Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States, 44225-44226 [E8-17405]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 30, 2008 / Notices The AMNH is authorized a 5–year research permit to study green and hawksbill sea turtles at the Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Researchers may capture by hand or net, examine, measure, photograph, flipper and Passive Integrated Transponder tag, blood sample, carapace sample, shell etch and paint, fecal sample, measure their temperature, and release up to 300 green and 100 hawkbill sea turtles annually. The purpose of this work is to assess the population biology and connectivity of green and hawksbill sea turtles focusing on distribution and abundance, ecology, health, threats to sea turtles as well as implications for their management and conservation. A subset of animals may be gastric lavaged or have transmitters affixed to the carapace before release. Additionally, researchers are authorized to collect the carcass, tissues and/or parts of encountered dead animals from 30 green and 10 hawksbill sea turtles annually. 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 such endangered or threatened species, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: July 23, 2008. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–17465 Filed 7–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XI89 Endangered Species; File No. 1551 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Issuance of permit. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), 75 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, Florida 33149, has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea VerDate Aug<31>2005 23:06 Jul 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 turtles for purposes of scientific research. The permits 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 Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727)824–5312; fax (727)824– 5309. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Opay or Amy Hapeman, (301)713–2289. On February 7, 2006, notice was published in the Federal Register (71 FR 6272) that a request for scientific research permit to take sea turtles had been submitted by the above-named institution. 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 research will be conducted each year over the course of a five-year permit in coastal and inshore waters of the North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea (including embayments and tributaries). Turtles will be taken by harassment (e.g., aerial surveys) and direct capture (pound nets, entanglement/strike nets, seine nets, hoop nets, dipnets, cast nets, and by hand). Researchers will also access animals legally captured incidental to fishing activities where covered by the incidental take statement (ITS) of an ESA section 7 biological opinion or by an ESA incidental take permit. Animals used in this research could also be obtained from other Section 10 permitted research activities. Researchers will conduct a variety sampling and tagging activities in order to collect biological and ecological information on these species that will help efforts to conserve them. 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 such endangered or threatened species, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44225 Dated: July 25, 2008. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–17469 Filed 7–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XJ29 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Tom Burgess of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect limited numbers of snapper and grouper using chevron traps, a prohibited gear type, and compare results from inside and outside a proposed marine protected area (MPA). Acoustic sonar would be utilized to collect catch-per unit-effort (CPUE) data. This study is intended to collect data to develop a model for estimating deepwater snapper-grouper abundance in South Atlantic Federal waters. DATES: Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., Eastern time, on August 29, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the application by any of the following methods: • e-mail: Burgess.EFP@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line the following: ‘‘Comment on Burgess EFP Application.’’ • Fax: 727–824–5308, Attn: Kate Michie. • Mail: Kate Michie, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The application and related documents are available for review upon written request to the address above or the e-mail address below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Michie, 727–824–5305; fax 727–824– 5308; e-mail: Kate.Michie@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of the E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 44226 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 30, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C 1801 et seq.), as amended in 2006, and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) concerning exempted fishing. The proposed collection for scientific research involves activities otherwise prohibited by regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The applicant requires authorization to harvest and possess snapper and grouper using a prohibited gear type for scientific research activities during the period May through December 2008. Specimens would be collected from Federal waters off the coast of North Carolina. The applicant’s EFP application responds to a NMFS call for development of new, advanced technologies to assess fish stocks, and is the second phase of a two-pronged research endeavor funded by the Fishery Resource Grant Program. Phase one of the pilot survey included the collection of acoustic data using sonar, as well as CPUE (hook-and-line) data within a proposed MPA known as the Snowy Wreck MPA off North Carolina. That data collection was completed October 16, 2007, and indicates the use of high-end sonar gear shows promise of being able to predict relative abundance of deepwater snapper-grouper species from a much larger number of fish aggregations where acoustic data were collected but the area was not fished. Phase two of the project (current proposal) proposes to use a novel census technique for deepwater snapper-grouper and lay the framework for a Before-After Control Impact (BACI) sampling design, by sampling inside the proposed Snowy Wreck MPA (experimental site), and two adjacent control sites, before NMFS establishes the MPA through the rulemaking process. It is expected that sampling VerDate Aug<31>2005 23:06 Jul 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 within the experimental site and within the control site, before the MPA is implemented, will allow future comparisons of CPUE and acoustic backscatter once NMFS has implemented the MPA for some years. The overall intent of this project is to develop models to the extent that fishery managers may use acoustic data to reliably predict the abundance of important deepwater snapper-grouper species. Phase two of this project proposes to use acoustic sonar, along with chevron traps, to develop a predictive model to estimate abundance of deepwater snapper-grouper species. Hook-and-line data would be collected opportunistically and would be used to augment existing models created using hook-and-line data from phase one. Those models would be compared to models created using chevron trap data from phase two of the project. Any live fish collected will be tagged and released. Dead or non-viable fish will be provided to the NMFS Beaufort Lab for further study. Estimates of acoustic data collected in the proposed Snowy Wreck MPA would be compared to those collected at the adjacent control site. NMFS finds this application warrants further consideration. Based on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. Possible conditions the agency may impose on this permit, if it is indeed granted, include but are not limited to, a prohibition of conducting research within other MPAs, marine sanctuaries, or special management zones, without additional authorization. Additionally, NMFS may prohibit the possession of Nassau or goliath grouper, and require any sea turtles taken incidentally during the course of fishing or scientific research activities to be handled with due care to prevent injury to live specimens, observed for activity, and returned to the water. A final PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on NMFS review of public comments received on the application, consultations with the affected state, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that it is consistent with all applicable laws. Authority: 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq. Dated: July 24, 2008. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–17405 Filed 7–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Transmittal Nos. 08–67] 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104–164 dated 21 July 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. B. English, DSCA/DBO/CFM, (703) 601– 3740. The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Transmittals 08–67 with attached transmittal, and policy justification. July 22, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. BILLING CODE 5001–6–M E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 30, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44225-44226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17405]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XJ29


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States

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

ACTION: Notice of receipt of an application for an exempted fishing 
permit; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted 
fishing permit (EFP) from Tom Burgess of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. 
If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain 
conditions, to collect limited numbers of snapper and grouper using 
chevron traps, a prohibited gear type, and compare results from inside 
and outside a proposed marine protected area (MPA). Acoustic sonar 
would be utilized to collect catch-per unit-effort (CPUE) data. This 
study is intended to collect data to develop a model for estimating 
deep-water snapper-grouper abundance in South Atlantic Federal waters.

DATES: Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., Eastern time, on 
August 29, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the application by any of the 
following methods:
     e-mail: Burgess.EFP@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line 
the following: ``Comment on Burgess EFP Application.''
     Fax: 727-824-5308, Attn: Kate Michie.
     Mail: Kate Michie, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    The application and related documents are available for review upon 
written request to the address above or the e-mail address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Michie, 727-824-5305; fax 727-
824-5308; e-mail: Kate.Michie@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of 
the

[[Page 44226]]

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C 1801 
et seq.), as amended in 2006, and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) 
concerning exempted fishing.
    The proposed collection for scientific research involves activities 
otherwise prohibited by regulations implementing the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The 
applicant requires authorization to harvest and possess snapper and 
grouper using a prohibited gear type for scientific research activities 
during the period May through December 2008. Specimens would be 
collected from Federal waters off the coast of North Carolina.
    The applicant's EFP application responds to a NMFS call for 
development of new, advanced technologies to assess fish stocks, and is 
the second phase of a two-pronged research endeavor funded by the 
Fishery Resource Grant Program. Phase one of the pilot survey included 
the collection of acoustic data using sonar, as well as CPUE (hook-and-
line) data within a proposed MPA known as the Snowy Wreck MPA off North 
Carolina. That data collection was completed October 16, 2007, and 
indicates the use of high-end sonar gear shows promise of being able to 
predict relative abundance of deepwater snapper-grouper species from a 
much larger number of fish aggregations where acoustic data were 
collected but the area was not fished.
    Phase two of the project (current proposal) proposes to use a novel 
census technique for deepwater snapper-grouper and lay the framework 
for a Before-After Control Impact (BACI) sampling design, by sampling 
inside the proposed Snowy Wreck MPA (experimental site), and two 
adjacent control sites, before NMFS establishes the MPA through the 
rulemaking process. It is expected that sampling within the 
experimental site and within the control site, before the MPA is 
implemented, will allow future comparisons of CPUE and acoustic 
backscatter once NMFS has implemented the MPA for some years. The 
overall intent of this project is to develop models to the extent that 
fishery managers may use acoustic data to reliably predict the 
abundance of important deepwater snapper-grouper species.
    Phase two of this project proposes to use acoustic sonar, along 
with chevron traps, to develop a predictive model to estimate abundance 
of deepwater snapper-grouper species. Hook-and-line data would be 
collected opportunistically and would be used to augment existing 
models created using hook-and-line data from phase one. Those models 
would be compared to models created using chevron trap data from phase 
two of the project. Any live fish collected will be tagged and 
released. Dead or non-viable fish will be provided to the NMFS Beaufort 
Lab for further study. Estimates of acoustic data collected in the 
proposed Snowy Wreck MPA would be compared to those collected at the 
adjacent control site.
    NMFS finds this application warrants further consideration. Based 
on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. Possible 
conditions the agency may impose on this permit, if it is indeed 
granted, include but are not limited to, a prohibition of conducting 
research within other MPAs, marine sanctuaries, or special management 
zones, without additional authorization. Additionally, NMFS may 
prohibit the possession of Nassau or goliath grouper, and require any 
sea turtles taken incidentally during the course of fishing or 
scientific research activities to be handled with due care to prevent 
injury to live specimens, observed for activity, and returned to the 
water. A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on NMFS 
review of public comments received on the application, consultations 
with the affected state, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 
and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that it is consistent 
with all applicable laws.

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

    Dated: July 24, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-17405 Filed 7-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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