Marine Mammals; File Nos. 594-1759 and 633-1763, 9049-9050 [05-3584]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 36 / Thursday, February 24, 2005 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 021605B] Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States and Reef Fish Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Neil Allen on behalf of The Georgia Aquarium. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect limited numbers of groupers, snappers, squirrelfish, sea basses, jacks, spadefish, bluefish, grunts, porgies, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. Specimens would be collected primarily from Federal waters off the coast of Georgia but may also be collected from Federal waters off the coasts of South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas during 2005 and 2006, and displayed at The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia. DATES: Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., eastern standard time, on March 11, 2005. ADDRESSES: Comments on the application may be sent via fax to 727– 570–5583 or mailed to: Julie Weeder, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Comments may be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing e-mail comments is grouper.aquarium@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail document the following text: Comment on Georgia Aquarium EFP Application. The application and related documents are available for review upon written request to the address above or the email address below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Weeder, 727–570–5305; fax 727–570– 5583; e-mail: julie.weeder@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) concerning exempted fishing. VerDate jul<14>2003 18:49 Feb 23, 2005 Jkt 205001 According to the applicant, The Georgia Aquarium is a public, nonprofit institution currently under construction in Atlanta, Georgia. Its mission is to provide entertainment and education and support conservation through aquatic exhibits displaying animals from around the world. The aquarium is scheduled to open in late 2005. The proposed collection for public display involves activities otherwise prohibited by regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plans (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fisheries of the South Atlantic Region, Reef Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, or Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fisheries of the South Atlantic Region and the Gulf of Mexico Region. The applicant requires authorization to harvest and possess the following numbers of fishes: Six goliath grouper, five rock sea bass, five black sea bass, 10 gag (grouper), 10 scamp (grouper), 50 red snapper, 50 vermilion snapper, 50 squirrelfish, 100 yellow jack, 100 crevalle jack, 50 bar jack, 50 greater amberjack, 500 Atlantic spadefish, 50 bluefish, 100 sheepshead seabream, 100 tomtate grunt, 250 french grunt, 50 doctorfish, and 20 grey triggerfish. Specimens would be collected primarily from Federal waters off the coast of Georgia but may also be collected from Federal waters off the coasts of South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas during 2005 and 2006. Fishes would be captured using barrier and hand nets in conjunction with SCUBA, hook and line, and traps. The barrier net would be set up underwater to provide a barrier to a school of fish. The fish would be herded into the barrier net and then hand netted. The net would be set for approximately one hour at a time and monitored by divers using SCUBA at all times. The net is 50 feet long and five feet deep with one inch monofilament mesh. Hook and line would be employed at depths less than 100 feet to capture bottom-dwelling fish, and in the water column for other species. Methods would be identical to that used by charter fishing boats. The fish traps are made from 1.5 inch wire mesh and are approximately three feet long, three feet wide and two feet high. The entrance to the traps is a vertical slit two inches wide and 24 inches long. Ten traps would be deployed for up to 10 fishing periods of 12 hours each. NMFS finds that this application warrants further consideration. Based on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. Possible conditions the agency may impose on this permit, if it is indeed granted, include but are not PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9049 limited to: Reduction in the number of fish to be collected; restrictions on the placement of traps; restrictions on the size of fish to be collected; prohibition of the harvest of any fish with visible external tags; and specification of locations, dates and/or seasons allowed for collection of particular fish species. A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on a NMFS review of public comments received on the application, consultations with the affected states, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that it is consistent with all applicable laws. The applicant requests a 12-month effective period for the EFP. Dated: February 17, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5–743 Filed 2–23–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 021705B] Marine Mammals; File Nos. 594–1759 and 633–1763 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Receipt of applications. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following institutions have applied in due form for permits to conduct scientific research on marine mammals: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program, Coastal Office, Brunswick, GA (File No. 594–1759) and the Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA (File No. 633–1763). DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before March 28, 2005. ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for review upon request or by appointment in the following office(s): All documents: Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713– 2289; fax (301)713–0376; E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1 9050 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 36 / Thursday, February 24, 2005 / Notices File No. 633–1763: Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9200; fax (978)281–9371; and File Nos. 594–1759 and 633–1763: Southeast Region, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702–2432; phone (727)570–5301; fax (727)570–5320. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on these applications should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on the particular request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301)713–0376, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Additionally, comments may be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing email comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the appropriate File No. (594–1759 or 633–1763) as a document identifier in the subject line of the email comment. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Tammy Adams or Carrie Hubard at (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits are requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222–226). File No. 594–1759: The applicant requests a 5–year permit for aerial surveys, including associated photoidentification, behavioral observation and incidental harassment of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in Atlantic waters off Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida and Alabama. Data will be used to (1) reduce potential for ship collisions via the Early Warning System, (2) improve knowledge of right whale habitat utilization, (3) maintain photo-id catalog, (4) monitor annual reproductive success, and (5) implement programs for population monitoring File No. 633–1763: The applicant requests a 5–year permit to conduct VerDate jul<14>2003 18:59 Feb 23, 2005 Jkt 205001 aerial and vessel surveys, photoidentification, behavioral observation, collection and export of sloughed skin, and incidental harassment of North Atlantic right whales in waters of the Gulf of Maine, Cape Cod Bay, Great South Channel, and Georgia Bight. Surveys will be conducted to investigate population parameters, habitat use and conflicts with human activities, and to develop a multi-dimensional foraging/ ecosystem model. Data will also be provided to management agencies, including NMFS and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. The CCS application also requests permission for biopsy sampling of right whales for genetic analyses. NMFS is deferring a decision on a permit for that biopsy sampling pending further environmental analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A draft EA has been prepared to examine whether significant environmental impacts could result from issuance of the proposed scientific research permit. The draft EA is available for review and comment simultaneous with the scientific research permit application. 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: February 17, 2005. Stephen L. Leathery, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–3584 Filed 2–23–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Proposed Collection; Comment Request DoD, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by April 25, 2005. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be sent to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee, ATTN: Mr. Stephen Westbrook, Hoffman I, Room 836, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22331–1300. Comments may be e-mailed to Mr. Westbrook at stephen.westbrook@us.army.mil. To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to the above address, or call (703) 325–1420. Title, Associated Forum, and OMB Number: Medical Physician’s Statement for Premium-Class Travel, DD Form X488; OMB Number 0704–TBD. Needs and Uses: Certification validating the disability or other special medical need for premium-class travel accommodations is required for Department of Defense travelers. The requested information provides medical documentation of a disability or other special medical need(s) that will be evaluated, along with other information, in connection with an individual’s request for an upgrade in travel to a premium-class of service (business/firstclass) as a reasonable accommodation. The physician will specify the physical and environmental requirements connecting the identified disability or other special medical need(s) and the recommended travel accommodation. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Annual Burden Hours: 300. Number of Respondents: 600. Responses Per Respondent: 1. Average Burden Per Response: 30 minutes. Frequency: On Occasion. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 36 (Thursday, February 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9049-9050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3584]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 021705B]


Marine Mammals; File Nos. 594-1759 and 633-1763

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

ACTION: Receipt of applications.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the following institutions have 
applied in due form for permits to conduct scientific research on 
marine mammals: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife 
Resources Division, Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program, Coastal 
Office, Brunswick, GA (File No. 594-1759) and the Center for Coastal 
Studies, Provincetown, MA (File No. 633-1763).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or 
before March 28, 2005.

ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for 
review upon request or by appointment in the following office(s):
    All documents: Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office 
of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713-2289; fax (301)713-0376;

[[Page 9050]]

    File No. 633-1763: Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930-2298; phone (978)281-9200; fax (978)281-9371; and
    File Nos. 594-1759 and 633-1763: Southeast Region, NMFS, 9721 
Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2432; phone 
(727)570-5301; fax (727)570-5320.
    Written comments or requests for a public hearing on these 
applications should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and 
Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 
East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those 
individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons 
why a hearing on the particular request would be appropriate.
    Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301)713-0376, 
provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and 
postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period.
    Additionally, comments may be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox 
address for providing email comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. 
Please include the appropriate File No. (594-1759 or 633-1763) as a 
document identifier in the subject line of the e-mail comment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Tammy Adams or Carrie Hubard at 
(301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permits are requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Regulations Governing the Taking 
and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226).
    File No. 594-1759: The applicant requests a 5-year permit for 
aerial surveys, including associated photo-identification, behavioral 
observation and incidental harassment of North Atlantic right whales 
(Eubalaena glacialis) in Atlantic waters off Virginia, North Carolina, 
South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and Gulf of Mexico waters off 
Florida and Alabama. Data will be used to (1) reduce potential for ship 
collisions via the Early Warning System, (2) improve knowledge of right 
whale habitat utilization, (3) maintain photo-id catalog, (4) monitor 
annual reproductive success, and (5) implement programs for population 
monitoring
    File No. 633-1763: The applicant requests a 5-year permit to 
conduct aerial and vessel surveys, photo-identification, behavioral 
observation, collection and export of sloughed skin, and incidental 
harassment of North Atlantic right whales in waters of the Gulf of 
Maine, Cape Cod Bay, Great South Channel, and Georgia Bight. Surveys 
will be conducted to investigate population parameters, habitat use and 
conflicts with human activities, and to develop a multi-dimensional 
foraging/ecosystem model. Data will also be provided to management 
agencies, including NMFS and the Massachusetts Division of Marine 
Fisheries. The CCS application also requests permission for biopsy 
sampling of right whales for genetic analyses. NMFS is deferring a 
decision on a permit for that biopsy sampling pending further 
environmental analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA).
    A draft EA has been prepared to examine whether significant 
environmental impacts could result from issuance of the proposed 
scientific research permit. The draft EA is available for review and 
comment simultaneous with the scientific research permit application.
    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: February 17, 2005.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05-3584 Filed 2-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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