Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-year Reviews for Fin, Sperm and Southern Right Whales, 2649-2650 [E7-752]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 13 / Monday, January 22, 2007 / Notices TAMSA’s exports. In its evaluation of TAMSA’s ‘‘other factors,’’ the Department is directed to utilize the actual financial expense ratio established in the record of this proceeding. The Department is also directed to provide an explanation supported by sunset review law indicating why TAMSA’s zero margin calculation have no predictive value. Further, the panel stated that they will not affirm the Department’s Fourth Re-determination if the Department continues to be disrespectful of the Panel’s review authority under Chapter 19 of the NAFTA by issuing affirmative remand determinations which cannot be supported by the record and that continue to rely on evidence that the Panel has already held to be insufficient. The Department was directed to issue its Final Re-determination on Remand within twenty days from the date of the decision or not later than February 6, 2007. Dated: January 17, 2007. Caratina L. Alston, U.S. Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat. [FR Doc. E7–822 Filed 1–19–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–GT–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121106D] Endangered Species; File No. 1557–01 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit modification. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Molly Lutcavage, Department of Zoology, 177 A Spaulding Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824–2617, has been issued a modification to File No. 1557. 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; and Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978)281–9200; fax (978)281–9371. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:20 Jan 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Opay or Kate Swails, (301)713– 2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 20, 2006, notice was published in the Federal Register (71 FR 61959) that a request for a scientific research permit to take leatherback sea turtles had been submitted by the above-named individual. The requested permit has been issued 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 parts 222–226). The primary purpose of the proposed research is to investigate leatherback sea turtle regional behavior and movements in near-shore waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the United States and to identify their dispersal in relation to oceanographic conditions and fishing activities. The research will also help establish baseline health assessments, genetic identities, sex ratios, and stable isotope composition of leatherback sea turtle tissues and prey. Researchers will conduct research on up to 12 leatherback sea turtles annually. Researchers will use animals that have been captured using a breakaway hoopnet. Turtles will be measured, weighed, photographed and video taped, flipper and passive integrated transponder tagged, blood sampled, cloacal swabbed, nasal swabbed, skin sampled, tagged with electronic instruments (e.g., satellite transmitters), and released. The research permit is issued for 5 years. The permit modification authorizes the permit holder to work in the area between Cape Canaveral, Florida to Savannah, Georgia. The permit holder currently conducts research June to October and the modification provides authorization to conduct research during February and March as well. No increase in take numbers is requested and all other aspects of the research remain the same. 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 or threatened species, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: January 16, 2007. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–740 Filed 1–19–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2649 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 011107E] Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5–year Reviews for Fin, Sperm and Southern Right Whales National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of initiation of a 5–year review; request for information. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announce 5– year reviews of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). 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 fin whale, sperm whale and southern right whale that has become available since their last status review in 1999 (Perry, S., D. DeMaster and G. Silber, 1999. The Great Whales: History and Status of Six Species Listed as Endangered Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973. Marine Fisheries Review. Department of Commerce 61:1). 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 these reviews, we must receive your information no later than March 23, 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: Susan Pultz, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway #13661, Silver Spring, MD 20910. • E-mail: whale.review@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail the following identifier: ‘‘Comments on 5–year review for the fin, sperm and southern right whales.’’ • Fax: 301–427–2523, attention: Susan Pultz. 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. E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1 2650 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 13 / Monday, January 22, 2007 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pultz at the above address, or at 301–713–1401 x116. 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 active reviews of the fin whale, sperm whale and southern right whale, all currently listed as endangered. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES Public Solicitation of New Information To ensure that the 5–year reviews are 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 fin whale, sperm whale and southern right whale. Five-year reviews consider 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 (1) species biology including, but not limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; (2) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability; (3) conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species; (4) status and trends of threats; and (5) other new information, data, or VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:20 Jan 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 corrections including, but not limited to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information contained in the list, and improved analytical methods. Because these species are vertebrate species, we will also be considering application of the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) policy for vertebrate taxa. A DPS is defined in the February 7, 1996, Policy Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments (61 FR 4722). For a population to be listed under the ESA as a DPS, three elements are considered: (1) The discreteness of the population segment in relation to the remainder of the species to which it belongs; (2) the significance of the population segment to the species to which it belongs; and (3) the population segment’s conservation status in relation to the ESA’s standards for listing (i.e., is the population segment endangered or threatened?). DPSs of vertebrate species, as well as subspecies of all listed species, may be proposed for separate reclassification or for removal from the list. If you wish to provide information for any of these 5–year reviews, you may submit your information and materials to Susan Pultz (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: January 12, 2007. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7–752 Filed 1–19–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 011207A] Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5–Year Review of the Hawaiian Monk Seal National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of initiation of 5–year review; request for information. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces a 5–year review of the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Hawaiian monk seal was listed as a threatened species under the ESA on November 23, 1976. On April 30, 1986, critical habitat was designated at all beach areas, lagoon waters, and ocean waters out to a depth of 10 fathoms around Kure Atoll, Midway, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Lisianski Island, Laysan Island, Gardner Pinnacles, French Frigate Shoals, Necker Island and Nihoa Island; critical habitat was extended to include Maro Reef and waters around all habitat out to the 20 fathom isobath on May 26, 1988. 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 Hawaiian monk seals that has become available since their original listing as an endangered species in 1976. 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 March 23, 2007. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: Please submit information to Chris E. Yates, Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Species, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814. 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. Information may also be submitted by e-mail to: Dr. Michelle Yuen at E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 13 (Monday, January 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2649-2650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-752]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 011107E]


Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-year Reviews 
for Fin, Sperm and Southern Right Whales

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

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

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

SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announce 5-year 
reviews of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whale (Physeter 
macrocephalus) and southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). 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 fin whale, 
sperm whale and southern right whale that has become available since 
their last status review in 1999 (Perry, S., D. DeMaster and G. Silber, 
1999. The Great Whales: History and Status of Six Species Listed as 
Endangered Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973. Marine 
Fisheries Review. Department of Commerce 61:1). 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 these reviews, we must 
receive your information no later than March 23, 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: Susan Pultz, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway 13661, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
     E-mail: whale.review@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line 
of the e-mail the following identifier: ``Comments on 5-year review for 
the fin, sperm and southern right whales.''
     Fax: 301-427-2523, attention: Susan Pultz.
    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.

[[Page 2650]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pultz at the above address, or 
at 301-713-1401 x116.

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 active reviews of the fin whale, sperm 
whale and southern right whale, all currently listed as endangered.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    To ensure that the 5-year reviews are 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 fin whale, 
sperm whale and southern right whale.
    Five-year reviews consider 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 (1) species biology including, but not limited to, 
population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; 
(2) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, 
distribution, and suitability; (3) conservation measures that have been 
implemented that benefit the species; (4) status and trends of threats; 
and (5) 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.
    Because these species are vertebrate species, we will also be 
considering application of the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) policy 
for vertebrate taxa. A DPS is defined in the February 7, 1996, Policy 
Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments 
(61 FR 4722). For a population to be listed under the ESA as a DPS, 
three elements are considered: (1) The discreteness of the population 
segment in relation to the remainder of the species to which it 
belongs; (2) the significance of the population segment to the species 
to which it belongs; and (3) the population segment's conservation 
status in relation to the ESA's standards for listing (i.e., is the 
population segment endangered or threatened?). DPSs of vertebrate 
species, as well as subspecies of all listed species, may be proposed 
for separate reclassification or for removal from the list.
    If you wish to provide information for any of these 5-year reviews, 
you may submit your information and materials to Susan Pultz (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: January 12, 2007.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-752 Filed 1-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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