SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

ESA-Listed Species Covered in This Notice

• Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): endangered, naturally and artificially propagated Snake River Fall-run Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) and threatened, naturally and artificially propagated Snake River Spring/Summer-run ESU;
• Sockeye salmon (O. nerka): endangered, naturally and artificially propagated Snake River Sockeye ESU;
• Steelhead (O. mykiss): threatened, naturally and artificially propagated Snake River Steelhead Distinct Population Segment.

Background

Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations prohibit the “taking” of a species listed as endangered or threatened. The term “take” is defined under the ESA to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. NMFS may make exceptions to the take prohibitions in section 9 of the ESA for programs that are approved by NMFS under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (50 CFR 222.308).

The co-managers and funding agencies, including the NPT, WDFW, ODFW, IDFG, LSRCP, IPC, and BPA, have submitted to NMFS applications for two permits, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA, for hatchery activities in the Snake River basin. The applications are in the form of two existing HGMPs, an addendum, and a new addendum with updates to those HGMPs.

The addendums and previously submitted HGMPs describe actions involving hatchery activities (with associated monitoring and evaluation) in the Snake River basin. The programs are intended to contribute to the survival and recovery of Snake River Fall-run Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin, and to responsibly enhance fishing opportunity on hatchery-origin returns. The proposed continuation of the program would indicate best management practices to minimize adverse effects on the ESU.

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

90 FR 36424