83 FR 1025 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 6 (January 9, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 6 (January 9, 2018)
| Page Range | 1025-1027 | |
| FR Document | 2018-00208 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 1025-1027] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-00208] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XF897 Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. [[Page 1026]] ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Southern Distinct Population Segment of Green Sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) Draft Recovery Plan (Plan) for public review. NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the Plan, and will consider all substantive comments received during the review period before submitting the Plan for final approval. DATES: Comments and information on the draft Plan must be received by close of business on March 12, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document by either of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments to [email protected]. Mail: Submit written comments to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Attn: GS Recovery Plan Team, 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-100, Sacramento, CA 95814. Instructions: You must submit comments by one of the above methods to ensure that we receive, document, and consider them. Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. The draft recovery plan is available online at: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/green_sturgeon/green_sturgeon_pg.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Heublein, NMFS Green Sturgeon Recovery Coordinator, at (916) 930-3719, or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On April 7, 2006, we, NMFS, listed the southern distinct population segment (sDPS) of green sturgeon as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (71 FR 17757). This determination was based on: (1) The fact that the spawning adult population occurred in only one river system (i.e., Sacramento River); (2) evidence of lost spawning habitat in the Sacramento and Feather rivers; (3) threats to habitat quality and quantity in the Sacramento River and Delta System; and (4) fish salvage data exhibiting a negative trend in juvenile sDPS green sturgeon abundance. The final critical habitat rule for sDPS green sturgeon was published in the Federal Register on October 9, 2009 (74 FR 52300). In 2010, we appointed a recovery team to assist the NMFS West Coast Region with the development of research and recovery actions for the recovery plan. A recovery outline was completed in 2010. In 2012, we announced initiation of a 5-year review (77 FR 64959; October 24, 2012) for sDPS green sturgeon. Based on the 5-year review, sDPS green sturgeon remains listed as threatened under the ESA. The 5-year review (NMFS 2014a) was completed November 20, 2014, and is available at: http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/green-sturgeon.html Draft Recovery Plan Recovery plans describe actions beneficial to the conservation and recovery of species listed under the ESA of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable: (1) Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site- specific management actions necessary to achieve the Plan's goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. The ESA requires the development of recovery plans for each listed species unless such a plan would not promote its recovery. The Plan for sDPS green sturgeon was developed by NMFS in cooperation with a recovery team made up of experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Water Resources, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, NMFS Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Center, R2 Resource Consultants, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Survey. NMFS's goal is to restore the threatened sDPS green sturgeon to the point where it is a self-sustaining species that no longer needs the protections of the ESA. The Plan provides background on the natural history of green sturgeon, population status, and threats to their viability, based on a formal threats assessment. The Plan lays out a recovery strategy to address the threats based on the best available science, identifies site-specific actions with time lines and costs, and includes recovery goals and criteria. In order to recover sDPS green sturgeon, recovery actions within the Plan aim to restore passage and habitat, reduce mortality and poaching, address threats in the areas of contaminants, predation, and sediment loading, and forecast sDPS habitat and distribution changes with climate change. Most of the recovery efforts focus on the Sacramento River Basin and San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary environments, as threats in spawning and rearing habitats were considered the greatest impediments to recovery. To better inform the recovery process, the Plan further characterizes research priorities in these areas as well as in the areas of competition for habitat, altered prey base, non-native species, oil and chemical spills, and disease. The Plan is not regulatory, but presents guidance for use by agencies and interested parties to assist in the recovery of sDPS green sturgeon. The Plan identifies substantive actions needed to achieve recovery by assessing the species' population abundance, distribution, and diversity and addressing the threats to the species. When determining recovery actions, the Plan prioritized actions that address the most important threats, improve understanding of whether a particular threat is limiting recovery, and improve our understanding of, and ability to manage, that threat. The actions in the Plan include research, management, monitoring, and outreach efforts, because a comprehensive approach to green sturgeon recovery is likely to have greater success than focusing on any one type of action. We expect the Plan to inform section 7 consultations with Federal agencies under the ESA and to support other ESA decisions, such as considering permits under section 10. We have already begun implementation of several actions and research priorities as described in the plan, such as partnering with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to reduce poaching and stranding of green sturgeon and improve knowledge of the impacts of fisheries bycatch. After public comment and the adoption of the Final Recovery Plan, we will continue to implement actions in the plan for which we have authority, encourage other Federal and state agencies to implement recovery actions for which they have responsibility and authority, and work cooperatively with them on the implementation of those actions. The total time and cost to recovery are difficult to predict. The Plan outlines 19 recovery actions, as well as 17 research, eight monitoring, and two education and outreach priorities. An estimated [[Page 1027]] cost is provided for an initial 20-year period. Projections of when certain actions could occur are provided based on five year increments. Assuming all recovery actions are implemented, the cost of the first 20 years of recovery is approximately $236 million. Given a generation time for sDPS green sturgeon of approximately 22 years, a substantial increase in adult abundance in response to habitat-based recovery actions may not be observed for 66-88 years. Additional funds will thus likely be needed to monitor adult abundance after the first 20 years, with a total added projected cost of $25-40 million. Many of the most costly recovery actions (e.g., barrier removal, increased enforcement, addressing entrainment at diversions) have multi-species benefits and may be covered under recovery efforts for other species. For example, the recovery plan for ESA-listed Central Valley salmonids (NMFS 2014b) includes recovery actions designed to improve watershed-wide processes that will likely benefit sDPS green sturgeon by restoring natural ecosystem functions. Specific actions to improve delta habitat, remove barriers, and reduce entrainment could aid in the recovery of sDPS green sturgeon and reduce the recovery plan cost by $17 million. We are unable to quantify the economic benefits of sDPS green sturgeon recovery actions, but full recovery or delisting will provide multiple benefits to the ecosystem and economy. Delisting of the sDPS will enhance fishing opportunities by lifting fisheries restrictions aimed at reducing direct or incidental sDPS mortality. The ESA regulatory burden will also be eased for fisheries, water resource, industrial, and commercial activities. Accomplishing the habitat restoration measures will also result in more functional ecosystems that support other economic activities and contribute to delisting of other species. References Cited The complete citations for the references used in this document can be obtained by contacting NMFS (see ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or online at: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/green_sturgeon/green_sturgeon_pg.html. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: January 4, 2018. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-00208 Filed 1-8-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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and (3) a list of issues to be discussed. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE must state the reasons for the request.
Issues raised in the hearing will be Commerce will grant the request unless
limited to issues raised in the briefs. If International Trade Administration it finds compelling reasons to deny the
a request for a hearing is made, parties [A–533–877, A–570–064] request.
will be notified of the time and date for On December 18, 2017, the petitioners
the hearing to be held at the U.S. Stainless Steel Flanges From India and submitted a timely request that
Department of Commerce, 1401 the People’s Republic of China: Commerce postpone the preliminary
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, Postponement of Preliminary determinations in these LTFV
DC 20230.13 Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair- investigations.3 The petitioners stated
Commerce intends to issue the final Value Investigations that they request postponement ‘‘in
results of this administrative review, order to ensure that {Commerce} has
including the results of its analysis AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance,
International Trade Administration, sufficient time to review all
raised in any written briefs, not later questionnaire responses and request
than 120 days after the publication of Department of Commerce.
clarification and/or additional
these preliminary results in the Federal DATE: Applicable January 9, 2018.
information as necessary, so that the
Register, unless otherwise extended.14 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: preliminary determinations will reflect
Courtney Canales at (202) 482–4997 the most accurate results possible.’’ 4
Notification to Importers
(India) and Ian Hamilton at (202) 482–
This notice also serves as a For the reasons stated above and
4798 (the People’s Republic of China
preliminary reminder to importers of because there are no compelling reasons
(China)), AD/CVD Operations,
their responsibility under 19 CFR to deny the request, Commerce, in
Enforcement and Compliance,
351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding accordance with section 733(c)(1)(A) of
International Trade Administration,
the reimbursement of antidumping the Act, is postponing the deadline for
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
duties prior to liquidation of the the preliminary determinations by 50
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
relevant entries during this review DC 20230. days (i.e., 190 days after the date on
period. Failure to comply with this which these investigations were
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
requirement could result in Commerce’s initiated). As a result, Commerce will
presumption that reimbursement of Background issue its preliminary determinations no
antidumping duties occurred and the On September 5, 2017, the later than March 14, 2018. In
subsequent assessment of double Department of Commerce (Commerce) accordance with section 735(a)(1) of the
antidumping duties. initiated less-than-fair-value (LTFV) Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(1), the
We are issuing and publishing these investigations of imports of stainless deadline for the final determinations of
results in accordance with sections steel flanges from India and China.1 these investigations will continue to be
751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Currently, the preliminary 75 days after the date of publication of
determinations are due no later than the preliminary determinations, unless
Dated: January 2, 2018.
January 23, 2018. postponed at a later date.
Christian Marsh,
This notice is issued and published
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement Postponement of Preliminary pursuant to section 733(c)(2) of the Act
and Compliance. Determinations and 19 CFR 351.205(f)(1).
Appendix Section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act Dated: January 3, 2018.
List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary
of 1930, as amended (the Act), requires
Christian Marsh,
Decision Memorandum Commerce to issue the preliminary
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement
determination in a LTFV investigation
I. Summary and Compliance.
II. Background within 140 days after the date on which
[FR Doc. 2018–00189 Filed 1–8–18; 8:45 am]
III. Scope of the Order Commerce initiated the investigation.
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
IV. Discussion of the Methodology However, section 733(c)(1)(A)(b)(1) of
A. Normal Value Comparisons the Act permits Commerce to postpone
1. Determination of Comparison Method the preliminary determination until no
2. Results of the Differential Pricing DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
later than 190 days after the date on
Analysis which Commerce initiated the
B. Product Comparisons National Oceanic and Atmospheric
C. Export Price and Constructed Export
investigation if: (A) The petitioners 2 Administration
Price submit a timely request for a
D. Normal Value postponement; or (B) Commerce
RIN 0648–XF897
1. Particular Market Situation concludes that the parties concerned are
2. Home Market Viability and Selection of cooperating, that the investigation is Endangered and Threatened Species;
Comparison Market extraordinarily complicated, and that
3. Affiliated Party Transactions and Arm’s- Recovery Plans
additional time is necessary to make a
Length Test
4. Level of Trade
preliminary determination. Under 19 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
5. Cost of Production Analysis CFR 351.205(e), the petitioners must Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
6. Calculation of NV Based on Comparison submit a request for postponement 25 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Market Prices days or more before the scheduled date Commerce.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
7. Calculation of NV Based on CV of the preliminary determination and
E. Currency Conversion 3 See the Petitioners’ Letter, ‘‘Stainless Steel
V. Recommendation 1 SeeStainless Steel Flanges from India and the Flanges from India: the Petitioners’ Request to
[FR Doc. 2018–00183 Filed 1–8–18; 8:45 am] People’s Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than- Extend the Preliminary Determination,’’ dated
Fair-Value Investigations, 82 FR 42649 (September December 18, 2017; Petitioners’ Letter, ‘‘Stainless
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
11, 2017). Steel Flanges from the People’s Republic of China:
2 The petitioners are the Coalition of American the Petitioners’ Request to Extend the Preliminary
13 Id. Determination,’’ dated December 18, 2017.
Flange Producers and its individual members, Core
14 See Section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act. Pipe Products, Inc. and Maass Flange Corporation. 4 Id.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 6 / Tuesday, January 9, 2018 / Notices 1027
cost is provided for an initial 20-year Dated: January 4, 2018. hazards; expanded monitoring
period. Projections of when certain Angela Somma, programs; installed a sentinel site for
actions could occur are provided based Chief, Endangered Species Conservation monitoring marsh ecosystem response
on five year increments. Assuming all Division, Office of Protected Resources, to sea level rise; upgraded exhibits;
recovery actions are implemented, the National Marine Fisheries Service. conducted training workshops;
cost of the first 20 years of recovery is [FR Doc. 2018–00208 Filed 1–8–18; 8:45 am] implemented K–12 education programs;
approximately $236 million. Given a BILLING CODE 3510–22–P purchased a marsh; installed a trail; and
generation time for sDPS green sturgeon promoted reclamation of ghost crab
of approximately 22 years, a substantial pots.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE The total number of acres within the
increase in adult abundance in response
boundary is 116,116 acres, which is a
to habitat-based recovery actions may National Oceanic and Atmospheric modification of the original 114,665
not be observed for 66–88 years. Administration acres identified in the previous
Additional funds will thus likely be management plan. The revised acreage
needed to monitor adult abundance National Estuarine Research Reserve is a result of updated mapping
after the first 20 years, with a total System techniques rather than a boundary
added projected cost of $25–40 million. expansion resulting from inclusion of
AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management,
Many of the most costly recovery National Ocean Service, National new habitats. The revised management
actions (e.g., barrier removal, increased Oceanic and Atmospheric plan will serve as the guiding document
enforcement, addressing entrainment at Administration, U.S. Department of for the Jacques Cousteau Reserve for the
diversions) have multi-species benefits Commerce. next five years.
and may be covered under recovery NOAA’s Office Coastal Management
ACTION: Notice of public comment
will be conducting an environmental
efforts for other species. For example, period for the Jacques Cousteau analysis in accordance with the
the recovery plan for ESA-listed Central National Estuarine Research Reserve National Environmental Policy Act on
Valley salmonids (NMFS 2014b) Management Plan revision. the proposed approval of the Reserve’s
includes recovery actions designed to revised management plan. The public is
improve watershed-wide processes that FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
invited to provide comment or
will likely benefit sDPS green sturgeon Nina Garfield at (240) 533–0817 or Kim
information about any potential
by restoring natural ecosystem Texeira at (240) 533–0781 of NOAA’s environmental impacts of the proposed
functions. Specific actions to improve Office for Coastal Management, 1305 action, and these comments will be used
delta habitat, remove barriers, and East-West Highway, N/ORM5, 10th to inform the decision making process.
reduce entrainment could aid in the floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910. View the Jacques Cousteau Reserve
recovery of sDPS green sturgeon and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATON: Notice is Management Plan revision at (https://
reduce the recovery plan cost by $17 hereby given that the Office for Coastal jcnerr.org/JCNERR_MNGMTPLAN_
million. Management, National Ocean Service, 2018to2023.pdf) and provide comments
National Oceanic and Atmospheric to the Reserve’s Assistant Manager, Lisa
We are unable to quantify the Administration, U.S. Department of Auermuller (auermull@
economic benefits of sDPS green Commerce is announcing a thirty-day marine.rutgers.edu).
sturgeon recovery actions, but full public comment period for the Jacques
recovery or delisting will provide Cousteau National Estuarine Research Keelin Kuipers,
multiple benefits to the ecosystem and Reserve Management Plan revision. Acting Deputy Director, Office for Coastal
economy. Delisting of the sDPS will Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), the Management National Ocean Service,
enhance fishing opportunities by lifting National Oceanic and Atmospheric
revised plan will bring the reserve into
Administration.
fisheries restrictions aimed at reducing compliance. The Jacques Cousteau
[FR Doc. 2018–00182 Filed 1–8–18; 8:45 am]
direct or incidental sDPS mortality. The Reserve revised plan will replace the
BILLING CODE 3510–08–P
ESA regulatory burden will also be plan approved in 2009.
eased for fisheries, water resource, The revised management plan
industrial, and commercial activities. outlines the administrative structure;
Accomplishing the habitat restoration the research/monitoring, stewardship, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
education, and training programs and COMMISSION
measures will also result in more
functional ecosystems that support priorities of the reserve; plans for a
Sunshine Act Meeting Notice
other economic activities and contribute proposed future boundary expansion
to delisting of other species. through inclusion of past and future TIME AND DATE: Monday, January 8,
land acquisition; and facility 2018; 1:00 p.m.*
References Cited development priorities to support PLACE: Hearing Room 420, Bethesda
reserve operations. Towers, 4330 East West Highway,
The complete citations for the The Jacques Cousteau Reserve takes
references used in this document can be Bethesda, MD 20814.
an integrated approach to management,
obtained by contacting NMFS (see STATUS: Commission Meeting—Closed
linking research and education, coastal
ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER to the Public.
training, and stewardship functions.
INFORMATION CONTACT) or online at: The Rutgers University has outlined MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Compliance
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
http:// how it will administer the reserve and Matter: The Commission staff will brief
www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ its core programs by providing detailed the Commission on the status of a
protected_species/green_sturgeon/ actions that will enable it to accomplish compliance matter.
green_sturgeon_pg.html. specific goals and objectives. Since the
* The Commission unanimously determined by
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. last management plan, the reserve has: recorded vote that Agency business requires calling
Provided technical expertise to coastal the meeting without seven calendar days advance
communities to reduce risks to natural public notice.
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Document Created: 2018-01-09 02:18:45
Document Modified: 2018-01-09 02:18:45
| 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; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments and information on the draft Plan must be received by close of business on March 12, 2018. | |
| Contact | Joe Heublein, NMFS Green Sturgeon Recovery Coordinator, at (916) 930-3719, or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 1025 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF89 |
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