82 FR 28304 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews for the Endangered Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin and Endangered Saimaa Subspecies of Ringed Seal

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 118 (June 21, 2017)

Page Range		28304-28305
FR Document		2017-12858

NMFS announces its intent to conduct 5-year reviews for the endangered Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer), and the endangered Saimaa subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis). NMFS is required by the ESA to conduct 5-year reviews to ensure that the listing classifications of the species are accurate. The 5-year reviews must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time. We request submission of any such information on Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin and Saimaa ringed seal, particularly information on the status, threats, and recovery of the species that has become available since the previous status review for Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin in February 2012 and Saimaa seal in December 2010.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 118 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28304-28305]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12858]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF474


Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews 
for the Endangered Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin 
and Endangered Saimaa Subspecies of Ringed Seal

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

ACTION: Notice of initiation of 5-year reviews; request for 
information.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces its intent to conduct 5-year reviews for the 
endangered Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes 
vexillifer), and the endangered Saimaa subspecies of ringed seal (Phoca 
hispida saimensis). NMFS is required by the ESA to conduct 5-year 
reviews to ensure that the listing classifications of the species are 
accurate. The 5-year reviews must be based on the best scientific and 
commercial data available at the time. We request submission of any 
such information on Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin 
and Saimaa ringed seal, particularly information on the status, 
threats, and recovery of the species that has become available since 
the previous status review for Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze 
River Dolphin in February 2012 and Saimaa seal in December 2010.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must 
receive your information no later than August 21, 2017. However, we 
will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any 
time.

ADDRESSES: You may submit information on this document identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2017-0057 by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit electronic information via 
the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov. To submit 
information via the e-Rulemaking Portal, first click the ``submit a 
comment'' icon, then enter NOAA-NMFS-2017-0057 in the keyword search. 
Locate the document you wish to respond to from the resulting list and 
click on the ``Submit a Comment'' icon on the right of that line.
     Mail or Hand-Deliver: Submit written comments to 
Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13535, Silver Spring, MD 
20910; Attn: Ron Dean.
    Instructions: Information must be submitted by one of the above 
methods to ensure that the information is received, documented, and 
considered by NMFS. Information sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the specified 
period, may not be considered. All information received is a part of 
the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information submitted 
voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept 
anonymous submissions (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish 
to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Dean at the above address, by 
phone at (301) 427-8403 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces our active review of 
the Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin and the Saimaa 
seal. Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the ESA requires that we conduct a review 
of listed species at least once every five years. The regulations in 50 
CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register 
announcing species currently under active review. On the basis of such 
reviews under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether a species should 
be delisted or reclassified from endangered to threatened or from 
threatened to endangered. As described by the regulations in 50 CFR 
424.11(d), delisting a species must be supported by the best scientific 
and commercial data available and only considered if such data 
substantiates that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for 
one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is considered 
extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; or (3) the 
original data available when the species was listed, or the 
interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal 
classification would require a separate rulemaking process. The Baiji/
Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin was listed as endangered 
under the ESA on May 30, 1989 (54 FR 22906) and the Saimaa seal was 
listed as endangered under the ESA on May 6, 1993 (58 FR 26920).
    Background information on Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River 
Dolphin, including the endangered listing, is available on the NMFS 
Office of Protected Species Web site at: http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/dolphins/chinese-river-dolphin.html. Background 
information on Saimaa seal, including the endangered listing, is 
available on the NMFS Office of Protected Species Web site at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/seals/saimaa-seal.html.

Determining if a Species Is Threatened or Endangered

    Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA requires that we determine whether a 
species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five 
following factors: (1) The present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) 
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors 
affecting its continued existence. Section 4(b) also requires that our 
determination be made on the basis of the best scientific and 
commercial data available after conducting a review of the status of 
the species and after taking into account those efforts, if any, being 
made by any State or foreign nation, to protect such species.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    To ensure that the 5-year reviews are complete and based on the 
best available scientific and commercial data, we are soliciting new 
information from the public, governmental agencies, Tribes, the 
scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any other 
interested parties concerning the status of Baiji/Chinese River 
Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin, and the Saimaa seal. Categories of 
requested information include: (1) Species biology including, but not 
limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, 
and genetics; (2) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, 
amount, distribution, and important

[[Page 28305]]

features for conservation; (3) status and trends of threats; (4) 
conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the 
species, including monitoring data demonstrating effectiveness of such 
measures; (5) need for additional conservation measures; and (6) other 
new information, data, or corrections including, but not limited to, 
taxonomic or nomenclatural changes and improved analytical methods for 
evaluating extinction risk.
    If you wish to provide information for the 5-year reviews, you may 
submit your information and materials electronically or via mail (see 
ADDRESSES section). We request that all information be accompanied by 
supporting documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, or 
reprints of pertinent publications. We also would appreciate the 
submitter's name, address, and any association, institution, or 
business that the person represents; however, anonymous submissions 
will also be accepted.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: June 15, 2017.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12858 Filed 6-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 21, 2017 / Notices 28305

features for conservation; (3) status and AL 35898 (usarmy.redstone.rdecom- (2) Access to AMRDEC’s laboratories
trends of threats; (4) conservation amrdec.mbx.orta@mail.mil). and facilities where molecular
measures that have been implemented SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the spectroscopic research is performed;
that benefit the species, including proposed agreement, the Army’s (3) Cooperation with the partner as
monitoring data demonstrating AMRDEC plans to collaborate with a they package, ship, and install the laser
effectiveness of such measures; (5) need single academic or industrial partner. at the partner’s facility; and
for additional conservation measures; (4) Cooperation in the preparation of
Together, the AMRDEC and its CRADA
and (6) other new information, data, or proposals and mentoring of researchers
partner will explore and demonstrate
corrections including, but not limited new to aspects of the proposed project.
the new trace gas remote sensing
to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes The non-Federal party’s contributions
methodology based on infrared/
and improved analytical methods for under the proposed CRADA will
terahertz double resonance
evaluating extinction risk. include:
spectroscopy, as described in the cited (1) Making arrangements and
If you wish to provide information for references below.
the 5-year reviews, you may submit providing funding to package and ship
The double resonance technique the laser from AMRDEC facilities and
your information and materials
requires a specially designed infrared install the laser at the partner’s facility;
electronically or via mail (see
laser that produces powerful (100 mJ) (2) Expert operation and maintenance
ADDRESSES section). We request that all
short pulses (100 ps) of wavelength of this unique laser in support of the
information be accompanied by
tunable radiation (9–11 microns). A proof-of-concept demonstration of this
supporting documentation such as
laser that uniquely matches those double resonance technique as well as
maps, bibliographic references, or
requirements was fabricated by STI other applications of the laser based on
reprints of pertinent publications. We
Optronics, Inc. as part of a DARPA- the partner’s unique expertise;
also would appreciate the submitter’s
funded Phase II SBIR contract and (3) Joint publications and/or patents
name, address, and any association,
delivered to AMRDEC in 2014. and/or demonstration hardware as well
institution, or business that the person
represents; however, anonymous The CRADA partner must have the as sharing of the accumulated
submissions will also be accepted. resources to package, ship, and install intellectual property through the terms
this laser in its facilities and operate it specified in the CRADA; and
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. in partnership with AMRDEC to (4) Writing and submitting research
Dated: June 15, 2017. demonstrate the double resonance proposals for funding of this project to
Angela Somma, spectroscopic technique in either a external sponsors, with the full support
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office simulated atmospheric chamber of AMRDEC.
of Protected Resources, National Marine containing a trace gas and/or in an AMRDEC reserves the right to select
Fisheries Service. actual outdoor laser test range in which for its CRADA partner one or none of
[FR Doc. 2017–12858 Filed 6–20–17; 8:45 am] a trace gas may be safely released and the proposals in response to this notice.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P detected. AMRDEC will provide no funding for
Ideally, the partner will have a history reimbursement of proposal development
of performing laboratory and/or outdoor costs. Proposals (or any other material)
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE spectroscopic sensing and will have the submitted in response to this notice will
necessary infrastructure and expertise to not be returned. Proposals submitted are
Department of the Army operate this laser safely and reliably. As expected to be unclassified and have no
necessary, the partner should be more than 4 single-sided pages
Solicitation for a Cooperative Research prepared to elicit funding from other (excluding cover page and resumes).
and Development Agreement for the sources to support this project and may AMRDEC will select proposals at its
Transfer and Use of a Unique Infrared anticipate active support from AMRDEC sole discretion on the basis of:
Laser in the preparation of such proposals. (1) How well they communicate an
understanding of, and ability to meet,
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. AMRDEC, with its CRADA partner,
the proposed CRADA’s goal; and
ACTION: Notice of intent. will create a structured and
(2) How well they address the
collaborative environment to advance
following criteria:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Army’s Aviation and concepts and technologies for this (a) Technical capability to satisfy the
Missile Research, Development, and experimental proof of concept non-Federal party’s described
Engineering Center (AMRDEC) demonstration. The desired products of contributions;
announces its intent to enter into a the proposed collaboration are a (b) Resources available for satisfying
Cooperative Research and Development successful demonstration of the double the non-Federal party’s described
Agreement (CRADA) and seeks inquiries resonance technique using this laser and contributions; and
and proposals from potential partners. quantitative validation of the (c) Technical expertise/understanding
The goal of this CRADA will be the performance predicted in the cited of infrared lasers, ultrafast laser
transfer of a one-of-a-kind infrared laser references. When the CRADA ends, the spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy,
from AMRDEC to the partner’s facilities partner will retain ownership of the and remote sensing, as well as the
and the cooperative demonstration of a laser, which may be used for other necessary infrastructure to support a
new remote sensing methodology using applications during and after the
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES

collaborative research project.
this laser. CRADA period. This is a technology transfer/
DATES: Preliminary inquiries and The AMRDEC’s contributions under development effort. AMRDEC has no
comments from potential partners must the proposed CRADA will include: plans to procure the technology.
be received by August 1, 2017. (1) Scientific expertise in Proposals should clearly discuss how
ADDRESSES: Submit inquiries and foundational molecular spectroscopy the concepts and technologies
comments to U.S. Army RDECOM and the double resonance technique developed will be supported for the
AMRDEC, ATTN: RDMR–CST (ORTA), developed by its researchers and duration of the CRADA and outline
5400 Fowler Road, Redstone Arsenal, collaborators; plans to use the laser and the jointly

VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:12 Jun 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21JNN1.SGM 21JNN1

Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:09:09
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:09:09

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 initiation of 5-year reviews; request for information.
Dates		To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must receive your information no later than August 21, 2017. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time.
FR Citation		82 FR 28304
RIN Number		0648-XF47

82 FR 28304 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews for the Endangered Baiji/Chinese River Dolphin/Yangtze River Dolphin and Endangered Saimaa Subspecies of Ringed Seal

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 118 (June 21, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration