Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-year Review of the Caribbean Monk Seal, 69100-69101 [E6-20249]

Download as PDF 69100 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 29, 2006 / Notices Dated: November 21, 2006. Dalles Emch, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 06–9447 Filed 11–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD Christopher W. Warner, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 06–9471 Filed 11–27–06; 1:05 pm] jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Sunshine Act Meeting BILLING CODE 6350–01–M The CSB will convene a public meeting concerning the fatal explosion that occurred on January 11, 2006, at the Bethune Point Wastewater Plant in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Board will take testimony from the investigation team and also from a panel of outside experts. The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. until approximately noon on December 14, 2006, in the Tides A room of the Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center, 2700 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Two municipal workers died and another was seriously injured while attempting to remove a steel roof over a storage tank containing highly flammable methyl alcohol at the plant, operated by the City of Daytona Beach. The blast was ignited by a cutting torch. The investigation team, led by Robert Hall, P.E., will present findings related to the safety programs and training at the plant, the use of plastic pipe in flammable liquid systems, and maintenance of specialized equipment used on flammable liquid tanks. The Board will hear testimony from experts discussing OSHA coverage for State and municipal employees and whether Florida should adopt OSHA coverage to protect public employees from chemical hazards in the workplace. The Board will also welcome any public comments on issues raised during the meeting. Pre-registration is not required, but to assure adequate seating attendees are encouraged to pre-register by e-mailing their names and affiliations to publicmeeting@csb.gov by December 7, 2006. The CSB is an independent Federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency’s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety regulations, industry standards, and management systems. The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:37 Nov 28, 2006 organizations, labor groups, and government agencies. For more information, please contact the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board at (202)–261–7600, or visit our Web site at: https:// www.csb.gov. Jkt 211001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 111606B] Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-year Review of the Caribbean Monk Seal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of initiation of a 5-year review; request for information. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 5-year review of the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Caribbean monk seal was listed as endangered in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 (32 FR 4001) and then again in 1979 following its re-assessment under the ESA (44 FR 21288). A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on the Caribbean monk seal that has become available since its last status review in 1984 (49 FR 44774). Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the requisite findings under the ESA. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must receive your information no later than January 29, 2007. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: You may submit information by any of the following methods: • Mail: Kyle Baker, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. • E-mail: kyle.baker@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the following identifier: Comments on 5-year review for the Caribbean monk seal. • Fax: 727–824–5309, attention: Kyle Baker. Information received in response to this notice and review will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyle Baker at the above address, or at 727– 824–5312. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the ESA, a list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species must be maintained. The list is published at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the ESA requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every five years. On the basis of such reviews under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether or not any species should be removed from the list (delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened, or from threatened to endangered. Delisting a species must be supported by the best scientific and commercial data available, substantiating that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the species is considered extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; and/or (3) the original data available when the species was listed, or the interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal classification would require a separate rulemaking process. The regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing those species currently under active review. This notice announces our active review of the Caribbean monk seal, currently listed as endangered. Public Solicitation of New Information To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new information from the public, concerned governmental agencies, tribes, the scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any other interested parties concerning the status of the Caribbean monk seal. The 5-year review considers the best scientific and commercial data and all new information that has become available since the listing determination or most recent status review. Categories of requested information include (A) species biology including, but not limited to, population trends, E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 229 / Wednesday, November 29, 2006 / Notices distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; (B) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability; (C) conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species; (D) status and trends of threats; and (E) other new information, data, or corrections including, but not limited to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information contained in the list, and improved analytical methods. If you wish to provide information for this 5-year review, you may submit your information and materials to Kyle Baker (see ADDRESSES section). Our practice is to make submissions of information, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Respondents may request that we withhold a respondent’s identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name or address, you must state this request prominently at the beginning of your submission. We will not, however, consider anonymous submissions. To the extent consistent with applicable law, we will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Information and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours (see ADDRESSES section). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: November 22, 2006. Wanda L. Cain, Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E6–20249 Filed 11–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 110706B] Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans; Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident Killer Whales National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:59 Nov 28, 2006 Jkt 211001 SUMMARY: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce the availability for public review of the Proposed Recovery Plan (Plan) for Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca). NMFS is requesting review and comment on the Plan from the public and all interested parties. DATES: Written comments and information must be received by February 27, 2007. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Plan may be reviewed and/or copied at NMFS, Protected Resources Division, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. The Plan is available on-line on the NMFS web site https:// www.nwr.noaa.gov. Comments should be submitted by mail to Chief, Protected Resources Division, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232 or by sending an e-mail message to orca.plan@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynne Barre, NOAA/NMFS, Northwest Region, (206) 526–4745. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that NMFS develop and implement recovery plans for the conservation and survival of threatened and endangered species under its jurisdiction, unless it is determined that such plans would not result in the conservation of the species. NMFS announced the endangered listing of the Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) on November 18, 2005 (70 FR 69903). Prior to the ESA listing, NMFS designated the Southern Resident killer whale population as a depleted stock under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) on May 29, 2003 (68 FR 31980). At the time of the designation, we announced our intention to develop a conservation plan. We held a series of public meetings and technical workshops to gather input from Federal Government agency representatives, state and tribal comanagers, Canadian officials, orca advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, researchers, whale watch industry, and concerned citizens. We circulated a preliminary draft conservation plan for public review on March 14, 2005. We received comments on the preliminary draft, and made revisions in response to the comments. We subsequently published a Notice of Availability of a Proposed Conservation Plan in the Federal Register on October 3, 2005 (70 FR 57565), opening a public comment period. We received comments on the proposed conservation PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 69101 plan and have addressed them in the proposed recovery plan. In addition to addressing the comments, we have incorporated ESA elements into the plan, including discussions of the five ESA listing factors, critical habitat, section 7, and ESA recovery criteria. We also included new research results and references that have become available since the proposed conservation plan was released. The Plan The ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate (1) objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan’s goals; and (3) estimates of time required and costs to implement recovery actions. NMFS’ goal is to restore the endangered Southern Resident DPS to the point where they are again secure, selfsustaining members of their ecosystems and no longer need the protections of the ESA. The Plan provides background on the natural history of killer whales, population trends and the potential threats to their viability. The Plan lays out a recovery strategy to address the potential threats based on the best available science and includes recovery goals and criteria. The Plan is not a regulatory action, but presents guidance for use by agencies and interested parties to assist in the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales. The Plan identifies substantive actions needed to achieve recovery by addressing the threats to the species. The program also links management actions to an active research program for filling data gaps, and monitoring activities to assess effectiveness. The Plan incorporates an adaptive management framework by which Plan actions and other elements will evolve and adapt to information gained as a result of research and monitoring. Recovery of Southern Resident killer whales is a long-term effort and will require cooperation and coordination of Federal, state, tribal and local government agencies, and the community. We request comments on the Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident Killer Whales with this notice. NMFS will consider substantive comments and information provided during the public comment period in the course of finalizing this Plan. E:\FR\FM\29NON1.SGM 29NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69100-69101]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20249]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 111606B]


Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-year Review 
of the Caribbean Monk Seal

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

ACTION: Notice of initiation of a 5-year review; request for 
information.

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

SUMMARY: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 
5-year review of the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) under 
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Caribbean monk seal was 
listed as endangered in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation 
Act of 1966 (32 FR 4001) and then again in 1979 following its re-
assessment under the ESA (44 FR 21288). A 5-year review is a periodic 
process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a 
species is accurate. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific 
and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we 
are requesting submission of any such information on the Caribbean monk 
seal that has become available since its last status review in 1984 (49 
FR 44774). Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the 
requisite findings under the ESA.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must 
receive your information no later than January 29, 2007. However, we 
will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any 
time.

ADDRESSES: You may submit information by any of the following methods:
     Mail: Kyle Baker, National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
     E-mail: kyle.baker@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line 
of the e-mail the following identifier: Comments on 5-year review for 
the Caribbean monk seal.
     Fax: 727-824-5309, attention: Kyle Baker.
    Information received in response to this notice and review will be 
available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business 
hours, at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyle Baker at the above address, or at 
727-824-5312.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the ESA, a list of endangered and 
threatened wildlife and plant species must be maintained. The list is 
published at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 
4(c)(2)(A) of the ESA requires that we conduct a review of listed 
species at least once every five years. On the basis of such reviews 
under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether or not any species 
should be removed from the list (delisted), or reclassified from 
endangered to threatened, or from threatened to endangered. Delisting a 
species must be supported by the best scientific and commercial data 
available, substantiating that the species is neither endangered nor 
threatened for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the species is 
considered extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; and/
or (3) the original data available when the species was listed, or the 
interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal 
classification would require a separate rulemaking process. The 
regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the 
Federal Register announcing those species currently under active 
review. This notice announces our active review of the Caribbean monk 
seal, currently listed as endangered.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best 
available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new 
information from the public, concerned governmental agencies, tribes, 
the scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any 
other interested parties concerning the status of the Caribbean monk 
seal.
    The 5-year review considers the best scientific and commercial data 
and all new information that has become available since the listing 
determination or most recent status review. Categories of requested 
information include (A) species biology including, but not limited to, 
population trends,

[[Page 69101]]

distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; (B) habitat 
conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and 
suitability; (C) conservation measures that have been implemented that 
benefit the species; (D) status and trends of threats; and (E) other 
new information, data, or corrections including, but not limited to, 
taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous 
information contained in the list, and improved analytical methods.
    If you wish to provide information for this 5-year review, you may 
submit your information and materials to Kyle Baker (see ADDRESSES 
section). Our practice is to make submissions of information, including 
names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review 
during regular business hours. Respondents may request that we withhold 
a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to 
withhold your name or address, you must state this request prominently 
at the beginning of your submission. We will not, however, consider 
anonymous submissions. To the extent consistent with applicable law, we 
will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from 
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of 
organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their 
entirety. Information and materials received will be available for 
public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours (see 
ADDRESSES section).

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

    Dated: November 22, 2006.
Wanda L. Cain,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20249 Filed 11-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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