81 FR 90781 - Marine Mammals; File No. 20455
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 241 (December 15, 2016)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 241 (December 15, 2016)
| Page Range | 90781-90782 | |
| FR Document | 2016-30083 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 241 (Thursday, December 15, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 90781-90782] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-30083] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XF063 Marine Mammals; File No. 20455 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) for scientific research. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017. [[Page 90782]] ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the ``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 20455 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376. Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, (301) 427-8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests a five-year permit to take bottlenose and spotted dolphins for scientific research to continue a long-term program to evaluate the health, environmental contamination, reproduction, population structure and dynamics, acoustics, trophic patterns, life history, social structure, and anthropogenic effects on dolphins off the west coast of Florida including bays, estuaries, and offshore waters. Up to 3,000 bottlenose and 1,000 spotted dolphins would be approached annually during vessel surveys for photography, photo-identification, video recording, behavioral observation, acoustic playbacks, and passive acoustic recording, with concurrent deployment of an unmanned aircraft system for photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose and 100 spotted dolphins of the above animals may also be biopsy sampled during vessel surveys annually. Up to 50 bottlenose and 25 spotted dolphins annually of the above animals may be captured for health assessments which would include biological sampling, auditory brainstem response tests, metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, x-rays, marking, tagging, tracking, and release. Calves less than 8 months of age and females with these calves would not be captured or remotely biopsy sampled. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of each species annually would be remotely satellite tagged to test the feasibility of a new experimental dorsal fin attachment method. Two unintentional mortalities of each species could occur due to capture over the life of the permit. The following species could be incidentally harassed during surveys: Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), olive ridley sea turtle (L. olivacea), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), and gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi). In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Dated: December 9, 2016. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-30083 Filed 12-14-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2016 / Notices 90781
The Final Plan addressing these limiting factors and implementation of recovery actions and
For the purpose of recovery planning threats; key information needs, and a subsequent implementation schedules,
for the ESA-listed species of Pacific proposed research, monitoring, and and will track and report on
salmon and steelhead in Idaho, Oregon evaluation program for adaptive implementation progress.
and Washington, NMFS designated five management. For recovery strategies
Conclusion
geographically based ‘‘recovery and actions, Chapter 6 in the Plan
includes proposed actions at the ESU Section 4(f)(1)(B) of the ESA requires
domains.’’ The Oregon Coast Coho
and strata levels. Population level that recovery plans incorporate, to the
Salmon ESU spawning range is in the
information will be posted on the maximum extent practicable, (1)
Oregon Coast domain. For each domain,
recovery plan Web site (see below). The objective, measurable criteria which,
NMFS appointed a team of scientists,
Plan also describes implementation, when met, would result in a
nominated for their geographic and
prioritization of actions, and adaptive determination that the species is no
species expertise, to provide a solid
management at the population, strata, longer threatened or endangered; (2)
scientific foundation for recovery plans.
and ESU scales. The Plan also site-specific management actions
The Oregon and Northern California
summarizes time and costs (Chapter 7) necessary to achieve the plan’s goals;
Coasts Technical Recovery Team (TRT)
required to implement recovery actions. and (3) estimates of the time required
included scientists from NMFS, other
In addition to the information in the and costs to implement recovery
Federal agencies, the state of Oregon, Plan, readers are referred to the recovery actions. We conclude that the Plan
and the private sector. plan Web site for more information on meets the requirements of ESA section
A primary task for the Oregon and all these topics: http:// 4(f) and adopt it as the ESA Recovery
Northern California Coasts Technical www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ Plan for Oregon Coast Coho Salmon.
Recovery Team was to recommend protected_species/salmon_steelhead/
criteria for determining when the ESU recovery_planning_and_ Literature Cited
should be considered viable (i.e., when implementation/.
they are have a low risk of extinction McElhany, P., M.H. Ruckelshaus, M.J. Ford,
over a 100-year period) and when the How NMFS and Others Expect To Use T.C. Wainwright, and E.P. Bjorkstedt. 2000.
ESU would have a risk of extinction the Plan Viable salmon populations and the
consistent with no longer needing the recovery of evolutionarily significant units.
We will commit to implement the U.S.
protections of the ESA. All Technical actions in the Plan for which we have Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo.,
Recovery Teams used the same authority and funding; encourage other NMFS NWFSC 42, 156 p.
biological principles for developing Federal and state agencies and tribal
their recommendations; these principles governments to implement recovery Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
are described in the NOAA technical actions for which they have Dated: December 12, 2016.
memorandum Viable Salmonid responsibility, authority and funding; Donna Wieting,
Populations and the Recovery of and work cooperatively with the public
Evolutionarily Significant Units Director, Office of Protected Resources,
and local stakeholders on National Marine Fisheries Service.
(McElhany et al., 2000). Viable implementation of other actions. We
[FR Doc. 2016–30126 Filed 12–14–16; 8:45 am]
salmonid populations (VSP) are defined expect the Plan to guide us and other
in terms of four parameters: abundance, BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Federal agencies in evaluating Federal
productivity or growth rate, spatial actions under ESA section 7, as well as
structure, and diversity. in implementing other provisions of the
For this Plan, we collaborated with DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
ESA and other statutes. For example,
state, tribal and Federal scientists and the Plan provides greater biological National Oceanic and Atmospheric
resource managers and stakeholders to context for evaluating the effects that a Administration
provide technical information that proposed action may have on a species
NMFS used to write the Plan which is by providing delisting criteria, RIN 0648–XF063
built upon state and locally-led recovery information on priority areas for
efforts. addressing specific limiting factors, and Marine Mammals; File No. 20455
information on how future populations
Contents of Plan AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
within the ESU can tolerate varying
Our goal is to restore the threatened levels of risk. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Oregon Coast Coho Salmon ESU to the When we are considering a species for Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
point where it is again a viable, self- delisting, the agency will examine Commerce.
sustaining member of its ecosystem and whether the section 4(a)(1) listing ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
no longer needs the protections of the factors have been addressed. To assist in
ESA. The Plan contains biological this examination, we will use the SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
background and contextual information delisting criteria described in Chapter 4 Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago
that includes description of the ESU, the of the Plan, which includes both Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin
planning area, and the context of the biological criteria and criteria Research Program, c/o Mote Marine
plan’s development. It presents relevant addressing each of the ESA section Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson
information on ESU structure, biological 4(a)(1) listing factors, as well as any Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 has
status and proposed biological viability other relevant data and policy applied in due form for a permit to
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
criteria and threats criteria for delisting. considerations. conduct research on bottlenose dolphins
The Plan also describes specific We will also work with the partners (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic
information on the following: Current described in the Plan to develop spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) for
status of Oregon Coast Coho Salmon; implementation schedules that provide scientific research.
limiting factors and threats for the full greater specificity for recovery actions to DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
life cycle that contributed to the species be implemented over three-to five-year comments must be received on or before
decline; recovery strategies and actions periods. This will also help promote January 17, 2017.
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![90782 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2016 / Notices
ADDRESSES: The application and related annually of the above animals may be regional marine mammal stock
documents are available for review by captured for health assessments which assessment reports (SARs) in the
selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public would include biological sampling, Federal Register on October 11, 2016.
Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on auditory brainstem response tests, Subsequent to soliciting public
the Applications and Permits for metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, x- comment on the draft 2016 SARs, we
Protected Species (APPS) home page, rays, marking, tagging, tracking, and became aware that due to technical
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then release. Calves less than 8 months of age errors in converting between electronic
selecting File No. 20455 from the list of and females with these calves would not formats, the draft Atlantic SARs
available applications. be captured or remotely biopsy contained incorrect information in some
These documents are also available sampled. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of instances. We have corrected these
upon written request or by appointment each species annually would be errors and through this notice we
in the Permits and Conservation remotely satellite tagged to test the announce the availability of revised
Division, Office of Protected Resources, feasibility of a new experimental dorsal draft Atlantic 2016 SARs for public
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room fin attachment method. Two comment through the end of the original
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone unintentional mortalities of each species 90-day comment period.
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. could occur due to capture over the life DATES: Comments must be received by
Written comments on this application of the permit. The following species January 9, 2017. If members of the
should be submitted to the Chief, could be incidentally harassed during public need additional time to review
Permits and Conservation Division, at surveys: Green sea turtle (Chelonia the draft Atlantic 2016 SARs, please
the address listed above. Comments may mydas), hawksbill sea turtle contact Shannon Bettridge, Office of
also be submitted by facsimile to (301) (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley Protected Resources, 301–427–8402,
713–0376, or by email to sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), Shannon.Bettridge@noaa.gov.
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), ADDRESSES: The 2016 draft SARs are
include the File No. in the subject line olive ridley sea turtle (L. olivacea), available in electronic form via the
of the email comment. leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys Internet at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
Those individuals requesting a public coriacea), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pr/sars/draft.htm.
hearing should submit a written request pectinata), and gulf sturgeon (Acipenser You may submit comments, identified
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation oxyrinchus desotoi). by NOAA–NMFS–2016–0101, by any of
Division at the address listed above. The In compliance with the National the following methods:
request should set forth the specific Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to
reasons why a hearing on this U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial www.regulations.gov/
application would be appropriate. determination has been made that the #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: activity proposed is categorically 0101, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, excluded from the requirement to complete the required fields, and enter
(301) 427–8401. prepare an environmental assessment or or attach your comments.
environmental impact statement. Mail: Send comments or requests for
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Concurrent with the publication of copies of reports to: Chief, Marine
subject permit is requested under the
this notice in the Federal Register, Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation
authority of the Marine Mammal
NMFS is forwarding copies of the Division, Office of Protected Resources,
Protection Act of 1972, as amended
application to the Marine Mammal National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the
Commission and its Committee of East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
regulations governing the taking and
Scientific Advisors. 20910–3226, Attn: Stock Assessments.
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
part 216). Dated: December 9, 2016. Instructions: NMFS may not consider
The applicant requests a five-year Julia Harrison, comments if they are sent by any other
permit to take bottlenose and spotted Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, method, to any other address or
dolphins for scientific research to Office of Protected Resources, National individual, or received after the end of
continue a long-term program to Marine Fisheries Service. the comment period. All comments
evaluate the health, environmental [FR Doc. 2016–30083 Filed 12–14–16; 8:45 am] received are a part of the public record
contamination, reproduction, BILLING CODE 3510–22–P and will generally be posted for public
population structure and dynamics, viewing on www.regulations.gov
acoustics, trophic patterns, life history, without change. All personal identifying
social structure, and anthropogenic DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE information (e.g., name, address, etc.),
effects on dolphins off the west coast of confidential business information, or
National Oceanic and Atmospheric otherwise sensitive information
Florida including bays, estuaries, and
Administration submitted voluntarily by the sender will
offshore waters. Up to 3,000 bottlenose
and 1,000 spotted dolphins would be RIN 0648–XE783 be publicly accessible. NMFS will
approached annually during vessel accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
surveys for photography, photo- Draft 2016 Marine Mammal Stock A’’ in the required fields if you wish to
identification, video recording, Assessment Reports; Correction remain anonymous).
behavioral observation, acoustic AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
playbacks, and passive acoustic Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Shannon Bettridge, Office of Protected
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
recording, with concurrent deployment Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Resources, 301–427–8402,
of an unmanned aircraft system for Commerce. Shannon.Bettridge@noaa.gov.
photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose ACTION: Notice; correction. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
and 100 spotted dolphins of the above
animals may also be biopsy sampled SUMMARY: We, NMFS, published a Background
during vessel surveys annually. Up to notice of the availability of the draft Section 117 of the Marine Mammal
50 bottlenose and 25 spotted dolphins 2016 Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361
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Document Created: 2016-12-15 01:10:39
Document Modified: 2016-12-15 01:10:39
| 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; receipt of application. | |
| Dates | Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017. | |
| Contact | Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, (301) 427-8401. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 90781 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF06 |
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