Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs), 5420-5421 [E7-1850]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Notices
they also will become a matter of public
record.
Dated: January 31, 2007.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E7–1820 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Proposed Information Collection;
Comment Request; Applications and
Reporting Requirements for the
Incidental Take of Marine Mammals by
Specified Activities Under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Department of
Commerce, as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before April 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
Department of Commerce, Room 6625,
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument and instructions should be
directed to Kenneth R. Hollingshead,
(301) 713–2055, ext. 128 or
ken.hollingshead@noaa.gov.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
I. Abstract
The Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA) prohibits the taking by
harassment, injury, or mortality of
marine mammals unless exempted or
authorized by permit. The incidentaltake program authorizes the taking of
marine mammal incidental to maritime
activities (military, oil industry,
oceanographic research). It is the
responsibility of the activity to
determine if it might have a ‘‘taking’’
and, if it does, to apply for an
authorization. Applications are
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17:08 Feb 05, 2007
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necessary for NOAA to know that an
authorization is needed and to
determine whether authorization can be
made under the MMPA. The reporting
requirements are mandated by the
MMPA and are necessary to ensure that
determinations made concerning the
impact on marine mammals are valid.
or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for OMB
approval of this information collection;
they also will become a matter of public
record.
II. Method of Collection
Applications and reports are
submitted by paper copy via overnight
delivery and via e-mail to provide us
with the .pdf and .doc copies that we
use to work on the application and for
posting for the public to download and
review. While our application
instructions are posted on the Web, we
do not have the ability to accept
applications via the Web. We are
currently beta-testing the system for
accepting applications for scientific
research permits which we may be able
to apply to this information collection
also.
Dated: January 31, 2007.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E7–1822 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am]
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648–0151.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; not-for-profit
institutions; and State, Local, or Tribal
Government.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
72.
Estimated Time Per Response: 483
hours for a request for new or the
renewal of regulations; 45 hours for an
application for Letter of Authorization
(response times vary significantly based
on the complexity of the application);
200 hours for an application for an
Incidental Harassment Authorization;
and 93–120 hours for a 90-day,
quarterly, or annual report under a
Letter of Authorization or Incidental
Harassment Authorization.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 12,376.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to
Public: $1,359.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
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BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 020107B]
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions;
General Provisions for Domestic
Fisheries; Application for Exempted
Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
ACTION: Notification of a proposal for an
EFP to conduct experimental fishing;
request for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator)
has made a preliminary determination
that the subject EFP application from
the University of New England (UNE)
that would allow Northeast multispecies
vessels to possess spiny dogfish for a
spiny dogfish life history study contains
all the required information and
warrants further consideration. The
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 Spiny Dogfish Fishery
Management Plan (FMP). However,
further review and consultation may be
necessary before a final determination is
made.
DATES: Comments on this document
must be received on or before February
21, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be
submitted by e-mail. The mailbox
address for providing e-mail comments
is DA7–25@noaa.gov. Include in the
subject line of the e-mail comment the
following document identifier:
‘‘Comments on UNE dogfish possession
EFP proposal.’’ Written comments
should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul,
Regional Administrator, NMFS,
Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn
E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM
06FEN1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Notices
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the
outside of the envelope, ‘‘Comments on
UNE dogfish possession EFP proposal’’
Comments may also be sent via
facsimile (fax) to (978) 281–9135.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ryan Silva, Fishery Management
Specialist, phone: 978–281–9326, fax:
978–281–9135.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP
implemented a semi-annual quota.
When a semi-annual quota is projected
to be harvested, NMFS closes the fishery
until the next semi-annual quota opens.
During a dogfish closure, no vessel may
fish for or possess dogfish. The dogfish
fishery was closed on December 19,
2006 (71 FR 76222), and will not reopen until May 1, 2007. As part of a
continuing research project, UNE, in
collaboration with the University of
New Hampshire (UNH), is investigating
Gulf of Maine dogfish age and growth,
and size at sexual maturity
characteristics. The applicant states that
current dogfish life history data need
updating, particularly in light of recent
stock declines and potential regional
variability in life history traits. The
project investigators are attempting to
develop a more accurate aging tool,
which will improve age and size at
sexual maturity determinations. The
applicant notes that these data will
provide critical life history information
needed for effective dogfish
management decisions, particularly for
the Gulf of Maine.
The applicant would start collecting
dogfish samples upon approval of the
EFP and continue through June, 2007.
The applicant would collect 15 dogfish
per gender per 5–cm size class (<35 cm
- >100 cm), for a total of 450 dogfish.
Samples would be collected during
commercial NE multispecies fishing
trips in areas open to commercial NE
multispecies regulations in statistical
areas 125 and 132. Vessels would be
fishing with otter trawl and gill net gear
that is fully compliant with NE
multispecies regulations. The applicant
has indicated that up to 50 dead dogfish
would be kept each trip, and that
dogfish will not be targeted during the
fishing trips. All live dogfish bycatch
would be returned to the ocean as
quickly as possible; only dead dogfish
would be retained.
If approved, participating vessels
would not be allowed to possess or
retain more than 50 dogfish on any trip,
and no dogfish may be sold.
Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act require publication of
this notification to provide interested
parties the opportunity to comment on
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17:08 Feb 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
applications for proposed EFPs. The
applicant may place requests for 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 minimal so as
not to change the scope or impact of the
initially approved EFP request.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 1, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7–1850 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 011807A]
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental
to Specified Activities; An On-ice
Marine Geophysical Research and
Development Program in the Beaufort
Sea
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of receipt of application
and proposed incidental take
authorization; request for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS has received an
application from Shell Offshore, Inc.
(SOI) for an Incidental Harassment
Authorization (IHA) to take marine
mammals, by harassment, incidental to
conducting an on-ice marine
geophysical research and development
(R&D) program in the U.S. Beaufort Sea
from March to May, 2007. Pursuant to
the Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments
on its proposal to issue an authorization
to SOI to incidentally take, by
harassment, small numbers of three
species of pinnipeds for a limited period
of time this year.
DATES: Comments and information must
be received no later than March 8, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the
application should be addressed to P.
Michael Payne, Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910–3225, or by telephoning one of
the contacts listed here. The mailbox
address for providing email comments
is PR1.011807A@noaa.gov. Comments
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5421
sent via e-mail, including all
attachments, must not exceed a 10–
megabyte file size. A copy of the
application and other supporting
material related to this proposed action
may be obtained by writing to this
address or by telephoning the first
contact person listed here and is also
available at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/
pr/permits/incidental.htm
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shane Guan, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713–2289, ext
137 or Brad Smith, Alaska Region,
NMFS, (907) 271–5006.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of marine mammals
by U.S. citizens who engage in a
specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified
geographical region if certain findings
are made and either regulations are
issued or, if the taking is limited to
harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public
for review.
Permission shall be granted if NMFS
finds that the taking will have a
negligible impact on the species or
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable
adverse impact on the availability of the
species or stock(s) for subsistence uses,
and that the permissible methods of
taking and requirements pertaining to
the mitigation, monitoring, and
reporting of such takings are set forth.
NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible impact’’
in 50 CFR 216.103 as ’’...an impact
resulting from the specified activity that
cannot be reasonably expected to, and is
not reasonably likely to, adversely affect
the species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival.’’
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
established an expedited process by
which citizens of the United States can
apply for an authorization to
incidentally take small numbers of
marine mammals by harassment. Except
for certain categories of activities not
pertinent here, the MMPA defines
‘‘harassment’’ as:
any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance
which (i) has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild
[Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential
to disturb a marine mammal or marine
mammal stock in the wild by causing
disruption of behavioral patterns, including,
but not limited to, migration, breathing,
nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering
[Level B harassment].
Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 45–
day time limit for NMFS review of an
E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM
06FEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5420-5421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1850]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 020107B]
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
AGENCY: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
ACTION: Notification of a proposal for an EFP to conduct experimental
fishing; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional
Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject
EFP application from the University of New England (UNE) that would
allow Northeast multispecies vessels to possess spiny dogfish for a
spiny dogfish life history study contains all the required information
and warrants further consideration. The 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 Spiny
Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and
consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.
DATES: Comments on this document must be received on or before February
21, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by e-mail. The mailbox address for
providing e-mail comments is DA7-25@noaa.gov. Include in the subject
line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier:
``Comments on UNE dogfish possession EFP proposal.'' Written comments
should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS,
Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn
[[Page 5421]]
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope,
``Comments on UNE dogfish possession EFP proposal'' Comments may also
be sent via facsimile (fax) to (978) 281-9135.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Silva, Fishery Management
Specialist, phone: 978-281-9326, fax: 978-281-9135.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FMP implemented a semi-annual quota.
When a semi-annual quota is projected to be harvested, NMFS closes the
fishery until the next semi-annual quota opens. During a dogfish
closure, no vessel may fish for or possess dogfish. The dogfish fishery
was closed on December 19, 2006 (71 FR 76222), and will not re-open
until May 1, 2007. As part of a continuing research project, UNE, in
collaboration with the University of New Hampshire (UNH), is
investigating Gulf of Maine dogfish age and growth, and size at sexual
maturity characteristics. The applicant states that current dogfish
life history data need updating, particularly in light of recent stock
declines and potential regional variability in life history traits. The
project investigators are attempting to develop a more accurate aging
tool, which will improve age and size at sexual maturity
determinations. The applicant notes that these data will provide
critical life history information needed for effective dogfish
management decisions, particularly for the Gulf of Maine.
The applicant would start collecting dogfish samples upon approval
of the EFP and continue through June, 2007. The applicant would collect
15 dogfish per gender per 5-cm size class (<35 cm - >100 cm), for a
total of 450 dogfish. Samples would be collected during commercial NE
multispecies fishing trips in areas open to commercial NE multispecies
regulations in statistical areas 125 and 132. Vessels would be fishing
with otter trawl and gill net gear that is fully compliant with NE
multispecies regulations. The applicant has indicated that up to 50
dead dogfish would be kept each trip, and that dogfish will not be
targeted during the fishing trips. All live dogfish bycatch would be
returned to the ocean as quickly as possible; only dead dogfish would
be retained.
If approved, participating vessels would not be allowed to possess
or retain more than 50 dogfish on any trip, and no dogfish may be sold.
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. The applicant may place requests for 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 minimal
so as not to change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP
request.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 1, 2007.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1850 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
