81 FR 37578 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 112 (June 10, 2016)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 112 (June 10, 2016)
| Page Range | 37578-37579 | |
| FR Document | 2016-13728 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 37578-37579] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-13728] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XE619 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS [[Page 37579]] (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This permit would allow one commercial fishing vessel to test the economic viability of using electric rod and reel gear to target pollock in the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area, and to temporarily retain undersized catch for measurement and data collection. The privately- funded study would be conducted by a commercial fisherman as a pilot demonstration project. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed exempted fishing permits. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 27, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods:Email: [email protected]. Include in the subject line ``Comments on Rod and Reel Fishing in WGOM Closed Area EFP.'' Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ``Comments Rod and Reel Fishing in WGOM Closed Area EFP.'' FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Scheimer, Fisheries Management Specialist, 978-281-9236, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A commercial fisherman submitted a complete application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) on May 4, 2016, to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. The EFP would authorize one vessel to use electric rod and reel gear in the Western Gulf of Maine (GOM) Closure Area and to temporarily retain undersized catch for measurement and data collection. The project, titled ``Utilization of Electric Rod and Reel to Target Pollock in WGOM Closed Area,'' is privately funded by a commercial fisherman as a pilot study to test the economic viability of using electric rod and reel gear to target pollock while avoiding non- target catch. The study would take place in the Western GOM Closure Area, from June through August 2016, with one vessel planning to fish up to 5 days per month. The exemptions are necessary because groundfish vessels on commercial groundfish trips are prohibited from fishing in the Western GOM Closure Area and from retaining undersized groundfish. The vessel would use four electric rod and reels each day and fish for at least 4 to 6 hours, with an additional 5 to 6 hours of steaming, for a total trip of approximately 12 hours. Fishing would primarily occur within the Western GOM Closure Area, in the area known as ``The Fingers,'' with some effort being conducted outside the area. The researcher is requesting access to the Western GOM Closure Area based on his belief that pollock is concentrated in this area, and that they can be targeted with minimal catch of non-target species. A research technician would accompany all trips that occur under this EFP to measure and document fish caught (retained and discarded), document fishing gear, bait, location, and fishing conditions to evaluate gear performance. Undersized fish would be discarded as quickly as possible after sampling. All Northeast multispecies of legal size would be landed, with all catch being attributed to the sector vessel's annual catch entitlement. Proceeds from the sales would be retained by the vessel. The participating vessel would not be exempt from any sector monitoring or reporting requirements. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 6, 2016. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-13728 Filed 6-9-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![37578 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 112 / Friday, June 10, 2016 / Notices
II. NOAA Proposed Action DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (Balaena mysticetus) and spotted seal
(Phoca largha). Samples would be
NOAA is releasing for public National Oceanic and Atmospheric measured for contaminant levels to
comment a DEIS that analyzes a Administration determine marine mammal exposure to
proposed action to expand the FGBNMS polybrominated diphenyl ethers and
RIN 0648–XE404 and 0648–XE486
boundary to include additional bank perfluorinated compounds. No live
and reef areas in the northcentral Gulf Marine Mammals; File Nos. 18978 and animals would be affected. The permit
of Mexico and to apply the existing 19768 is valid through April 30, 2021.
sanctuary regulations and management File No. 19768 (Hildebrandt)
regime to the expanded area. NOAA AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries authorizes the receipt of cell lines from
developed five alternatives for Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and other researchers and the creation of cell
expanding the FGBNMS boundary. The Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lines from animal tissues obtained from
alternatives range from taking no action Commerce. the stranding network under a regional
to adding as much as an additional ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits. authorization letter for scientific
approximate 880 square miles. research purposes. Up to 15 cell lines
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that would be received or created annually
NOAA’s preferred alternative permits have been issued to the from certain cetacean species. These cell
(Alternative 3) is the expansion of the following entities for research on marine lines would be used to study the
existing boundaries from ∼56 square mammal parts: evolution of endogenous viruses
miles to an area that encompasses ∼383 File No. 18978: Pam Miller, Alaska (viruses that integrate into the genome
square miles of waters in the Community Action on Toxics, 505 West of the host) using the DNA and RNA
northwestern Gulf of Mexico. This Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 205, sequencing. No live animals would be
alternative would add 15 additional Anchorage, AK 99503; and affected. The permit is valid through
banks ranging from 70 to 120 miles off- File No. 19768: Evin Hildebrandt, May 31, 2021.
shore that are comprised of reefs and Ph.D., University of Massachusetts In compliance with the National
bottom features that provide habitat for Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue, S3– Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
fish and other biological resources that 221, Worcester, MA 01655. U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final
serve as engines of sustainability for ADDRESSES: The permits and related determination has been made that the
much of the Gulf of Mexico. documents are available for review activities proposed are categorically
upon written request or by appointment excluded from the requirement to
The proposed sanctuary expansion prepare an environmental assessment or
in the Permits and Conservation
advances NOAA’s mission to conserve Division, Office of Protected Resources, environmental impact statement.
and manage coastal and marine NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room As required by the ESA, issuance of
ecosystems and resources and furthers 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone these permits was based on a finding
the FGBNMS mission to identify, (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. that such permits: (1) Were applied for
protect, conserve, and enhance the in good faith; (2) will not operate to the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
natural and cultural resources, values, Jennifer Skidmore or Amy Sloan, (301) disadvantage of such endangered
and qualities of FGBNMS and its 427–8401. species; and (3) are consistent with the
regional environment for this and future purposes and policies set forth in
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March
generations. The need for the proposed section 2 of the ESA.
8, 2016 (File No. 18978; 81 FR 12075)
sanctuary expansion is informed by Dated: June 6, 2016.
and March 11, 2016 (File No. 19768; 81
widespread acute and chronic threats to FR 12879), notices were published in Julia Harrison,
marine habitat in the north central Gulf the Federal Register that requests for Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
of Mexico that can most effectively be permits to conduct research on marine Office of Protected Resources, National
addressed through NOAA’s evaluation mammal parts had been submitted by Marine Fisheries Service.
and implementation of the the above-named applicants. The [FR Doc. 2016–13714 Filed 6–9–16; 8:45 am]
comprehensive suite of habitat requested permits have been issued BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
conservation and management actions under the authority of the Marine
made possible by FGBNMS expansion Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as
to ensure that valuable natural resources amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
are available to future generations of regulations governing the taking and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Americans. importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
Administration
NOAA is seeking public comment on part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
the DEIS which is available at http:// 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 RIN 0648–XE619
flowergarden.noaa.gov/ or may be et seq.), and the regulations governing
the taking, importing, and exporting of Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions;
obtained by contacting the individual General Provisions for Domestic
endangered and threatened species (50
listed under the heading FOR FURTHER Fisheries; Application for Exempted
CFR parts 222–226).
INFORMATION CONTACT. Fishing Permits
File No. 18978 (Miller) authorizes the
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. receipt and export of subsistence hunted
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Dated: June 1, 2016. marine mammal parts. Researchers will Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
John Armor,
work with Yupik households and local Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
hunters on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Commerce.
Acting Director, Office of National Marine to obtain samples from up to 8 animals
Sanctuaries. ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
per year from ringed seal (Pusa hispida);
[FR Doc. 2016–13661 Filed 6–9–16; 8:45 am]
bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus); and SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional
BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata) and Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
9 animals per year from bowhead whale Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 112 / Friday, June 10, 2016 / Notices 37579
(Assistant Regional Administrator), has fishing in the Western GOM Closure ACTION: Notice of Interim Patent Term
made a preliminary determination that Area and from retaining undersized Extension.
an exempted fishing permit application groundfish. The vessel would use four
contains all of the required information electric rod and reels each day and fish SUMMARY: The United States Patent and
and warrants further consideration. This for at least 4 to 6 hours, with an Trademark Office has issued an order
permit would allow one commercial additional 5 to 6 hours of steaming, for granting interim extension under 35
fishing vessel to test the economic a total trip of approximately 12 hours. U.S.C. 156(d)(5) for a one-year interim
viability of using electric rod and reel Fishing would primarily occur within extension of the term of U.S. Patent No.
gear to target pollock in the Western the Western GOM Closure Area, in the 5,912,231.
Gulf of Maine Closure Area, and to area known as ‘‘The Fingers,’’ with
temporarily retain undersized catch for some effort being conducted outside the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
measurement and data collection. The area. The researcher is requesting access Mary C. Till by telephone at (571) 272–
privately-funded study would be to the Western GOM Closure Area based 7755; by mail marked to her attention
conducted by a commercial fisherman on his belief that pollock is and addressed to the Commissioner for
as a pilot demonstration project. concentrated in this area, and that they Patents, Mail Stop Hatch-Waxman PTE,
Regulations under the Magnuson- can be targeted with minimal catch of P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–
Stevens Fishery Conservation and non-target species. 1450; by fax marked to her attention at
Management Act require publication of A research technician would (571) 273–7755; or by email to
this notification to provide interested accompany all trips that occur under Mary.Till@uspto.gov.
parties the opportunity to comment on this EFP to measure and document fish
applications for proposed exempted caught (retained and discarded), SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
fishing permits. document fishing gear, bait, location, 156 of Title 35, United States Code,
DATES: Comments must be received on and fishing conditions to evaluate gear generally provides that the term of a
or before June 27, 2016. performance. Undersized fish would be patent may be extended for a period of
ADDRESSES: You may submit written discarded as quickly as possible after up to five years if the patent claims a
comments by any of the following sampling. All Northeast multispecies of product, or a method of making or using
methods: legal size would be landed, with all a product, that has been subject to
• Email: NMFS.GAR.EFP@noaa.gov. catch being attributed to the sector certain defined regulatory review, and
Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments vessel’s annual catch entitlement. that the patent may be extended for
on Rod and Reel Fishing in WGOM Proceeds from the sales would be interim periods of up to one year if the
Closed Area EFP.’’ retained by the vessel. The participating regulatory review is anticipated to
• Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional vessel would not be exempt from any extend beyond the expiration date of the
Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic sector monitoring or reporting patent.
Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great requirements.
If approved, the applicant may On May 26, 2016, Scripps Research
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Mark the outside of the envelope request minor modifications and Institute, the patent owner of record,
‘‘Comments Rod and Reel Fishing in extensions to the EFP throughout the timely filed an application under 35
WGOM Closed Area EFP.’’ year. EFP modifications and extensions U.S.C. 156(d)(5) for an interim extension
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: may be granted without further notice if of the term of U.S. Patent No. 5,912,231.
Elizabeth Scheimer, Fisheries they are deemed essential to facilitate The patent claims a composition of the
Management Specialist, 978–281–9236, completion of the proposed research active ingredient pexiganan of the
Elizabeth.scheimer@noaa.gov. and have minimal impacts that do not human drug product LOCILEX®. The
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A
change the scope or impact of the application for patent term extension
commercial fisherman submitted a initially approved EFP request. Any indicates that New Drug Application
complete application for an exempted fishing activity conducted outside the (NDA) 29–930 was submitted to the
fishing permit (EFP) on May 4, 2016, to scope of the exempted fishing activity Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on
conduct commercial fishing activities would be prohibited. July 24, 1998.
that the regulations would otherwise Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Review of the patent term extension
restrict. The EFP would authorize one Dated: June 6, 2016. application indicates that, except for
vessel to use electric rod and reel gear Alan D. Risenhoover, permission to market or use the product
in the Western Gulf of Maine (GOM) Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, commercially, the subject patent would
Closure Area and to temporarily retain National Marine Fisheries Service. be eligible for an extension of the patent
undersized catch for measurement and [FR Doc. 2016–13728 Filed 6–9–16; 8:45 am] term under 35 U.S.C. 156, and that the
data collection. patent should be extended for one year
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
The project, titled ‘‘Utilization of as required by 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(5)(B).
Electric Rod and Reel to Target Pollock
Because the regulatory review period
in WGOM Closed Area,’’ is privately DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE will continue beyond the original
funded by a commercial fisherman as a
expiration date of the patent, June 15,
pilot study to test the economic viability United States Patent and Trademark
of using electric rod and reel gear to 2016, interim extension of the patent
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Office term under 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(5) is
target pollock while avoiding non-target
catch. The study would take place in the [Docket No.: PTO–P–2016–00014] appropriate.
Western GOM Closure Area, from June An interim extension under 35 U.S.C.
Grant of Interim Extension of the Term
through August 2016, with one vessel 156(d)(5) of the term of U.S. Patent No.
of U.S. Patent No. 5,912,231; LOCILEX®
planning to fish up to 5 days per month. 5,912,231 is granted for a period of one
(pexiganan)
The exemptions are necessary because year from the original expiration date of
groundfish vessels on commercial AGENCY:United States Patent and the patent.
groundfish trips are prohibited from Trademark Office, Commerce.
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Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:35:52
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:35:52
| 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; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before June 27, 2016. | |
| Contact | Elizabeth Scheimer, Fisheries Management Specialist, 978-281-9236, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 37578 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE61 |
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