Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments, 14227-14228 [E8-5311]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 52 / Monday, March 17, 2008 / Notices
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
the cameras, as well as location
information from an onboard GPS
system, is recorded to disk for review at
the end of each trip. Following
completion of each trip the data are
analyzed to ensure that unauthorized
discard did not take place and to
estimate the length of each halibut
discarded. In 2007, NMFS issued an
EFP to conduct research into the
viability of this system on a single
vessel. While a final report on this
project has not been completed, a
preliminary review of the data would
indicate that the system is effective at
accomplishing these goals. This EFP
would continue that research on a larger
number of vessels fishing under nonexperimental conditions and would
focus on issues associated with
implementation rather than on a
technical or scientific assessment of the
EM system itself.
To continue testing the EM system,
exemptions would be necessary from
regulations for observer coverage.
Among the goals of this project are to
determine the extent to which crew
behavior changes when an observer is
present and to attempt to mimic a
regulatory environment in which a
portion of the observer coverage is
replaced by an EM system. In order to
investigate these issues in a cost
effective manner that ensures
participation in the EFP fishery, it will
be necessary to reduce observer
coverage levels for vessels participating
in the project to the pre-rockfish pilot
program levels of 30%. Because
participating vessels will be monitored
electronically, such a reduction is not
expected to change actual fishing
behavior, trip duration, or the amount of
fish harvested.
The activities proposed to be
conducted under the EFP are not
expected to have a significant impact on
the human environment as detailed in
the categorical exclusion issued for this
action (see ADDRESSES).
In accordance with § 679.6, NMFS has
determined that the proposal warrants
further consideration and has forwarded
the application to the Council to initiate
consultation. The Council will consider
the EFP application during its April 1–
7, 2008, meeting, which will be held at
the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska.
The applicant has been invited to
appear in support of the application.
Public Comments
Interested persons may comment on
the application at the April 2008
Council meeting during public
testimony. Information regarding the
meeting is available at the Council’s
website at https://www.fakr.noaa.gov/
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:19 Mar 14, 2008
Jkt 214001
npfmc/council.htm. Copies of the
application and categorical exclusion
are available for review from NMFS (see
ADDRESSES).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 12, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8–5304 Filed 3–14–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)
Revised Draft Framework for
Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas and Response
to Comments
NOAA, Department of
Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice of availability and
solicitation of public comments on the
Revised Draft Framework for
Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NOAA and the Department of
the Interior (DOI) jointly propose the
Revised Draft Framework for
Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas (Revised Draft
Framework), as required by Executive
Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs). This Revised Draft Framework
provides overarching guidance for
collaborative efforts among federal,
state, tribal and local governments and
stakeholders to develop an effective
National System of MPAs (National
System) from existing sites, build
coordination and collaborative efforts,
and identify ecosystem-based gaps in
the protection of significant natural and
cultural resources for possible future
action by the nation’s MPA authorities.
The document further provides the
guiding principles, key definitions,
goals, and objectives for the National
System, based on the breadth of input
received from MPA stakeholders and
governmental partners around the
nation over the past several years. The
intent of this document is to summarize
and respond to comments received on
the initial draft document during the
September 2006 through February 2007
public comment period, and solicit
additional public input on the proposed
Revised Draft Framework in order to
develop a final document that meets the
nation’s interests in the National
System. The Revised Draft Framework
incorporates significant modifications
based on due consideration of all
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
14227
comments and recommendations
received on the initial draft document.
At the end of the comment period on
this Revised Draft Framework, NOAA
will publish the final Framework, again
with consideration of input received.
DATES: Comments must be received
before 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2008.
ADDRESSES: All comments regarding the
Revised Draft Framework should be
submitted to Joseph Uravitch, National
MPA Center, N/ORM, NOAA, 1305 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland
20910. Comments sent via e-mail should
be sent to mpa.comments@noaa.gov,
and all comments sent by fax should be
sent to 301–713–3110. E-mail and fax
comments should state ‘‘Revised Draft
Framework Comments’’ in the subject
line.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Please direct all questions and requests
for additional information concerning
the Revised Draft Framework, as well as
for paper copies of the document to:
Lauren Wenzel, NOAA, at 301–713–
3100, or via e-mail at
mpa.comments@noaa.gov. E-mail
requests should state either ‘‘Question’’
or ‘‘Paper Copy Request’’ in the subject
line. An electronic copy of the Revised
Draft Framework is available for
download at https://www.mpa.gov/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s (NOAA) National
Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA
Center), in cooperation with the
Department of the Interior (DOI), has
developed this Revised Draft Framework
for Developing the National System of
MPAs (Revised Draft Framework) to
meet requirements under Executive
Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit
additional input and comments on the
Revised Draft Framework from
governments and stakeholders in order
to ensure that the final document
represents the diversity of the nation’s
interests in the marine environment and
MPAs. The Revised Draft Framework
incorporates significant modifications
based on due consideration of
comments and recommendations
received on the initial draft document
during the September 2006 through
February 2007 public comment period.
Increasing impacts on the world’s
oceans from development, overfishing, a
changing climate, and natural events are
straining the health of coastal, Great
Lakes, and marine ecosystems. Impacts
to these intricately balanced
environments include declining fish
populations, degradation of coral reefs
and other vital habitats, threats to rare
or endangered species, and loss of
E:\FR\FM\17MRN1.SGM
17MRN1
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
14228
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 52 / Monday, March 17, 2008 / Notices
artifacts and areas that represent the
United States’ (U.S.) diverse cultural
heritage. The effects of these losses are
significant and jeopardize the social and
economic fabric of the nation.
In the U.S. and around the world,
marine protected areas (MPA) are
increasingly recognized as an important
and promising management tool for
mitigating or buffering these impacts.
When used effectively and as a part of
a broader ecosystem-based approach to
management, MPAs can help to restore
and maintain healthy Great Lakes and
marine environments by contributing to
the overall protection of critical marine
habitats and resources. In this way,
effective MPAs also can offer social and
economic opportunities for current and
future generations, such as tourism,
biotechnology, fishing, education, and
scientific research.
There are nearly 2,000 existing MPAs
in the U.S. that have been established by
federal, state, territorial, and local
governments to protect and conserve the
nation’s rich natural and cultural
marine heritage and sustainable
production resources. These MPAs have
been designated to achieve a myriad of
conservation objectives, ranging from
conservation of biodiversity hotspots, to
preservation of sunken historic vessels,
to protection of spawning aggregations
important to commercial and
recreational fisheries. Similarly, the
level of protection provided by these
MPAs ranges from no-take marine
reserves to allowing multiple uses,
including fishing.
Recognizing the significant role that
U.S. MPAs play in conserving marine
heritage and sustainable use, and the
lack of a national framework for
comprehensive MPA planning,
coordination and support, Presidential
Executive Order 13158 (Order) calls for
the development a National System of
Marine Protected Areas (national
system). The Order clearly calls for a
national and not a federal system, and
requires collaboration with federal
agencies, as well as coastal states and
territories, tribes, Federal Fishery
Management Councils, and other
entities, as appropriate, including the
MPA Federal Advisory Committee. It
further specifies that the national
system be scientifically based,
comprehensive, and represent the
nation’s diverse marine ecosystems and
natural and cultural resources.
In order to provide a roadmap for
building the national system, the Order
calls for the development of a
framework for a national system of
MPAs and establishes the MPA Center
within NOAA to lead its development
and implementation. This Revised Draft
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:19 Mar 14, 2008
Jkt 214001
Framework is the second draft. The first
draft Framework has been revised with
due consideration of over 11,000
comments and recommendations
received during its September 2006 to
March 2007 public comment period.
The intent of this document is to
summarize and respond to comments
received on the initial draft document
during the September 2006 through
February 2007 public comment period,
and solicit additional public input on
the proposed Revised Draft Framework
in order to develop a final document
that meets the nation’s interests in the
National System. When submitting
comments on the Revised Draft
Framework, please remember that
comments submitted by e-mail are
preferred; however, those submitted by
mail and fax will also be accepted.
Classification
Regulatory Planning and Review
This action is not a regulatory action
subject to E.O. 12866 (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993).
Energy Effects
NOAA and DOI have determined that
this action will have no effect on energy
supply, distribution, or use and is
therefore not a ‘‘significant energy
action’’ as defined by Executive Order
13211 (66 FR 28355, May 18, 2001). No
Statement of Energy Effects is required
and therefore none has been prepared.
Government to Government
Relationship With Tribes
E.O. 13175—Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments—outlines the
responsibilities of the Federal
Government regarding its policies with
tribal implications, i.e., regulations,
legislative comments or proposed
legislation, and other policy statements
or actions that have substantial direct
effects on one or more Indian tribes, on
the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000). Pursuant to
E.O. 13175, we will consult with tribal
governments as the National System is
developed.
Administrative Procedure Act
Pursuant to authority at 5 U.S.C.
533(b)(A), prior notice and an
opportunity for public comment are not
required to be given, as this document
concerns agency procedure or practice.
Nevertheless, NOAA and DOI want the
benefit of the public’s comment and are
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
hereby giving prior notice and
opportunity for public comment.
Dated: March 6, 2008.
John H. Dunnigan,
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services
and Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. E8–5311 Filed 3–14–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–08–M
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
RIN 0648–XF79
Marine Mammals and Endangered
Species; National Marine Fisheries
Service File No. 932–1905; U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service File No. PRT–
009526
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.
AGENCIES:
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and
Stranding Response Program
(MMHSRP), Silver Spring, MD (Dr. Teri
Rowles, Principal Investigator) has
applied in due form for a permit to
conduct enhancement and research
activities on marine mammals.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e-mail
comments must be received on or before
April 16, 2008.
ADDRESSES: The application 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)713–0376; and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Division of Management Authority,
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 212,
Arlington, VA 22203 (1–800–358–2104).
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.
E:\FR\FM\17MRN1.SGM
17MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 52 (Monday, March 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14227-14228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5311]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments
AGENCY: NOAA, Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice of availability and solicitation of public comments on
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) jointly propose
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas (Revised Draft Framework), as required by
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This Revised
Draft Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts
among federal, state, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to
develop an effective National System of MPAs (National System) from
existing sites, build coordination and collaborative efforts, and
identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural
and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation's MPA
authorities. The document further provides the guiding principles, key
definitions, goals, and objectives for the National System, based on
the breadth of input received from MPA stakeholders and governmental
partners around the nation over the past several years. The intent of
this document is to summarize and respond to comments received on the
initial draft document during the September 2006 through February 2007
public comment period, and solicit additional public input on the
proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to develop a final document
that meets the nation's interests in the National System. The Revised
Draft Framework incorporates significant modifications based on due
consideration of all comments and recommendations received on the
initial draft document. At the end of the comment period on this
Revised Draft Framework, NOAA will publish the final Framework, again
with consideration of input received.
DATES: Comments must be received before 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2008.
ADDRESSES: All comments regarding the Revised Draft Framework should be
submitted to Joseph Uravitch, National MPA Center, N/ORM, NOAA, 1305
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Comments sent via e-
mail should be sent to mpa.comments@noaa.gov, and all comments sent by
fax should be sent to 301-713-3110. E-mail and fax comments should
state ``Revised Draft Framework Comments'' in the subject line.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all questions and
requests for additional information concerning the Revised Draft
Framework, as well as for paper copies of the document to: Lauren
Wenzel, NOAA, at 301-713-3100, or via e-mail at mpa.comments@noaa.gov.
E-mail requests should state either ``Question'' or ``Paper Copy
Request'' in the subject line. An electronic copy of the Revised Draft
Framework is available for download at https://www.mpa.gov/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA
Center), in cooperation with the Department of the Interior (DOI), has
developed this Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National
System of MPAs (Revised Draft Framework) to meet requirements under
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas. The purpose of this
notice is to solicit additional input and comments on the Revised Draft
Framework from governments and stakeholders in order to ensure that the
final document represents the diversity of the nation's interests in
the marine environment and MPAs. The Revised Draft Framework
incorporates significant modifications based on due consideration of
comments and recommendations received on the initial draft document
during the September 2006 through February 2007 public comment period.
Increasing impacts on the world's oceans from development,
overfishing, a changing climate, and natural events are straining the
health of coastal, Great Lakes, and marine ecosystems. Impacts to these
intricately balanced environments include declining fish populations,
degradation of coral reefs and other vital habitats, threats to rare or
endangered species, and loss of
[[Page 14228]]
artifacts and areas that represent the United States' (U.S.) diverse
cultural heritage. The effects of these losses are significant and
jeopardize the social and economic fabric of the nation.
In the U.S. and around the world, marine protected areas (MPA) are
increasingly recognized as an important and promising management tool
for mitigating or buffering these impacts. When used effectively and as
a part of a broader ecosystem-based approach to management, MPAs can
help to restore and maintain healthy Great Lakes and marine
environments by contributing to the overall protection of critical
marine habitats and resources. In this way, effective MPAs also can
offer social and economic opportunities for current and future
generations, such as tourism, biotechnology, fishing, education, and
scientific research.
There are nearly 2,000 existing MPAs in the U.S. that have been
established by federal, state, territorial, and local governments to
protect and conserve the nation's rich natural and cultural marine
heritage and sustainable production resources. These MPAs have been
designated to achieve a myriad of conservation objectives, ranging from
conservation of biodiversity hotspots, to preservation of sunken
historic vessels, to protection of spawning aggregations important to
commercial and recreational fisheries. Similarly, the level of
protection provided by these MPAs ranges from no-take marine reserves
to allowing multiple uses, including fishing.
Recognizing the significant role that U.S. MPAs play in conserving
marine heritage and sustainable use, and the lack of a national
framework for comprehensive MPA planning, coordination and support,
Presidential Executive Order 13158 (Order) calls for the development a
National System of Marine Protected Areas (national system). The Order
clearly calls for a national and not a federal system, and requires
collaboration with federal agencies, as well as coastal states and
territories, tribes, Federal Fishery Management Councils, and other
entities, as appropriate, including the MPA Federal Advisory Committee.
It further specifies that the national system be scientifically based,
comprehensive, and represent the nation's diverse marine ecosystems and
natural and cultural resources.
In order to provide a roadmap for building the national system, the
Order calls for the development of a framework for a national system of
MPAs and establishes the MPA Center within NOAA to lead its development
and implementation. This Revised Draft Framework is the second draft.
The first draft Framework has been revised with due consideration of
over 11,000 comments and recommendations received during its September
2006 to March 2007 public comment period.
The intent of this document is to summarize and respond to comments
received on the initial draft document during the September 2006
through February 2007 public comment period, and solicit additional
public input on the proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to
develop a final document that meets the nation's interests in the
National System. When submitting comments on the Revised Draft
Framework, please remember that comments submitted by e-mail are
preferred; however, those submitted by mail and fax will also be
accepted.
Classification
Regulatory Planning and Review
This action is not a regulatory action subject to E.O. 12866 (58 FR
51735, October 4, 1993).
Energy Effects
NOAA and DOI have determined that this action will have no effect
on energy supply, distribution, or use and is therefore not a
``significant energy action'' as defined by Executive Order 13211 (66
FR 28355, May 18, 2001). No Statement of Energy Effects is required and
therefore none has been prepared.
Government to Government Relationship With Tribes
E.O. 13175--Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments--outlines the responsibilities of the Federal Government
regarding its policies with tribal implications, i.e., regulations,
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government
and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes (65 FR 67249, November
9, 2000). Pursuant to E.O. 13175, we will consult with tribal
governments as the National System is developed.
Administrative Procedure Act
Pursuant to authority at 5 U.S.C. 533(b)(A), prior notice and an
opportunity for public comment are not required to be given, as this
document concerns agency procedure or practice. Nevertheless, NOAA and
DOI want the benefit of the public's comment and are hereby giving
prior notice and opportunity for public comment.
Dated: March 6, 2008.
John H. Dunnigan,
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-5311 Filed 3-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-M