81 FR 23276 - Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 76 (April 20, 2016)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 76 (April 20, 2016)
| Page Range | 23276-23277 | |
| FR Document | 2016-09154 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 23276-23277] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-09154] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XE485 Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (DPEA) for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).'' Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period for this DPEA. The purpose of the DPEA is to evaluate, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of conducting and funding fisheries and ecosystem research in the southeastern coast of the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea marine waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than May 20, 2016. ADDRESSES: Comments on the DPEA should be addressed to: NOAA/NMFS/ SEFSC/Director's Office, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. The mailbox address for providing email comments is [email protected]. NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size. A copy of the DPEA 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.sefsc.noaa.gov/dpea.html Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Melissa Cook, SEFSC, (228) 762- 4591. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) is the research arm of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the Southeast region of the U.S. The SEFSC conducts research and provides scientific advice to manage fisheries and conserve protected species in marine and estuarine habitats of the Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern coast of the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, including marine waters offshore from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Three regional Fishery Management Councils rely in part on data collected by the SEFSC. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), and the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) rely primarily on the SEFSC for fisheries independent research data for development of stock assessment reports and other management purposes. The SEFSC also provides research data and works cooperatively with numerous other domestic and international fisheries management organizations. NMFS has prepared the DPEA under NEPA to evaluate several alternatives for conducting and funding fisheries and ecosystem research activities as the primary Federal action. Additionally in the DPEA, NMFS evaluates a related action--also called a ``connected action'' under 40 CFR 1508.25 of the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)--which is the proposed promulgation of regulations and authorization of the take of marine mammals incidental to the fisheries research under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Additionally, because the proposed research activities occur in areas inhabited by species of marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and fish listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened or endangered, this DPEA evaluates activities that could result in unintentional takes of ESA-listed marine species. The following four alternatives are currently evaluated in the DPEA:No-Action/Status Quo Alternative--Conduct Federal Fisheries and Ecosystem Research with Scope and Protocols Similar to Past Effort Preferred Alternative--Conduct Federal Fisheries and Ecosystem Research (New Suite of Research) with Mitigation for MMPA and ESA Compliance Modified Research Alternative-- Conduct Federal Fisheries and Ecosystem Research (New Suite of Research) with Additional Mitigation No Research Alternative--No Fieldwork for Federal Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted or Funded by SEFSC The first three alternatives include a program of fisheries and ecosystem research projects conducted or funded by the SEFSC as the primary Federal action. Because this primary action is connected to a secondary Federal action (also called a connected action under NEPA), to consider authorizing incidental take of marine mammals under the MMPA, NMFS must identify as part of this evaluation ``(t)he means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its habitat.'' (Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.]). NMFS must therefore identify and evaluate a reasonable range of mitigation measures to minimize impacts to protected species that occur in SEFSC research areas. These mitigation measures are considered as part of the identified alternatives in order to evaluate their effectiveness to minimize potential adverse environmental impacts. The three action alternatives also include mitigation measures intended to minimize potentially adverse interactions with other protected species that occur within the action area. Protected species include all marine mammals, which are covered under the MMPA, all species listed [[Page 23277]] under the ESA, and bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. NMFS is also evaluating a second type of no-action alternative that considers no Federal funding for field fisheries and ecosystem research activities. This is called the No Research Alternative to distinguish it from the No-Action/Status Quo Alternative. The No-Action/Status Quo Alternative will be used as the baseline to compare all of the other alternatives. Potential direct and indirect effects on the environment are evaluated under each alternative in the DPEA. The environmental effects on the following resources are considered: Physical environment, special resource areas, fish, marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, invertebrates, and the social and economic environment. Cumulative effects of external actions and the contribution of fisheries research activities to the overall cumulative impact on the aforementioned resources is also evaluated in the DPEA for the three main geographic regions in which SEFSC surveys are conducted. NMFS requests comments on the DPEA for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Please include, with your comments, any supporting data or literature citations that may be informative in substantiating your comment. Dated: April 15, 2016. Bonnie Ponwith, Director, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-09154 Filed 4-19-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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tow the NMFS survey dredge, which conducting and funding fisheries and Council on Environmental Quality’s
does not conform with regulation. ecosystem research in the southeastern regulations for implementing the
Participating vessels need crew size coast of the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, procedural provisions of NEPA (42
waivers to accommodate science and the Caribbean Sea marine waters of U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)—which is the
personnel, and possession waivers will Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. proposed promulgation of regulations
enable researchers to conduct finfish DATES: Comments and information must and authorization of the take of marine
sampling activities. The project would be received no later than May 20, 2016. mammals incidental to the fisheries
be exempt from the sea scallop observer ADDRESSES: Comments on the DPEA research under the Marine Mammal
program requirements because activities should be addressed to: NOAA/NMFS/ Protection Act (MMPA). Additionally,
conducted on the trip are not consistent SEFSC/Director’s Office, 75 Virginia because the proposed research activities
with normal fishing operations. Beach Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. occur in areas inhabited by species of
If approved, the applicant may The mailbox address for providing marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and
request minor modifications and email comments is SEFSC.DPEA@ fish listed under the Endangered
extensions to the EFP throughout the noaa.gov. NMFS is not responsible for Species Act (ESA) as threatened or
year. EFP modifications and extensions email comments sent to addresses other endangered, this DPEA evaluates
may be granted without further notice if than the one provided here. Comments activities that could result in
they are deemed essential to facilitate sent via email, including all unintentional takes of ESA-listed
completion of the proposed research attachments, must not exceed a 10- marine species.
and have minimal impacts that do not megabyte file size. A copy of the DPEA The following four alternatives are
change the scope or impact of the may be obtained by writing to the currently evaluated in the DPEA:
initially approved EFP request. Any • No-Action/Status Quo
address specified above, telephoning the
fishing activity conducted outside the Alternative—Conduct Federal Fisheries
contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER
scope of the exempted fishing activity and Ecosystem Research with Scope and
INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the
would be prohibited. Protocols Similar to Past Effort
internet at: http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/ • Preferred Alternative—Conduct
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. dpea.html Federal Fisheries and Ecosystem
Documents cited in this notice may
Dated: April 15, 2016. Research (New Suite of Research) with
also be viewed, by appointment, during
Emily H. Menashes, Mitigation for MMPA and ESA
regular business hours, at the
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Compliance
aforementioned address. • Modified Research Alternative—
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Conduct Federal Fisheries and
[FR Doc. 2016–09168 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am]
Melissa Cook, SEFSC, (228) 762–4591. Ecosystem Research (New Suite of
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Research) with Additional Mitigation
Southeast Fisheries Science Center • No Research Alternative—No
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (SEFSC) is the research arm of National Fieldwork for Federal Fisheries and
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the Ecosystem Research Conducted or
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Southeast region of the U.S. The SEFSC Funded by SEFSC
Administration conducts research and provides The first three alternatives include a
scientific advice to manage fisheries and program of fisheries and ecosystem
RIN 0648–XE485 conserve protected species in marine research projects conducted or funded
and estuarine habitats of the Atlantic by the SEFSC as the primary Federal
Notice of Availability of a Draft
Ocean along the southeastern coast of action. Because this primary action is
Programmatic Environmental
the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, and the connected to a secondary Federal action
Assessment for Fisheries and
Caribbean Sea, including marine waters (also called a connected action under
Ecosystem Research Conducted and
offshore from Puerto Rico and the U.S. NEPA), to consider authorizing
Funded by the National Marine
Virgin Islands. Three regional Fishery incidental take of marine mammals
Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries
Management Councils rely in part on under the MMPA, NMFS must identify
Science Center
data collected by the SEFSC. The South as part of this evaluation ‘‘(t)he means
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Atlantic Fishery Management Council of effecting the least practicable adverse
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (SAFMC), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery impact on the species or stock and its
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Management Council (GMFMC), and the habitat.’’ (Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the
Commerce. Caribbean Fishery Management Council MMPA [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.]). NMFS
ACTION: Notice of availability of a Draft (CFMC) rely primarily on the SEFSC for must therefore identify and evaluate a
Programmatic Environmental fisheries independent research data for reasonable range of mitigation measures
Assessment; request for comments. development of stock assessment to minimize impacts to protected
reports and other management species that occur in SEFSC research
SUMMARY: NMFS announces the purposes. The SEFSC also provides areas. These mitigation measures are
availability of the ‘‘Draft Programmatic research data and works cooperatively considered as part of the identified
Environmental Assessment (DPEA) for with numerous other domestic and alternatives in order to evaluate their
Fisheries and Ecosystem Research international fisheries management effectiveness to minimize potential
Conducted and Funded by the organizations. adverse environmental impacts. The
Southeast Fisheries Science Center NMFS has prepared the DPEA under three action alternatives also include
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
(SEFSC).’’ Publication of this notice NEPA to evaluate several alternatives mitigation measures intended to
begins the official public comment for conducting and funding fisheries minimize potentially adverse
period for this DPEA. The purpose of and ecosystem research activities as the interactions with other protected
the DPEA is to evaluate, in compliance primary Federal action. Additionally in species that occur within the action
with the National Environmental Policy the DPEA, NMFS evaluates a related area. Protected species include all
Act (NEPA), the potential direct, action—also called a ‘‘connected marine mammals, which are covered
indirect, and cumulative impacts of action’’ under 40 CFR 1508.25 of the under the MMPA, all species listed
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / Notices 23277
under the ESA, and bird species agency’s estimate of the burden of the Affected Public: Individuals or
protected under the Migratory Bird proposed information collection; (c) households, business or other for-profit,
Treaty Act. ways to enhance the quality, utility, and not-for-profit institutions, and State,
NMFS is also evaluating a second clarity of the information to be Local or Tribal Government.
type of no-action alternative that collected; and (d) ways to minimize the Annual Burden Hours: 8,333 hours
considers no Federal funding for field burden of the information collection on Number of Respondents: 25,000
fisheries and ecosystem research respondents, including through the use Responses per Respondent: 2
activities. This is called the No Research of automated collection techniques or Annual Responses: 50,000
Alternative to distinguish it from the other forms of information technology. Average Burden per Response: 10
No-Action/Status Quo Alternative. The minutes (0.17 hours)
DATES: Consideration will be given to all
No-Action/Status Quo Alternative will Frequency: On occasion.
comments received by June 20, 2016. Surveys developed from this generic
be used as the baseline to compare all
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, clearance may be delivered by any of
of the other alternatives. Potential direct
and indirect effects on the environment identified by docket number and title, the following information collection
are evaluated under each alternative in by any of the following methods: formats, as well as others not mentioned
the DPEA. The environmental effects on • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// herein: comment cards, paper surveys
the following resources are considered: www.regulations.gov. Follow the (on site, mail, email), web-based
Physical environment, special resource instructions for submitting comments. surveys, interviews (on site, telephone),
areas, fish, marine mammals, birds, sea • Mail: ODCMO, Directorate for or focus groups. Potential respondents
turtles, invertebrates, and the social and Oversight and Compliance, 4800 Mark may include current or future
economic environment. Cumulative Center Drive, Attn: Mailbox 24, recreational visitors; regional residents;
effects of external actions and the Alexandria, VA 22350–1700. and stakeholders, state/local
contribution of fisheries research Instructions: All submissions received government agencies, and dependent
activities to the overall cumulative must include the agency name, docket industries or businesses that operate in
impact on the aforementioned resources number and title for this Federal or around USACE Water Resource
is also evaluated in the DPEA for the Register document. The general policy Projects. Potential respondents may be
three main geographic regions in which for comments and other submissions contacted by mail, phone, or in person
SEFSC surveys are conducted. NMFS from members of the public is to make and invited to participate in the
requests comments on the DPEA for these submissions available for public information collection. Respondents
Fisheries and Ecosystem Research viewing on the Internet at http:// may access collection instruments via
Conducted and Funded by the National www.regulations.gov as they are technology, paper, or by speaking to a
Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast received without change, including any USACE employee or representative.
Fisheries Science Center. Please personal identifiers or contact Respondents may return the collection
include, with your comments, any information. instrument electronically, by paper
supporting data or literature citations Any associated form(s) for this mail, or orally. Appropriate disclosures
that may be informative in collection may be located within this (Privacy Act Statement) may be
substantiating your comment. same electronic docket and downloaded provided to the respondent visually (in
for review/testing. Follow the writing on paper) or orally (in spoken
Dated: April 15, 2016.
instructions at http:// word by a USACE employee or
Bonnie Ponwith, www.regulations.gov for submitting representative).
Director, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, comments. Please submit comments on
National Marine Fisheries Service. Dated: April 15, 2016.
any given form identified by docket Aaron Siegel,
[FR Doc. 2016–09154 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am] number, form number, and title.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To Officer, Department of Defense.
request more information on this [FR Doc. 2016–09109 Filed 4–19–16; 8:45 am]
proposed information collection or to BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE obtain a copy of the proposal and
[Docket ID: USA–2016–HQ–0014] associated collection instruments,
please write to the US Army Corps of DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Proposed Collection; Comment Engineers, Institute for Water Resources,
Request Casey Building, 8801 Telegraph Road, Office of the Secretary
Alexandria VA 22315 ATTN Meredith
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Defense Policy Board; Notice of
Bridgers or call 703–428–8458.
DoD. Federal Advisory Committee Meeting
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ACTION: Notice.
Title; Associated Form; and OMB AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of
SUMMARY: In compliance with the Number: Recreation Compendium of Defense (Policy), Department of
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Questions Generic Clearance; OMB Defense.
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Control Number 0710–XXXX. ACTION: Federal advisory committee
Defense for Civil Works announces a Needs and Uses: The information meeting notice.
proposed public information collection collection requirement is necessary for
and seeks public comment on the planning and feasibility studies; SUMMARY: The Department of Defense
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
provisions thereof. Comments are understanding of recreation visitor (DoD) is publishing this notice to
invited on: (a) Whether the proposed demands, experiences and facility use; announce the following Federal
collection of information is necessary input to recreation area management advisory committee meeting of the
for the proper performance of the and operations; recreation visitation Defense Policy Board (DPB). This
functions of the agency, including estimation; and economic estimates at meeting will be closed to the public.
whether the information shall have US Army Corps of Engineers Water DATES: Quarterly Meeting: Monday, May
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Resource Projects. 9, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Document Created: 2016-04-20 01:51:59
Document Modified: 2016-04-20 01:51:59
| 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 of availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments and information must be received no later than May 20, 2016. | |
| Contact | Dr. Melissa Cook, SEFSC, (228) 762- 4591. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 23276 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE48 |
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