General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC); Meeting Announcement, 15698-15699 [E6-4565]

Download as PDF 15698 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices document identifier: CI Beluga SEIS (Email comments, with or without attachments, are limited to five (5) megabytes). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES Barbara Mahoney or Brad Smith, NMFS Alaska Region, Anchorage Field Office, (907) 271–5006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS is initiating this SEIS process for the Subsistence Harvest Management of Cook Inlet, Alaska, Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives. An SEIS is required when, among other reasons, there are substantial changes in a proposed action or there significant new circumstances or information relevant to the proposed action or its impacts. Additional Cook Inlet beluga information, including the Subsistence Harvest Management of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales, Final Environmental Impact Statement, July 2003, is available at: https:// www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/ whales/beluga.htm. Background The Cook Inlet beluga whale stock declined dramatically between 1994 and 1998. Aerial survey results indicated that the 1998 abundance estimate of 347 Cook Inlet beluga whales represented a decline of 47 percent from the 653 1994 estimate. In response to this significant decline, NMFS published a final rule to designate the Cook Inlet stock of belugas as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 1972, as amended (MMPA) on May 31, 2000 (65 FR 34590). The MMPA exempts subsistence takes by Alaska Natives from marine mammal take prohibitions. The exemption allows Alaska Natives to use the Cook Inlet beluga as traditional food and Native handicrafts. Cook Inlet beluga harvests have been severely restricted (0-2 whales annually) since 1999, due to both the voluntary efforts of the Native hunters and federal law requiring co-management agreements to authorize harvests (Public Law No. 106-31 (May 21, 1999, and Public Law No. 106-553 (December 21, 2000)). Since 2000, NMFS has entered into co-management agreements with an Alaska Native organization for the subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet belugas. NMFS has worked cooperatively with beluga hunters to recover the stock, while recognizing traditional values of continuing a harvest. Following the depletion determination and pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS proposed regulations limiting the harvest of belugas in Cook Inlet (65 FR 59164, October 4, 2000). An VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) convened a hearing on the proposed regulations in December 2000. The ALJ issued a recommended decision to the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA) that allowed a harvest of six whales from 2001 through 2004 (67 FR 30646, May 7, 2002). In July 2003, a Final EIS was released with interim harvest regulations for the period 20012004 (69 FR 17973, April 6, 2004). This EIS, which NMFS intends to supplement, analyzed the impacts of various alternatives, including a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative adopted the ALJ’s recommended decision calling for harvest of six whales from 2001 through 2004 and for determining harvest for 2005 and beyond after NMFS made further abundance estimates. Because the interim harvest regulations authorized harvest only through 2004, the ALJ conducted a second hearing in August 2004 to receive evidence on a harvest plan for 2005 until recovery of the Cook Inlet beluga. The ALJ presiding in the August 2004 hearings submitted his recommended decision on the future harvest plan for Cook Inlet belugas to the AA on November 8, 2005. As required by regulations, NMFS published notice of this recommended decision (71 FR 8268, February 16, 2006) and solicited comments for a 20day period that ended on March 8, 2006. impacts of various population levels of the CI beluga stock of whales. Public Involvement Comments on this SEIS process should be directed to NMFS (see ADDRESSES). All comments and material received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and may be released to the public. NMFS will ask for additional public comments once the draft SEIS is prepared and available. Please visit NMFS Alaska Region web page at https://www.fakr.noaa.gov for more information on this SEIS. NMFS estimates the draft SEIS will be available in September 2006. Authority The preparation of the SEIS for the Subsistence Harvest Management of Cook Inlet, Alaska, Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives will be conducted under the authority and in accordance with the requirements of NEPA, Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), other applicable Federal laws and regulations, and policies and procedures of NMFS for compliance with those regulations. Dated: March 23, 2006. Angela Somma, Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–4604 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S Alternatives After preliminary review of recent annual abundance estimates and the November 8, 2005, ALJ’s recommended decision, NMFS anticipates four alternative harvest management regimes: Alternative 1: no action alternative; Alternative 2: maximizing the recovery of the Cook Inlet beluga stock by minimizing or allowing no harvest until the stock had recovered to optimum sustainable population levels; Alterative 3: maximizing the short term opportunity for subsistence harvests and prolonging the recovery of the stock; and Alternative 4: the November 8, 2005, harvest plan recommended by the ALJ, allowing an intermediate level of harvest that would provide some subsistence use and promote recovery of the stock in a longer time frame than alternative (1), but shorter time frame than alternative (2). Major SEIS issues will include: subsistence removal impacts on this stock; regulated harvest impacts on the traditional and cultural values of Alaska Natives and the social and economic PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 032406A] General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC); Meeting Announcement National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces a meeting of the General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC on April 11, 2006, via telephone conference call. DATES: The General Advisory Committee meeting will be held on April 11, 2006, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., Pacific time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via telephone conference call at (866) 857–1547, participant passcode, 3313634. E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J.Allison Routt at (562) 980–4019 or (562) 980–4030. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Tuna Conventions Act, as amended, the Department of State has appointed a General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC. The U.S. Section consists of the four U.S. Commissioners to the IATTC and the representative of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries. The Advisory Committee supports the work of the U.S. Section in a solely advisory capacity with respect to U.S. participation in the work of the IATTC, with particular reference to the development of policies and negotiating positions pursued at meetings of the IATTC. NMFS, Southwest Region, administers the Advisory Committee in cooperation and consultation with the Department of State. The General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC will meet by telephone conference to receive and discuss information on: (1) 2006 IATTC activities; (2) recent and upcoming meetings of the IATTC and its working groups; (3) IATTC cooperation with other regional fishery management organizations; and (4) Advisory Committee operational issues. Special Accommodations The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for a telephone teletype device, language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Allison Routt at (562) 980–4019 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date for this conference call. Dated: March 24, 2006. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–4565 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (MPA FAC) in Corpus Christi, Texas. DATES: The meeting will be held Monday, April 24, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, April 26, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 below may be subject to change. Refer to the Web page listed below for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Omni Marina Tower Hotel, 900 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauren Wenzel, Designated Federal Officer, MPA FAC, National Marine Protected Areas Center, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. (Phone: 301–713–3100 x 136, Fax: 301–713–3110); e-mail: lauren.wenzel@noaa.gov; or visit the National PMA Center Web site at https:// www.mpa.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The MPA FAC, composed of external, knowledgeable representatives of stakeholder groups, was established by the Department of Commerce (DOC) to provide advice to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior on implementation of Section 4 of Executive Order 13158 on MPAs. The meeting will be open to public participation, with a one hour time period set aside from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2006, and one hour set aside from 8:10 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, for the MPA FAC to receive verbal comments or questions from the public. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Designated Federal Official by April 18, 2005. Matters to Be Considered: On Monday, April 24, 2006, the MPA FAC will elect a chair and vice chair, receive a response from DOC and the Department of the Interior (DOI) on their recommendations submitted in June 2005, and receive its new charge from DOC and DOI. The MPA FAC will also discuss and form the subcommittees needed to address the charge. On Tuesday, April 25, 2006, the MPA FAC will hear a panel presentation on MPAs and marine management issues in the Gulf of Mexico, and the subcommittees will meet. On Wednesday, April 26, 2006, the MPA FAC will hear a panel presentation MPAs and ecosystem approaches to management and the subcommittees will meet.The agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at https://www.mpa.gov. Dated: March 17, 2006. Eldon Hout, Director, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. [FR Doc. 06–2989 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–08–M PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15699 CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the ‘‘Corporation’’), has submitted a public information collection request (ICR) entitled the Application for the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104–13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Mr. Robert Davidson at (202) 606–6906. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY–TDD) may call (202) 606–3472 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Rachael Potter, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in this Federal Register: (1) By fax to: (202) 395–6974, Attention: Ms. Rachael Potter, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; and (2) Electronically by e-mail to: Rachael_F._Potter@omb.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Corporation, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15698-15699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4565]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 032406A]


General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC); Meeting Announcement

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

ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces a meeting of the General Advisory Committee to 
the U.S. Section to the IATTC on April 11, 2006, via telephone 
conference call.

DATES: The General Advisory Committee meeting will be held on April 11, 
2006, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., Pacific time.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via telephone conference call at 
(866) 857-1547, participant passcode, 3313634.

[[Page 15699]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J.Allison Routt at (562) 980-4019 or 
(562) 980-4030.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Tuna Conventions Act, 
as amended, the Department of State has appointed a General Advisory 
Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC. The U.S. Section consists 
of the four U.S. Commissioners to the IATTC and the representative of 
the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries. The 
Advisory Committee supports the work of the U.S. Section in a solely 
advisory capacity with respect to U.S. participation in the work of the 
IATTC, with particular reference to the development of policies and 
negotiating positions pursued at meetings of the IATTC. NMFS, Southwest 
Region, administers the Advisory Committee in cooperation and 
consultation with the Department of State.
    The General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC 
will meet by telephone conference to receive and discuss information 
on: (1) 2006 IATTC activities; (2) recent and upcoming meetings of the 
IATTC and its working groups; (3) IATTC cooperation with other regional 
fishery management organizations; and (4) Advisory Committee 
operational issues.

Special Accommodations

    The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for 
a telephone teletype device, language interpretation or other auxiliary 
aids should be directed to Allison Routt at (562) 980-4019 at least 10 
days prior to the meeting date for this conference call.

    Dated: March 24, 2006.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-4565 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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