82 FR 28526 - Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Reports
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 119 (June 22, 2017)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 119 (June 22, 2017)
| Page Range | 28526-28528 | |
| FR Document | 2017-13060 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 119 (Thursday, June 22, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 28526-28528] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-13060] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R7-ES-2016-N155; FF07CAMM00-FXES111607MPB00] Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Reports AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of draft revised marine mammal stock assessment reports for two stocks of polar bears; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have developed draft revised marine mammal stock assessment reports for each of the two polar bear (Ursus maritimus) stocks in Alaska: The Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear stock and the Chukchi/Bering Seas polar bear stock. These two draft stock assessment reports are available for public review and comment. DATES: We must receive comments by September 20, 2017. ADDRESSES: To obtain the draft Stock Assessment Report for either polar bear stock, and to submit comments, see Document Availability and Public Comment, respectively, under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Lemons, Marine Mammals Management Office, (800) 362-5148 or via email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., MMPA) and its implementing regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR part 18, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) regulates the taking; import; and under certain conditions, possession; transportation; purchasing; selling; and offering for sale, purchase, or export of marine mammals. One of the MMPA's goals is to ensure that stocks of marine mammals occurring in waters under U.S. jurisdiction do not experience a level of human-caused mortality and serious injury that is likely to cause the stock to be reduced below its optimum sustainable population level (OSP). The OSP is defined under the MMPA as ``the number of animals which will result in the maximum productivity of the population or the species, keeping in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat and the health of the ecosystem of which they form a constituent element'' (16 U.S.C. 1362(9)). To help accomplish the goal of maintaining marine mammal stocks at their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA requires us and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to prepare a Stock Assessment Report (SAR) for each marine mammal stock that occurs in waters under U.S. jurisdiction. A SAR must be based on the best scientific information available; therefore, we prepare it in consultation with regional scientific review groups (SRG) established under section 117(d) of the MMPA. Each SAR must include: 1. A description of the stock and its geographic range; 2. A minimum population estimate, current and maximum net productivity rates, and current population trend; 3. An estimate of the annual human-caused mortality and serious injury by source and, for a strategic stock, other factors that may be causing a decline or impeding recovery; 4. A description of commercial fishery interactions; 5. A categorization of the status of the stock; and 6. An estimate of the potential biological removal (PBR) level. The MMPA defines the PBR as ``the maximum number of animals, not including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its OSP'' (16 U.S.C. 1362(20)). The PBR is the product of the minimum population estimate of the stock (Nmin ); one-half the maximum theoretical or estimated net productivity [[Page 28527]] rate of the stock at a small population size (Rmax ); and a recovery factor (Fr ) of between 0.1 and 1.0, which is intended to compensate for uncertainty and unknown estimation errors. This can be written as: PBR = (Nmin )(\1/2\ of the Rmax )(Fr ). Section 117 of the MMPA also requires the Service and NMFS to review the SARs (a) at least annually for stocks that are specified as strategic stocks, (b) at least annually for stocks for which significant new information is available, and (c) at least once every 3 years for all other stocks. If our review of the status of a stock indicates that it has changed or may be more accurately determined, then the SAR must be revised accordingly. A strategic stock is defined in the MMPA as a marine mammal stock (a) for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds the PBR level; (b) which, based on the best available scientific information, is declining and is likely to be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA), within the foreseeable future; or (c) which is listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA, or is designated as depleted under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1362(19). Stock Assessment Report History for the Two Polar Bear Stocks Both polar bears SARs were last revised in January 2010. Because the polar bear is listed as a threatened species under the ESA, both the Southern Beaufort Sea and the Chukchi/Bering Seas polar bear stocks are considered strategic. Therefore, the Service considered all available new information on these stocks in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and determined that no new information was available that indicated the status of the stocks had changed or could be more accurately determined. However, as new information became available in 2014, the Service initiated revision of the SARs and obtained advice from the Alaska SRG. Therefore, these draft SARs incorporate the comments and suggestions provided to the Service by the Alaska SRG as appropriate. Summary of Draft Revised Stock Assessment Reports for the Two Polar Bear Stocks in Alaska The following table summarizes some of the information contained in the draft revised SARs for the Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear and the Chukchi/Bering Seas polar bear stocks, which includes each stock's Nmin , Rmax , Fr , PBR, annual estimated human-caused mortality and serious injury, and status. After consideration of any public comments we receive, we will revise and finalize these SARs, as appropriate. We will publish a notice of availability and summary of the final SARs, including responses to comments we received. Table 1--Summary: Draft Revised Stock Assessment Reports for the Southern Beaufort Sea Polar Bear and Chukchi/Bering Seas Polar Bear Stocks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual estimated human- caused mortality and Polar bear stock Nmin Rmax Fr PBR serious injury, 2006- Stock status 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern Beaufort Sea................ 782 0.075 0.5 14 Annual estimated Strategic. removals for each stock are provided in the SARs. Chukchi/Bering Seas.................. 2,000 0.0603 0.5 30 Strategic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Document Availability Draft Revised SARs for Southern Beaufort Sea Polar Bear and Chukchi/ Bering Seas Polar Bear Stocks You may obtain copies by any one of the following methods:Internet: http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/reports.htm (for both polar bear stocks). Write to or call (during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday) Patrick Lemons, Chief, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503; telephone: (800) 362-3800. Public Comment Draft Revised SARs for Southern Beaufort Sea Polar Bear and Chukchi/ Bering Seas Polar Bear Stocks You may submit a written comment by any one of the following methods: Email: [email protected]. Mail or hand-delivery: Chief, Marine Mammals Management Office (see address above). Fax: (907) 786-3816. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. References In accordance with section 117(b)(1) of the MMPA, we include in this notice a list of the sources of information or published reports upon which we based the draft revised SARs. The Service consulted technical reports, conference proceedings, refereed journal publications, and scientific studies prepared or issued by federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals with expertise in the fields of marine mammal biology and ecology, population dynamics, Alaska Native subsistence use of marine mammals, modeling, and commercial fishing technology and practices. These agencies and organizations include: The Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park Service, the Arctic Institute, the North American Wildlife and Natural Resource Conference, the Marine Mammals of the Holarctic V Conference, and the Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program. In addition, the Service consulted publications such as the Journal of Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Marine Mammal Science, Ecological Applications, Biological Conservation, Aquatic Mammals, Journal of Zoology, Marine Mammal Science and other refereed journal literature, technical reports, and data sources in the development of these SARs. A complete list of citations to the scientific literature relied on for each of the two revised SARs is available from the Service by visiting the Service's Marine Mammal Management office's species information page at: http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/ [[Page 28528]] reports.htm. These citations are likewise part of each draft SAR and may be reviewed with the documents (see Document Availability). Authority: The authority for this action is the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.). Dated: April 27, 2017. James W. Kurth, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2017-13060 Filed 6-21-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
![28526 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Notices
Location and Chief executive officer Community map Online location of letter of Effective date of Community
State and county case No. of community repository map revision modification No.
Bexar ............. Unincorporated The Honorable Nelson Bexar County Public http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 10, 2017 .... 480035
areas of Bexar W. Wolff, Bexar County Works Department,
County (17– Judge, 101 West 233 North Pecos-La
06–0117P). Nueva Street, 10th Trinidad Street, Suite
Floor, San Antonio, TX 420, San Antonio, TX
78205. 78207.
Dallas ............ City of Rowlett The Honorable Todd W. City Hall, 4000 Main http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 11, 2017 .... 480185
(16–06– Gottel, Mayor, City of Street, Rowlett, TX
3341P). Rowlett, 4000 Main 75088.
Street, Rowlett, TX
75088.
Ellis ............... City of The Honorable Kevin Municipal Court, 101 http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 9, 2017 ...... 480211
Waxahachie Strength, Mayor, City West Main Street,
(17–06– of Waxahachie, 401 Waxahachie, TX 75165.
0456P). South Rogers Street,
Waxahachie, TX 75165.
Rockwall ........ City of Rockwall The Honorable Jim Pruitt, City Hall, 385 South http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 14, 2017 .... 480547
(17–06– Mayor, City of Goliad Street,
0142P). Rockwall, 385 South Rockwall, TX 75087.
Goliad Street,
Rockwall, TX 75087.
Utah:.
Kane .............. City of Kanab The Honorable Robert D. City Hall, 26 North 100 http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 11, 2017 .... 490085
(16–08– Houston, Mayor, City of East, Kanab, UT 84741.
1149P). Kanab, 26 North 100
East, Kanab, UT 84741.
Kane .............. Unincorporated The Honorable Dirk Kane County Recorders http://www.msc.fema.gov/lomc Aug. 11, 2017 .... 490083
areas of Kane Clayson, Chairman, Office, 76 North Main
County (16– Kane County Board of Street, Kanab, UT
08–1149P). Commissioners, 76 84741.
North Main Street,
Kanab, UT 84741.
[FR Doc. 2017–12989 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am] Document Availability and Public their OSPs, section 117 of the MMPA
BILLING CODE 9110–12–P Comment, respectively, under requires us and the National Marine
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Fisheries Service (NMFS) to prepare a
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stock Assessment Report (SAR) for each
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Patrick Lemons, Marine Mammals marine mammal stock that occurs in
Management Office, (800) 362–5148 or waters under U.S. jurisdiction. A SAR
Fish and Wildlife Service via email r7_mmm_comment@fws.gov. must be based on the best scientific
[FWS–R7–ES–2016–N155; FF07CAMM00– SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: information available; therefore, we
FXES111607MPB00] prepare it in consultation with regional
Background scientific review groups (SRG)
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Under the Marine Mammal Protection established under section 117(d) of the
Assessment Reports Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., MMPA) and MMPA. Each SAR must include:
its implementing regulations in the 1. A description of the stock and its
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 geographic range;
Interior. CFR part 18, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 2. A minimum population estimate,
ACTION: Notice of availability of draft Service (Service) regulates the taking; current and maximum net productivity
revised marine mammal stock import; and under certain conditions, rates, and current population trend;
assessment reports for two stocks of possession; transportation; purchasing; 3. An estimate of the annual human-
polar bears; request for comments. selling; and offering for sale, purchase, caused mortality and serious injury by
or export of marine mammals. One of source and, for a strategic stock, other
SUMMARY: In accordance with the the MMPA’s goals is to ensure that factors that may be causing a decline or
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, stocks of marine mammals occurring in impeding recovery;
as amended and its implementing waters under U.S. jurisdiction do not 4. A description of commercial fishery
regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and experience a level of human-caused interactions;
Wildlife Service, have developed draft mortality and serious injury that is 5. A categorization of the status of the
revised marine mammal stock likely to cause the stock to be reduced stock; and
assessment reports for each of the two below its optimum sustainable 6. An estimate of the potential
polar bear (Ursus maritimus) stocks in population level (OSP). The OSP is biological removal (PBR) level.
Alaska: The Southern Beaufort Sea polar defined under the MMPA as ‘‘the The MMPA defines the PBR as ‘‘the
bear stock and the Chukchi/Bering Seas number of animals which will result in maximum number of animals, not
polar bear stock. These two draft stock including natural mortalities, that may
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
the maximum productivity of the
assessment reports are available for population or the species, keeping in be removed from a marine mammal
public review and comment. mind the carrying capacity of the habitat stock while allowing that stock to reach
DATES: We must receive comments by and the health of the ecosystem of or maintain its OSP’’ (16 U.S.C.
September 20, 2017. which they form a constituent element’’ 1362(20)). The PBR is the product of the
ADDRESSES: To obtain the draft Stock (16 U.S.C. 1362(9)). minimum population estimate of the
Assessment Report for either polar bear To help accomplish the goal of stock (Nmin); one-half the maximum
stock, and to submit comments, see maintaining marine mammal stocks at theoretical or estimated net productivity
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![28528 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Notices
reports.htm. These citations are likewise submission@omb.eop.gov (email). Please this part of its regulations. However,
part of each draft SAR and may be provide a copy of your comments to the since these are regulatory requirements,
reviewed with the documents (see BOEM Information Collection Clearance the potential exists for information to be
Document Availability). Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of collected. Therefore, we are renewing
Authority: The authority for this action is Ocean Energy Management, 45600 OMB approval for this information
the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Woodland Road, VAM–DIR, Sterling, collection.
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et al.). Virginia 20166 (mail); or We will use the information required
Dated: April 27, 2017.
anna.atkinson@boem.gov (email). Please by 30 CFR part 582 to determine if
reference ICR 1010–0081 in your lessees are complying with the
James W. Kurth,
comment and include your name and regulations for mining minerals other
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife return address.
Service.
than oil, gas, and sulphur. BOEM will
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: also use the information to ensure that
[FR Doc. 2017–13060 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am]
Anna Atkinson, Office of Policy, such operations are conducted in a
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
Regulations, and Analysis at manner that will result in orderly
anna.atkinson@boem.gov (email) or resource recovery, development, and the
(703) 787–1025. You may review the protection of the human, marine, and
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
ICR online at http://www.reginfo.gov. coastal environments and for technical
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Follow the instructions to review and environmental evaluations which
Department of the Interior collections provide a basis for BOEM to make
[Docket ID: BOEM–2017–0016]; [OMB informed decisions to approve,
under review by OMB.
Control Number 1010–0081] disapprove, or require modification of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Agency Information Collection OMB Control Number: 1010–0081. the proposed activities.
Activities: Operations in the Outer Title: 30 CFR 582, Operations in the We protect proprietary information
Continental Shelf for Minerals Other Outer Continental Shelf for Minerals according to the Freedom of Information
Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur. Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department’s
MMAA104000 Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf implementing regulations (43 CFR part
Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1334 and 43 U.S.C. 2), 30 CFR 582.5 and 582.6, and
ACTION: Notice. 1337(k)(1)) authorizes the Secretary of applicable sections of 30 CFR parts 580
the Interior to issue regulations to grant and 581. No items of a sensitive nature
SUMMARY: To comply with the to qualified persons who offer the are collected. Responses are mandatory.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 highest cash bonus on a basis of Frequency: Monthly; quarterly; on
(PRA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy competitive bidding, leases of any occasion.
Management (BOEM) is notifying the mineral other than oil, gas, and sulphur Estimated Number and Description of
public that we have submitted an in any area of the Outer Continental Respondents: As there are no active
information collection request (ICR) to Shelf not then under lease for such respondents, we estimated the potential
the Office of Management and Budget mineral upon such royalty, rental, and annual number of respondents to be
(OMB) for review and approval. The ICR other terms and conditions as the one. Potential respondents are OCS
pertains to the paperwork requirements Secretary may prescribe at the time of lessees.
in the regulations under 30 CFR part offering the area for lease. Estimated Reporting and
582, Operations in the Outer Regulations at 30 CFR part 582 carry Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We expect
Continental Shelf for Minerals Other out these statutory requirements by the burden estimate for the renewal will
than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur. This notice governing mining operations within the be 212 hours. The following table
provides the public a second OCS for minerals other than oil, gas, and details the individual BOEM
opportunity to comment on the sulphur and establishing a components and respective hour burden
paperwork burden of this collection. comprehensive regulatory program for estimates of this ICR. In calculating the
DATES: Submit written comments by such minerals. burdens, we assumed that respondents
July 24, 2017. There has been no competitive leasing perform certain requirements in the
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments activity in the OCS for minerals other normal course of their activities. We
on this ICR to the Desk Officer for the than oil, gas, and sulphur for many consider these to be usual and
Department of the Interior at OMB– years. Accordingly, BOEM has not customary and took that into account in
OIRA at (202) 395–5806 (fax) or OIRA_ generally collected information under estimating the burden.
BURDEN TABLE
Annual
Hour Average number of
Citation 30 CFR 582 Reporting or recordkeeping requirement burden
burden annual responses hours
Subpart A—General
4; 21(b) .............................. Governors, other Federal/State agencies, lessees, 10 1 ....................................... 10
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
interested parties, and others review and provide
comments/recommendations on all plans and en-
vironmental information.
4(b); 12(b)(2); 21; 22; 25; Submit delineation plan, including environmental in- 40 1 ....................................... 40
26; 28. formation, contingency plan, monitoring program,
and various requests for approval referred to
throughout; submit modifications and required in-
formation.
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Document Created: 2017-06-21 23:55:46
Document Modified: 2017-06-21 23:55:46
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability of draft revised marine mammal stock assessment reports for two stocks of polar bears; request for comments. | |
| Dates | We must receive comments by September 20, 2017. | |
| Contact | Patrick Lemons, Marine Mammals Management Office, (800) 362-5148 or via email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 28526 |
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