81_FR_88185 81 FR 87951 - Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report for the Southern Sea Otter in California

81 FR 87951 - Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report for the Southern Sea Otter in California

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 234 (December 6, 2016)

Page Range87951-87954
FR Document2016-29190

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have developed a draft revised marine mammal stock assessment report (SAR) for the southern sea otter stock in the State of California. We now make the draft SAR available for public review and comment.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 234 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 87951-87954]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29190]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2016-N127; FF08EVEN00-FXFR1337088SSO0]


Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report for the 
Southern Sea Otter in California

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 
as amended, and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (Service), have developed a draft revised marine 
mammal stock assessment report (SAR) for the southern sea otter stock 
in the State of California. We now make the draft SAR available for 
public review and comment.

DATES: We will consider comments that are received or postmarked on or 
before March 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the draft revised SAR for southern sea 
otter, you may obtain a copy from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/ventura. Alternatively, you may contact the Ventura Fish and Wildlife 
Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003 (telephone: 805-
644-1766). If you wish to comment on the SAR, you may submit your 
comments in writing by any one of the following methods:
     U.S. mail: Field Supervisor, at the above address;
     Hand delivery: Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at the 
above address;
     Fax: 805-644-3958; or
     Email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lilian Carswell, at the above street 
address, by telephone (805-612-2793), or by email 
([email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We announce the availability for review and 
comment of a draft revised marine mammal stock assessment report (SAR) 
for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) stock in the State 
of California.

Background

    Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 
16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and its implementing regulations in the Code 
of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR part 18, we regulate the taking; 
import; and, under certain conditions, possession; transportation; 
purchasing; selling; and offering for sale, purchase, or export, of 
marine mammals. One of the MMPA's goals is to ensure that stocks of 
marine mammals occurring in waters under U.S. jurisdiction do not 
experience a level of human-caused mortality and serious injury that is 
likely to cause the stock to be reduced below its optimum sustainable 
population level (OSP). OSP is defined under the MMPA as ``the number 
of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the 
population or the species, keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the 
habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a 
constituent element'' (16 U.S.C. 1362(9)).
    To help accomplish the goal of maintaining marine mammal stocks at 
their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA requires the Service and the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to prepare a SAR for each 
marine mammal stock that occurs in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. A 
SAR must be based on the best scientific information available; 
therefore, we prepare it in consultation with established regional 
scientific review groups. Each SAR must include:
    1. A description of the stock and its geographic range;
    2. A minimum population estimate, current and maximum net 
productivity rate, and current population trend;
    3. An estimate of the annual human-caused mortality and serious 
injury by source and, for a strategic stock, other factors that may be 
causing a decline or impeding recovery;
    4. A description of commercial fishery interactions;
    5. A categorization of the status of the stock; and
    6. An estimate of the potential biological removal (PBR) level.
    The MMPA defines the PBR as ``the maximum number of animals, not 
including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal 
stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its OSP'' (16 
U.S.C. 1362(20)). The PBR is the product of the minimum population 
estimate of the stock (Nmin); one-half the maximum 
theoretical or estimated net productivity rate of the stock at a small 
population size (Rmax); and a recovery factor 
(Fr) of between 0.1 and 1.0, which is intended to compensate 
for uncertainty and unknown estimation errors. This can be written as:

PBR = (Nmin)(\1/2\ of the Rmax)(Fr)

    Section 117 of the MMPA also requires the Service and NMFS to 
review the SARs (a) at least annually for stocks that are specified as 
strategic stocks, (b) at least annually for stocks for which 
significant new information is available, and (c) at least once every 3 
years for all other stocks. If our review of the status of a stock 
indicates that it has changed or may be more accurately determined, 
then the SAR must be revised accordingly.
    A strategic stock is defined in the MMPA as a marine mammal stock 
``(a) for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds the 
PBR level; (b) which, based on the best available scientific 
information, is declining and is likely to be listed as a threatened 
species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) [the ``ESA''], within the foreseeable future; or (c) 
which is listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA, or 
is designated as depleted under [the MMPA].'' 16 U.S.C. 1362(19).

[[Page 87952]]

Stock Assessment Report History for the Southern Sea Otter in 
California

    The southern sea otter SAR was last revised in January 2014. 
Because the southern sea otter qualifies as a strategic stock due to 
its listing as a threatened species under the ESA, the Service has 
reviewed the stock assessment annually since then. In January 2015, 
Service review concluded that revision was not warranted because the 
status of the stock had not changed, nor could it be more accurately 
determined. However, upon review in 2016, the Service determined that 
revision was warranted because of changes in population dynamics in the 
central portion of the mainland range and new information on fishery-
related sea otter mortality.

Summary of Draft Revised Stock Assessment Report for the Southern Sea 
Otter in California

    The following table summarizes some of the information contained in 
the draft revised southern sea otter SAR, which includes the stock's 
Nmin, Rmax, Fr, PBR, annual estimated 
human-caused mortality and serious injury, and status. After 
consideration of any public comments we receive, the Service will 
revise and finalize the SAR, as appropriate. We will publish a notice 
of availability and summary of the final SAR, including responses to 
submitted comments.

                                    Summary--Draft Revised Stock Assessment Report, Southern Sea Otter in California
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             Annual estimated human-caused
         Southern sea otter stock             NMIN        RMAX         FR          PBR       mortality and serious injury            Stock status
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mainland.................................       2,990        0.06         0.1        8.97  Figures by specific source,       Strategic.
                                                                                            where known, are provided in
                                                                                            the SAR.
San Nicolas Island.......................          64        0.13         0.1        0.42
Summary..................................       3,054  ..........  ..........           9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

References

    In accordance with the MMPA, we include in this notice a list of 
the information sources and public reports upon which we based the SAR:

Babcock, E.A., E.K. Pikitch, and C.G. Hudon. 2003. How much observer 
coverage is enough to adequately estimate bycatch? Pew Institute for 
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Bacon, C.E. 1994. An ecotoxicological comparison of organic 
contaminants in sea otters among populations in California and 
Alaska. M.S. thesis, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Bacon, C.E., W.M. Jarman, J.A. Estes, M. Simon, and R.J. Norstrom. 
1999. Comparison of organochlorine contaminants among sea otter 
(Enhydra lutris) populations in California and Alaska. Environ. 
Toxicology and Chemistry 18:452-458.
Barlow, J. 1989. Estimating sample size required to monitor marine 
mammal mortality in California gillnet fisheries. Southwest 
Fisheries Science Center Administrative Report LJ-89-08, 8 pp.
Bentall, G.B. 2005. Morphological and behavioral correlates of 
population status in the southern sea otter: a comparative study 
between central California and San Nicolas Island. Master's Thesis, 
University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, unpublished.
Burge, C.A., C.M. Eakin, C.S. Friedman, B. Froelich, P.K. 
Hershberger, E.E. Hofmann, L.E. Petes, K.C. Prager, E. Weil, B.L. 
Willis, S.E. Ford, and C.D. Harvell. 2014. Climate change influences 
on marine infectious diseases: implications for management and 
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Bryant, H.C. 1915. Sea otters near Point Sur. California Department 
of Fish and Game Bulletin. 1:134-135.
Cameron, G.A. and K.A. Forney. 2000. Preliminary estimates of 
cetacean mortality in California/Oregon gillnet fisheries for 1999. 
Paper SC/S2/O24 presented to the International Whaling Commission, 
2000 (unpublished), 12 pp. Available from NMFS, Southwest Fisheries 
Science Center, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, California, 92038.
Carretta, J.V. 2001. Preliminary estimates of cetacean mortality in 
California gillnet fisheries for 2000. Paper SC/53/SM9 presented to 
the International Whaling Commission, 2001 (unpublished), 21 pp. 
Available from NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 
271, La Jolla, California, 92038.
Conrad P.A., M.A. Miller, C. Kreuder, E.R. James, J. Mazet, H. 
Dabritz, D.A. Jessup, F. Gulland, M.E. Grigg. 2005. Transmission of 
toxoplasma: Clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of 
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1996. Mitochondrial-DNA variation among subspecies and populations 
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Estes, J.A. 1990. Growth and equilibrium in sea otter populations. 
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Estes, J.A. and R.J. Jameson. 1988. A double-survey estimate for 
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evaluation of the potential threat to sea otters posed by the 
nearshore finfish trap fishery. Unpublished, 6 pp. + appendices.
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and shellfish traps: Estimating potential impacts and exploring 
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[[Page 87953]]

NMFS-SWFC-108, 39 pp.
Jameson, R.J. 1989. Movements, home range, and territories of male 
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Jameson, R.J. and S. Jeffries. 1999. Results of the 1999 survey of 
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Jameson, R.J. and S. Jeffries. 2005. Results of the 2005 survey of 
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report, 6 pp.
Jessup D.A., M.A. Miller, M. Harris, B.B. Hatfield, and J.A. Estes. 
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Johnson, C.K., M.T. Tinker, J.A. Estes, P.A. Conrad, M. Staedler, 
M.A. Miller, D.A. Jessup and J.A.K. Mazet. 2009. Prey choice and 
habitat use drive sea otter pathogen exposure in a resource-limited 
coastal system. PNAS 106:2242-2247.
Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, and N.J. Thomas. 2006. Association between 
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comparative analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and 
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Kannan K., K.S. Guruge, N.J. Thomas, S. Tanabe, J.P. Giesy. 1998. 
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Patterns of mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) 
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    Authority: The authority for this action is the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.).

    Dated: November 23, 2016.
James W. Kurth,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29190 Filed 12-5-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 6, 2016 / Notices 87951 and HUD-insured borrowers through the State of California. We now make the jurisdiction. A SAR must be based on Rule of Eleven; that is, PD&R allows no draft SAR available for public review the best scientific information available; disclosure of information about the and comment. therefore, we prepare it in consultation characteristics of any group of DATES: We will consider comments that with established regional scientific individuals or households numbering are received or postmarked on or before review groups. Each SAR must include: less than eleven by PD&R staff, March 6, 2017. 1. A description of the stock and its contractors, grantees, or licensees. ADDRESSES: If you wish to review the geographic range; Technical Innovation draft revised SAR for southern sea otter, 2. A minimum population estimate, you may obtain a copy from our Web current and maximum net productivity PD&R supports and employs new site at http://www.fws.gov/ventura. methods of data collection and analysis rate, and current population trend; Alternatively, you may contact the that more reliably and efficiently answer 3. An estimate of the annual human- Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 research questions than old methods do. caused mortality and serious injury by Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA source and, for a strategic stock, other Application of These Principles to 93003 (telephone: 805–644–1766). If factors that may be causing a decline or Economic Analysis of Regulations you wish to comment on the SAR, you impeding recovery; may submit your comments in writing Economic analysis of regulations, 4. A description of commercial fishery by any one of the following methods: properly conducted, is a critical tool in • U.S. mail: Field Supervisor, at the interactions; improving public policy. In any PD&R above address; Regulatory Impact Analysis: 5. A categorization of the status of the • Hand delivery: Ventura Fish and stock; and • PD&R analyzes whether the issues Wildlife Office at the above address; addressed by the regulation stem from a 6. An estimate of the potential • Fax: 805–644–3958; or market failure, government failure, or • Email: fw8ssostock@fws.gov. biological removal (PBR) level. other systemic problem, and whether The MMPA defines the PBR as ‘‘the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the regulation addresses the root causes maximum number of animals, not Lilian Carswell, at the above street of those problems. including natural mortalities, that may address, by telephone (805–612–2793), • PD&R uses and as necessary be removed from a marine mammal or by email (Lilian_Carswell@fws.gov). produces the best objective estimates of stock while allowing that stock to reach SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We the benefits, costs, and transfers or maintain its OSP’’ (16 U.S.C. resulting from the regulation, taking into announce the availability for review and comment of a draft revised marine 1362(20)). The PBR is the product of the account gaps and uncertainties in the minimum population estimate of the available data. mammal stock assessment report (SAR) for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris stock (Nmin); one-half the maximum • Where clear alternatives to the theoretical or estimated net productivity regulatory actions exist, PD&R nereis) stock in the State of California. rate of the stock at a small population objectively estimates the benefits, costs, Background size (Rmax); and a recovery factor (Fr) of and transfers of those alternatives as between 0.1 and 1.0, which is intended Under the Marine Mammal Protection well. to compensate for uncertainty and Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 Dated: November 30, 2016. U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and its unknown estimation errors. This can be Katherine O’Regan, implementing regulations in the Code of written as: Assistant Secretary for Policy Development Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR PBR = (Nmin)(1⁄2 of the Rmax)(Fr) and Research. part 18, we regulate the taking; import; [FR Doc. 2016–29215 Filed 12–5–16; 8:45 am] and, under certain conditions, Section 117 of the MMPA also possession; transportation; purchasing; requires the Service and NMFS to BILLING CODE 4210–67–P selling; and offering for sale, purchase, review the SARs (a) at least annually for or export, of marine mammals. One of stocks that are specified as strategic the MMPA’s goals is to ensure that stocks, (b) at least annually for stocks for DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR which significant new information is stocks of marine mammals occurring in waters under U.S. jurisdiction do not available, and (c) at least once every 3 Fish and Wildlife Service experience a level of human-caused years for all other stocks. If our review [FWS–R8–ES–2016–N127; FF08EVEN00– mortality and serious injury that is of the status of a stock indicates that it FXFR1337088SSO0] likely to cause the stock to be reduced has changed or may be more accurately below its optimum sustainable determined, then the SAR must be Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock revised accordingly. Assessment Report for the Southern population level (OSP). OSP is defined under the MMPA as ‘‘the number of A strategic stock is defined in the Sea Otter in California animals which will result in the MMPA as a marine mammal stock ‘‘(a) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, maximum productivity of the for which the level of direct human- Interior. population or the species, keeping in caused mortality exceeds the PBR level; ACTION: Notice of availability; request mind the carrying capacity of the habitat (b) which, based on the best available for comments. and the health of the ecosystem of scientific information, is declining and which they form a constituent element’’ is likely to be listed as a threatened SUMMARY: In accordance with the (16 U.S.C. 1362(9)). species under the Endangered Species mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, To help accomplish the goal of Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 as amended, and its implementing maintaining marine mammal stocks at et seq.) [the ‘‘ESA’’], within the regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA foreseeable future; or (c) which is listed Wildlife Service (Service), have requires the Service and the National as a threatened or endangered species developed a draft revised marine Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to under the ESA, or is designated as mammal stock assessment report (SAR) prepare a SAR for each marine mammal depleted under [the MMPA].’’ 16 U.S.C. for the southern sea otter stock in the stock that occurs in waters under U.S. 1362(19). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Dec 05, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1

87952 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 6, 2016 / Notices Stock Assessment Report History for more accurately determined. However, revised southern sea otter SAR, which the Southern Sea Otter in California upon review in 2016, the Service includes the stock’s Nmin, Rmax, Fr, PBR, determined that revision was warranted annual estimated human-caused The southern sea otter SAR was last because of changes in population mortality and serious injury, and status. revised in January 2014. Because the dynamics in the central portion of the After consideration of any public southern sea otter qualifies as a strategic mainland range and new information on comments we receive, the Service will stock due to its listing as a threatened fishery-related sea otter mortality. revise and finalize the SAR, as species under the ESA, the Service has Summary of Draft Revised Stock appropriate. We will publish a notice of reviewed the stock assessment annually since then. In January 2015, Service Assessment Report for the Southern Sea availability and summary of the final review concluded that revision was not Otter in California SAR, including responses to submitted warranted because the status of the The following table summarizes some comments. stock had not changed, nor could it be of the information contained in the draft SUMMARY—DRAFT REVISED STOCK ASSESSMENT REPORT, SOUTHERN SEA OTTER IN CALIFORNIA Annual estimated human-caused mortality Southern sea otter stock NMIN RMAX FR PBR Stock status and serious injury Mainland ............................ 2,990 0.06 0.1 8.97 Figures by specific source, where known, Strategic. are provided in the SAR. San Nicolas Island ............ 64 0.13 0.1 0.42 Summary ........................... 3,054 .................. .................. 9 Public Availability of Comments unpublished. 59:385–401. Burge, C.A., C.M. Eakin, C.S. Friedman, B. Estes, J.A. and R.J. Jameson. 1988. A double- Before including your address, phone Froelich, P.K. Hershberger, E.E. survey estimate for sighting probability number, email address, or other Hofmann, L.E. Petes, K.C. Prager, E. of sea otters in California. Journal of personal identifying information in your Weil, B.L. Willis, S.E. Ford, and C.D. Wildlife Management 52:70–76. comment, you should be aware that Harvell. 2014. Climate change influences Estes, J.A., B.B. Hatfield, K. Ralls, and J. your entire comment—including your on marine infectious diseases: Ames. 2003. Causes of mortality in personal identifying information—may implications for management and California sea otters during periods of be made publicly available at any time. society. Annual Review of Marine population growth and decline. Marine Science 6:249–277. Mammal Science 19:198–216. While you can ask us in your comment Bryant, H.C. 1915. Sea otters near Point Sur. Forney, K.A., S.R. Benson, and G.A. to withhold your personal identifying California Department of Fish and Game Cameron. 2001. Central California gill information from public review, we Bulletin. 1:134–135. net effort and bycatch of sensitive cannot guarantee that we will be able to Cameron, G.A. and K.A. Forney. 2000. species, 1990–1998. Pages 141–160 in do so. Preliminary estimates of cetacean Seabird Bycatch: Trends, Roadblocks, mortality in California/Oregon gillnet and Solutions, E.F. Melvin and J.K. References fisheries for 1999. Paper SC/S2/O24 Parrish, eds. Proceedings of an In accordance with the MMPA, we presented to the International Whaling International Symposium of the Pacific include in this notice a list of the Commission, 2000 (unpublished), 12 pp. Seabird Group, University of Alaska Sea Available from NMFS, Southwest Grant, Fairbanks, Alaska, 212 pp. information sources and public reports Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 271, Gazeau F., L.M. Parker, S. Comeau, J.-P. upon which we based the SAR: La Jolla, California, 92038. Gattuso, W.A. O’Connor, S. Martin, H.-O. Babcock, E.A., E.K. Pikitch, and C.G. Hudon. Carretta, J.V. 2001. Preliminary estimates of Pörtner, and P.M. Ross. 2013. Impacts of 2003. How much observer coverage is cetacean mortality in California gillnet ocean acidification on marine shelled enough to adequately estimate bycatch? fisheries for 2000. Paper SC/53/SM9 molluscs. Marine Biology 160:2207– Pew Institute for Ocean Science and presented to the International Whaling 2245. Oceana, 36 pp. Commission, 2001 (unpublished), 21 pp. Gerber, L.R., M.T. Tinker, D.F. Doak, J.A. Bacon, C.E. 1994. An ecotoxicological Available from NMFS, Southwest Estes, and D.A. Jessup. 2004. Mortality comparison of organic contaminants in Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 271, sensitivity in life-stage simulation sea otters among populations in La Jolla, California, 92038. analysis: A case study of southern sea California and Alaska. M.S. thesis, Conrad P.A., M.A. Miller, C. Kreuder, E.R. otters. Ecological Applications 14:1554– University of California, Santa Cruz. James, J. Mazet, H. Dabritz, D.A. Jessup, 1565. Bacon, C.E., W.M. Jarman, J.A. Estes, M. F. Gulland, M.E. Grigg. 2005. Hatfield, B.B. and J.A. Estes. 2000. Simon, and R.J. Norstrom. 1999. Transmission of toxoplasma: Clues from Preliminary results of an evaluation of Comparison of organochlorine the study of sea otters as sentinels of the potential threat to sea otters posed by contaminants among sea otter (Enhydra Toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine the nearshore finfish trap fishery. lutris) populations in California and environment. International Journal for Unpublished, 6 pp. + appendices. Alaska. Environ. Toxicology and Parasitology 35:1155–1168. Hatfield, B.B., J.A. Ames, J.A. Estes, M.T. Chemistry 18:452–458. Cronin, M.A., J. Bodkin, B. Bellachey, J.A. Tinker, A.B. Johnson, M.M. Staedler, and Barlow, J. 1989. Estimating sample size Estes, and J.C. Patton. 1996. M.D. Harris. 2011. Sea otter mortality in required to monitor marine mammal Mitochondrial-DNA variation among fish and shellfish traps: Estimating mortality in California gillnet fisheries. subspecies and populations of sea otters potential impacts and exploring possible mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Southwest Fisheries Science Center (Enhydra lutris). Journal of Mammalogy solutions. Endangered Species Research Administrative Report LJ–89–08, 8 pp. 77:546–557. 13:219–229. Bentall, G.B. 2005. Morphological and Dubey, J.P., N.L. Miller, and D.K. Frenkel. Herrick, S.F. Jr. and D. Hanan. 1988. A behavioral correlates of population status 1970. Toxoplasma gondii life cycle in review of California entangling net in the southern sea otter: a comparative cats. Journal of the American Veterinary fisheries, 1981–1986. National Oceanic study between central California and San Medical Association 157:1767–1770. and Atmospheric Administration Nicolas Island. Master’s Thesis, Estes, J.A. 1990. Growth and equilibrium in Technical Memorandum. National University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, sea otter populations. J. Anim. Ecol. Marine Fisheries Service. NOAA–TM– VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Dec 05, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 6, 2016 / Notices 87953 NMFS–SWFC–108, 39 pp. Kurihara, H., and Y. Shirayama. 2004. Effects (Enhydra lutris nereis) found stranded Jameson, R.J. 1989. Movements, home range, of increased atmospheric CO2 on sea along coastal California, USA. and territories of male sea otters off urchin early development. Marine Environmental Pollution 103:45–53. central California. Marine Mammal Ecology Progress Series 274:161–169. Ralls, K., T.C. Eagle, and D.B. Siniff. 1996. Science 5:159–172. Kurihara, H., T. Asai, S. Kato, and A. Movement and spatial use patterns of Jameson, R.J. and S. Jeffries. 1999. Results of Ishimatsu. 2008. Effects of elevated pCO2 California sea otters. Canadian Journal of the 1999 survey of the Washington sea on early development in the mussel Zoology 74:1841–1849. otter population. Unpublished report, 5 Mytilus galloprovincialis. Aquatic Sanchez, M.S. 1992. Differentiation and pp. Biology 4:225–233. variability of mitochondrial DNA in Jameson, R.J. and S. Jeffries. 2005. Results of Laidre, K.L., R.J. Jameson, and D.P. DeMaster. three sea otter, Enhydra lutris, the 2005 survey of the reintroduced 2001. An estimation of carrying capacity populations. M.S. Thesis, University of Washington sea otter population. for sea otters along the California coast. California Santa Cruz. Unpublished report, 6 pp. Marine Mammal Science 17:294–309. Siniff, D.B., T.D. Williams, A.M. Johnson, Jessup D.A., M.A. Miller, M. Harris, B.B. Larson, S., R. Jameson, J. Bodkin, M. and D.L. Garshelis. 1982. Experiments on Hatfield, and J.A. Estes. 2004. The 2003 Staedler, and P. Bentzen. 2002. the response of sea otters, Enhydra lutris, southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) Microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial to oil contamination. Biological unusual mortality event: A preliminary DNA variation in remnant and Conservation 2: 261–272. report to NOAA and USFWS. translocated sea otter (Enhydra lutris) Stumpp, M., J. Wren, Frank Melzner, M.C. Unpublished report, 38 pp. populations. Journal of Mammalogy Thorndyke, and S.T. Dupont. 2011. CO2 Johnson, C.K., M.T. Tinker, J.A. Estes, P.A. 83:893–906. induced seawater acidification impacts Conrad, M. Staedler, M.A. Miller, D.A. Mayer, K.A., M.D. Dailey, and M.A. Miller. sea urchin larval development I: Jessup and J.A.K. Mazet. 2009. Prey 2003. Helminth parasites of the southern Elevated metabolic rates decrease scope choice and habitat use drive sea otter sea otter Enhydra lutris nereis in central for growth and induce developmental pathogen exposure in a resource-limited California: abundance, distribution, and delay. Comparative Biochemistry and coastal system. PNAS 106:2242–2247. pathology. Diseases of Aquatic Physiology, Part A: Molecular & Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, and N.J. Thomas. Organisms 53:77–88. Integrative Physiology 160:331–340. 2006. Association between Miller, M.A., M.E. Grigg, C. Kreuder, E.R. Taylor, B.L., M. Scott, J. Heyning, and J. perfluorinated compounds and James, A.C. Melli, P.R. Crosbie, D.A. Barlow. 2003. Suggested guidelines for pathological conditions in southern sea Jessup, J.C. Boothroyd, D. Brownstein, recovery factors for endangered marine otters. Environmental Science & and P.A. Conrad. 2004. An unusual mammals. NOAA Technical Technology 40:4943–4948. genotype of Toxoplasma gondii is Memorandum NOAA–TM–NMFS– Kannan, K., E. Perrotta, N.J. Thomas, and common in California sea otters SWFSC–354. K.M. Aldous. 2007. A comparative (Enhydra lutris nereis) and is a cause of Tinker, M.T. and B.B. Hatfield. 2015. analysis of polybrominated diphenyl mortality. International Journal for Southwest U.S. Southern sea otter ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in Parasitology 34:275–284. annual range-wide census results: U.S. southern sea otters that died of infectious Miller, M.A., I.A. Gardner, C. Kreuder, D.M. Geological Survey Data Release, http:// diseases and noninfectious causes. Paradies, K.R. Worcester, D.A. Jessup, E. dx.doi.org/10.5066/F7F47M5C. Archives of Environmental Dodd, M.D. Harris, J.A. Ames, A.E. Tinker, M.T., G. Bentall, and J.A. Estes. Contamination and Toxicology 53:293– Packham, and P.A. Conrad. 2002. Coastal 2008a. Food limitation leads to 302. freshwater runoff is a risk factor for behavioral diversification and dietary Kannan K., K.S. Guruge, N.J. Thomas, S. Toxoplasma gondii infection of southern specialization in sea otters. PNAS Tanabe, J.P. Giesy. 1998. Butyltin sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). 105:560–565. residues in southern sea otters (Enhydra International Journal for Parasitology Tinker, M.T., D.F. Doak, and J.A. Estes. lutris nereis) found dead along California 32:997–1006. 2008b. Using demography and coastal waters. Environmental Science Miller, M.A., W.A. Miller, P.A. Conrad, E.R. movement behavior to predict range and Technology 32:1169–1175. James, A.C. Melli, C.M. Leutenegger, expansion of the southern sea otter. Kooyman, G.L. and D.P. Costa. 1979. Effects H.A. Dabritz, A.E. Packham, D. Paradies, Ecological Applications 18:1781–1794. of oiling on temperature regulation in sea M. Harris, J. Ames, D.A. Jessup, K. Tinker, M.T., B.B. Hatfield, M.D. Harris, and otters. Yearly progress report, Outer Worcester, M.E. Grigg. 2008. Type X J.A. Ames. 2015. Dramatic increase in Continental Shelf Energy Assessment Toxoplasma gondii in a wild mussel and sea otter mortality from white sharks in Program. terrestrial carnivores from coastal California. Marine Mammal Science. Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, D.A. Jessup, L.J. California: new linkages between doi:10.1111/mms.12261. Lowenstein, M.D. Harris, J.A. Ames, T.E. terrestrial mammals, runoff and Tinker, M.T., J.A. Estes, K. Ralls, T.M. Carpenter, P.A. Conrad, and J.A.K. toxoplasmosis of sea otters. International Williams, D. Jessup, and D.P. Costa. Mazet. 2003. Patterns of mortality in Journal for Parasitology 38:1319–1328. 2006a. Population Dynamics and Biology southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris Miller, M.A., R.M. Kudela, A. Mekebri, D. of the California Sea Otter (Enhydra nereis) from 1998–2001. Journal of Crane, S.C. Oates, M.T. Tinker, M. lutris nereis) at the Southern End of its Wildlife Diseases 39:495–509. Staedler, W.A. Miller, S. Toy-Choutka, C. Range. MMS OCS Study 2006–07. Kreuder, C., M.A. Miller, L.J. Lowenstine, Domink, D. Hardin, G. Langlois, M. Coastal Research Center, Marine Science P.A. Conrad, T.E. Carpenter, D.A. Jessup, Murray, K. Ward and D.A. Jessup. 2010. Institute, University of California, Santa and J.A.K. Mazet. 2005. Evaluation of Evidence for a novel marine harmful Barbara, California. MMS Cooperative cardiac lesions and risk factors algal bloom: cyanotoxin (Microcystin) Agreement Number 14–35–0001–31063. associated with myocarditis and dilated transfer from land to sea otters. PLoS Tinker, M.T., D.F. Doak, J.A. Estes, B.B. cardiomyopathy in southern sea otters ONE 5:e12576. Hatfield, M.M. Staedler, and J. Bodkin. (Enhydra lutris nereis). American Journal Monson, D.H., J.A. Estes, J.L. Bodkin, and 2006b. Incorporating diverse data and of Veterinary Research 66:289–299. D.B. Siniff. 2000. Life history plasticity realistic complexity into demographic Kroeker, K. J., R.L. Kordas, R. N. Crim, and and population regulation in sea otters. estimation procedures for sea otters. G.G. Singh. 2010. Meta-analysis reveals Oikos 90:457–468. Ecological Applications 16:2293–2312. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES negative yet variable effects of ocean Mos, L. 2001. Domoic acid: a fascinating Tinker, M.T., D. Jessup, M. Staedler, M. acidification on marine organisms. marine toxin. Environmental Toxicology Murray, M. Miller, T. Burgess, E. Bowen, Ecology Letters 13:1419–1434. and Pharmacology 9:79–85. K. Miles, J. Tomoleoni, N. Thometz, L. Kudela, R.M., J.Q. Lane, W.P. Cochlan. 2008. Nakata, H., K. Kannan, L. Jing, N. Thomas, Tarjan, E. Golson, F. Batac, E. Dodd, E. The potential role of anthropogenically S. Tanabe, and J.P. Giesy. 1998. Berberich, J. Kunz, G. Bentall, T. derived nitrogen in the growth of Accumulation pattern of organochlorine Nicholson, S. Newsome, H. MacCormick, harmful algae in California, USA. pesticides and polychlorinated A. Melli, A. Johnson, L. Henkel, C. Harmful Algae 8:103–110. biphenyls in southern sea otters Kreuder-Johnson, and P. Conrad. 2013. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Dec 05, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1

87954 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 6, 2016 / Notices Sea otter population biology at Big Sur 1969, as amended (NEPA), the Federal Wildlife Service identified the Northern and Monterey California: investigating Land Policy and Management Act of Great Basin as a Priority Area for the consequences of resource abundance 1976, as amended, and the National Conservation (PAC) in its 2013 and anthropogenic stressors for sea otter Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as Conservation Objectives Team Report recovery. Draft Final Report to California Coastal Conservancy and U.S. Fish and amended (NHPA), the Bureau of Land due to the threat of wildfire, invasive Wildlife Service. University of Management (BLM) Boise District annual grasses, and conifer expansion. California, Santa Cruz, 243 pp. Office, Boise, Idaho, and the Vale Management of wildfire has been U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Final District Office, Vale, Oregon, will identified as one of the key issues for Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern prepare an Environmental Impact maintaining sage-grouse populations in Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). Statement (EIS) for a landscape level sagebrush-dominated landscapes. Portland, Oregon, xi + 165 pp. fuel break project located in Owyhee Secretarial Order 3336 calls for ‘‘. . . an U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. increased focus to suppressing wildfire County, Idaho, and Malheur County, Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris Oregon. in highly valuable portions of sagebrush nereis) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Ventura, California. 42 pp. steppe ecosystem to reduce the loss of DATES: This notice initiates the public Valentine, K., D.A. Duffield, L.E. Patrick, D.R. critically important greater sage-grouse scoping process for the EIS. Comments Hatch, V.L. Butler, R.L. Hall, and N. habitat . . . .’’ The 2010 Rapid Eco- on issues may be submitted in writing Lehman. 2008. Ancient DNA reveals regional Assessment of the Northern until January 5, 2017. Any scoping genotypic relationships among Oregon Basin and Range and Snake River Plain populations of the sea otter (Enhydra meetings will be announced at least 15 identified the Tri-state area as being at lutris). Conservation Genetics 9:933–938. days in advance through local media, high risk for large-scale wildfires. Vezie, C., J. Rapala, J. Vaitomaa, J. Seitsonen, and online at www.blm.gov/id and at Wildfires in this remote area can grow and K. Sivonen. 2002. Effect of nitrogen www.blm.gov/or. To be most helpful in quickly and affect hundreds of and phosphorus on growth of toxic and the preparation of the Draft EIS, thousands of acres of sage-grouse habitat nontoxic Microcystis strains and on comments must be postmarked, faxed, intracellular microcystin concentrations. within a matter of days. The 2012 Long or submitted electronically by the close Draw Fire (558,198 acres), the 2014 Microbial Ecology 43:443–454. of the 30-day scoping period or 15 days Walther, G.-R, E. Post, P. Convey, A. Menzel, Buzzard Complex Fire (395,747 acres), after the last public meeting, whichever and the 2015 Soda Fire (285,360 acres), C. Parmesank, T.J.C. Beebee, J.-M. Fromentin, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, and F. is later. The BLM will provide all in or near the project area, each had Bairlein. 2002. Ecological responses to additional opportunities for public multiple hundred thousand-acre runs in recent climate change. Nature 416:389– involvement upon publication of the a single burning period, at rates of 395. Draft EIS. spread between 10 and 15 miles per Wendell, F.E., R.A. Hardy, and J.A. Ames. ADDRESSES: Submit comments related to hour. 1986. An assessment of the accidental the Tri-state Fuel Breaks Project by any take of sea otters, Enhydra lutris, in gill of the following methods: Tri-State Strategy and trammel nets. California Department of Fish and Game, Mar. Res. Tech. Rep. • Email: blm_id_tristate@blm.gov The Tri-state Strategy is being No. 54, 31 pp. • Fax: 208–384–3489 developed as an integrated approach to Wilson, D.E., M.A. Bogan, R.L. Brownell, Jr., • Mail: 3948 South Development protecting valuable, intact sage-grouse A.M. Burdin, and M.K. Maminov. 1991. Ave., Boise, ID 83705 habitat from the threat of wildfire in the Geographic variation in sea otters, Documents pertinent to this proposal Tri-state area. There are several Enhydra lutris. Journal of Mammalogy may be examined at the BLM Boise components to the strategy: 72:22–36. District Office located at the above Coordinating wildfire suppression per Authority: The authority for this action is address and the BLM Vale District the Idaho-Oregon-Nevada Tri-state Local the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Office, 100 Oregon Street, Vale, OR Operating Plan; applying existing and as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.). 97918. future travel management planning Dated: November 23, 2016. decisions for road access and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: maintenance, which are essential for fire James W. Kurth, Lance Okeson, Project Lead, Fuels suppression operations; applying Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Assistant Fire Management Officer; national and local wildfire suppression [FR Doc. 2016–29190 Filed 12–5–16; 8:45 am] telephone: 208–384–3300; address: 3948 policies and directives that prioritize BILLING CODE 4333–15–P South Development Ave., Boise, ID protection of important habitats; 83705; email: blm_id_tristate@blm.gov. assessing strategic pre-positioning Contact Mr. Okeson to add your name locations of suppression resources, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR to our mailing list. Persons using a necessary infrastructure additions and telecommunications device for the deaf funding sources needed to shorten Bureau of Land Management (TDD) may call the Federal Relay response times; and implementing the [15XL LLIDB03000 LF3100000 DD0000 Service (FRS) at (800) 877–8339. The Tri-state Fuel Breaks Project, which is LFHFFR650000 241A 4500078680] FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days the subject of this notice. a week, to leave a message or question Notice of Intent To Prepare an for Mr. Okeson. You will receive a reply Purpose and Need Environmental Impact Statement for during normal business hours. The Tri-state area provides important the Proposed Tri-State Fuel Breaks SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Southwest sage-grouse habitat. There is a high Project, Owyhee County, ID, and Idaho, southeast Oregon, and northern potential for large wildfires in the Tri- mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Malheur County, OR Nevada (the Tri-state area) comprise one state area due to its remoteness, AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, of the largest intact areas of Greater continuous fuels (i.e., intact sagebrush Interior. Sage-grouse (GRSG) habitat in the and understory), and limited sites for ACTION: Notice. Northern Great Basin. The shrub-steppe firefighters to establish safe anchor ecosystem within this area is also one of points (i.e., secure locations for SUMMARY: In compliance with the the most imperiled ecosystems in the firefighters to engage a fire without the National Environmental Policy Act of United States. The U.S. Fish and chance of being outflanked by the fire). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Dec 05, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1


Document Created: 2016-12-06 02:18:30
Document Modified: 2016-12-06 02:18:30
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 of availability; request for comments.
DatesWe will consider comments that are received or postmarked on or before March 6, 2017.
ContactLilian Carswell, at the above street
FR Citation81 FR 87951 
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