82_FR_27582 82 FR 27468 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

82 FR 27468 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 114 (June 15, 2017)

Page Range27468-27471
FR Document2017-12433

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

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 114 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 114 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27468-27471]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12433]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF473


Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

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

ACTION: Applications for three new scientific research permits, one 
permit modification, and four permit renewals.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received eight scientific 
research permit application requests

[[Page 27469]]

relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead, eulachon, green sturgeon, and 
rockfish. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of 
species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide 
management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed 
online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.

DATES: Comments or requests for a public hearing on the applications 
must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see 
ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on July 17, 2017.

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

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Species Covered in This Notice

    The following listed species are covered in this notice:
    Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound 
(PS).
    Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS.
    Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened Hood Canal Summer-run (HCS).
    Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus): Threatened Southern (S).
    Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris): Threatened Southern (S).
    Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis): Endangered Puget Sound/Georgia 
Basin (PS/GB).
    Yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus): Threatened PS/GB.

Authority

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

Applications Received

Permit 15848-2R

    The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking to 
renew, for five years, a research permit that currently allows them to 
take juvenile and adult PS Chinook salmon, HCS chum salmon, PS 
steelhead, and PS/GB bocaccio and adult S green sturgeon in the Puget 
Sound (Washington State). The WDFW research may also cause them to take 
juvenile and adult S eulachon and PS/GB yelloweye rockfish--species for 
which there are currently no ESA take prohibitions. The purpose of the 
WDFW study is to estimate the relative abundance of bottomfish in Puget 
Sound and collect information on the distribution and biology of key 
marine vertebrate and invertebrate resources. The research would 
benefit the affected species by providing the WDFW with information on 
encounter rates and species distributions--information that fisheries 
managers would use to promulgate regulations designed to protect and 
promote the recovery of listed species and to properly manage non-
listed fishery resources. The WDFW proposes to capture fish using a 
bottom trawl. All captured eulachon, salmonids, and green sturgeon 
would either be released immediately at the surface or held temporarily 
in an aerated live well to help them recover before being released. 
Listed rockfish would be released via rapid submergence to their 
capture depth to reduce adverse effects from barotrauma. The 
researchers do not propose to kill any fish but a small number may die 
as an unintended result of research activities. Some unintentional 
mortalities may be retained for further analysis.

Permit 15890-2R

    The WDFW is seeking to renew, for five years, a research permit 
that currently allows them to take juvenile and adult PS Chinook 
salmon, HCS chum salmon, PS steelhead, and PS/GB bocaccio in the Puget 
Sound (Washington State). The WDFW research may also cause them to take 
juvenile and adult S eulachon and PS/GB yelloweye rockfish--species for 
which there are currently no ESA take prohibitions. The purpose of the 
WDFW study is to estimate abundance and determine other important 
demographic information for pelagic forage fish in key areas of Puget 
Sound. The research would benefit both listed and non-listed species by 
monitoring their relative abundance in Puget Sound and obtaining 
information on the spatial and temporal locations of all pelagic 
species in the region. The WDFW proposes to capture fish with a mid-
water trawl working in tandem with an acoustic survey boat. All 
captured salmonids would be sampled (fin clips, sample scale) and 
either released immediately at the surface or held temporarily in an 
aerated live well to help them recover before release. All viable 
eulachon would be released at the surface without sampling. Listed 
rockfish would have a fin clip collected for genetic analyses and then 
be released via rapid submergence to their capture depth to reduce 
adverse effects from barotrauma. The researchers do not propose to kill 
any fish, but a small number may die as an unintentional result of 
research activities. Some unintentional mortalities may be retained for 
further analysis.

Permit 16021-2R

    The WDFW is seeking to renew, for five years, a research permit 
that currently allows them to take juvenile and adult PS Chinook salmon 
and PS/GB bocaccio and adult S green sturgeon in the Puget Sound 
(Washington State). The WDFW research may also cause them to take adult 
S eulachon and juvenile and adult PS/GB yelloweye rockfish--species for 
which there are currently no ESA take prohibitions. The purpose of the 
WDFW study is to improve the understanding of groundfish stock 
structure, life history, biology, geographic distribution, habitat use, 
and food web relationships. The research would benefit the affected 
species by providing data critical for population modeling--information 
that would be used to improve management of Puget Sound groundfish 
resources. The WDFW proposes to capture fish using hook and line and 
live-capture traps. All captured salmonids, eulachon, and green 
sturgeon would either be released immediately at the surface or held 
temporarily in an aerated live well to help them recover before being 
released. Listed rockfish would have a fin clip collected for genetic 
analysis and researchers would attach a floy tag to the fish before 
releasing them via rapid submergence to their capture depth. After 
being captured, the listed salmon and steelhead would be placed in 
aerated live wells, identified, and

[[Page 27470]]

released. The researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being 
captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the 
activities. Some unintentional mortalities may be retained for further 
analysis.

Permit 16091-2R

    The WDFW is seeking to renew, for five years, a research permit 
that currently allows them to take juvenile and adult PS Chinook 
salmon, HCS chum salmon, PS steelhead, and PS/GB bocaccio and adult S 
green sturgeon in the Puget Sound (Washington State). The WDFW research 
may also cause them to take juvenile and adult S eulachon and PS/GB 
yelloweye rockfish--species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. The purpose of the WDFW study is to capture English sole 
(Parophrys vetulus) throughout the Salish Sea to monitor tissue levels 
of toxic chemical contaminants, frequency of pathological disorders, 
and biomarkers signifying biological effects. The research would 
benefit the listed species as well as the target species by providing 
managers with a better understanding of toxic contaminant impacts on 
the benthic food web, measuring changes in toxic contaminant levels on 
a local level, and helping prioritize cleanup efforts. The WDFW 
proposes to capture fish using a bottom trawl. All captured eulachon, 
salmonids, and green sturgeon would either be released immediately at 
the surface or held temporarily in an aerated live well to help them 
recover before being released. Listed rockfish would be released via 
rapid submergence to their capture depth to reduce adverse effects from 
barotrauma. The researchers do not propose to kill any fish but a small 
number may die as an unintended result of research activities. Some 
unintentional mortalities may be retained for further analysis.

Permit 20535-2M

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking to modify a 
three-year research permit that allows them to annually take juvenile 
PS Chinook salmon and PS steelhead in the lower Duwamish River (King 
County, Washington). The USACE research may also cause them to take 
adult S eulachon--species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. The purpose of the USACE study is to collect starry 
flounder (Platichthys stellatus), shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster 
aggregate), English sole, and Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus 
armatus) for tissue sampling and PCB congener analysis. The research 
would benefit the listed species by enhancing managers' understanding 
of contaminant partitioning within the food web near the Lower Duwamish 
Waterway Superfund Site. The USACE proposes to capture fish using beach 
seines. All listed fish are would be captured, handled, and released. 
The researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being captured, 
but a small number may die as an unintended result of the activities.

Permit 21061

    Windward Environmental (WE) is seeking a two-year research permit 
to annually take juvenile and adult PS Chinook salmon and PS steelhead 
and juvenile PS/GB bocaccio in the lower Duwamish River (King County, 
Washington). The WE research may also cause them to take juvenile PS/GB 
yelloweye rockfish--species for which there are currently no ESA take 
prohibitions. The purpose of the WE study is to establish baseline 
tissue chemical concentrations for English sole, starry flounder, 
shiner surfperch, Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister), and graceful 
crab (M. gracilis) in the lower Duwamish River to assess the progress 
toward meeting target tissue chemical concentrations identified in the 
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Record of Decision (ROD). The 
research would benefit the affected species by helping delineate 
contaminated areas and using that information to minimize animals' 
exposure to contaminated sediments by performing sediment remediation 
designed to protect aquatic wildlife. The WE proposes to capture fish 
using an otter trawl and crab traps. All listed fish would be captured, 
handled, and released. The researchers do not propose to kill any 
listed fish being captured, but a small number may die as an unintended 
result of the activities.

Permit 21185

    The Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC) is seeking a five-year research 
permit to annually take juvenile PS Chinook salmon and PS steelhead in 
the Deschutes River watershed and Kitsap Peninsula (Washington State). 
The purpose of the WFC study is to water-type existing channel 
classifications in selected sub-basins and floodplain areas to validate 
and correct Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 
classifications. The research would benefit the listed species by 
filling data gaps regarding fish passage impediments (i.e., tidegates, 
culverts) and fish species composition and distribution--information 
needed to responsibly identify, prioritize, and implement restoration 
projects. The WFC proposes to capture fish using backpack 
electrofishing equipment. The captured fish would be identified to 
species, fin clipped (PS steelhead only), and returned to their capture 
locations. Once fish presence is established, either through visual 
observation or electrofishing, electrofishing would be discontinued. 
Surveyors would then proceed upstream until a change in habitat 
parameters is encountered, at which point the electrofishing would be 
continued. The researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being 
captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the 
activities.

Permit 21330

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking a five-year 
research permit to annual take juvenile PS Chinook salmon and PS 
steelhead in Jim Creek (South Fork Stillaguamish River watershed; 
Snohomish County, Washington). The purpose of the FWS study is to 
document ESA-listed fish presence, distribution, and abundance in Jim 
Creek within the boundaries of the Naval Radio Station Jim Creek 
facility. The research would benefit the listed species by refining the 
facility's Integrated Natural Resources Management plan, guiding 
decisions regarding habitat restoration, and helping fill data gaps in 
the distribution and abundance of ESA-listed PS Chinook, PS steelhead, 
and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). The FWS proposes to capture 
fish using backpack electrofishing equipment. The captured fish would 
be removed from the water using a dip net, placed in aerated buckets, 
anesthetized with MS-222, identified to species, weighed, measured, 
allowed to recover, and returned to their capture locations. The 
researchers do not propose to kill any listed fish being captured, but 
a small number may die as an unintended result of the activities.
    This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS 
will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments 
submitted to determine whether the applications meet the requirements 
of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit 
decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment 
period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal 
Register.


[[Page 27471]]


    Dated: June 12, 2017.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12433 Filed 6-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                               27468                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Notices

                                               VI. Partial Rescission of Administrative                Netherlands. Intended Use: See notice at                 Docket Number: 16–008. Applicant:
                                                    Review                                             81 FR 71702–03, October 18, 2016.                      California Institute of Technology,
                                               VII. Subsidies Valuation Information                                                                           Pasadena, CA 91125. Instrument:
                                               VIII. Benchmarks
                                                                                                          Comments: None received. Decision:
                                                                                                       Approved. No instrument of equivalent                  Cryogenic Temperature Scanning
                                               IX. Use of Facts Otherwise Available and
                                                    Adverse Inferences                                 scientific value to the foreign                        Tunneling Microscope System.
                                               X. Programs Determined To Be                            instrument, for such purposes as this                  Manufacturer: Unisoku Co., LTD., Japan.
                                                    Countervailable                                    instrument is intended to be used, is                  Intended Use: See notice at 81 FR
                                               XI. Programs Determined Not To Confer                   being manufactured in the United States                71703, October 18, 2016. Comments:
                                                    Measurable Benefits                                at the time the instrument was ordered.                None received. Decision: Approved. We
                                               XII. Programs Determined Not To Be Used                 Reasons: Each foreign instrument is an                 know of no instruments of equivalent
                                                    During the POR                                     electron microscope and is intended for                scientific value to the foreign
                                               XIII. Analysis of Comments                                                                                     instruments described below, for such
                                               XIV. Conclusion
                                                                                                       research or scientific educational uses
                                                                                                       requiring an electron microscope. We                   purposes as this is intended to be used,
                                               [FR Doc. 2017–12449 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       know of no electron microscope, or any                 that was being manufactured in the
                                               BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P                                  other instrument suited to these                       United States at the time of order.
                                                                                                       purposes, which was being                              Reasons: The instrument will be used to
                                                                                                       manufactured in the United States at the               investigate structural and electrical
                                               DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                                                                         surface properties with atomic
                                                                                                       time of order of each instrument.
                                                                                                                                                              resolution at cryogenic temperatures
                                               International Trade Administration                        Dated: June 9, 2017.                                 (¥459 Fahrenheit—0.4 K) and high
                                                                                                       Gregory W. Campbell,                                   magnetic fields, at which conditions
                                               University of Massachusetts Medical                     Director, Subsidies Enforcement, Enforcement           materials can exhibit unusual quantum
                                               School, et al.; Notice of Consolidated                  and Compliance.                                        properties such as topological
                                               Decision on Applications for Duty-Free                  [FR Doc. 2017–12407 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]            superconductivity and fractionalization
                                               Entry of Electron Microscope                                                                                   of charge carriers. Experiments to be
                                                                                                       BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
                                                 This is a decision consolidated                                                                              conducted with the instrument include
                                               pursuant to Section 6(c) of the                                                                                mapping of the local electronic density
                                               Educational, Scientific, and Cultural                   DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                 of states of gated nanostructures by
                                               Materials Importation Act of 1966 (Pub.                                                                        measuring current—voltage curves at
                                                                                                       International Trade Administration                     different points, mapping of the electron
                                               L. 89–651, as amended by Pub. L. 106–
                                               36; 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR part 301).                                                                            spin structure using scanning tips made
                                                                                                       Purdue University, et al.; Notice of
                                               Related records can be viewed between                                                                          of magnetic materials, and probing the
                                                                                                       Decision on Application for Duty-Free
                                               8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Room 3720,                                                                          size of the energy gap in topological
                                                                                                       Entry of Scientific Instruments                        insulators and topological
                                               U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and
                                               Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,                       This is a decision pursuant to Section              superconductors. For this type of
                                               DC.                                                     6(c) of the Educational, Scientific, and               research an instrument capable of
                                                 Docket Number: 16–002. Applicant:                     Cultural Materials Importation Act of                  performing scanning tunneling
                                               University of Massachusetts Medical                     1966 (Pub. L. 89–651, as amended by                    microscopy (STM) and atomic force
                                               School, Worcester, MA 01655.                            Pub. L. 106–36; 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR                   microscopy (AFM) at cryogenic
                                               Instrument: Electron Microscope.                        part 301). Related records can be viewed               temperatures and high magnetic fields is
                                               Manufacturer: FEI Company, the                          between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in                     essential.
                                               Netherlands. Intended Use: See notice at                Room 3720, U.S. Department of                            Dated: June 9, 2017.
                                               81 FR 71702, October 18, 2016.                          Commerce, 14th and Constitution Ave.                   Gregory W. Campbell,
                                                 Docket Number: 16–011. Applicant:                     NW., Washington, DC.                                   Director, Subsidies Enforcement, Enforcement
                                               Van Andel Research Institute, Grand                        Docket Number: 16–004. Applicant:                   and Compliance.
                                               Rapids, MI 49503. Instrument: Electron                  Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN                  [FR Doc. 2017–12406 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]
                                               Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI                           47907. Instrument: SGR YAG pulsed                      BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
                                               Company, the Netherlands. Intended                      laser. Manufacturer: Beamtech
                                               Use: See notice at 81 FR 71702–03,                      Optronics, Co., LTD, China. Intended
                                               October 18, 2016.                                       Use: See notice at 81 FR 71702, October                DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                 Docket Number: 16–012. Applicant:                     18, 2016. Comments: None received.
                                               Van Andel Research Institute, Grand                                                                            National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                                                                       Decision: Approved. We know of no
                                               Rapids, MI 49503. Instrument: Electron                                                                         Administration
                                                                                                       instruments of equivalent scientific
                                               Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI                           value to the foreign instruments                       RIN 0648–XF473
                                               Company, the Netherlands. Intended                      described below, for such purposes as
                                               Use: See notice at 81 FR 71702–03,                      this is intended to be used, that was                  Endangered and Threatened Species;
                                               October 18, 2016.                                       being manufactured in the United States                Take of Anadromous Fish
                                                 Docket Number: 16–013. Applicant:                     at the time of order. Reasons: The                     AGENCY:   National Marine Fisheries
                                               Van Andel Research Institute, Grand                     instrument will be used for pulsed laser               Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                               Rapids, MI 49503. Instrument: Electron                  annealing and nanostructure integrated                 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES




                                               Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI                           laser shock peening, to improve the                    Commerce.
                                               Company, Czech Republic. Intended                       microstructure of thin film for better                 ACTION: Applications for three new
                                               Use: See notice at 81 FR 71702–03,                      electrical and optical properties.                     scientific research permits, one permit
                                               October 18, 2016.                                       Requirements for the experiment                        modification, and four permit renewals.
                                                 Docket Number: 16–015. Applicant:                     include three wave lengths (355nm,
                                               Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520.                   532nm, 1064 nm), pulse energy 2J, flat                 SUMMARY:  Notice is hereby given that
                                               Instrument: Electron Microscope.                        hat beam, and pulse duration tunable                   NMFS has received eight scientific
                                               Manufacturer: FEI Company, the                          from 10ns to 25ns.                                     research permit application requests


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:10 Jun 14, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\15JNN1.SGM   15JNN1


                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Notices                                           27469

                                               relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead,                    Anyone requesting a hearing on an                    prohibitions. The purpose of the WDFW
                                               eulachon, green sturgeon, and rockfish.                 application listed in this notice should               study is to estimate abundance and
                                               The proposed research is intended to                    set out the specific reasons why a                     determine other important demographic
                                               increase knowledge of species listed                    hearing on that application would be                   information for pelagic forage fish in
                                               under the Endangered Species Act                        appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such                      key areas of Puget Sound. The research
                                               (ESA) and to help guide management                      hearings are held at the discretion of the             would benefit both listed and non-listed
                                               and conservation efforts. The                           Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,                 species by monitoring their relative
                                               applications may be viewed online at:                   NMFS.                                                  abundance in Puget Sound and
                                               https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/                                                                            obtaining information on the spatial and
                                               preview_open_for_comment.cfm.                           Applications Received                                  temporal locations of all pelagic species
                                               DATES: Comments or requests for a                       Permit 15848–2R                                        in the region. The WDFW proposes to
                                               public hearing on the applications must                                                                        capture fish with a mid-water trawl
                                                                                                          The Washington Department of Fish
                                               be received at the appropriate address or                                                                      working in tandem with an acoustic
                                                                                                       and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking to
                                               fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later                                                                            survey boat. All captured salmonids
                                                                                                       renew, for five years, a research permit
                                               than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on                                                                           would be sampled (fin clips, sample
                                                                                                       that currently allows them to take
                                               July 17, 2017.                                                                                                 scale) and either released immediately
                                                                                                       juvenile and adult PS Chinook salmon,
                                               ADDRESSES: Written comments on the                                                                             at the surface or held temporarily in an
                                                                                                       HCS chum salmon, PS steelhead, and
                                               applications should be sent to the                                                                             aerated live well to help them recover
                                                                                                       PS/GB bocaccio and adult S green
                                               Protected Resources Division, NMFS,                                                                            before release. All viable eulachon
                                                                                                       sturgeon in the Puget Sound
                                               1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100,                                                                               would be released at the surface without
                                                                                                       (Washington State). The WDFW                           sampling. Listed rockfish would have a
                                               Portland, OR 97232–1274. Comments                       research may also cause them to take
                                               may also be sent via fax to 503–230–                                                                           fin clip collected for genetic analyses
                                                                                                       juvenile and adult S eulachon and PS/                  and then be released via rapid
                                               5441 or by email to nmfs.nwr.apps@                      GB yelloweye rockfish—species for
                                               noaa.gov (include the permit number in                                                                         submergence to their capture depth to
                                                                                                       which there are currently no ESA take                  reduce adverse effects from barotrauma.
                                               the subject line of the fax or email).                  prohibitions. The purpose of the WDFW
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob
                                                                                                                                                              The researchers do not propose to kill
                                                                                                       study is to estimate the relative                      any fish, but a small number may die as
                                               Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503–231–                      abundance of bottomfish in Puget
                                               2314), Fax: 503–230–5441, email:                                                                               an unintentional result of research
                                                                                                       Sound and collect information on the                   activities. Some unintentional
                                               Robert.Clapp@noaa.gov). Permit                          distribution and biology of key marine
                                               application instructions are available                                                                         mortalities may be retained for further
                                                                                                       vertebrate and invertebrate resources.                 analysis.
                                               from the address above, or online at                    The research would benefit the affected
                                               https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov.                             species by providing the WDFW with                     Permit 16021–2R
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              information on encounter rates and                        The WDFW is seeking to renew, for
                                               Species Covered in This Notice                          species distributions—information that                 five years, a research permit that
                                                                                                       fisheries managers would use to                        currently allows them to take juvenile
                                                 The following listed species are                      promulgate regulations designed to                     and adult PS Chinook salmon and PS/
                                               covered in this notice:                                 protect and promote the recovery of                    GB bocaccio and adult S green sturgeon
                                                 Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus                          listed species and to properly manage                  in the Puget Sound (Washington State).
                                               tshawytscha): Threatened Puget Sound                    non-listed fishery resources. The WDFW                 The WDFW research may also cause
                                               (PS).
                                                                                                       proposes to capture fish using a bottom                them to take adult S eulachon and
                                                 Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened PS.
                                                 Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened                     trawl. All captured eulachon,                          juvenile and adult PS/GB yelloweye
                                               Hood Canal Summer-run (HCS).                            salmonids, and green sturgeon would                    rockfish—species for which there are
                                                 Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus):                    either be released immediately at the                  currently no ESA take prohibitions. The
                                               Threatened Southern (S).                                surface or held temporarily in an                      purpose of the WDFW study is to
                                                 Green sturgeon (Acipenser                             aerated live well to help them recover                 improve the understanding of
                                               medirostris): Threatened Southern (S).                  before being released. Listed rockfish                 groundfish stock structure, life history,
                                                 Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis):                      would be released via rapid                            biology, geographic distribution, habitat
                                               Endangered Puget Sound/Georgia Basin                    submergence to their capture depth to                  use, and food web relationships. The
                                               (PS/GB).                                                reduce adverse effects from barotrauma.                research would benefit the affected
                                                 Yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus):                   The researchers do not propose to kill                 species by providing data critical for
                                               Threatened PS/GB.                                       any fish but a small number may die as                 population modeling—information that
                                                                                                       an unintended result of research                       would be used to improve management
                                               Authority                                                                                                      of Puget Sound groundfish resources.
                                                                                                       activities. Some unintentional
                                                  Scientific research permits are issued               mortalities may be retained for further                The WDFW proposes to capture fish
                                               in accordance with section 10(a)(1)(A)                  analysis.                                              using hook and line and live-capture
                                               of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and                                                                        traps. All captured salmonids, eulachon,
                                               regulations governing listed fish and                   Permit 15890–2R                                        and green sturgeon would either be
                                               wildlife permits (50 CFR 222–226).                         The WDFW is seeking to renew, for                   released immediately at the surface or
                                               NMFS issues permits based on findings                   five years, a research permit that                     held temporarily in an aerated live well
                                               that such permits: (1) Are applied for in               currently allows them to take juvenile                 to help them recover before being
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                                               good faith; (2) if granted and exercised,               and adult PS Chinook salmon, HCS                       released. Listed rockfish would have a
                                               would not operate to the disadvantage                   chum salmon, PS steelhead, and PS/GB                   fin clip collected for genetic analysis
                                               of the listed species that are the subject              bocaccio in the Puget Sound                            and researchers would attach a floy tag
                                               of the permit; and (3) are consistent                   (Washington State). The WDFW                           to the fish before releasing them via
                                               with the purposes and policy of section                 research may also cause them to take                   rapid submergence to their capture
                                               2 of the ESA. The authority to take                     juvenile and adult S eulachon and PS/                  depth. After being captured, the listed
                                               listed species is subject to conditions set             GB yelloweye rockfish—species for                      salmon and steelhead would be placed
                                               forth in the permits.                                   which there are currently no ESA take                  in aerated live wells, identified, and


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                                               27470                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Notices

                                               released. The researchers do not                        The research would benefit the listed                  responsibly identify, prioritize, and
                                               propose to kill any listed fish being                   species by enhancing managers’                         implement restoration projects. The
                                               captured, but a small number may die                    understanding of contaminant                           WFC proposes to capture fish using
                                               as an unintended result of the activities.              partitioning within the food web near                  backpack electrofishing equipment. The
                                               Some unintentional mortalities may be                   the Lower Duwamish Waterway                            captured fish would be identified to
                                               retained for further analysis.                          Superfund Site. The USACE proposes to                  species, fin clipped (PS steelhead only),
                                                                                                       capture fish using beach seines. All                   and returned to their capture locations.
                                               Permit 16091–2R
                                                                                                       listed fish are would be captured,                     Once fish presence is established, either
                                                  The WDFW is seeking to renew, for                    handled, and released. The researchers
                                               five years, a research permit that                                                                             through visual observation or
                                                                                                       do not propose to kill any listed fish
                                               currently allows them to take juvenile                                                                         electrofishing, electrofishing would be
                                                                                                       being captured, but a small number may
                                               and adult PS Chinook salmon, HCS                                                                               discontinued. Surveyors would then
                                                                                                       die as an unintended result of the
                                               chum salmon, PS steelhead, and PS/GB                    activities.                                            proceed upstream until a change in
                                               bocaccio and adult S green sturgeon in                                                                         habitat parameters is encountered, at
                                               the Puget Sound (Washington State).                     Permit 21061                                           which point the electrofishing would be
                                               The WDFW research may also cause                           Windward Environmental (WE) is                      continued. The researchers do not
                                               them to take juvenile and adult S                       seeking a two-year research permit to                  propose to kill any listed fish being
                                               eulachon and PS/GB yelloweye                            annually take juvenile and adult PS                    captured, but a small number may die
                                               rockfish—species for which there are                    Chinook salmon and PS steelhead and                    as an unintended result of the activities.
                                               currently no ESA take prohibitions. The                 juvenile PS/GB bocaccio in the lower
                                               purpose of the WDFW study is to                         Duwamish River (King County,                           Permit 21330
                                               capture English sole (Parophrys vetulus)                Washington). The WE research may also                     The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                                               throughout the Salish Sea to monitor                    cause them to take juvenile PS/GB                      (FWS) is seeking a five-year research
                                               tissue levels of toxic chemical                         yelloweye rockfish—species for which
                                                                                                                                                              permit to annual take juvenile PS
                                               contaminants, frequency of pathological                 there are currently no ESA take
                                                                                                                                                              Chinook salmon and PS steelhead in Jim
                                               disorders, and biomarkers signifying                    prohibitions. The purpose of the WE
                                               biological effects. The research would                  study is to establish baseline tissue                  Creek (South Fork Stillaguamish River
                                               benefit the listed species as well as the               chemical concentrations for English                    watershed; Snohomish County,
                                               target species by providing managers                    sole, starry flounder, shiner surfperch,               Washington). The purpose of the FWS
                                               with a better understanding of toxic                    Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus                           study is to document ESA-listed fish
                                               contaminant impacts on the benthic                      magister), and graceful crab (M. gracilis)             presence, distribution, and abundance
                                               food web, measuring changes in toxic                    in the lower Duwamish River to assess                  in Jim Creek within the boundaries of
                                               contaminant levels on a local level, and                the progress toward meeting target                     the Naval Radio Station Jim Creek
                                               helping prioritize cleanup efforts. The                 tissue chemical concentrations                         facility. The research would benefit the
                                               WDFW proposes to capture fish using a                   identified in the Environmental                        listed species by refining the facility’s
                                               bottom trawl. All captured eulachon,                    Protection Agency’s (EPA) Record of                    Integrated Natural Resources
                                               salmonids, and green sturgeon would                     Decision (ROD). The research would                     Management plan, guiding decisions
                                               either be released immediately at the                   benefit the affected species by helping                regarding habitat restoration, and
                                               surface or held temporarily in an                       delineate contaminated areas and using                 helping fill data gaps in the distribution
                                               aerated live well to help them recover                  that information to minimize animals’                  and abundance of ESA-listed PS
                                               before being released. Listed rockfish                  exposure to contaminated sediments by                  Chinook, PS steelhead, and bull trout
                                               would be released via rapid                             performing sediment remediation                        (Salvelinus confluentus). The FWS
                                               submergence to their capture depth to                   designed to protect aquatic wildlife. The              proposes to capture fish using backpack
                                               reduce adverse effects from barotrauma.                 WE proposes to capture fish using an                   electrofishing equipment. The captured
                                               The researchers do not propose to kill                  otter trawl and crab traps. All listed fish
                                                                                                                                                              fish would be removed from the water
                                               any fish but a small number may die as                  would be captured, handled, and
                                                                                                                                                              using a dip net, placed in aerated
                                               an unintended result of research                        released. The researchers do not
                                               activities. Some unintentional                          propose to kill any listed fish being                  buckets, anesthetized with MS–222,
                                               mortalities may be retained for further                 captured, but a small number may die                   identified to species, weighed,
                                               analysis.                                               as an unintended result of the activities.             measured, allowed to recover, and
                                                                                                                                                              returned to their capture locations. The
                                               Permit 20535–2M                                         Permit 21185                                           researchers do not propose to kill any
                                                 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                         The Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC) is                  listed fish being captured, but a small
                                               (USACE) is seeking to modify a three-                   seeking a five-year research permit to                 number may die as an unintended result
                                               year research permit that allows them to                annually take juvenile PS Chinook                      of the activities.
                                               annually take juvenile PS Chinook                       salmon and PS steelhead in the                            This notice is provided pursuant to
                                               salmon and PS steelhead in the lower                    Deschutes River watershed and Kitsap                   section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS will
                                               Duwamish River (King County,                            Peninsula (Washington State). The                      evaluate the applications, associated
                                               Washington). The USACE research may                     purpose of the WFC study is to water-
                                                                                                                                                              documents, and comments submitted to
                                               also cause them to take adult S                         type existing channel classifications in
                                                                                                                                                              determine whether the applications
                                               eulachon—species for which there are                    selected sub-basins and floodplain areas
                                                                                                                                                              meet the requirements of section 10(a)
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                                               currently no ESA take prohibitions. The                 to validate and correct Washington
                                               purpose of the USACE study is to                        Department of Natural Resources                        of the ESA and Federal regulations. The
                                               collect starry flounder (Platichthys                    (WDNR) classifications. The research                   final permit decisions will not be made
                                               stellatus), shiner surfperch                            would benefit the listed species by                    until after the end of the 30-day
                                               (Cymatogaster aggregate), English sole,                 filling data gaps regarding fish passage               comment period. NMFS will publish
                                               and Pacific staghorn sculpin                            impediments (i.e., tidegates, culverts)                notice of its final action in the Federal
                                               (Leptocottus armatus) for tissue                        and fish species composition and                       Register.
                                               sampling and PCB congener analysis.                     distribution—information needed to


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Notices                                                  27471

                                                  Dated: June 12, 2017.                                Standard Time) or when business for                    revisions; and produce STAR Panel
                                               Angela Somma,                                           the day has been completed. The panel                  reports for use by the Pacific Council
                                               Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office              will reconvene on Tuesday, July 25 and                 family and other interested persons for
                                               of Protected Resources, National Marine                 will continue through Friday, July 28,                 developing management
                                               Fisheries Service.                                      2017 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending                 recommendations for fisheries in 2019
                                               [FR Doc. 2017–12433 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]             at 5:30 p.m. each day, or when business                and beyond. No management actions
                                               BILLING CODE 3510–22–P                                  for the day has been completed.                        will be decided by the STAR Panels.
                                                                                                       ADDRESSES: STAR Panel 1 and STAR                       The STAR Panel participants’ role will
                                                                                                       Panel 2 will be held in the Auditorium                 be development of recommendations
                                               DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                  at the NMFS, Northwest Fisheries                       and reports for consideration by the
                                                                                                       Science Center, 2725 Montlake                          Pacific Council at its September meeting
                                               National Oceanic and Atmospheric                        Boulevard E, Seattle, WA 98112;
                                               Administration                                                                                                 in Boise, ID.
                                                                                                       telephone: (206) 860–3200. STAR Panel
                                               RIN 0648–XF278                                          3 will be held at the NMFS, Southwest                     Although nonemergency issues not
                                                                                                       Fisheries Science Center, Santa Cruz                   contained in the meeting agendas may
                                               Pacific Fishery Management Council;                     Laboratory, 110 McAllister Way, Santa                  be discussed, those issues may not be
                                               Public Meetings                                         Cruz, CA 95060; telephone: (831) 420–                  the subject of formal action during these
                                                                                                       3900.                                                  meetings. Action will be restricted to
                                               AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                                                                          To attend the webinar, visit: http://               those issues specifically listed in this
                                               Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                                                                                       www.gotomeeting.com/online/webinar/                    notice and any issues arising after
                                               Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
                                               Commerce.                                               join-webinar. Enter the Webinar ID,                    publication of this notice that require
                                                                                                       which is 782–299–523, and your name                    emergency action under Section 305(c)
                                               ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
                                                                                                       and email address (required). After                    of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
                                               SUMMARY:   The Pacific Fishery                          logging into the webinar, dial the TOLL                Conservation and Management Act,
                                               Management Council (Pacific Council)                    number (not a toll-free number) which                  provided the public has been notified of
                                               will convene three Stock Assessment                     will be provided to you after the                      the intent of the STAR panels to take
                                               Review (STAR) panels this year to                       webinar is launched; you must use your                 final action to address the emergency.
                                               review new stock assessments for                        telephone for the audio portion of the
                                                                                                       meeting. Then enter the Attendee phone                    Visitors who are foreign nationals
                                               lingcod, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye                                                                        (defined as a person who is not a citizen
                                               rockfish, yellowtail rockfish, blue                     audio access code: 432–847–759, then
                                                                                                       enter your audio phone pin (shown after                or national of the United States) will
                                               rockfish, deacon rockfish, and California
                                                                                                       joining the webinar). Note: We have                    require additional security clearance to
                                               scorpionfish. These STAR panel
                                                                                                       disabled Mic/Speakers on GoToMeeting                   access the NMFS Northwest Fisheries
                                               meetings are open to the public. The
                                               STAR panel meetings will also be                        as an option and require all participants              Science Center. Foreign national visitors
                                               streamed online for those who want to                   to use a telephone or cell phone to                    should contact Ms. Stacey Miller at
                                               follow the proceedings remotely.                        participate. The GotoMeeting broadcast                 541–867–0535 at least two weeks prior
                                               DATES: The STAR panel meeting to                        is not a substitute for attending the                  to the meeting date to initiate the
                                               review new assessments for lingcod and                  STAR panel meetings in person. You                     security clearance process.
                                               Pacific ocean perch (STAR Panel 1) will                 will not be able to communicate with
                                                                                                                                                              Technical Information and System
                                               be held Monday, June 26, 2017, from                     others or offer public comment using
                                                                                                       the webinar connection. We strive to                   Requirements
                                               8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Pacific
                                               Standard Time) or when business for                     make this service fully available, but                   PC-based attendees: Windows® 7,
                                               the day has been completed. The panel                   due to unforeseen technical issues                     Vista, or XP operating system required.
                                               will reconvene on Tuesday, June 27 and                  (internet/power outages, GoToMeeting                   Mac®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.5
                                               will continue through Friday, June 30,                  service issues, etc.), this service may not            or newer required. Mobile attendees:
                                               2017 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending                  be available during portions of the                    iPhone®, iPad®, AndroidTM phone or
                                               at 5:30 p.m. each day, or when business                 STAR panel meetings.
                                                                                                                                                              Android tablet required (use
                                               for the day has been completed.                            Council address: Pacific Fishery
                                                                                                       Management Council, 7700 NE                            GoToMeeting Webinar Apps).
                                                  The STAR panel meeting to review
                                               new assessments for yelloweye rockfish                  Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland,                 Special Accommodations
                                               and yellowtail rockfish (STAR Panel 2)                  OR 97220.
                                               will be held Monday, July 10, 2017,                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                     These meetings are physically
                                               from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Pacific                 Stacey Miller, NMFS Northwest                          accessible to people with disabilities.
                                               Standard Time) or when business for                     Fisheries Science Center; telephone:                   Requests for sign language
                                               the day has been completed. The panel                   (541) 867–0535; or Mr. John DeVore,                    interpretation or other auxiliary aids
                                               will reconvene on Tuesday, July 11 and                  Staff Officer, Pacific Fishery                         should be directed to Mr. Kris
                                               will continue through Friday, July 14,                  Management Council; telephone: (503)                   Kleinschmidt (503) 820–2280 at least 10
                                               2017 beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending                  820–2280.                                              days prior to the meeting date.
                                               at 5:30 p.m. each day, or when business                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The                           Dated: June 12, 2017.
                                               for the day has been completed.                         purpose of the STAR Panels is to review                Tracey L. Thompson,
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                                                  The STAR panel meeting to review                     draft 2017 stock assessment documents
                                               new assessments for blue rockfish,                      and any other pertinent information for                Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
                                                                                                                                                              Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
                                               deacon rockfish (it is anticipated this                 new benchmark stock assessments for
                                               will be a single assessment of blue and                 lingcod, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye                [FR Doc. 2017–12429 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]
                                               deacon rockfish in combination), and                    rockfish, yellowtail rockfish, blue                    BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
                                               California scorpionfish (STAR Panel 3)                  rockfish, deacon rockfish, and California
                                               will be held Monday, July 24, 2017,                     scorpionfish; work with the Stock
                                               from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Pacific                 Assessment Teams to make necessary


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Document Created: 2017-06-15 01:03:50
Document Modified: 2017-06-15 01:03:50
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
ActionApplications for three new scientific research permits, one permit modification, and four permit renewals.
DatesComments or requests for a public hearing on the applications
ContactRob Clapp, Portland, OR (ph.: 503-231- 2314), Fax: 503-230-5441, email: [email protected]). Permit
FR Citation82 FR 27468 
RIN Number0648-XF47

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