81 FR 21323 - Marine Mammals; File No. 18537

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 69 (April 11, 2016)

Page Range		21323-21324
FR Document		2016-08169

Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 18537 has been issued to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK [Responsible Party: Robert Small, Ph.D.].

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 69 (Monday, April 11, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 69 (Monday, April 11, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21323-21324]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08169]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD224


Marine Mammals; File No. 18537

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 
18537 has been issued to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game 
(ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK [Responsible 
Party: Robert Small, Ph.D.].

ADDRESSES: The permit amendment and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and 
Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-
West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-
8401; fax (301) 713-0376.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosa L. Gonz[aacute]lez or Amy Sloan, 
(301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 8, 2016, notice was published in 
the Federal Register (81 FR 6508) that a request for an amendment 
Permit No. 18537 to conduct research on pinnipeds had been submitted by 
the above-named applicant. The requested permit amendment has been 
issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), 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 regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting 
of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the 
Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The original permit (No. 18537), issued on August 8, 2014 (79 FR 
19578), authorized ADF&G to take Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) 
during aerial, vessel, and ground surveys in support of the long-term 
Steller sea lion research program. It also authorized incidental 
disturbance of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and 
northern fur (Callorhinus ursinus), harbor (Phoca vitulina), spotted 
(Phoca largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata), ringed (Phoca hispida 
hispida), and

[[Page 21324]]

bearded (Erignathus barbatus) seals during research activities; and, 
annual unintentional mortality of 5 Steller sea lions from the Western 
Distinct Population Segment (wDPS) and 10 Steller sea lions from the 
Eastern DPS through August 31, 2019.
    Permit No. 18537-01 authorizes an increase in the number of 
California and Steller (wDPS) sea lions taken during aerial surveys 
from 4,725 to 10,000, and from 48,000 to 75,000, respectively; and an 
increase in the volume on a single blood draw from Steller sea lions 
from up to 1ml/kg to up to 4ml/kg.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NMFS determined that the activities proposed 
are consistent with the Preferred Alternative in the 2007 Final 
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Steller Sea Lion 
and Northern Fur Seal Research, and the 2014 Environmental Assessment 
for Issuance of Permits to take Steller Sea Lions by harassment during 
surveys using unmanned aerial systems that analyzed the effects of UAS, 
which were not considered in the initial PEIS; and that issuance of the 
permit would not have a significant adverse impact on the human 
environment.
    As required by the ESA, issuance of this permit was based on a 
finding that such permit: (1) Was applied for in good faith; (2) will 
not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is 
consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the 
ESA.

    Dated: April 5, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-08169 Filed 4-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 69 / Monday, April 11, 2016 / Notices 21323

2016, and written comments must be Specific information on the periodic DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
received on or before July 15, 2016. evaluation of the state and territorial
For specific dates, times, and coastal programs and reserves that are National Oceanic and Atmospheric
locations of the public meetings, see the subject of this notice are detailed Administration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. below as follows: RIN 0648–XD224
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Oregon Coastal Management Program
on the program or reserve NOAA Evaluation Marine Mammals; File No. 18537
intends to evaluate by any of the AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
following methods: You may participate or submit oral
comments at the public meeting Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Public Meeting and Oral Comments: Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Public meetings will be held in scheduled as follows:
Commerce.
Newport, Oregon and Bristol, Rhode Date: May 24, 2016.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit
Island. For specific locations, see Time: 5:30 p.m., local time. amendment.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Location: Best Western Agate Beach
Written Comments: Please direct Inn, Cove Room, 3019 North Coast SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a
written comments to Carrie Hall, Highway, Newport, Oregon 97365. major amendment to Permit No. 18537
Evaluator, Planning and Performance has been issued to the Alaska
Written public comments must be
Measurement Program, Office for Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G),
received on or before June 10, 2016.
Coastal Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 Division of Wildlife Conservation,
East-West Highway, 11th Floor, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Juneau, AK [Responsible Party: Robert
N/OCM1, Silver Spring, Maryland Research Reserve Evaluation Small, Ph.D.].
20910, or email comments Carrie.Hall@ ADDRESSES: The permit amendment and
noaa.gov. You may participate or submit oral
comments at the public meeting related documents are available for
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: scheduled as follows: review upon written request or by
Carrie Hall, Evaluator, Planning and appointment in the Permits and
Date: June 28, 2016.
Performance Measurement Program, Conservation Division, Office of
Office for Coastal Management, NOS/ Time: 6:00 p.m., local time. Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-
NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th Location: Audubon Society of Rhode West Highway, Room 13705, Silver
Floor, N/OCM1, Silver Spring, Island, Environmental Education Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427–
Maryland 20910, or Carrie.Hall@ Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, Rhode 8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
noaa.gov. Copies of the final evaluation Island 02890. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosa
findings and related material (including Written comments must be received L. González or Amy Sloan, (301) 427–
past performance reports and notices on or before July 15, 2016. 8401.
prepared by NOAA’s Office for Coastal
Availability of Final Evaluation SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
Management) may be obtained upon
Findings of Other State and Territorial February 8, 2016, notice was published
written request by contacting the person
Coastal Programs in the Federal Register (81 FR 6508)
identified under FOR FURTHER
that a request for an amendment Permit
INFORMATION CONTACT. Copies of the The NOAA Office for Coastal No. 18537 to conduct research on
final evaluation findings may also be Management has completed review of pinnipeds had been submitted by the
downloaded or viewed on the Internet the Coastal Zone Management Program above-named applicant. The requested
at http://coast.noaa.gov/czm/ evaluations for the states of Maryland permit amendment has been issued
evaluations/evaluation_findings/ and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of under the authority of the Marine
index.html. Puerto Rico. Both states and territory Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sections were found to be implementing and amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
312 and 315 of the Coastal Zone enforcing their federally approved regulations governing the taking and
Management Act (CZMA) require coastal management programs, importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
NOAA to conduct periodic evaluations addressing the national coastal part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
of federally approved state and management objectives identified in 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
territorial coastal programs and national CZMA Section 303(2)(A)–(K), and et seq.), the regulations governing the
estuarine research reserves. The process adhering to the programmatic terms of taking, importing, and exporting of
includes a public meeting, their financial assistance awards. Copies endangered and threatened species (50
consideration of written public of these final evaluation findings may be CFR parts 222–226), and the Fur Seal
comments and consultations with downloaded at http://coast.noaa.gov/ Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151
interested Federal, state, and local czm/evaluations/evaluation_findings/ et seq.).
agencies and members of the public. index.html or by submitting a written The original permit (No. 18537),
During the evaluation, NOAA will request to the person identified under issued on August 8, 2014 (79 FR 19578),
consider the extent to which the state FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. authorized ADF&G to take Steller sea
has met the national objectives, adhered John King, lions (Eumetopias jubatus) during
to the final management plan approved Deputy Director, Office for Coastal
aerial, vessel, and ground surveys in
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

by the Secretary of Commerce, and Management, National Ocean Service, support of the long-term Steller sea lion
adhered to the terms of financial National Oceanic and Atmospheric research program. It also authorized
assistance under the CZMA. When the Administration. incidental disturbance of California sea
evaluation is completed, NOAA’s Office Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog lions (Zalophus californianus), and
for Coastal Management will place a 11.419 Coastal Zone Management Program northern fur (Callorhinus ursinus),
notice in the Federal Register Administration. harbor (Phoca vitulina), spotted (Phoca
announcing the availability of the Final [FR Doc. 2016–08207 Filed 4–8–16; 8:45 am] largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata),
Evaluation Findings. BILLING CODE 3510–08–P ringed (Phoca hispida hispida), and

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21324 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 69 / Monday, April 11, 2016 / Notices

bearded (Erignathus barbatus) seals Gulf of Mexico Grouper-Tilefish DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
during research activities; and, annual Individual Fishing Quota Program.
unintentional mortality of 5 Steller sea National Oceanic and Atmospheric
OMB Control Number: 0648–xxxx.
lions from the Western Distinct Administration
Population Segment (wDPS) and 10 Form Number(s): None.
RIN 0648–XE561
Steller sea lions from the Eastern DPS Type of Request: Regular (request for
through August 31, 2019. a new information collection). Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions;
Permit No. 18537–01 authorizes an Number of Respondents: 200. General Provisions for Domestic
increase in the number of California and Fisheries; Application for Exempted
Steller (wDPS) sea lions taken during Average Hours per Response: 1 hour.
Fishing Permits
aerial surveys from 4,725 to 10,000, and Burden Hours: 200.
from 48,000 to 75,000, respectively; and AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Needs and Uses: This request is for a Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
an increase in the volume on a single new information collection.
blood draw from Steller sea lions from Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
up to 1ml/kg to up to 4ml/kg. The National Marine Fisheries Service Commerce.
In compliance with the National (NMFS) proposes to collect economic ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 and attitudinal data from reef fish
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NMFS determined dealers regarding the performance of the SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional
that the activities proposed are GOM Grouper-Tilefish IFQ Program five Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
consistent with the Preferred years after its implementation. These Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has
Alternative in the 2007 Final data will be used to estimate the effects made a preliminary determination that
Programmatic Environmental Impact of the GT–IFQ Program on these an Exempted Fishing Permit application
Statement (PEIS) for Steller Sea Lion stakeholders for the five-year program contains all of the required information
and Northern Fur Seal Research, and the and warrants further consideration. The
review mandated by the Magnuson-
2014 Environmental Assessment for Exempted Fishing Permit would allow
Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Issuance of Permits to take Steller Sea commercial fishing vessels to fish
Management Act (U.S.C. 1801 et seq).
Lions by harassment during surveys outside of the limited access scallop
The population targeted by the regulations in support of research
using unmanned aerial systems that economic survey is all federally
analyzed the effects of UAS, which were conducted by the Coonamessett Farm
licensed dealers that participate in the Foundation. These exemptions are in
not considered in the initial PEIS; and GOM reef fish fishery. In addition, the
that issuance of the permit would not support of research conducted on trips
information will be used to strengthen to test gear modifications for bycatch
have a significant adverse impact on the
and improve fishery management reduction in the scallop dredge fishery.
human environment.
As required by the ESA, issuance of decision-making, and satisfy legal Regulations under the Magnuson-
this permit was based on a finding that mandates under Executive Order 12866, Stevens Fishery Conservation and
such permit: (1) Was applied for in good the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Management Act require publication of
faith; (2) will not operate to the Endangered Species Act, the National this notification to provide interested
disadvantage of such endangered Environmental Policy Act and other parties the opportunity to comment on
species; and (3) is consistent with the pertinent statues. applications for proposed Exempted
purposes and policies set forth in Affected Public: Business or other for- Fishing Permits.
section 2 of the ESA. profit organizations. DATES: Comments must be received on
Dated: April 5, 2016.
or before April 26, 2016
Frequency: Once.
Julia Harrison, ADDRESSES: You may submit written
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. comments by any of the following
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National This information collection request methods:
Marine Fisheries Service. may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow • Email: nmfs.gar.efp@noaa.gov.
[FR Doc. 2016–08169 Filed 4–8–16; 8:45 am] the instructions to view Department of Include in the subject line ‘‘CFF
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Commerce collections currently under Compensation Fishing Gear Research
review by OMB. EFP.’’
• Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional
Written comments and
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic
recommendations for the proposed Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great
information collection should be sent Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration within 30 days of publication of this Mark the outside of the envelope
notice to OIRA_Submission@ ‘‘Comments on CFF Compensation
Submission for OMB Review; omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. Fishing Gear Research EFP.’’
Comment Request Dated: April 5, 2016. • Fax: (978) 281–9135.
The Department of Commerce will Sarah Brabson, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
submit to the Office of Management and NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. Shannah Jaburek, Fisheries Management
Budget (OMB) for clearance the [FR Doc. 2016–08166 Filed 4–8–16; 8:45 am]
Specialist, 978–282–8456.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

following proposal for collection of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
information under the provisions of the Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF)
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. submitted a complete application for an
Chapter 35). Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) on
Agency: National Oceanic and March 15, 2016, that would allow gear
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). research to be conducted on vessels
Title: Economic Survey of Gulf of fishing under compensation fishing
Mexico Dealers Associated With the trips associated with five 2016 Scallop

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Document Created: 2016-04-09 00:11:06
Document Modified: 2016-04-09 00:11:06

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; issuance of permit amendment.
Contact		Rosa L. Gonz[aacute]lez or Amy Sloan, (301) 427-8401.
FR Citation		81 FR 21323
RIN Number		0648-XD22

81 FR 21323 - Marine Mammals; File No. 18537

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 69 (April 11, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration