81_FR_32010 81 FR 31912 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, Rockfish, and Eulachon

81 FR 31912 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, Rockfish, and Eulachon

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 98 (May 20, 2016)

Page Range31912-31914
FR Document2016-11999

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received seven scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead, rockfish, sturgeon, and eulachon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 98 (Friday, May 20, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31912-31914]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11999]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE628


Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish, 
Rockfish, and Eulachon

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

ACTION: Notice; applications for four new scientific research permits, 
two permit modifications, and one permit renewal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received seven scientific 
research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, 
steelhead, rockfish, sturgeon, and eulachon. The proposed research is 
intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation 
efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.

DATES: Comments or requests for a public hearing on the applications 
must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see 
ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on June 20, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the applications should be sent to the 
Protected Resources Division, NMFS, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, 
Portland, OR 97232-1274. Comments may also be sent via fax to 503-230-
5441 or by email to [email protected] (include the permit number 
in the subject line of the fax or email).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503-231-
2314), Fax: 503-230-5441, email: [email protected]). Permit 
application instructions are available from the address above, or 
online at https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Species Covered in This Notice

    The following listed species are covered in this notice:
    Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound 
(PS); threatened California Coastal (CC).
    Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS; threatened Northern 
California (NC).
    Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened Hood Canal Summer-run (HCS).
    Coho salmon (O. kisutch): Threatened Southern Oregon/Northern 
California Coast (SONCC).
    Sockeye salmon (O. nerka): Threatened Ozette Lake (OL).
    Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus): Threatened Southern (S).
    Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris): Threatened S.
    Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis): Endangered Puget Sound/Georgia 
Basin (PS/GB).
    Canary rockfish (S. pinniger): Threatened PS/GB.
    Yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus): Threatened PS/GB.

Authority

    Scientific research permits are issued in accordance with section 
10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and regulations 
governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR parts 222-226). NMFS 
issues permits based on findings that such permits: (1) Are applied for 
in good faith; (2) if granted and exercised, would not operate to the 
disadvantage of the listed species that are the subject of the permit; 
and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policy of section 2 of the 
ESA. The authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set 
forth in the permits.
    Anyone requesting a hearing on an application listed in this notice 
should set out the specific reasons why a

[[Page 31913]]

hearing on that application would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such 
hearings are held at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries, NMFS.

Applications Received

Permit 1586-4R

    The NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) is seeking to 
renew a five-year research permit to annually take juvenile PS 
steelhead, HCS chum salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio and juvenile, sub-adult, 
and adult PS Chinook salmon. The NWFSC research may also cause them to 
take juvenile PS/GB canary rockfish, juvenile PS/GB yelloweye rockfish, 
and adult S eulachon--species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. The purpose of the NWFSC study is to characterize how 
wild, juvenile PS Chinook salmon and various forage fish species use 
nearshore habitats in the oceanographic basins of the Puget Sound, the 
Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the San Juan Islands (Washington). The 
project would benefit the listed species by helping managers develop 
protection and restoration strategies and monitor the effects of 
recovery actions by determining if nearshore populations are increasing 
or decreasing. It would also help mangers establish baseline abundance/
composition metrics and genetic structures for nearshore populations 
throughout Puget Sound. The NWFSC proposes to capture fish using beach 
seines, Nordic surface trawls, lampara nets, purse seines, and hook-
and-line angling. Captured fish would be transferred to live-wells, 
mesh pens, or aerated buckets. They would then be identified to 
species, counted, measured to length, weighed, checked for tags and fin 
clips, fin clipped for genetic analysis, and released. The NWFSC 
researchers would intentionally kill a subset of the captured PS 
Chinook salmon: For juveniles, they would kill hatchery and natural-
origin fish; for sub-adults, they would only kill listed hatchery fish 
that have had their adipose fins clipped. The purpose of this activity 
is to obtain coded-wire tags for hatchery release information, otoliths 
for saltwater entry information, scales for genetic analysis, tissue 
samples for chemistry analysis, and stomach contents for diet analysis. 
These analyses would help managers determine contaminant exposure 
levels in the listed fish and determine how that exposure relates to 
nearby land use. The work would also provide information on population 
distribution and timing. Any fish that are accidentally killed as an 
unintended result of the overall work would be used to replace any 
proposed intentional sacrifice.

Permit 17062-5M

    The NWFSC is seeking to modify a five-year research permit to 
annually take juvenile and adult PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, HCS 
chum salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio. The NWFSC research may also cause them 
to take adult S eulachon and juvenile and adult PS/GB canary rockfish 
and PS/GB yelloweye rockfish--species for which there are currently no 
ESA take prohibitions. The modified permit would increase the amounts 
of take they are allotted and allow additional methods and procedures. 
Sampling would take place throughout the Puget Sound, the Strait of 
Juan de Fuca, and Hood Canal, Washington. The purposes of the study are 
to (1) determine how much genetic variation exists between coastal and 
PS/GB DPS populations of bocaccio, canary rockfish, and yelloweye 
rockfish; (2) monitor long-term survival, movement patterns, and 
recovery from barotrauma from a subset of ESA-listed rockfish; (3) 
study how the low dissolved oxygen concentrations within the Hood Canal 
region of Puget Sound may cause listed rockfish species to alter their 
patterns of movement and activity; and (4) investigate whether eelgrass 
bed characteristics (patch size and level of nearby urbanization) 
affect the relative quality of these habitats as nursery habitat for 
rockfishes in the Puget Sound. The research would benefit rockfish by 
addressing various concerns related to the management status and 
eventual recovery of these species by collecting the necessary 
biological, genetic, habitat, and movement behavior information. The 
NWFSC proposes to capture fish by (1) using hook and line equipment at 
depths of 50-100 meters; (2) using a hand net while SCUBA diving at 
depths up to 40 meters; and (3) using minnow traps and Standard 
Monitoring Units for the recruitment of Reef Fishes (SMURFs) in or near 
eelgrass beds. For the hook and line fishing, captured rockfish would 
be slowly reeled to the surface and returned to the water via rapid 
submersion techniques to reduce barotrauma. For the hand netting, 
juvenile rockfish would be processed either at the capture site or 
brought to the surface before being released by rapid submersion. All 
captured ESA-listed rockfish would be measured, sexed, have a tissue 
sample taken, floy tagged, and released. A subset of these bocaccio and 
yelloweye rockfish would have an external acoustic transmitter attached 
to track movement, activity, and survivorship. If an individual of 
these species is captured dead or deemed nonviable, it would be 
retained for genetic analysis. All other fish would be immediately 
released at the capture site. For the minnow traps and SMURFs, they 
would be brought to the surface; emptied into a tub of water; and the 
fish would be identified by species, enumerated, and released. The 
researchers do not propose to kill any of the listed fish being 
captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the 
activities.

Permit 17851-2M

    The Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI) is seeking to modify a five-
year research permit to annually take juvenile PS Chinook salmon, PS 
steelhead, and HCS chum salmon. The CWI research may also cause them to 
take adult S eulachon--a species for which there are currently no ESA 
take prohibitions. The modified permit would increase the amounts of 
take they are currently allotted. Sampling would take place in the 
Elwha River estuary, Washington. The purpose of the research is to 
examine ecological function in the Elwha River nearshore environment 
with respect to determining how that environment supports fish species. 
The researchers would look at the population structures, migration 
timing, and life history strategies among local salmonids (Chinook, 
chum, sea-run cutthroat, steelhead, and bull trout) and measure 
ecological indices as well. The research would benefit listed species 
by generating information on the species' habitat needs and response to 
the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams. The CWI proposes to 
capture fish using a beach seine. Captured fish would be identified by 
their lowest taxonomic level. Twenty individuals from each species 
would be measured and released. Salmonids would be scanned for fin 
clips and tags. The researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish 
being captured, but some may die as an inadvertent result of the 
research.

Permit 20047

    The University of Washington (UW) is seeking a three-year research 
permit to annually take juvenile PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, HCS 
chum salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio. The UW research may also cause them to 
take adult S eulachon and juvenile PS/GB canary rockfish and PS/GB 
yelloweye rockfish--species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. Sampling would take place throughout the Puget Sound, 
Hood Canal, and Willapa Bay, Washington. The purpose

[[Page 31914]]

of the study is to directly compare fish communities in seagrass-
vegetated habitats and unvegetated tideflats at five intertidal sites 
where native eelgrass is found naturally interspersed with bare areas. 
The research would benefit listed species by evaluating their response 
to eelgrass habitats on Washington state tideflats and thereby help 
inform planning decisions regarding preserving, restoring, and 
monitoring selected aquatic sites. The UW proposes to capture fish 
using a beach seine. Captured fish would be identified to species, 
counted, measured to length (first 10 individuals of each species), and 
released. The researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being 
captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the 
activities.

Permit 20104

    The Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) is seeking a three-year 
research permit to annually take juvenile CC and PS Chinook salmon, NC 
and PS steelhead, SONCC coho salmon, HCS chum salmon, and S green 
sturgeon. The PSI research may also cause them to take adult S 
eulachon--a species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. Sampling would take place in Samish Bay (Puget Sound, 
Washington), Willapa Bay (Washington), and Humboldt Bay (California). 
The purposes of the study are to (1) measure and quantify the effect of 
shellfish culture on seagrass and its function as habitat for fish and 
invertebrates; (2) determine the distribution of, and spatial 
relationship between, existing shellfish culture and seagrass in 
several Pacific Northwest estuaries; and (3) synthesize data and 
parameterize production functions for higher trophic level species of 
interest (i.e., English sole, crab, salmon) across habitat types. The 
research would benefit listed species by (1) increasing knowledge at a 
landscape scale regarding the influence aquaculture may have on 
estuarine habitats and (2) improving development of environmentally and 
economically sustainable shellfish farming practices that minimize 
impacts on listed species. The PSI proposes to observe/harass fish 
using modified fyke net/camera deployments and capture fish using 
Breder traps. The modified fyke net/camera deployments will be left 
open-ended with four wings (hourglass shape) with two cameras to 
identify species; no fish will be handled. For the Breder traps, fish 
will be identified to species, counted, measured, and released. The 
researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being captured, but 
a small number may die as an unintended result of the activities.

Permit 20349

    The FRIENDS of the San Juans (FSJ) is seeking a five-year research 
permit to annually take juvenile PS Chinook salmon and PS steelhead in 
bays and intertidal zones around the San Juan Islands (Puget Sound, 
Washington). The FSJ research may also cause them to take adult S 
eulachon--a species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. The purpose of the FSJ study is to assess fish 
utilization of shallow water and beach habitats before and after 
restoration activities. The research would benefit listed species by 
providing data for evaluating restoration project success. The FSJ 
proposes to capture fish using a beach seine. Captured fish would be 
identified to species, counted, measured to length (first 20 
individuals of each species), and released. The researchers do not 
propose to kill any listed fish being captured, but a small number may 
die as an unintended result of the activities.

Permit 20451

    The UW is seeking a two-year research permit to annually take 
juvenile and adult OL sockeye salmon in Lake Ozette (northwest 
Washington). The purpose of the UW study is to investigate the 
interactions of native predators (i.e., northern pikeminnow, sculpin) 
and non-native predators (i.e. largemouth bass, yellow perch) with 
Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi), a state sensitive species. The 
research would benefit the listed species because OL sockeye are 
similarly threatened by the same predators. The UW proposes to capture 
fish using minnow traps, hoop nets, gill nets, trammel nets, and hook 
and line. For OL sockeye salmon, captured fish would be handled and 
released. After the listed fish are released, the remaining fish would 
be anesthetized, fin clipped, gastric lavaged (or for northern 
pikeminnow, sacrificed), and released. The researchers do not propose 
to kill any listed fish being captured, but a small number may die as 
an unintended result of the activities.
    This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS 
will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments 
submitted to determine whether the applications meet the requirements 
of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit 
decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment 
period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal 
Register.

    Dated: May 17, 2016.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11999 Filed 5-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                                  31912                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 98 / Friday, May 20, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.                    27. Omega Walnut, Inc., Orland, CA                    be received at the appropriate address or
                                                  552). However, nonconfidential versions                 28. Pearl Crop, Inc., Stockton, CA                    fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later
                                                  of the comments will be made available                  29. Poindexter Nut Company, Selma,                    than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on
                                                  to the applicant if necessary for                            CA                                               June 20, 2016.
                                                  determining whether or not to issue the                 30. Prima Noce Packing, Linden, CA                    ADDRESSES: Written comments on the
                                                  amended Certificate. Comments should                    31. RPC Packing Inc., Porterville, CA                 applications should be sent to the
                                                  refer to this application as ‘‘Export                   32. Sacramento Packing, Inc., Yuba City,              Protected Resources Division, NMFS,
                                                  Trade Certificate of Review, application                     CA                                               1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100,
                                                  number 14–3A004.’’                                      33. Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers,                 Portland, OR 97232–1274. Comments
                                                                                                               Inc., Yuba City, CA                              may also be sent via fax to 503–230–
                                                  Summary of the Application
                                                                                                          34. San Joaquin Figs, Inc., Fresno, CA                5441 or by email to nmfs.nwr.apps@
                                                    Applicant: DFA of California.                         35. Shoei Foods USA, Inc., Olivehurst,                noaa.gov (include the permit number in
                                                    Contact: c/o Gilbert Associates, Inc.,                     CA                                               the subject line of the fax or email).
                                                  2880 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 100,                     36. Stapleton-Spence Packing, Gridley,                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob
                                                  Sacramento, California 95833.                                CA
                                                    Application No.: 14–3A004.                                                                                  Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503–231–
                                                                                                          37. Sun-Maid Growers of California,                   2314), Fax: 503–230–5441, email:
                                                    Date Deemed Submitted: May 9, 2016.                        Kingsburg, CA                                    Robert.Clapp@noaa.gov). Permit
                                                  Proposed Amendment                                      38. Sunsweet Growers Inc., Yuba City,                 application instructions are available
                                                                                                               CA                                               from the address above, or online at
                                                     1. Change the name of existing                       39. Taylor Brothers Farms, Inc., Yuba
                                                  Member Diamond Foods, Inc. to                                                                                 https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov.
                                                                                                               City, CA
                                                  Diamond Foods, LLC.                                                                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                          40. T.M. Duche Nut Company, Inc.,
                                                     DFA’s proposed amendment of its                           Orland, CA                                       Species Covered in This Notice
                                                  Export Trade Certificate of Review                      41. Wilbur Packing Company, Inc., Live
                                                  would result in the following entities as                                                                       The following listed species are
                                                                                                               Oak, CA                                          covered in this notice:
                                                  Members under the Certificate:                          42. Valley Fig Growers, Fresno, CA
                                                  1. Alpine Pacific Nut Company,                                                                                  Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
                                                                                                            Dated: May 17, 2016.                                tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound
                                                        Hughson, CA
                                                  2. Andersen & Sons Shelling, Vina, CA                   Joseph Flynn,                                         (PS); threatened California Coastal (CC).
                                                  3. Avanti Nut Company, Inc., Stockton,                  Director, Office of Trade and Economic                  Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS;
                                                        CA                                                Analysis, International Trade Administration.         threatened Northern California (NC).
                                                  4. Berberian Nut Company, LLC, Chico,                   [FR Doc. 2016–11991 Filed 5–19–16; 8:45 am]             Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened
                                                        CA                                                BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P                                Hood Canal Summer-run (HCS).
                                                  5. Carriere Family Farms, Inc., Glenn,                                                                          Coho salmon (O. kisutch): Threatened
                                                        CA                                                                                                      Southern Oregon/Northern California
                                                  6. California Almond Packers and                        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                Coast (SONCC).
                                                        Exporters (CAPEX), Corning, CA                                                                            Sockeye salmon (O. nerka):
                                                  7. California Walnut Company, Inc., Los                 National Oceanic and Atmospheric                      Threatened Ozette Lake (OL).
                                                        Molinos, CA                                       Administration                                          Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus):
                                                  8. Chico Nut Company, Chico, CA                         RIN 0648–XE628                                        Threatened Southern (S).
                                                  9. Continente Nut LLC, Oakley, CA                                                                               Green sturgeon (Acipenser
                                                  10. C. R. Crain & Sons, Inc., Los                       Endangered and Threatened Species;                    medirostris): Threatened S.
                                                        Molinos, CA                                       Take of Anadromous Fish, Rockfish,                      Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis):
                                                  11. Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc., Los                    and Eulachon                                          Endangered Puget Sound/Georgia Basin
                                                        Molinos, CA                                                                                             (PS/GB).
                                                  12. Crisp California Walnuts, Stratford,                AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries                      Canary rockfish (S. pinniger):
                                                        CA                                                Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                  Threatened PS/GB.
                                                  13. Diamond Foods, LLC, Stockton, CA                    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                      Yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus):
                                                  14. Empire Nut Company, Colusa, CA                      Commerce.                                             Threatened PS/GB.
                                                  15. Fig Garden Packing, Inc., Fresno, CA                ACTION: Notice; applications for four
                                                                                                                                                                Authority
                                                  16. Gold River Orchards, Inc., Escalon,                 new scientific research permits, two
                                                        CA                                                permit modifications, and one permit                     Scientific research permits are issued
                                                  17. Grower Direct Nut Company,                          renewal.                                              in accordance with section 10(a)(1)(A)
                                                        Hughson, CA                                                                                             of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and
                                                  18. GSF Nut Company, Orosi, CA                          SUMMARY:   Notice is hereby given that                regulations governing listed fish and
                                                  19. Guerra Nut Shelling Company,                        NMFS has received seven scientific                    wildlife permits (50 CFR parts 222–226).
                                                        Hollister, CA                                     research permit application requests                  NMFS issues permits based on findings
                                                  20. Hill View Packing Company Inc.,                     relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead,                that such permits: (1) Are applied for in
                                                        Gustine, CA                                       rockfish, sturgeon, and eulachon. The                 good faith; (2) if granted and exercised,
                                                  21. Mariani Nut Company, Winters, CA                    proposed research is intended to                      would not operate to the disadvantage
                                                  22. Mariani Packing Company, Inc.,                      increase knowledge of species listed                  of the listed species that are the subject
                                                        Vacaville, CA                                     under the Endangered Species Act                      of the permit; and (3) are consistent
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  23. Mid Valley Nut Company Inc.,                        (ESA) and to help guide management                    with the purposes and policy of section
                                                        Hughson, CA                                       and conservation efforts. The                         2 of the ESA. The authority to take
                                                  24. Morada Nut Company, LP, Stockton,                   applications may be viewed online at:                 listed species is subject to conditions set
                                                        CA                                                https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/                   forth in the permits.
                                                  25. National Raisin Company, Fowler,                    preview_open_for_comment.cfm.                            Anyone requesting a hearing on an
                                                        CA                                                DATES: Comments or requests for a                     application listed in this notice should
                                                  26. O–G Nut Company, Stockton, CA                       public hearing on the applications must               set out the specific reasons why a


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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 98 / Friday, May 20, 2016 / Notices                                           31913

                                                  hearing on that application would be                    result of the overall work would be used              and survivorship. If an individual of
                                                  appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such                       to replace any proposed intentional                   these species is captured dead or
                                                  hearings are held at the discretion of the              sacrifice.                                            deemed nonviable, it would be retained
                                                  Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,                                                                        for genetic analysis. All other fish
                                                                                                          Permit 17062–5M
                                                  NMFS.                                                                                                         would be immediately released at the
                                                                                                             The NWFSC is seeking to modify a                   capture site. For the minnow traps and
                                                  Applications Received                                   five-year research permit to annually                 SMURFs, they would be brought to the
                                                  Permit 1586–4R                                          take juvenile and adult PS Chinook                    surface; emptied into a tub of water; and
                                                                                                          salmon, PS steelhead, HCS chum                        the fish would be identified by species,
                                                     The NMFS Northwest Fisheries
                                                                                                          salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio. The                       enumerated, and released. The
                                                  Science Center (NWFSC) is seeking to
                                                                                                          NWFSC research may also cause them                    researchers do not propose to kill any of
                                                  renew a five-year research permit to
                                                                                                          to take adult S eulachon and juvenile                 the listed fish being captured, but a
                                                  annually take juvenile PS steelhead,
                                                                                                          and adult PS/GB canary rockfish and                   small number may die as an unintended
                                                  HCS chum salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio
                                                                                                          PS/GB yelloweye rockfish—species for                  result of the activities.
                                                  and juvenile, sub-adult, and adult PS
                                                                                                          which there are currently no ESA take
                                                  Chinook salmon. The NWFSC research                                                                            Permit 17851–2M
                                                                                                          prohibitions. The modified permit
                                                  may also cause them to take juvenile
                                                                                                          would increase the amounts of take they                  The Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI)
                                                  PS/GB canary rockfish, juvenile PS/GB
                                                                                                          are allotted and allow additional                     is seeking to modify a five-year research
                                                  yelloweye rockfish, and adult S                         methods and procedures. Sampling                      permit to annually take juvenile PS
                                                  eulachon—species for which there are                    would take place throughout the Puget                 Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, and HCS
                                                  currently no ESA take prohibitions. The                 Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and                chum salmon. The CWI research may
                                                  purpose of the NWFSC study is to                        Hood Canal, Washington. The purposes                  also cause them to take adult S
                                                  characterize how wild, juvenile PS                      of the study are to (1) determine how                 eulachon—a species for which there are
                                                  Chinook salmon and various forage fish                  much genetic variation exists between                 currently no ESA take prohibitions. The
                                                  species use nearshore habitats in the                   coastal and PS/GB DPS populations of                  modified permit would increase the
                                                  oceanographic basins of the Puget                       bocaccio, canary rockfish, and                        amounts of take they are currently
                                                  Sound, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and                 yelloweye rockfish; (2) monitor long-                 allotted. Sampling would take place in
                                                  the San Juan Islands (Washington). The                  term survival, movement patterns, and                 the Elwha River estuary, Washington.
                                                  project would benefit the listed species                recovery from barotrauma from a subset                The purpose of the research is to
                                                  by helping managers develop protection                  of ESA-listed rockfish; (3) study how the             examine ecological function in the
                                                  and restoration strategies and monitor                  low dissolved oxygen concentrations                   Elwha River nearshore environment
                                                  the effects of recovery actions by                      within the Hood Canal region of Puget                 with respect to determining how that
                                                  determining if nearshore populations                    Sound may cause listed rockfish species               environment supports fish species. The
                                                  are increasing or decreasing. It would                  to alter their patterns of movement and               researchers would look at the
                                                  also help mangers establish baseline                    activity; and (4) investigate whether                 population structures, migration timing,
                                                  abundance/composition metrics and                       eelgrass bed characteristics (patch size              and life history strategies among local
                                                  genetic structures for nearshore                        and level of nearby urbanization) affect              salmonids (Chinook, chum, sea-run
                                                  populations throughout Puget Sound.                     the relative quality of these habitats as             cutthroat, steelhead, and bull trout) and
                                                  The NWFSC proposes to capture fish                      nursery habitat for rockfishes in the                 measure ecological indices as well. The
                                                  using beach seines, Nordic surface                      Puget Sound. The research would                       research would benefit listed species by
                                                  trawls, lampara nets, purse seines, and                 benefit rockfish by addressing various                generating information on the species’
                                                  hook-and-line angling. Captured fish                    concerns related to the management                    habitat needs and response to the
                                                  would be transferred to live-wells, mesh                status and eventual recovery of these                 removal of the Elwha and Glines
                                                  pens, or aerated buckets. They would                    species by collecting the necessary                   Canyon dams. The CWI proposes to
                                                  then be identified to species, counted,                 biological, genetic, habitat, and                     capture fish using a beach seine.
                                                  measured to length, weighed, checked                    movement behavior information. The                    Captured fish would be identified by
                                                  for tags and fin clips, fin clipped for                 NWFSC proposes to capture fish by (1)                 their lowest taxonomic level. Twenty
                                                  genetic analysis, and released. The                     using hook and line equipment at                      individuals from each species would be
                                                  NWFSC researchers would intentionally                   depths of 50–100 meters; (2) using a                  measured and released. Salmonids
                                                  kill a subset of the captured PS Chinook                hand net while SCUBA diving at depths                 would be scanned for fin clips and tags.
                                                  salmon: For juveniles, they would kill                  up to 40 meters; and (3) using minnow                 The researchers do not propose to kill
                                                  hatchery and natural-origin fish; for sub-              traps and Standard Monitoring Units for               any listed fish being captured, but some
                                                  adults, they would only kill listed                     the recruitment of Reef Fishes                        may die as an inadvertent result of the
                                                  hatchery fish that have had their                       (SMURFs) in or near eelgrass beds. For                research.
                                                  adipose fins clipped. The purpose of                    the hook and line fishing, captured
                                                  this activity is to obtain coded-wire tags              rockfish would be slowly reeled to the                Permit 20047
                                                  for hatchery release information,                       surface and returned to the water via                   The University of Washington (UW) is
                                                  otoliths for saltwater entry information,               rapid submersion techniques to reduce                 seeking a three-year research permit to
                                                  scales for genetic analysis, tissue                     barotrauma. For the hand netting,                     annually take juvenile PS Chinook
                                                  samples for chemistry analysis, and                     juvenile rockfish would be processed                  salmon, PS steelhead, HCS chum
                                                  stomach contents for diet analysis.                     either at the capture site or brought to              salmon, and PS/GB bocaccio. The UW
                                                  These analyses would help managers                      the surface before being released by                  research may also cause them to take
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                                                  determine contaminant exposure levels                   rapid submersion. All captured ESA-                   adult S eulachon and juvenile PS/GB
                                                  in the listed fish and determine how                    listed rockfish would be measured,                    canary rockfish and PS/GB yelloweye
                                                  that exposure relates to nearby land use.               sexed, have a tissue sample taken, floy               rockfish—species for which there are
                                                  The work would also provide                             tagged, and released. A subset of these               currently no ESA take prohibitions.
                                                  information on population distribution                  bocaccio and yelloweye rockfish would                 Sampling would take place throughout
                                                  and timing. Any fish that are                           have an external acoustic transmitter                 the Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and
                                                  accidentally killed as an unintended                    attached to track movement, activity,                 Willapa Bay, Washington. The purpose


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                                                  31914                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 98 / Friday, May 20, 2016 / Notices

                                                  of the study is to directly compare fish                number may die as an unintended result                   Dated: May 17, 2016.
                                                  communities in seagrass-vegetated                       of the activities.                                    Angela Somma,
                                                  habitats and unvegetated tideflats at five                                                                    Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office
                                                                                                          Permit 20349
                                                  intertidal sites where native eelgrass is                                                                     of Protected Resources, National Marine
                                                  found naturally interspersed with bare                     The FRIENDS of the San Juans (FSJ)                 Fisheries Service.
                                                  areas. The research would benefit listed                is seeking a five-year research permit to             [FR Doc. 2016–11999 Filed 5–19–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  species by evaluating their response to                 annually take juvenile PS Chinook                     BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
                                                  eelgrass habitats on Washington state                   salmon and PS steelhead in bays and
                                                  tideflats and thereby help inform                       intertidal zones around the San Juan
                                                  planning decisions regarding                            Islands (Puget Sound, Washington). The                DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                  preserving, restoring, and monitoring                   FSJ research may also cause them to
                                                  selected aquatic sites. The UW proposes                 take adult S eulachon—a species for                   National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                  to capture fish using a beach seine.                    which there are currently no ESA take                 Administration
                                                  Captured fish would be identified to                    prohibitions. The purpose of the FSJ
                                                                                                                                                                RIN 0648–XE630
                                                  species, counted, measured to length                    study is to assess fish utilization of
                                                  (first 10 individuals of each species),                 shallow water and beach habitats before               New England Fishery Management
                                                  and released. The researchers do not                    and after restoration activities. The                 Council; Public Meeting
                                                  propose to kill any listed fish being                   research would benefit listed species by
                                                  captured, but a small number may die                    providing data for evaluating restoration             AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                  as an unintended result of the activities.              project success. The FSJ proposes to                  Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                                                                                          capture fish using a beach seine.                     Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
                                                  Permit 20104                                            Captured fish would be identified to                  Commerce.
                                                                                                          species, counted, measured to length                  ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.
                                                     The Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) is             (first 20 individuals of each species),
                                                  seeking a three-year research permit to                 and released. The researchers do not                  SUMMARY:   The New England Fishery
                                                  annually take juvenile CC and PS                        propose to kill any listed fish being                 Management Council (Council) is
                                                  Chinook salmon, NC and PS steelhead,                    captured, but a small number may die                  scheduling a public meeting of its
                                                  SONCC coho salmon, HCS chum                             as an unintended result of the activities.            Scallop Committee Meeting on
                                                  salmon, and S green sturgeon. The PSI                                                                         Wednesday, June 8, 2016, to consider
                                                  research may also cause them to take                    Permit 20451
                                                                                                                                                                actions affecting New England fisheries
                                                  adult S eulachon—a species for which                       The UW is seeking a two-year                       in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
                                                  there are currently no ESA take                         research permit to annually take                      Recommendations from this group will
                                                  prohibitions. Sampling would take                       juvenile and adult OL sockeye salmon                  be brought to the full Council for formal
                                                  place in Samish Bay (Puget Sound,                       in Lake Ozette (northwest Washington).                consideration and action, if appropriate.
                                                  Washington), Willapa Bay                                The purpose of the UW study is to                     DATES: This meeting will be held on
                                                  (Washington), and Humboldt Bay                          investigate the interactions of native                Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.,
                                                  (California). The purposes of the study                 predators (i.e., northern pikeminnow,                 to view the agenda, see SUPPLEMENTARY
                                                  are to (1) measure and quantify the                     sculpin) and non-native predators (i.e.               INFORMATION.
                                                  effect of shellfish culture on seagrass                 largemouth bass, yellow perch) with
                                                  and its function as habitat for fish and                                                                      ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
                                                                                                          Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra
                                                  invertebrates; (2) determine the                        hubbsi), a state sensitive species. The               the Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan
                                                  distribution of, and spatial relationship               research would benefit the listed species             Airport, 100 Boardman Street, Boston,
                                                  between, existing shellfish culture and                 because OL sockeye are similarly                      MA 02128; telephone: (617) 571–5478;
                                                  seagrass in several Pacific Northwest                   threatened by the same predators. The                 fax: (617) 561–0798.
                                                  estuaries; and (3) synthesize data and                  UW proposes to capture fish using                       Council address: New England
                                                  parameterize production functions for                   minnow traps, hoop nets, gill nets,                   Fishery Management Council, 50 Water
                                                  higher trophic level species of interest                trammel nets, and hook and line. For OL               Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950.
                                                  (i.e., English sole, crab, salmon) across               sockeye salmon, captured fish would be                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  habitat types. The research would                       handled and released. After the listed                Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director,
                                                  benefit listed species by (1) increasing                fish are released, the remaining fish                 New England Fishery Management
                                                  knowledge at a landscape scale                          would be anesthetized, fin clipped,                   Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492.
                                                  regarding the influence aquaculture may                 gastric lavaged (or for northern                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  have on estuarine habitats and (2)                      pikeminnow, sacrificed), and released.
                                                  improving development of                                                                                      Agenda
                                                                                                          The researchers do not propose to kill
                                                  environmentally and economically                        any listed fish being captured, but a                    The Committee will review the
                                                  sustainable shellfish farming practices                 small number may die as an unintended                 general workload for 2016 based on
                                                  that minimize impacts on listed species.                result of the activities.                             Council priorities and a draft action
                                                  The PSI proposes to observe/harass fish                    This notice is provided pursuant to                plan for Scallop Framework 28 (FW28)
                                                  using modified fyke net/camera                          section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS will                   and potentially identify
                                                  deployments and capture fish using                      evaluate the applications, associated                 recommendations for prioritizing work
                                                  Breder traps. The modified fyke net/                    documents, and comments submitted to                  items in upcoming actions. The
                                                  camera deployments will be left open-                   determine whether the applications                    Committee will also review progress on
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                                                  ended with four wings (hourglass shape)                 meet the requirements of section 10(a)                potential management measures that
                                                  with two cameras to identify species; no                of the ESA and Federal regulations. The               may be included in FW28, including: (1)
                                                  fish will be handled. For the Breder                    final permit decisions will not be made               Measures to restrict the possession of
                                                  traps, fish will be identified to species,              until after the end of the 30-day                     shell stock inshore of 42°20′ N.; (2)
                                                  counted, measured, and released. The                    comment period. NMFS will publish                     Modifications to the process for setting
                                                  researchers do not propose to kill any                  notice of its final action in the Federal             scallop fishery annual catch limits (ACL
                                                  listed fish being captured, but a small                 Register.                                             flowchart); (3) Measures to modify


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Document Created: 2016-05-20 01:59:30
Document Modified: 2016-05-20 01:59:30
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice; applications for four new scientific research permits, two permit modifications, and one permit renewal.
DatesComments or requests for a public hearing on the applications
ContactRob Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503-231- 2314), Fax: 503-230-5441, email: [email protected]). Permit
FR Citation81 FR 31912 
RIN Number0648-XE62

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