written request or by appointment
included in the request for OMB catch cap accountability measures in the Permits and Conservation
approval of this information collection; (AMs), specifically, plans to potentially Division, Office of Protected Resources,
they also will become a matter of public develop a framework adjustment in NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
record. 2016 to consider revising the AMs. 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
Dated: March 8, 2016. Other business will be discussed as (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
Sarah Brabson, necessary. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. Although non-emergency issues not Amy Hapeman or Amy Sloan, (301)
[FR Doc. 2016–05612 Filed 3–11–16; 8:45 am] contained in this agenda may come 427–8401.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P before this group for discussion, those SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August
issues may not be the subject of formal 27, 2015, notice was published in the
action during these meetings. Action Federal Register (80 FR 52035) that a
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE will be restricted to those issues request for a permit to conduct research
specifically listed in this notice and any on the species identified above had been
National Oceanic and Atmospheric issues arising after publication of this submitted by the above-named
Administration notice that require emergency action applicant. The requested permit has
under section 305(c) of the Magnuson- been issued under the authority of the
New England Fishery Management Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
Stevens Act, provided the public has
Council; Public Meeting as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
been notified of the Council’s intent to
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries take final action to address the regulations governing the taking and
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and emergency. importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
Commerce. Special Accommodations 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
ACTION: Notice; public meeting. et seq.), and the regulations governing
This meeting is physically accessible
the taking, importing, and exporting of
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

to people with disabilities. Requests for
SUMMARY: The New England Fishery endangered and threatened species (50
sign language interpretation or other
Management Council (Council) is CFR parts 222–226).
auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kerr has been issued a permit to
scheduling a public meeting of its
Herring Committee to consider actions Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at conduct research on cetaceans in U.S.
affecting New England fisheries in the (978) 465–0492, at least 5 days prior to waters and the high seas of the Pacific,
exclusive economic zone (EEZ). the meeting date. Atlantic and Indian Oceans to
Recommendations from this group will Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. determine how environmental toxicants

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Document Created: 2016-03-12 01:00:45
Document Modified: 2016-03-12 01:00:45

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.
Dates		Written comments must be submitted on or before May 13, 2016.
Contact		Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Amy Sloan, NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 ((301) 427-84010), [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 13341

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 49 (March 14, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration