Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 40994-40995 [E6-11406]

Download as PDF 40994 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 19, 2006 / Notices review3, the order excludes certain cutto-length carbon steel plate with a maximum thickness of 80 mm in steel grades BS 7191, 355 EM and 355 EMZ, as amended by Sable Offshore Energy Project specification XB MOO Y 15 0001, types 1 and 2. Analysis of Comments Received All issues raised in this review are addressed in the Preliminary Issues and Decision Memorandum (Preliminary Decision Memorandum) from Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, to David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, dated concurrently with this notice and which is hereby adopted by this notice. Parties can find a complete discussion of all issues raised in this review and the corresponding recommendation in this public memorandum which is on file in the Central Records Unit room B–099 of the main Commerce building. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly on the Web at https://ia.ita.doc.gov/frn. The paper copy and electronic version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are identical in content. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Preliminary Results of Review The Department preliminarily determines that revocation of the CVD order would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of a countervailable subsidy. The net countervailable subsidy likely to prevail if the order were revoked is 0.00 percent ad valorem for Glynwed/Niagara and 0.77 percent ad valorem for ‘‘all other’’ producers/ exporters of CTL plate from the United Kingdom, including British Steel, plc. Interested parties may submit case briefs and hearing requests no later than two weeks after the date of publication of these preliminary results, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.309 (c)(1)(i) and 19 CFR 351.310(c). Rebuttal briefs, which must be limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed not later than five days from the filing of the case briefs, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.309(d). If a hearing is requested, parties will be notified of the date, time and location. The Department will issue a notice of final results of this sunset review no later than September 27, 2006, which will include the results of its analysis of issues raised in any such comments. 3See Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate from Finland, Germany and the United Kingdom: Final Results of Changed Circumstances Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Reviews, and Revocation of Orders in Part, 64 FR 46343 (August 25, 1999). VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:28 Jul 18, 2006 Jkt 208001 We are issuing and publishing these preliminary results and notice in accordance with sections 751(c), 752, and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: July 12, 2006. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6–11458 Filed 7–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 071306G] Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of exempted fishing permit application. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP, which would enable researchers to investigate the efficacy of a 4–seam bottom trawl to improve escapement of small cod and haddock, would allow for exemptions from the FMP as follows: Gulf of Maine (GOM) Regulated Mesh Area minimum mesh size and gear restrictions, and two NE multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) out of a total of 12 days of gear testing. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ‘‘Comments on the GOM 4–Seam Trawl Study.’’ Comments may also be sent via facsimile (fax) to (978) 281–9135, or submitted via e-mail to the following address: DA6191@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tobey Curtis, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281–9273, fax (978) 281–9135. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A complete application for an EFP was submitted on June 12, 2006, by Dana Morse and Lynn Wardwell of the Maine Sea Grant College Program, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This project is funded by the Northeast Consortium. The primary goal of the research is to test the efficacy of a 4– seam bottom trawl to improve escapement of small haddock and cod. The intent of the researchers is that the experimental net, if successful, could potentially be an acceptable alternative trawl design to be used in the groundfish fishery. The project expands on previous work conducted by Maine Sea Grant, and is anticipated to sharpen the net selectivity observed in earlier studies. Specifically, the researchers propose to compare the effectiveness of regulated 6–inch (15.2–cm) diamond mesh side panels to 6–inch (15.2–cm) hexagonal mesh side panels on a 4–seam net configuration. Two trawl designs will be used: (1) A control trawl (4–seam net, 2:1 belly taper, 6–inch (15.2–cm) diamond mesh side panels, 6.5–inch (16.5–cm) diamond mesh codend); and (2) an experimental trawl (4–seam net, 2:1 belly taper, 6–inch (15.2–cm) hexagonal mesh side panels, 6.5–inch (16.5–cm) diamond mesh codend). A gear exemption is necessary for the experimental net because hexagonal mesh is not an allowed regulated mesh type. Additionally, a set of trials to quantify side panel escapement of each net design will be conducted by attaching small mesh (1–3⁄8–inch (3.5– cm)) ‘‘pockets’’ to the side panels, each with their own codend. A minimum mesh size exemption is necessary because the 1–3⁄8–inch (3.5–cm) mesh pockets are smaller than the legal minimum mesh size for trawls in the GOM. A submersible video recorder will be attached to the trawl to observe the E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM 19JYN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 19, 2006 / Notices effectiveness of the side panel pockets at retaining escapees. Species of principal interest in the study include haddock, cod, pollock, American plaice, witch flounder, winter flounder, and hake species. Once caught, these species would be sorted, and then divided into legal and sublegal size groups. They would then be sub-sampled, measured, and weighed. All legal catch would be retained, while all other remaining catch would be returned to the sea as quickly as practicable. Based on data from previous experimental tows, the researchers anticipate that a total of 20,385 lb (9,246 kg) of fish would be harvested throughout the course of the study, along with 6,390 lb (2,898 kg) of regulatory discards from both the experimental and control nets. All legalsized fish within the possession limit would be retained and sold, with the proceeds returned to the project for the purpose of enhancing future research. All at-sea research is proposed to be conducted from the F/V Bad Penny (Permit # 250485, O.N. 617341) from the period between August 1, 2006, and July 31, 2007. The vessel intends to fish in two main areas of the GOM, known as ‘‘The Kettles’’ and ‘‘The Three Dories.’’ The vessel would fish exclusively outside of all closed areas. A total of 10 days would be used for testing the experimental trawl, with an anticipated 4, 2-hour tows per day (2 control, 2 experimental). An additional 2 days would be used to evaluate side panel escapement, using the small mesh side pockets. During these escapement trials, the main net codend would remain open, and only fish captured through the side panels would be sampled. The researchers are therefore requesting exemption from a total of 2 NE multispecies DAS to conduct the net escapement trials, in which no fish will be landed. Based on preliminary review of this project, and in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216–6, a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from requirements to prepare either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) appears to be justified. The applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:28 Jul 18, 2006 Jkt 208001 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 13, 2006. James P. Burgess, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–11406 Filed 7–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 071306F] Marine Mammals; File No. 633–1778 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Center for Coastal Studies, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657 [Principal Investigator: Julie Robbins] has been issued a permit to conduct scientific research. ADDRESSES: The permit and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): 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)427–2521; Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9300; fax (978)281–9394; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701; phone (727)824-5312; fax (727)824–5309. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hubard or Patrick Opay, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 21, 2005, notice was published in the Federal Register (70 FR 13481) that a request for a scientific research permit to take various pinniped and cetacean species, including endangered large whales, had been submitted by the above-named organization. The requested permit has been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40995 endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The permit holder is authorized to conduct photo-identification and biopsy sampling of a variety of large whale species, with a focus on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Sloughed skin may also be collected and all biological samples may be imported and exported. Several small cetaceans species as well as harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halicoerus grypus) may be incidentally harassed during the research. Activities will be conducted in the U.S. waters of the Gulf of Maine and waters off the U.S. northeast and mid-Atlantic states in the North Atlantic Ocean. The permit expires in 5 years. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment was prepared analyzing the effects of the permitted activities. After a Finding of No Significant Impact, the determination was made that it was not necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement. Issuance of this permit, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit: (1) was applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of any endangered species; and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: July 13, 2006. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–11445 Filed 7–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 071006E] Marine Mammals; Photography Permit Application No. 1100–1849 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Shane Moore, Moore & Moore Films, Box 2980, 1203 Melody Creek Lane, Jackson, Wyoming 83001 has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial/educational photography of killer whales (Orcinus orca), gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), and E:\FR\FM\19JYN1.SGM 19JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40994-40995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11406]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 071306G]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic 
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of exempted fishing permit application.

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

SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) 
has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing 
permit (EFP) application contains all the required information and 
warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator 
has also made a preliminary determination that the activities 
authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan 
(FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before 
a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS 
announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to 
recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing 
vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by 
the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United 
States. The EFP, which would enable researchers to investigate the 
efficacy of a 4-seam bottom trawl to improve escapement of small cod 
and haddock, would allow for exemptions from the FMP as follows: Gulf 
of Maine (GOM) Regulated Mesh Area minimum mesh size and gear 
restrictions, and two NE multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) out of a total 
of 12 days of gear testing.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for 
proposed EFPs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 3, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul, 
Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn 
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope 
``Comments on the GOM 4-Seam Trawl Study.'' Comments may also be sent 
via facsimile (fax) to (978) 281-9135, or submitted via e-mail to the 
following address: DA6191@noaa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tobey Curtis, Fishery Management 
Specialist, (978) 281-9273, fax (978) 281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A complete application for an EFP was 
submitted on June 12, 2006, by Dana Morse and Lynn Wardwell of the 
Maine Sea Grant College Program, University of Maine Cooperative 
Extension. This project is funded by the Northeast Consortium. The 
primary goal of the research is to test the efficacy of a 4-seam bottom 
trawl to improve escapement of small haddock and cod. The intent of the 
researchers is that the experimental net, if successful, could 
potentially be an acceptable alternative trawl design to be used in the 
groundfish fishery.
    The project expands on previous work conducted by Maine Sea Grant, 
and is anticipated to sharpen the net selectivity observed in earlier 
studies. Specifically, the researchers propose to compare the 
effectiveness of regulated 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond mesh side panels to 
6-inch (15.2-cm) hexagonal mesh side panels on a 4-seam net 
configuration. Two trawl designs will be used: (1) A control trawl (4-
seam net, 2:1 belly taper, 6-inch (15.2-cm) diamond mesh side panels, 
6.5-inch (16.5-cm) diamond mesh codend); and (2) an experimental trawl 
(4-seam net, 2:1 belly taper, 6-inch (15.2-cm) hexagonal mesh side 
panels, 6.5-inch (16.5-cm) diamond mesh codend). A gear exemption is 
necessary for the experimental net because hexagonal mesh is not an 
allowed regulated mesh type. Additionally, a set of trials to quantify 
side panel escapement of each net design will be conducted by attaching 
small mesh (1-\3/8\-inch (3.5-cm)) ``pockets'' to the side panels, each 
with their own codend. A minimum mesh size exemption is necessary 
because the 1-\3/8\-inch (3.5-cm) mesh pockets are smaller than the 
legal minimum mesh size for trawls in the GOM. A submersible video 
recorder will be attached to the trawl to observe the

[[Page 40995]]

effectiveness of the side panel pockets at retaining escapees.
    Species of principal interest in the study include haddock, cod, 
pollock, American plaice, witch flounder, winter flounder, and hake 
species. Once caught, these species would be sorted, and then divided 
into legal and sub-legal size groups. They would then be sub-sampled, 
measured, and weighed. All legal catch would be retained, while all 
other remaining catch would be returned to the sea as quickly as 
practicable. Based on data from previous experimental tows, the 
researchers anticipate that a total of 20,385 lb (9,246 kg) of fish 
would be harvested throughout the course of the study, along with 6,390 
lb (2,898 kg) of regulatory discards from both the experimental and 
control nets. All legal-sized fish within the possession limit would be 
retained and sold, with the proceeds returned to the project for the 
purpose of enhancing future research.
    All at-sea research is proposed to be conducted from the F/V Bad 
Penny (Permit  250485, O.N. 617341) from the period between 
August 1, 2006, and July 31, 2007. The vessel intends to fish in two 
main areas of the GOM, known as ``The Kettles'' and ``The Three 
Dories.'' The vessel would fish exclusively outside of all closed 
areas. A total of 10 days would be used for testing the experimental 
trawl, with an anticipated 4, 2-hour tows per day (2 control, 2 
experimental). An additional 2 days would be used to evaluate side 
panel escapement, using the small mesh side pockets. During these 
escapement trials, the main net codend would remain open, and only fish 
captured through the side panels would be sampled. The researchers are 
therefore requesting exemption from a total of 2 NE multispecies DAS to 
conduct the net escapement trials, in which no fish will be landed.
    Based on preliminary review of this project, and in accordance with 
NOAA Administrative Order 216-6, a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from 
requirements to prepare either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
or an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) appears to be justified. The applicant may request 
minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP 
modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if 
they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed 
research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or 
impact of the initially approved EFP request.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: July 13, 2006.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11406 Filed 7-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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