Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Notice of Availability of Observer Coverage Plan and Notice of Sablefish At-Sea Processing Prohibition Exemption, 1706-1707 [E7-461]

Download as PDF 1706 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 16, 2007 / Notices researchers, educators, policy makers, and other various groups that help to focus efforts and attention on the central California coastal and marine ecosystems. The Advisory Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Sanctuary Superintendent and is instrumental in helping develop policies, program goals, and identify education, outreach, research, long-term monitoring, resource protection, and revenue enhancement priorities. The Advisory Council works in concert with the Sanctuary Superintendent by keeping him or her informed about issues of concern throughout the Sanctuary, offering recommendations on specific issues, and aiding the Superintendent in achieving the goals of the Sanctuary program within the context of California’s marine programs and policies. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431, et seq. (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program) Dated: January 5, 2007. Daniel J. Basta, Director, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 07–114 Filed 1–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–NK–M Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9300; fax (978)281–9394. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this application 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 this particular request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301)427–2521, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing e-mail comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: File No. 1595. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandy Hutnak or Malcolm Mohead, (301)713–2289. The subject permit is requested under the authority of 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). Michael Hastings seeks permission to conduct research on shortnose sturgeon in the Penobscot River System, Maine, over a period of five years. The purpose of the research is to assess the distribution, movements, and abundance of shortnose sturgeon in the river system. Up to 300 shortnose sturgeon would be captured annually by gill and trammel nets; anesthetized; measured; weighed; sexed; photographed; fin clipped; scanned for tags; Carlin tagged; PIT tagged; allowed to recover; and released. A subset of 30 pre-spawned fish would have external transmitters attached, in addition to a subset of 30 post-spawned, nonspawning, or immature fish that would be surgically implanted with transmitters. Unintentional mortality is requested for up to 12 shortnose sturgeon and 4 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) annually. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D.010807E] Endangered Species; File No. 1595 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Michael Hastings, University of Maine, 5717 Corbett Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before February 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: 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; and VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:23 Jan 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: January 8, 2007. Tammy C. Adams, Acting Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–365 Filed 1–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [ID. 010807D] Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Notice of Availability of Observer Coverage Plan and Notice of Sablefish At-Sea Processing Prohibition Exemption National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of an updated Observer Coverage Plan for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery and an exemption to the at-sea processing prohibition for sablefish. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces availability of the updated Observer Coverage Plan for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery pursuant to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). NMFS also announces the receipt of applications for, and the issuance of, an exemption to the prohibition of at-sea processing for sablefish caught during the primary sablefish fishery, a prohibition implemented as part of Amendment 14 to the FMP. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information on the Observer Coverage Plan, contact Jonathan Cusick (Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS), phone: 360–332–2793 and email: jonathan.cusick@noaa.gov. For more information on vessel exemptions to the prohibition of at-sea processing for sablefish, contact Kevin Ford (Northwest Region, NMFS), phone: 206– 526–6115; fax: 206–526–6736 and email: kevin.ford@noaa.gov. Electronic Access This Federal Register document is also accessible via the internet at the website of the Office of the Federal Register: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ index.html. The updated Observer Coverage Plan is posted online at: https://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/ divisions/fram/observer/index.cfm. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP at Section 6.4.1.1 states: ‘‘The Regional Administrator will implement an E:\FR\FM\16JAN1.SGM 16JAN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 16, 2007 / Notices observer program through a Councilapproved Federal regulatory framework. Details of how observer coverage will be distributed across the West Coast groundfish fleet will be described in an observer coverage plan that is appropriate to the purpose of the particular observer program goals. An observer coverage plan designed for a scientific data collection program will likely be different from an observer coverage plan designed for a sector- or vessel-specific total catch monitoring program. NMFS will publish an announcement of the authorization of the observer program and description of the observer coverage plan in the Federal Register.’’ In July 2006, NMFS updated its Observer Coverage Plan to reflect changes in the goals and methodologies of the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP). The new plan may be obtained from the individuals listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or from the website listed under the Electronic Access section. Amendment 14 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP was first implemented via a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2002 (67 FR 10490). On March 2, 2006, NMFS issued a final rule to implement further provisions of Amendment 14 (71 FR 10614). To ensure that shoreside processing plants would continue to have access to sablefish landed during the primary sablefish fishery, Amendment 14 had included a provision that prohibits vessels from processing their sablefish at sea. To acknowledge the previous investment that some vessels owners may have made in on-board freezing and processing equipment, Amendment 14 implementing regulations allowed a one-time opportunity for vessels to apply for an exemption from the prohibition on at-sea processing. During the summer of 2006, NMFS completed the application and review process for an exemption from the prohibition, as provided for in Federal regulations at 50 CFR 660.334 (e). One vessel, F/V OSSIAN, qualified for the exemption. The sablefish at-sea processing exemption is associated with the F/V OSSIAN itself, not with the vessel owner’s limited entry permit, and may not be transferred to any other vessel, vessel owner, or permit owner for any reason. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:23 Jan 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 Dated: January 9, 2007. James P. Burgess, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–461 Filed 1–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 010507B] Endangered Species; File No. 1486 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for modification of permit. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Harold M. Brundage, Environmental Research and Consulting Inc., PMB #781, 873 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1486. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail comments must be received on or before February 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: The modification request 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; and Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9300; fax (978)281–9394. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on this request should be submitted 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 this particular modification request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301)427–2521, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for providing e-mail comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1707 comment the following document identifier: File No. 1486. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandy Hutnak or Malcolm Mohead, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject modification to Permit No. 1486, issued on December 22, 2004 (69 FR 77998) is requested under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (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). Permit No. 1486 authorizes the permit holder to capture, measure, weigh, Floy T-bar tag, PIT tag, fin clip, and release 1750 juvenile and adult shortnose sturgeon in the Lower Delaware River/ Estuary. A subset of 30 juvenile and 30 adult shortnose sturgeon may be internally implanted with an ultrasonic tag, in addition to a subset of 24 (juveniles and adults) that may be visually assessed (externally), anesthetized (MS–222), laparoscopically evaluated (coelomic cavity), have blood collected, and a biopsy of the gonads taken (if the sex is unclear). The permit holder now requests authorization to locate and document occurrences of early life stages (eggs and larvae) of shortnose sturgeon in the Delaware River. Specific goals of this additional research are to: (1) document occurrences of shortnose sturgeon eggs and larvae and their specific habitats in the Delaware River; (2) incorporate occurrence information into the Endangered and Nongame Species Program’s Biotics database and Riparian Landscape Project database; and (3) identify critical habitat and, if supported by the data collected, pursue critical area designation for shortnose sturgeon spawning and nursery areas. Up to 1,000 eggs and 1,000 larvae would be taken during three consecutive spawning seasons (March - May) over the remainder of the permit, which expires on January 31, 2010. Shortnose sturgeon eggs and larvae would be collected by the following methods: (1) artificial substrates - these will consist of floor buffing pads that are anchored to the river bottom; (2) passive ichthyoplankton nets - these nets will be 0.5 m in diameter and will be set downstream of probable spawning locations on the river bottom for approximately 1–3 hours; (3) epibenthic sled - this sled will be fitted with an ichthyoplankton net and towed in locations suitable for such gear; and (4) pump sampling - water is pumped from the river, via a suction hose, and filtered through a 0.5 mm plankton net. E:\FR\FM\16JAN1.SGM 16JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 16, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1706-1707]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-461]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[ID. 010807D]


Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish 
Fishery; Notice of Availability of Observer Coverage Plan and Notice of 
Sablefish At-Sea Processing Prohibition Exemption

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

ACTION: Notice of availability of an updated Observer Coverage Plan for 
the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery and an exemption to the at-sea 
processing prohibition for sablefish.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces availability of the updated Observer Coverage 
Plan for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery pursuant to the Pacific 
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). NMFS also announces the 
receipt of applications for, and the issuance of, an exemption to the 
prohibition of at-sea processing for sablefish caught during the 
primary sablefish fishery, a prohibition implemented as part of 
Amendment 14 to the FMP.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information on the Observer 
Coverage Plan, contact Jonathan Cusick (Northwest Fisheries Science 
Center, NMFS), phone: 360-332-2793 and e-mail: 
jonathan.cusick@noaa.gov. For more information on vessel exemptions to 
the prohibition of at-sea processing for sablefish, contact Kevin Ford 
(Northwest Region, NMFS), phone: 206-526-6115; fax: 206-526-6736 and e-
mail: kevin.ford@noaa.gov.

Electronic Access

    This Federal Register document is also accessible via the internet 
at the website of the Office of the Federal Register: https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. The updated Observer Coverage Plan is 
posted online at: https://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/fram/
observer/index.cfm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP at Section 6.4.1.1 states: ``The 
Regional Administrator will implement an

[[Page 1707]]

observer program through a Council-approved Federal regulatory 
framework. Details of how observer coverage will be distributed across 
the West Coast groundfish fleet will be described in an observer 
coverage plan that is appropriate to the purpose of the particular 
observer program goals. An observer coverage plan designed for a 
scientific data collection program will likely be different from an 
observer coverage plan designed for a sector- or vessel-specific total 
catch monitoring program. NMFS will publish an announcement of the 
authorization of the observer program and description of the observer 
coverage plan in the Federal Register.'' In July 2006, NMFS updated its 
Observer Coverage Plan to reflect changes in the goals and 
methodologies of the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program (WCGOP). 
The new plan may be obtained from the individuals listed under the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or from the website listed under 
the Electronic Access section.
    Amendment 14 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP was first 
implemented via a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 
7, 2002 (67 FR 10490). On March 2, 2006, NMFS issued a final rule to 
implement further provisions of Amendment 14 (71 FR 10614). To ensure 
that shoreside processing plants would continue to have access to 
sablefish landed during the primary sablefish fishery, Amendment 14 had 
included a provision that prohibits vessels from processing their 
sablefish at sea. To acknowledge the previous investment that some 
vessels owners may have made in on-board freezing and processing 
equipment, Amendment 14 implementing regulations allowed a one-time 
opportunity for vessels to apply for an exemption from the prohibition 
on at-sea processing. During the summer of 2006, NMFS completed the 
application and review process for an exemption from the prohibition, 
as provided for in Federal regulations at 50 CFR 660.334 (e). One 
vessel, F/V OSSIAN, qualified for the exemption. The sablefish at-sea 
processing exemption is associated with the F/V OSSIAN itself, not with 
the vessel owner's limited entry permit, and may not be transferred to 
any other vessel, vessel owner, or permit owner for any reason.

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

    Dated: January 9, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-461 Filed 1-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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