82 FR 1325 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 3 (January 5, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 3 (January 5, 2017)
| Page Range | 1325-1326 | |
| FR Document | 2016-31877 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 1325-1326] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-31877] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XU02 Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce the adoption and availability of an Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) distinct population segment (DPS) found in Cook Inlet, AK. ADDRESSES: The Recovery Plan is available on the NMFS Alaska Region Web site at: https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/pr/cib-recovery-plan, or upon request from the NMFS Alaska Region contact listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mandy Migura, NMFS Alaska Region, telephone: (907) 271-1332, email: [email protected]; or Therese Conant, NMFS Office of Protected Resources, telephone: (301) 427-8456, email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that we develop and implement recovery plans for listed species under our jurisdiction, unless it is determined that such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Recovery plans describe the specific actions considered necessary, based on the best scientific and commercial data available, to promote the conservation and recovery of species listed under the ESA. We designated the Cook Inlet beluga whale DPS as endangered under the ESA on October 22, 2008 (73 FR 62919). The Cook Inlet beluga whale population declined nearly 50 percent from 653 belugas in 1994 to 347 belugas in 1998 (based on annual comprehensive and systematic aerial surveys), coincident with a substantial unregulated subsistence hunt. Despite a dramatic reduction in subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet beluga whales beginning in 1999, the population did not grow as expected, but continued to decline at 1.45 percent per year from 1999 to 2008, leading to its listing as endangered. The most recent (2014) abundance survey estimated a population of 340 Cook Inlet beluga whales, with a continued population decline of 0.4 percent per year from 2004 to 2014. On May 15, 2015, we released the Draft Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (Draft Recovery Plan) and published a notice of availability in the Federal Register (80 FR 27925) requesting comments. Twenty-three comment submissions were received during the 60-day public comment period on the plan. Concurrent with the public comment period, we also obtained review of the Draft Recovery Plan from five independent scientific peer reviewers. We considered all of the peer review and public comments received on the Draft Recovery Plan in developing the final version of the Recovery Plan. The Recovery Plan Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable: (1) Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site- specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan's goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. The ultimate goal of the Recovery Plan is to achieve recovery of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales to a level sufficient to warrant their removal from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife and Plants under the ESA (delist). The intermediate goal is to reclassify Cook Inlet belugas from endangered to threatened (downlist). The Recovery Plan contains: (1) Background on Cook Inlet beluga whale natural history and population status; (2) a threats assessment, (3) biological and recovery criteria for downlisting and delisting, (4) actions necessary to promote the recovery of the species, (5) an implementation schedule, and (6) estimates of time and cost to recovery. Ten potential threat types are identified and assessed in the Recovery Plan, based on current knowledge of threat factors. The threats assessment ranks each of these ten threats as high (catastrophic events, cumulative effects of multiple stressors, and noise), medium (disease agents, habitat loss or degradation, reduction in prey, and unauthorized take), or low (pollution, predation, and subsistence hunting) relative concern for Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery. Due to an incomplete understanding of the threats facing Cook Inlet beluga whales, we are unable to identify with certainty the actions that will most immediately encourage recovery. Until we know which threats are limiting recovery, the strategy of the Recovery Plan is to focus on threats identified as of medium or high relative concern. This should focus efforts and resources on actions that are more likely to benefit Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery. The Recovery Plan incorporates both demographic and threats-based criteria which, when met, would indicate that reclassifying the species from endangered to threatened, or delisting the species, should be considered. The threats-based recovery criteria are designed to evaluate the five ESA section 4(a)(1) factors described in the ESA listing determination for Cook Inlet beluga whales. In summary, Cook Inlet beluga whales may be considered for reclassification from endangered to threatened when: (1) The abundance estimate for Cook Inlet beluga whales is greater than or equal to 520 individuals, and there is 95 percent or greater probability that the most recent 25-year population abundance trend (where 25 years represents one full generation) is positive; and (2) the 10 downlisting threats-based criteria are satisfied. Cook Inlet beluga whales may be considered for delisting when: (1) The abundance estimate for Cook Inlet beluga whales is greater than or equal to 780 individuals, and there is 95 percent or greater probability that the most recent 25-year population abundance trend (where 25 years represents one full generation) is positive; and (2) the 10 downlisting and 9 delisting threats-based criteria are satisfied. Because a comprehensive approach to Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery is likely to have greater success, rather than focusing on any one type of action, the recovery actions in the Recovery Plan include research, management, monitoring, and education/outreach efforts. When determining threats-based recovery actions, we aimed to improve understanding of those threats and their [[Page 1326]] population-level consequences; and to improve our ability to manage and eliminate or mitigate those threats. In addition to addressing the threats, we recognize the importance of continuously monitoring the Cook Inlet beluga whale population, and have therefore included recovery actions specific to population monitoring goals. There are also actions targeted at incorporating new information into management actions and other elements of the Recovery Plan, and conducting regular reassessments of the status of the Cook Inlet beluga population and each of the threats to its recovery. As the results of research, monitoring, and reassessments become available, we recognize the levels of concern for the threats, as well as the priorities, may change. The Recovery Plan is meant to be adaptive to allow for such changes. The Recovery Plan also includes estimates of the time and costs required to implement recovery actions. The total time and cost to recovery are very difficult to predict with the current information, and the total cost to recovery will be largely dependent upon the number of recovery actions requiring implementation. Since that cannot be determined prior to implementation of portions of this plan, the total cost presented assumes implementation of all recovery actions. As recovery progresses and we better understand the relationship between discrete threats and population dynamics, it may become apparent that there are some threats or recovery actions that need not be addressed to achieve recovery. We therefore expect that the total estimated cost to achieve recovery presented in the Recovery Plan is high. It is expected that recovery may take at least two generations (50 years). If every identified recovery action were implemented and if recovery plan implementation lasted for 50 years, then the estimated cost of implementing this entire recovery program would be approximately $76.8 million. Any projections of total costs over the full recovery period are likely to be imprecise, and the cost estimates do not imply that appropriate levels of funding will necessarily be available for all Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery tasks. We note that recovery plans are guidance and planning documents only, and the identification of an action to be implemented by any public or private party does not create a legal obligation beyond existing legal requirements. Conclusion NMFS has reviewed the Recovery Plan for compliance with the requirements of ESA section 4(f), determined that it incorporates the required elements, and is therefore adopting the Recovery Plan for Cook Inlet beluga whales. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: December 29, 2016. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-31877 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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Special Accommodations We designated the Cook Inlet beluga Ten potential threat types are
This meeting is physically accessible whale DPS as endangered under the identified and assessed in the Recovery
to people with disabilities. Requests for ESA on October 22, 2008 (73 FR 62919). Plan, based on current knowledge of
sign language interpretation or other The Cook Inlet beluga whale population threat factors. The threats assessment
auxiliary aids should be directed to declined nearly 50 percent from 653 ranks each of these ten threats as high
Thomas A. Nies (see ADDRESSES) at least belugas in 1994 to 347 belugas in 1998 (catastrophic events, cumulative effects
5 days prior to the meeting date. (based on annual comprehensive and of multiple stressors, and noise),
systematic aerial surveys), coincident medium (disease agents, habitat loss or
Dated: December 30, 2016. with a substantial unregulated degradation, reduction in prey, and
Jeffrey N. Lonergan, subsistence hunt. Despite a dramatic unauthorized take), or low (pollution,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable reduction in subsistence harvest of Cook predation, and subsistence hunting)
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. Inlet beluga whales beginning in 1999, relative concern for Cook Inlet beluga
[FR Doc. 2016–31966 Filed 1–4–17; 8:45 am] the population did not grow as whale recovery. Due to an incomplete
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P expected, but continued to decline at understanding of the threats facing Cook
1.45 percent per year from 1999 to 2008, Inlet beluga whales, we are unable to
leading to its listing as endangered. The identify with certainty the actions that
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE most recent (2014) abundance survey will most immediately encourage
estimated a population of 340 Cook Inlet recovery. Until we know which threats
National Oceanic and Atmospheric beluga whales, with a continued are limiting recovery, the strategy of the
Administration population decline of 0.4 percent per Recovery Plan is to focus on threats
RIN 0648–XU02 year from 2004 to 2014. identified as of medium or high relative
On May 15, 2015, we released the concern. This should focus efforts and
Endangered and Threatened Species; Draft Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet resources on actions that are more likely
Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (Draft Recovery Plan) and to benefit Cook Inlet beluga whale
Beluga Whale published a notice of availability in the recovery.
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Federal Register (80 FR 27925) The Recovery Plan incorporates both
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and requesting comments. Twenty-three demographic and threats-based criteria
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), comment submissions were received which, when met, would indicate that
Commerce. during the 60-day public comment reclassifying the species from
period on the plan. Concurrent with the endangered to threatened, or delisting
ACTION: Notice of availability.
public comment period, we also the species, should be considered. The
SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce the obtained review of the Draft Recovery threats-based recovery criteria are
adoption and availability of an Plan from five independent scientific designed to evaluate the five ESA
Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan peer reviewers. We considered all of the section 4(a)(1) factors described in the
for the Cook Inlet beluga whale peer review and public comments ESA listing determination for Cook Inlet
(Delphinapterus leucas) distinct received on the Draft Recovery Plan in beluga whales.
population segment (DPS) found in developing the final version of the In summary, Cook Inlet beluga whales
Cook Inlet, AK. Recovery Plan. may be considered for reclassification
from endangered to threatened when:
ADDRESSES: The Recovery Plan is The Recovery Plan (1) The abundance estimate for Cook
available on the NMFS Alaska Region Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires Inlet beluga whales is greater than or
Web site at: https:// that recovery plans incorporate, to the equal to 520 individuals, and there is 95
alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/pr/cib- maximum extent practicable: (1) percent or greater probability that the
recovery-plan, or upon request from the Objective, measurable criteria which, most recent 25-year population
NMFS Alaska Region contact listed when met, would result in a abundance trend (where 25 years
below. determination that the species is no represents one full generation) is
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: longer threatened or endangered; (2) positive; and (2) the 10 downlisting
Mandy Migura, NMFS Alaska Region, site-specific management actions threats-based criteria are satisfied. Cook
telephone: (907) 271–1332, email: necessary to achieve the plan’s goals; Inlet beluga whales may be considered
Mandy.Migura@noaa.gov; or Therese and (3) estimates of the time required for delisting when: (1) The abundance
Conant, NMFS Office of Protected and costs to implement recovery estimate for Cook Inlet beluga whales is
Resources, telephone: (301) 427–8456, actions. The ultimate goal of the greater than or equal to 780 individuals,
email: Therese.Conant@noaa.gov. Recovery Plan is to achieve recovery of and there is 95 percent or greater
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales to probability that the most recent 25-year
a level sufficient to warrant their population abundance trend (where 25
Background removal from the List of Threatened and years represents one full generation) is
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of Endangered Wildlife and Plants under positive; and (2) the 10 downlisting and
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et the ESA (delist). The intermediate goal 9 delisting threats-based criteria are
seq.), requires that we develop and is to reclassify Cook Inlet belugas from satisfied.
implement recovery plans for listed endangered to threatened (downlist). Because a comprehensive approach to
species under our jurisdiction, unless it The Recovery Plan contains: (1) Cook Inlet beluga whale recovery is
is determined that such a plan would Background on Cook Inlet beluga whale likely to have greater success, rather
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
not promote the conservation of a natural history and population status; than focusing on any one type of action,
particular species. Recovery plans (2) a threats assessment, (3) biological the recovery actions in the Recovery
describe the specific actions considered and recovery criteria for downlisting Plan include research, management,
necessary, based on the best scientific and delisting, (4) actions necessary to monitoring, and education/outreach
and commercial data available, to promote the recovery of the species, (5) efforts. When determining threats-based
promote the conservation and recovery an implementation schedule, and (6) recovery actions, we aimed to improve
of species listed under the ESA. estimates of time and cost to recovery. understanding of those threats and their
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![1326 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / Notices
population-level consequences; and to requirements of ESA section 4(f), Register document. The general policy
improve our ability to manage and determined that it incorporates the for comments and other submissions
eliminate or mitigate those threats. In required elements, and is therefore from members of the public is to make
addition to addressing the threats, we adopting the Recovery Plan for Cook these submissions available for public
recognize the importance of Inlet beluga whales. viewing on the Internet at http://
continuously monitoring the Cook Inlet Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. www.regulations.gov as they are
beluga whale population, and have received without change, including any
therefore included recovery actions Dated: December 29, 2016.
personal identifiers or contact
specific to population monitoring goals. Angela Somma, information.
There are also actions targeted at Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office Any associated form(s) for this
incorporating new information into of Protected Resources, National Marine collection may be located within this
management actions and other elements Fisheries Service.
same electronic docket and downloaded
of the Recovery Plan, and conducting [FR Doc. 2016–31877 Filed 1–4–17; 8:45 am]
for review/testing. Follow the
regular reassessments of the status of the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P instructions at http://
Cook Inlet beluga population and each www.regulations.gov for submitting
of the threats to its recovery. As the comments. Please submit comments on
results of research, monitoring, and DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE any given form identified by docket
reassessments become available, we number, form number, and title.
recognize the levels of concern for the Department of the Army
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
threats, as well as the priorities, may [Docket ID: USA–2016–HQ–0040] request more information on this
change. The Recovery Plan is meant to
proposed information collection or to
be adaptive to allow for such changes. Proposed Collection; Comment
The Recovery Plan also includes obtain a copy of the proposal and
Request associated collection instruments,
estimates of the time and costs required
to implement recovery actions. The total AGENCY: Office of Administrative please write to the U.S. Army ROTC
time and cost to recovery are very Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Cadet Command, ATTN: ATCC–OP–I–S
difficult to predict with the current DoD. (Timothy Borgerding), 204 1st Cavalry
information, and the total cost to ACTION: Notice. Regiment Road, Building 1002, Fort
recovery will be largely dependent upon Knox, KY 40121–2123, or call the
the number of recovery actions SUMMARY: In compliance with the Department of the Army Records
requiring implementation. Since that Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Clearance Officer at (703) 428–6440.
cannot be determined prior to Office of Administrative Assistant to the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
implementation of portions of this plan, Secretary of the Army (OAA–RPA)
Title; Associated Form; and OMB
the total cost presented assumes announces a proposed public
Number: U.S. Army ROTC 4-Year
implementation of all recovery actions. information collection and seeks public
College Scholarship Application; OMB
As recovery progresses and we better comment on the provisions thereof.
Control Number 0702–0073.
understand the relationship between Comments are invited on: Whether the
Needs and Uses: This information
discrete threats and population proposed collection of information is
collection required is necessary to
dynamics, it may become apparent that necessary for the proper performance of
obtain applications for the Army ROTC
there are some threats or recovery the functions of the agency, including
Program, which produces
actions that need not be addressed to whether the information shall have
approximately 80 percent of the newly
achieve recovery. We therefore expect practical utility; the accuracy of the
commissioned officers for the U.S.
that the total estimated cost to achieve agency’s estimate of the burden of the
Army. The Army ROTC Scholarship is
recovery presented in the Recovery Plan proposed information collection; ways
an incentive to attract men and women
is high. to enhance the quality, utility, and
to pursue educational degrees in the
It is expected that recovery may take clarity of the information to be
academic disciplines required by the
at least two generations (50 years). If collected; and ways to minimize the
Army.
every identified recovery action were burden of the information collection on
respondents, including through the use Affected Public: Individuals or
implemented and if recovery plan households.
implementation lasted for 50 years, then of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. Annual Burden Hours: 9,037.
the estimated cost of implementing this
DATES: Consideration will be given to all
Number of Respondents: 12,049.
entire recovery program would be
approximately $76.8 million. Any comments received by March 6, 2017. Responses per Respondent: 1.
projections of total costs over the full ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
Annual Responses: 12,049.
recovery period are likely to be identified by docket number and title, Average Burden per Response: 45
imprecise, and the cost estimates do not by any of the following methods: minutes.
imply that appropriate levels of funding • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// Frequency: Annually.
will necessarily be available for all Cook www.regulations.gov. Follow the The applications are available to
Inlet beluga whale recovery tasks. We instructions for submitting comments. applicants that have 4-years of college
note that recovery plans are guidance • Mail: Department of Defense, Office remaining and will be under the age of
and planning documents only, and the of the Deputy Chief Management 31 at the projected time of graduation.
Officer, Directorate for Oversight and Once collection of all required
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
identification of an action to be
implemented by any public or private Compliance, Regulatory and Advisory application data is completed,
party does not create a legal obligation Committee Division, 4800 Mark Center Headquarters, Cadet Command reviews,
beyond existing legal requirements. Drive, Mailbox #24, Alexandria, VA screens, boards, and selects the
22350–1700. scholarship recipients. The collected
Conclusion Instructions: All submissions received application data and information
NMFS has reviewed the Recovery must include the agency name, docket provides the basis for the scholarship
Plan for compliance with the number and title for this Federal award.
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 14:51:01
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 14:51:01
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability. | |
| Contact | Mandy Migura, NMFS Alaska Region, telephone: (907) 271-1332, email: [email protected]; or Therese Conant, NMFS Office of Protected Resources, telephone: (301) 427-8456, email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 1325 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XU02 |
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