Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 17068-17069 [E5-1480]
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17068
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 63 / Monday, April 4, 2005 / Notices
that would warrant new NEPA
documentation. Accordingly, this action
is categorically excluded from further
review under NOAA Administrative
Order 216–6.
Determinations
The anticipated impact of winter
seismic activities on the species or stock
of ringed and bearded seals is expected
to be negligible for the following
reasons:
(1) The activity area supports a small
proportion (<1 percent) of the ringed
and bearded seal populations in the
Beaufort Sea.
(2) Most of the winter-run seismic
lines will be on ice over shallow water
where ringed seals are absent or present
in very low abundance. Over 90 percent
of the activity area is near shore and/or
in water less than 3 m (9.8 ft) deep,
which is generally considered poor seal
habitat. Moulton et al. (2001) reported
that only 6 percent of 660 ringed seals
observed on ice in the Northstar project
area were in water between 0 to 3 m (0
to 9.8 ft) deep.
(3) For reasons of safety and because
of normal operational constraints,
seismic operators will avoid moderate
and large pressure ridges, where seal
and pupping lairs are likely to be most
numerous.
(4) Many of the on-ice seismic lines
and connecting ice roads will be laid
out and explored during January and
February, when many ringed seals are
still transient, and considerably before
the spring pupping season.
(5) The sounds from energy produced
by vibrators used during on-ice seismic
programs typically are at frequencies
well below those used by ringed seals to
communicate (1000 Hz). Thus, ringed
seal hearing is not likely to be very good
at those frequencies and seismic sounds
are not likely to have strong masking
effects on ringed seal calls. This effect
is further moderated by the quiet
intervals between seismic energy
transmissions.
(6) There has been no major
displacement of seals away from on-ice
seismic operations (Frost and Lowry,
1988). Further confirmation of this lack
of major response to industrial activity
is illustrated by the fact that there has
been no major displacement of seals
near the Northstar Project. Studies at
Northstar have shown a continued
presence of ringed seals throughout
winter and creation of new seal
structures (Williams et al., 2001).
(7) Although seals may abandon
structures near seismic activity, studies
have not demonstrated a cause and
effect relationship between
abandonment and seismic activity or
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biologically significant impact on ringed
seals. Studies by Williams et al. (2001),
Kelley et al. (1986, 1988) and Kelly and
Quakenbush (1990) have shown that
abandonment of holes and lairs and
establishment or re-occupancy of new
ones is an ongoing natural occurrence,
with or without human presence. Link
et al. (1999) compared ringed seal
densities between areas with and
without vibroseis activity and found
densities were highly variable within
each area and inconsistent between
areas (densities were lower for 5 days,
equal for 1 day, and higher for 1 day in
vibroseis area), suggesting other factors
beyond the seismic activity likely
influenced seal use patterns.
Consequently, a wide variety of natural
factors influence patterns of seal use
including time of day, weather, season,
ice deformation, ice thickness,
accumulation of snow, food availability
and predators as well as ring seal
behavior and population dynamics.
In winter, bearded seals are restricted
to cracks, broken ice, and other
openings in the ice. On-ice seismic
operations avoid those areas for safety
reasons. Therefore, any exposure of
bearded seals to on-ice seismic
operations would be limited to distant
and transient exposure. Bearded seals
exposed to a distant on-ice seismic
operation might dive into the water.
Consequently, no significant effects on
individual bearded seals or their
population are expected, and the
number of individuals that might be
temporarily disturbed would be very
low.
As a result, CPA and NMFS believe
the effects of on-ice seismic are
expected to be limited to short-term and
localized behavioral changes involving
relatively small numbers of seals. NMFS
has determined, based on information in
the application and supporting
documents, that these changes in
behavior will have no more than a
negligible impact on the affected species
or stocks of ringed and bearded seals.
Also, the potential effects of the on-ice
seismic operations during 2005 are
unlikely to result in more than small
numbers of seals being affected and will
not have an unmitigable adverse impact
on subsistence uses of these two
species.
Authorization
NMFS has issued an IHA to CPA for
conducting seismic surveys from Milne
Point to the eastern channel of the
Colville River in the U.S. Beaufort Sea,
provided the previously mentioned
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting
requirements are incorporated.
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Dated: March 29, 2005.
Laurie K. Allen,
Director, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 05–6612 Filed 4–1–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 032905B]
Caribbean Fishery Management
Council; Public Meeting
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery
Management Council (Council) and its
Administrative Committee will hold
meetings.
The meetings will be held on
May 3 and 4, 2005. The Council will
convene on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Administrative
Committee will meet from 5:15 p.m. to
6 p.m. The Council will reconvene on
Wednesday, May 4, 2005, from 8:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m., approximately.
ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at
Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star
Marriott Beach Resort, #5 Estate
Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, USVI.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
´
268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1920,
telephone (787) 766–5926.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Council will hold its 118th regular
public meeting to discuss the items
contained in the following agenda:
May 3, 2005
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Call to Order
Adoption of Agenda
Consideration of 117th Council
Meeting Verbatim Minutes
Executive Director’s Report
R/V Nancy Foster USVI Survey
Update
Proposed rule for Acropora palmata/
Acropora cervicornis
SFA Document–Final Action
CFMC Research Needs
5:15 p.m.– 6 p.m.
Administrative Committee Meeting
-AP/SSC/HAP Membership
-Budget 2002, 2003, 2004/05
-Pending travel and Contracts
-Other Business
May 4, 2005
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 63 / Monday, April 4, 2005 / Notices
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
HMS Presentation–Russel Dunn
Enforcement Reports
-Puerto Rico
-US Virgin Islands
-NOAA
-US Coast Guard
Administrative Committee
Recommendations from May 3, 2005
Meetings attended by Council
members and staff
Other Business
Next Council Meeting
The meetings are open to the public,
and will be conducted in English.
Fishers and other interested persons are
invited to attend and participate with
oral or written statements regarding
agenda issues. Although non-emergency
issues not contained in this agenda may
come before this group for discussion,
those issues may not be the subject of
formal action during this meeting.
Action will be restricted to those issues
specifically identified in this notice and
any issues arising after publication of
this notice that require emergency
action under section 305(c) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act,
provided the public has been notified of
the Council’s intent to take final action
to address the emergency.
SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council) will
hold meetings of its Pelagics Plan Team
(PPT) in Honolulu, HI to discuss fishery
issues and develop recommendations
for future management.
DATES: The meeting of the PPT will be
held on May 3–5, 2005, from 8:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. each day.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the Council Office Conference Room,
Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400,
Honolulu, HI 96813; telephone: (808)
522–8220.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director;
telephone: (808) 522–8220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PPT
will meet on May 3–5, 2005, at the
Council Conference Room to discuss the
following agenda items:
Special Accommodations
3. Bigeye tuna overfishing
4. Management of Hawaii offshore
handline fishery
5. Status of North Pacific Albacore
6. International pelagic fishery
management
7. Recreational fisheries
8. Economic research
9. Protected species research and
management
10. Other business
The order in which the agenda items
are addressed may change. The PPT will
meet as late as necessary to complete
scheduled business. Although nonemergency issues not contained in this
agenda may come before the PPT for
discussion, those issues may not be the
subject of formal action during these
meetings. Plan Team action will be
restricted to those issues specifically
listed in this document and any issue
arising after publication of this
document that requires emergency
action under section 305(c) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act,
provided the public has been notified of
the Council’s intent to take final action
to address the emergency.
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
For more information or request for sign
language interpretation and/other
auxiliary aids, please contact Mr.
´
Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director,
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
´
268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918–2577,
telephone (787) 766–5926, at least five
days prior to the meeting date.
Dated: March 30, 2005.
Emily Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5–1480 Filed 4–1–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 032905C]
Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council; Public Meeting
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
AGENCY:
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:19 Apr 01, 2005
Jkt 205001
Tuesday May 3, 2005, 8.30 a.m.
1. Introduction
2. Annual Report review
a. Review 2004 Annual Report
modules and recommendations
b. 2004 Annual Report region-wide
recommendations
Wednesday & Thursday, May 4–5, 2005,
8.30 a.m.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
Requests for sign language
PO 00000
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17069
interpretation or other auxiliary aids
should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds,
(808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522–
8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the
meeting date.
Dated: March 30, 2005.
Emily Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5–1482 Filed 4–1–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 032805A]
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
Environmental Assessment; Exempted
Fishing Permits
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS announces the
availability of an Environmental
Assessment (EA) prepared pursuant to
the National Environmental Policy Act
to analyze the potential impacts
associated with exempting six pelagic
longline vessels from existing area
closures and other regulations for the
purpose of evaluating whether gear
modifications and/or various fishing
techniques can avoid/reduce bycatch
and associated regulatory discards of
juvenile highly migratory species (HMS)
in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida East
Coast, South Atlantic Bight, MidAtlantic Bight, and Northeast Coastal
statistical areas of the Atlantic Ocean.
The EA examines alternatives available
to authorize activities otherwise
prohibited by regulations for the
conduct of scientific research and the
investigation of bycatch, consistent with
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other
relevant Federal laws. NMFS is
requesting comments on the alternatives
outlined in the EA.
DATES: Written comments on this action
must be received no later than 5 p.m.,
local time, on April 11, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the EA can be
obtained by contacting Heather Stirratt
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT)
or by viewing the document online at
https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.
Comments regarding the EA and
issuance of Exempted Fishing Permits
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 63 (Monday, April 4, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17068-17069]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-1480]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 032905B]
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its
Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
DATES: The meetings will be held on May 3 and 4, 2005. The Council will
convene on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the
Administrative Committee will meet from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Council
will reconvene on Wednesday, May 4, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
approximately.
ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at Frenchman's Reef and Morning
Star Marriott Beach Resort, 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas,
USVI.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
268 Mu[nacute]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico
00918-1920, telephone (787) 766-5926.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council will hold its 118th regular
public meeting to discuss the items contained in the following agenda:
May 3, 2005
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call to Order
Adoption of Agenda
Consideration of 117th Council Meeting Verbatim Minutes
Executive Director's Report
R/V Nancy Foster USVI Survey Update
Proposed rule for Acropora palmata/Acropora cervicornis
SFA Document-Final Action
CFMC Research Needs
5:15 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Administrative Committee Meeting
-AP/SSC/HAP Membership
-Budget 2002, 2003, 2004/05
-Pending travel and Contracts
-Other Business
May 4, 2005
[[Page 17069]]
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
HMS Presentation-Russel Dunn
Enforcement Reports
-Puerto Rico
-US Virgin Islands
-NOAA
-US Coast Guard
Administrative Committee Recommendations from May 3, 2005
Meetings attended by Council members and staff
Other Business
Next Council Meeting
The meetings are open to the public, and will be conducted in
English. Fishers and other interested persons are invited to attend and
participate with oral or written statements regarding agenda issues.
Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come
before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject
of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to
those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues
arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action
under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's
intent to take final action to address the emergency.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically accessible to people with
disabilities. For more information or request for sign language
interpretation and/other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. Miguel A.
Rol[oacute]n, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
268 Mu[nacute]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico,
00918-2577, telephone (787) 766-5926, at least five days prior to the
meeting date.
Dated: March 30, 2005.
Emily Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5-1480 Filed 4-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S