Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments, 14227-14228 [E8-5311]

Download as PDF 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
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