82 FR 57562 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Findings on Petitions To List Four Species as Endangered or Threatened Species
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 233 (December 6, 2017)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 233 (December 6, 2017)
| Page Range | 57562-57565 | |
| FR Document | 2017-26349 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 6, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 57562-57565] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-26349] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [4500090022] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Findings on Petitions To List Four Species as Endangered or Threatened Species AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notification of 12-month petition findings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 12- month findings on petitions to list four species as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the blackfin sucker, Mohave shoulderband snail, white-tailed prairie dog, and Woodville Karst cave crayfish is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information that becomes available concerning the stressors to any of the species listed above or their habitats. DATES: The findings in this document were made on December 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: Detailed descriptions of the basis for each of these findings are available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov under the following docket numbers: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Species Docket No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blackfin sucker..................... FWS-R4-ES-2017-0084 Mohave shoulderband snail........... FWS-R8-ES-2015-0021 White-tailed prairie dog............ FWS-R6-ES-2008-0053 Woodville Karst cave crayfish....... FWS-R4-ES-2017-0085 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supporting information used to prepare these findings is available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, by contacting the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please submit any new information, materials, comments, or questions concerning these findings to the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Species Contact information ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Blackfin sucker................... Lee Andrews, Field Supervisor, Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office, 502-695-0468. Mohave shoulderband snail......... Mendel Stewart, Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 760-431-9440. White-tailed prairie dog.......... Tyler Abbott, Field Supervisor, Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office, 307-772-2374, ext. 231. Woodville Karst cave crayfish..... Catherine Phillips, Field Supervisor, Panama City Ecological Services Field Office, 850-769- 0552. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Within 12 months after receiving any petition to revise the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, we are required to make a finding whether or not the petitioned action is warranted (``12-month finding''), unless we determined that the petition did not contain substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted (section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)). We must make a finding that the petitioned action is: (1) Not warranted; (2) warranted; or (3) warranted but precluded. ``Warranted but precluded'' means that (a) the petitioned action is warranted, but the immediate proposal of a regulation implementing the petitioned action is precluded by other pending proposals to determine whether species are endangered or threatened species, and (b) expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists) and to remove from the Lists species for which the protections of the Act are no longer necessary. Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act requires that we treat a petition for which the requested action is found to be warranted but precluded as though resubmitted on the date of such finding, that is, requiring that a subsequent finding be made within 12 months of that date. We must publish these 12-month findings in the Federal Register. Summary of Information Pertaining to the Five Factors Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and the implementing regulations at part 424 of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth procedures for adding species to, removing species from, or reclassifying species on the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The Act defines ``endangered species'' as any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range (16 U.S.C. 1532(6)), and ``threatened species'' as any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range (16 U.S.C. 1532(20)). Under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, a species may be determined to be an endangered species or a threatened species because of any of the following five factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; [[Page 57563]] (B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C) Disease or predation; (D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. We summarize below the information on which we based our evaluation of the five factors provided in section 4(a)(1) of the Act to determine whether the blackfin sucker, Mohave shoulderband snail, white-tailed prairie dog, and Woodville Karst cave crayfish meet the definition of ``endangered species'' or ``threatened species.'' The supporting information upon which the finding for each species is based is documented in a species assessment form that contains more-detailed biological information, a thorough analysis of the listing factors, and an explanation of why we determined that these species do not meet the definition of an endangered species or threatened species. These forms can be found at http://www.regulations.gov under the appropriate docket number (see ADDRESSES, above). In considering what stressors under the Act's five factors might indicate that the species may meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species, we must look beyond the mere exposure of the species to the stressor to determine whether the species responds to the stressor in a way that causes actual impacts to the species. If there is exposure to a stressor, but no response, or only a positive response, that stressor does not cause a species to meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species. If there is exposure and the species responds negatively, the stressor may be significant. In that case, we determine whether that stressor drives or contributes to the risk of extinction of the species such that the species warrants listing as an endangered or threatened species as those terms are defined by the Act. This does not necessarily require empirical proof of impacts to a species. The combination of exposure and some corroborating evidence of how the species is likely affected could suffice. The mere identification of stressors that could affect a species negatively is not sufficient to compel a finding that listing is appropriate; similarly, the mere identification of stressors that do not affect a listed species negatively is insufficient to compel a finding that delisting is appropriate. For a species to be listed or remain listed, we require evidence that these stressors are operative threats to the species and its habitat, either singly or in combination, to the point that the species meets the definition of an endangered or a threatened species under the Act. In making these 12-month findings, we considered and thoroughly evaluated the best scientific and commercial information available regarding the past, present, and future stressors and threats. We reviewed the petitions, information available in our files, and other available published and unpublished information. These evaluations may include information from recognized experts; Federal, State, and tribal governments; academic institutions; foreign governments; private entities; and other members of the public. The species assessment forms for the blackfin sucker, Mohave shoulderband snail, white-tailed prairie dog, and Woodville Karst cave crayfish provide the basis for these findings and can be found on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov under the appropriate docket number (see ADDRESSES, above). The following are informational summaries for each of the findings in this document. Blackfin Sucker (Thoburnia atripinnis) Previous Federal Actions On April 20, 2010, we received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (Center), Alabama Rivers Alliance, Clinch Coalition, Dogwood Alliance, Gulf Restoration Network, Tennessee Forests Council, and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy requesting that the blackfin sucker be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Act. On September 27, 2011, we published a 90-day finding in the Federal Register (76 FR 59836) concluding that the petition presented substantial information indicating that listing the blackfin sucker may be warranted. This document constitutes the 12- month finding on the April 20, 2010, petition to list the blackfin sucker. Summary of Finding The blackfin sucker is a fish that is relatively small (140 mm (5.5 in.) in length) in comparison to other members of its family, Catostomidae, collectively known as suckers. The species is endemic to the upper Barren River System in north-central Tennessee and south- central Kentucky, primarily upstream of Barren River Dam, with historical records known from only two stream systems downstream of the dam. Blackfin suckers inhabit clear headwater streams and are most frequently encountered in deeper sections of pools and runs. The species is typically observed near bedrock ledges, slabrock boulders, rootwads, and undercut banks. During the March and April spawning period, males are associated with swift riffles and females occupy pools where they are found occasionally under flat rocks at the edges of riffles. We evaluated all relevant stressors under the five factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors include effects of agriculture, sedimentation, stream modification, impoundments, and climate change. Despite impacts from these stressors, we find that the species has maintained the whole of its historical range and the number of occupied streams has increased. Considering that impacts from these stressors are expected to decrease or remain stable, and that the species exhibits redundancy, representation, and resiliency, we find that these stressors do not, alone or in combination, rise to a level that causes this species to meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species. Therefore, we find that listing the blackfin sucker as threatened or endangered is not warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in the blackfin sucker species assessment form and other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above). Mohave Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta (Coyote) greggi) Previous Federal Actions On January 31, 2014, we received a petition from the Center requesting that the Mohave shoulderband snail be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Act. We published a substantial 90-day finding in the Federal Register (80 FR 19259) on April 10, 2015. Subsequently, we entered into a stipulated settlement agreement with the Center that required us to submit a 12-month finding to the Federal Register by November 30, 2017. This document constitutes the 12-month finding on the January 31, 2014, petition to list the Mohave shoulderband snail. Summary of Finding The Mohave shoulderband snail is a small (0.48 to 0.58 in (12.3 to 14.6 mm) in length), brown desert snail. The species inhabits rock outcrops and talus slopes found on volcanic formations in the western region of the Mojave Desert at Middle Butte, Standard Hill, and Soledad Mountain. The species is dependent on local precipitation and subsequent increases [[Page 57564]] in humidity within rock outcrop habitats. Although water represents the primary limiting resource in desert environments, other climatic and physical factors--such as temperature, topography, and food availability, or a combination of these factors--can influence the ecology of desert snails. Because of the hot, arid conditions in the Mojave Desert, the snail is active primarily during the brief winter season and enters a state of dormancy below ground during the remainder of the year. It emerges during and following periods of rainfall in search of food resources or for mating and egg-laying activities. We evaluated all relevant stressors under the five factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors include effects of habitat degradation from hard rock mining. We find that, while mining activities will likely result in some loss of suitable habitat, this loss will not lead to a significant decrease in the resources needed to meet the species' physical and ecological needs across the species' range. Furthermore, recent presence/absence surveys have resulted in additional observations of the species throughout its range. In all, we find that mining and other potential stressors, alone or in combination, do not rise to a level that causes this species to meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species. Therefore, we find that listing the Mohave shoulderband snail as threatened or endangered is not warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in the Mohave shoulderband snail species assessment form and other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above). White-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus) Previous Federal Actions On July 15, 2002, we received a petition to list the white-tailed prairie dog as threatened or endangered. We published a not-substantial 90-day finding in the Federal Register (69 FR 64889) on November 9, 2004. On February 22, 2008, after we received notice of a lawsuit challenging the not-substantial finding, we entered into a stipulated settlement agreement with the Center for Native Ecosystems and three other entities, to submit to the Federal Register a 12-month finding on the petition to list the white-tailed prairie dog. On June 1, 2010, we completed our status review and determined that the white-tailed prairie dog did not warrant listing (75 FR 30338). A September 9, 2014, court order remanded the 12-month not-warranted finding back to us for reconsideration (Rocky Mountain Wild v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014, case 9:13-cv-00042-DWM). This finding constitutes our remanded 12-month finding on the petition to list the white-tailed prairie dog, and addresses all issues raised in the court's order. Summary of Finding The white-tailed prairie dog inhabits parts of Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and Colorado, and is one of five prairie dog species in western North America. The range of the white-tailed prairie dog has not changed appreciably since historical times, but historical poisoning campaigns, the introduction of plague, and habitat loss significantly reduced the abundance of white-tailed prairie dogs throughout its range. The white-tailed prairie dog generally inhabits drier landscapes with shrub land vegetation, such as the high desert scrub community of Utah and sagebrush steppe of western Wyoming. It prefers areas with lower vegetation heights to facilitate predator surveillance, but it also may use dense brush adjacent to grassier areas to avoid predators. The white-tailed prairie dog digs its burrows, which require deep, well-drained soils. We evaluated all relevant stressors under the five factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors include effects of agricultural activities, shooting, poisoning, overgrazing, invasive weeds, wildfire, urbanization, energy development, drought, and plague. We found that white-tailed prairie dog populations are in moderate to high overall condition, with population trends stable or exhibiting some declines from stochastic events followed by recovery. In addition, white-tailed prairie dogs have multiple resilient populations, and exhibit adaptive capacity. Therefore, we find that these stressors do not, alone or in combination, rise to a level that causes this species to meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species. Therefore, we find that listing the white-tailed prairie dog as threatened or endangered is not warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in the white-tailed prairie dog species assessment form and other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above). Woodville Karst Cave Crayfish (Procambarus orcinus) Previous Federal Actions On April 20, 2010, we received a petition from the Center requesting that the Woodville Karst cave crayfish be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Act. On September 27, 2011, we published a 90-day finding in the Federal Register (76 FR 59836) concluding that the petition presented substantial information indicating that listing the Woodville Karst cave crayfish may be warranted. This document constitutes the 12-month finding on the April 20, 2010, petition to list the Woodville Karst cave crayfish. Summary of Finding The Woodville Karst cave crayfish is a subterranean species of crayfish endemic to several freshwater springs and sink caves within the panhandle of Florida. The adults are approximately 25 mm (1 in) in length and have a semitransparent cuticle revealing pinkish orange tissue underneath. The species is known from 18 aquatic cave sites, all of which are within an area of approximately 100 square miles. It lives in shallow water at the mouth of sink holes to depths of 91 m (300 ft) and appears to require a flowing, freshwater, subterranean environment. However, specific water-quality requirements for the species are unknown. We evaluated all relevant stressors under the five factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors include effects of land-use activities and direct alterations of waterways, water withdrawal, sea-level rise, and overutilization. These stressors do not, alone or in combination, rise to a level that causes this species to meet the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species. Additionally, despite the potential for groundwater decline over time, populations are likely to remain resilient and be minimally affected since the species lives at significant spring depths and can move among springs and sinks in the underground system. Therefore, we find that listing the Woodville Karst cave crayfish as threatened or endangered is not warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in the Woodville Karst cave crayfish species assessment form and other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above). New Information We request that you submit any new information concerning the taxonomy, [[Page 57565]] biology, ecology, status of, or stressors to, the blackfin sucker, Mohave shoulderband snail, white-tailed prairie dog, and Woodville Karst cave crayfish to the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, whenever it becomes available. New information will help us monitor these species and encourage their conservation. We encourage local agencies and stakeholders to continue cooperative monitoring and conservation efforts for these species. If an emergency situation develops for any of these species, we will act to provide immediate protection. References Cited Lists of the references cited in the petition findings are available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the dockets listed above in ADDRESSES and upon request from the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Authors The primary authors of this document are the staff members of the Species Assessment Team, Ecological Services Program. Authority: The authority for this action is section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: October 30, 2017. James W. Kurth, Deputy Director for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising the Authority of the Director. [FR Doc. 2017-26349 Filed 12-5-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
![57562 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules
indicate the specific section of this Dated: November 17, 2017. cave crayfish is not warranted at this
document to which each comment M.L. Austin, time. However, we ask the public to
applies, and provide a reason for each Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, submit to us at any time any new
suggestion or recommendation. Fifth Coast Guard District. information that becomes available
We encourage you to submit [FR Doc. 2017–26269 Filed 12–5–17; 8:45 am] concerning the stressors to any of the
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P species listed above or their habitats.
comments through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at http:// DATES: The findings in this document
www.regulations.gov. If your material were made on December 6, 2017.
cannot be submitted using http:// DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ADDRESSES: Detailed descriptions of the
www.regulations.gov, contact the person Fish and Wildlife Service basis for each of these findings are
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION available on the Internet at http://
CONTACT section of this document for 50 CFR Part 17 www.regulations.gov under the
alternate instructions. following docket numbers:
[4500090022]
We accept anonymous comments. All Species Docket No.
comments received will be posted Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Blackfin sucker ............... FWS–R4–ES–2017–0084
without change to http:// and Plants; 12-Month Findings on Mohave shoulderband FWS–R8–ES–2015–0021
www.regulations.gov and will include Petitions To List Four Species as snail.
any personal information you have Endangered or Threatened Species White-tailed prairie dog .. FWS–R6–ES–2008–0053
provided. For more about privacy and Woodville Karst cave FWS–R4–ES–2017–0085
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, crayfish.
the docket, visit http:// Interior.
www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice. ACTION: Notification of 12-month Supporting information used to
Documents mentioned in this NPRM petition findings. prepare these findings is available for
as being available in this docket and all public inspection, by appointment,
public comments, will be in our online SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and during normal business hours, by
docket at http://www.regulations.gov Wildlife Service (Service), announce 12- contacting the appropriate person, as
month findings on petitions to list four specified under FOR FURTHER
and can be viewed by following that
species as endangered or threatened INFORMATION CONTACT. Please submit any
Web site’s instructions. Additionally, if
species under the Endangered Species new information, materials, comments,
you go to the online docket and sign up Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a
for email alerts, you will be notified or questions concerning these findings
thorough review of the best available to the appropriate person, as specified
when comments are posted or a final scientific and commercial information,
rule is published. under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
we find that listing the blackfin sucker,
CONTACT.
Mohave shoulderband snail, white-
tailed prairie dog, and Woodville Karst FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Species Contact information
Blackfin sucker ................................ Lee Andrews, Field Supervisor, Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office, 502–695–0468.
Mohave shoulderband snail ............ Mendel Stewart, Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 760–431–9440.
White-tailed prairie dog ................... Tyler Abbott, Field Supervisor, Wyoming Ecological Services Field Office, 307–772–2374, ext. 231.
Woodville Karst cave crayfish ......... Catherine Phillips, Field Supervisor, Panama City Ecological Services Field Office, 850–769–0552.
If you use a telecommunications device of a regulation implementing the part 424 of title 50 of the Code of
for the deaf (TDD), please call the petitioned action is precluded by other Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 424)
Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. pending proposals to determine whether set forth procedures for adding species
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: species are endangered or threatened to, removing species from, or
species, and (b) expeditious progress is reclassifying species on the Federal
Background being made to add qualified species to Lists of Endangered and Threatened
Within 12 months after receiving any the Federal Lists of Endangered and Wildlife and Plants. The Act defines
petition to revise the Federal Lists of Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists) ‘‘endangered species’’ as any species
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and to remove from the Lists species for that is in danger of extinction
and Plants, we are required to make a which the protections of the Act are no throughout all or a significant portion of
finding whether or not the petitioned longer necessary. Section 4(b)(3)(C) of its range (16 U.S.C. 1532(6)), and
action is warranted (‘‘12-month the Act requires that we treat a petition ‘‘threatened species’’ as any species that
finding’’), unless we determined that the for which the requested action is found
is likely to become an endangered
petition did not contain substantial to be warranted but precluded as though
species within the foreseeable future
scientific or commercial information resubmitted on the date of such finding,
that is, requiring that a subsequent throughout all or a significant portion of
indicating that the petitioned action
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
finding be made within 12 months of its range (16 U.S.C. 1532(20)). Under
may be warranted (section 4(b)(3)(B) of section 4(a)(1) of the Act, a species may
the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)). We that date. We must publish these 12-
month findings in the Federal Register. be determined to be an endangered
must make a finding that the petitioned
species or a threatened species because
action is: (1) Not warranted; (2) Summary of Information Pertaining to of any of the following five factors:
warranted; or (3) warranted but the Five Factors
precluded. ‘‘Warranted but precluded’’ (A) The present or threatened
means that (a) the petitioned action is Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) destruction, modification, or
warranted, but the immediate proposal and the implementing regulations at curtailment of its habitat or range;
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 233 / Wednesday, December 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules 57565
biology, ecology, status of, or stressors We, NMFS, announce a 90-
SUMMARY: (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339, 24 hours a
to, the blackfin sucker, Mohave day finding on a petition to identify the day and 7 days a week.
shoulderband snail, white-tailed prairie Northwest Atlantic subpopulation of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
dog, and Woodville Karst cave crayfish leatherback turtle (Dermochelys
to the appropriate person, as specified coriacea) as a Distinct Population Background
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Segment (DPS) and list it as threatened On September 20, 2017, NMFS
CONTACT, whenever it becomes under the Endangered Species Act received a petition from Blue Water
available. New information will help us (ESA). We find that the petition and Fishermen’s Association to identify the
monitor these species and encourage information readily available in our files Northwest Atlantic leatherback turtle as
their conservation. We encourage local present substantial scientific and a DPS and list it as threatened under the
agencies and stakeholders to continue commercial information indicating that ESA. The species is currently listed as
cooperative monitoring and the petitioned action may be warranted. endangered throughout its range under
conservation efforts for these species. If We are hereby initiating a status review the ESA (35 FR 8491, June 2, 1970).
an emergency situation develops for any of the leatherback turtle to determine Copies of the petitions are available
of these species, we will act to provide whether the petitioned action is upon request (see ADDRESSES).
immediate protection. warranted and to examine the species ESA Statutory, Regulatory, and Policy
References Cited globally with regard to application of Provisions and Evaluation Framework
the DPS Policy in light of significant
Lists of the references cited in the new information since the original Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA of 1973,
petition findings are available on the listing. To ensure that the status review as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.),
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov is comprehensive, we are soliciting requires, to the maximum extent
in the dockets listed above in ADDRESSES scientific and commercial information practicable, that within 90 days of
and upon request from the appropriate pertaining to the leatherback turtle from receipt of a petition to list a species as
person, as specified under FOR FURTHER any interested party. threatened or endangered, the Secretary
INFORMATION CONTACT. of Commerce make a finding on whether
DATES: Information and comments on
that petition presents substantial
Authors the subject action must be received by scientific or commercial information
The primary authors of this document February 5, 2018. indicating that the petitioned action
are the staff members of the Species ADDRESSES: Copies of the petition and may be warranted, and to promptly
Assessment Team, Ecological Services related materials are available on NMFS’ publish such finding in the Federal
Program. Web site at https:// Register (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(A)). When
Authority: The authority for this www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/ it is found that substantial scientific or
action is section 4 of the Endangered leatherback-turtle. You may submit commercial information in a petition
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 comments, information, or data, by indicates the petitioned action may be
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). either of the following methods: warranted (a ‘‘positive 90-day finding’’),
Dated: October 30, 2017. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to we are required to promptly commence
James W. Kurth,
www.regulations.gov/ a review of the status of the species
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017- concerned during which we will
Deputy Director for U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Exercising the Authority of the 0147, click the ‘‘Comment Now’’ icon, conduct a comprehensive review of the
Director. complete the required fields, and enter best available scientific and commercial
[FR Doc. 2017–26349 Filed 12–5–17; 8:45 am]
or attach your comments. information. In such cases, we conclude
• Mail or hand-delivery: Office of the review with a finding as to whether,
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East- in fact, the petitioned action is
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD warranted within 12 months of receipt
20910. Attn: Jennifer Schultz. of the petition. Because the finding at
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Instructions: NMFS may not consider the 12-month stage is based on a more
National Oceanic and Atmospheric comments if they are sent by any other thorough review of the available
Administration method, to any other address or information, as compared to the narrow
individual, or received after the scope of review at the 90-day stage, a
50 CFR Parts 223 and 224 comment period ends. All comments ‘‘may be warranted’’ finding does not
received are a part of the public record prejudge the outcome of the status
[Docket No. 171004968–7968–01] and NMFS will post for public viewing review.
RIN 0648–XF748 on http://www.regulations.gov without Under the ESA, a listing
change. All personal identifying determination may address a species,
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; information (e.g., name, address, etc.), which is defined to also include
90-Day Finding on a Petition To confidential business information, or subspecies and, for any vertebrate
Identify the Northwest Atlantic otherwise sensitive information species, any DPS that interbreeds when
Leatherback Turtle as a Distinct submitted voluntarily by the sender will mature (16 U.S.C. 1532(16)). A joint
Population Segment and List It as be publicly accessible. NMFS will NMFS-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Threatened Under the Endangered accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ (USFWS) policy clarifies the agencies’
Species Act A’’ in the required fields if you wish to interpretation of the phrase ‘‘distinct
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
remain anonymous). population segment’’ for the purposes of
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: listing, delisting, and reclassifying a
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Jennifer Schultz, Office of Protected species under the ESA (i.e., ‘‘DPS
Department of Commerce. Resources, NMFS (301) 427–8443, or Policy;’’ 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996).
email jennifer.schultz@noaa.gov). A species, subspecies, or DPS is
ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition
Persons who use a Telecommunications ‘‘endangered’’ if it is in danger of
finding; request for information; and
Device for the Deaf (TDD) may call the extinction throughout all or a significant
initiation of status review.
Federal Information Relay Service portion of its range, and ‘‘threatened’’ if
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Document Created: 2017-12-06 00:21:22
Document Modified: 2017-12-06 00:21:22
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notification of 12-month petition findings. | |
| Dates | The findings in this document were made on December 6, 2017. | |
| Contact | Species Contact information | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 57562 |
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