83 FR 38287 - Marine Mammals; File No. 21217

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 151 (August 6, 2018)

Page Range		38287-38288
FR Document		2018-16719

Notice is hereby given that Aaron Roberts, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Biological Sciences, 1155 Union Circle, #310559, Denton, TX 76203, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 21217.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38287-38288]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16719]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF696


Marine Mammals; File No. 21217

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Aaron Roberts, Ph.D., University 
of North Texas, Biological Sciences, 1155 Union Circle, #310559, 
Denton, TX 76203, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research 
Permit No. 21217.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the 
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 21217 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available upon written request or by 
appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427-8401; fax (301) 713-0376.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. 
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by 
email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. 21217 
in the subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the 
address listed above. The request should set forth the specific

[[Page 38288]]

reasons why a hearing on the application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young (301) 
427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject amendment to Permit No. 21217 is 
requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations 
governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    Permit No. 21217, issued on November 6, 2017 (82 FR 60968; December 
26, 2017), authorizes the permit holder to import biological samples 
from up to 30 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and 30 hooded seals 
(Cystophora cristata) from Canada to study the effects of 
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on the fitness and immune 
function in two species of phocid seals. The permit holder is 
requesting the permit be amended to increase the number of samples 
imported from each species from 30 to 60 individuals and to include the 
import of samples collected during the 2019 field season in Canada. All 
other aspects of the permitted activities would not change.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the proposed activities are categorically excluded from the requirement 
to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of these applications to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: July 31, 2018.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16719 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices 38287

2018 through June 2019. Vessels would would be rigged with a standard apron would be randomly selected and the
complete approximately 55 paired, 30- while the other would be rigged with an scallops would be measured in 5 mm
minute tows per trip at a standard vessel extended vertical link apron. The increments to determine size selectivity.
speed of 4.8 knots. In addition to open project will alternate tows with and Finfish catch would be sorted by species
areas, tows could occur in Closed Area without the dredge over net over both and then counted, weighed, and
I, Closed Area II, or the four Nantucket dredges. Standard linking is defined as measured in 1 mm increments.
Lightship Scallop Rotational Areas. The a single link between ring spaces, and Depending on the volume of scallops
four research trips would be centralized the extended link is defined as two links and finfish captured, the catch would be
around areas with high yellowtail and linked together between rings. Both subsampled as necessary. No catch
winter flounder bycatch and in areas dredges would use 4-inch (10.16-cm) would be retained for longer than
with a high abundance of harvestable rings and a 10-inch (25.40-cm) twine needed to conduct sampling and no
size scallops mixed with pre-recruit top. finfish or scallop catch would be landed
scallops. For all tows, the sea scallop catch for sale. Table 1 contains an estimate of
Vessels would fish two, 15-foot (4.57- would be counted into baskets and the finfish catch anticipated for the
m) Turtle Deflector Dredges; one dredge weighed. One basket from each dredge project.

TABLE 1—CFF EXTENDED LINK APRON PROJECT CATCH ESTIMATES
Weight Weight
Species (lbs) (kg)

Sea Scallop .............................................................................................................................................................. 16,552 7,508
Yellowtail Flounder .................................................................................................................................................. 549 249
Winter Flounder ....................................................................................................................................................... 803 364
Windowpane Flounder ............................................................................................................................................. 2,828 1,283
Summer Flounder .................................................................................................................................................... 943 428
Fourspot Flounder ................................................................................................................................................... 74 34
American Plaice Flounder ....................................................................................................................................... 90 41
Witch Flounder ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 5
Haddock ................................................................................................................................................................... 58 26
Atlantic Cod ............................................................................................................................................................. 100 45
Monkfish ................................................................................................................................................................... 8,420 3,819
Spiny Dogfish ........................................................................................................................................................... 87 39
Barndoor Skate ........................................................................................................................................................ 1,109 503
NE Skate Complex (excluding barndoor skate) ...................................................................................................... 63,528 28,816

CFF needs these exemptions to allow fishing activity conducted outside the DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
them to conduct experimental dredge scope of the exempted fishing activity comments must be received on or before
towing without being charged DAS, and would be prohibited. September 5, 2018.
to deploy gear in closed access areas Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. ADDRESSES: The application and related
where concentrations of primary documents are available for review by
Dated: August 1, 2018.
bycatch species are sufficiently high to selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public
provide statistically robust results. Margo B. Schulze-Haugen,
Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on
Researchers also need mesh size and Acting Director, Office of Sustainable the Applications and Permits for
gear obstruction exemptions in order to Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
Protected Species (APPS) home page,
use the dredge net cover. Utilizing the [FR Doc. 2018–16770 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then
dredge net cover will allow researchers BILLING CODE 3510–22–P selecting File No. 21217 from the list of
to quantify fish that would normally available applications.
escape through the gear during normal These documents are also available
fishing operations. Participating vessels DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE upon written request or by appointment
need crew size waivers to accommodate in the Permits and Conservation
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
science personnel, and possession Division, Office of Protected Resources,
Administration
waivers will enable researchers to NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
conduct finfish sampling activities. The RIN 0648–XF696 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
project would be exempt from the sea (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
scallop observer program requirements Marine Mammals; File No. 21217 Written comments on this application
because activities conducted on the trip AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries should be submitted to the Chief,
are not consistent with normal fishing Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Permits and Conservation Division, at
operations. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the address listed above. Comments may
If approved, the applicant may Commerce. also be submitted by facsimile to (301)
request minor modifications and ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for 713–0376, or by email to
extensions to the EFP throughout the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

permit amendment. NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please
year. EFP modifications and extensions include the File No. 21217 in the subject
may be granted without further notice if SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that line of the email comment.
they are deemed essential to facilitate Aaron Roberts, Ph.D., University of Those individuals requesting a public
completion of the proposed research North Texas, Biological Sciences, 1155 hearing should submit a written request
and have minimal impacts that do not Union Circle, #310559, Denton, TX to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
change the scope or impact of the 76203, has applied for an amendment to Division at the address listed above. The
initially approved EFP request. Any Scientific Research Permit No. 21217. request should set forth the specific

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

38288 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices

reasons why a hearing on the ACTION:Notice of public meeting at the discretion of the STT, SAS, and
application would be appropriate. (webinar). MEW Chairs.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Although non-emergency issues not
SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery contained in the meeting agenda may be
Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young (301)
Management Council’s (Pacific Council) discussed, those issues may not be the
427–8401.
Salmon Technical Team (STT), Salmon subject of formal action during this
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Advisory Subpanel (SAS), and Model
subject amendment to Permit No. 21217 meeting. Action will be restricted to
Evaluation Workgroup (MEW) will hold those issues specifically listed in this
is requested under the authority of the a joint meeting to discuss and make
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, document and any issues arising after
recommendations on issues on the publication of this document that
as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et Pacific Council’s September 2018
seq.) and the regulations governing the require emergency action under section
agenda. This meeting will be held via 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
taking and importing of marine webinar and is open to the public.
mammals (50 CFR part 216). Conservation and Management Act,
DATES: The webinar will be held provided the public has been notified of
Permit No. 21217, issued on
Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at 2 p.m. the intent to take final action to address
November 6, 2017 (82 FR 60968;
and will end when business for the day the emergency.
December 26, 2017), authorizes the
has been completed.
permit holder to import biological Special Accommodations
samples from up to 30 harp seals ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
(Pagophilus groenlandicus) and 30 via webinar. A public listening station The public listening station is
hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) from is available at the Pacific Council office physically accessible to people with
Canada to study the effects of (address below). To attend the webinar, disabilities. Requests for sign language
polybrominated diphenyl ethers use this link: https:// interpretation or other auxiliary aids
(PBDEs) on the fitness and immune www.gotomeeting.com/webinar (click should be directed to Mr. Kris
function in two species of phocid seals. ‘‘Join a Webinar’’ in top right corner of Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@
The permit holder is requesting the page). (1) Enter the Webinar ID: 493– noaa.gov; (503) 820–2411) at least 10
permit be amended to increase the 298–571. (2) Enter your name and email days prior to the meeting date.
number of samples imported from each address (required). You must use your Dated: July 31, 2018.
species from 30 to 60 individuals and to telephone for the audio portion of the Tracey L. Thompson,
include the import of samples collected meeting by dialing this TOLL number
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
during the 2019 field season in Canada. 1–415–930–5321. (3) Enter the Attendee Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
All other aspects of the permitted phone audio access code 706–308–295.
[FR Doc. 2018–16698 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
activities would not change. (4) Enter your audio phone pin (shown
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
In compliance with the National after joining the webinar). Note: We
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 have disabled Mic/Speakers as an
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial option and require all participants to DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
determination has been made that the use a telephone or cell phone to
proposed activities are categorically participate. Technical Information and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
excluded from the requirement to System Requirements: PC-based Administration
prepare an environmental assessment or attendees are required to use Windows®
environmental impact statement. 7, Vista, or XP; Mac®-based attendees RIN 0648–XG374
Concurrent with the publication of are required to use Mac OS® X 10.5 or
newer; Mobile attendees are required to Caribbean Fishery Management
this notice in the Federal Register, Council; Public Meeting
NMFS is forwarding copies of these use iPhone®, iPad®, AndroidTM phone
applications to the Marine Mammal or Android tablet (see https:// AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Commission and its Committee of www.gotomeeting.com/webinar/ipad- Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Scientific Advisors. iphone-android-webinar-apps). You Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
may send an email to Mr. Kris Commerce.
Dated: July 31, 2018. Kleinschmidt at Kris.Kleinschmidt@
Julia Marie Harrison, ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.
noaa.gov or contact him at 503–820–
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, 2280, extension 411 for technical
Office of Protected Resources, National
SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery
assistance. Management Council will hold its 163rd
Marine Fisheries Service. Council address: Pacific Fishery meeting in August to discuss the items
[FR Doc. 2018–16719 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] Management Council, 7700 NE contained in the agenda in the
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
OR 97220–1384.
DATES: The meetings will be held on
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: August 28–30, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Robin Ehlke, Pacific Council; telephone: 5 p.m.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric (503) 820–2410.
ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at
Administration SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Major
The Buccaneer Hotel located at 5007
topics include, but are not limited to, Estate Shoys, Christiansted, St. Croix,
RIN 0648–XG365 Salmon Methodology Review, Salmon
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

USVI.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Rebuilding Plan update, and
preliminary Pacific halibut management FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Meeting Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
for 2019. The groups may also address
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries one or more of the Council’s scheduled 270 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401,
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Administrative Matters and Ecosystem San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1903,
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), topics. Public comments during the telephone: (787) 766–5926.
Commerce. webinar will be received from attendees SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

Document Created: 2018-11-06 10:36:54
Document Modified: 2018-11-06 10:36:54

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; receipt of application for permit amendment.
Dates		Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before September 5, 2018.
Contact		Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young (301) 427-8401.
FR Citation		83 FR 38287
RIN Number		0648-XF69

83 FR 38287 - Marine Mammals; File No. 21217

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 151 (August 6, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration