Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates, 49616-49617 [E8-19584]

Download as PDF 49616 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 164 / Friday, August 22, 2008 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 1—EPA APPROVED NORTH CAROLINA REGULATIONS—Continued State citation * State effective date Title/subject * * [FR Doc. E8–19192 Filed 8–21–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P * * DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 50 CFR Part 216 48 CFR Part 522 RIN 0648–AW55 [Docket No. 080310408–81008–02] Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates [GSAR Amendment 2008–01; GSAR Case 2006–G505; (Change 22); Correction; Docket FAR–2008—0007; Sequence 1] National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final estimates of annual fur seal subsistence needs. AGENCY: General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation; Correction General Services Administration (GSA), Office of the Chief Acquisition Officer. AGENCIES: ACTION: Correction. SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a correction to GSAR Amendment 2008– 01; GSAR Case 2006–G505; (Change 22), which was published in the Federal Register at 73 FR 46202, August 8, 2008. DATES: Effective Date: August 22, 2008. The Regulatory Secretariat (VPR), Room 4041, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501–4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Mr. Ernest Woodson, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501– 3775. Please cite GSAR Amendment 2008–01; GSAR Case 2006–G505; (Change 22); Correction. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES Correction In the final rule document appearing in the issue of August 8, 2008: 1. On page 46202, second column, last paragraph under ‘‘Background,’’ remove ‘‘deleted in its entirety because of its potential for conflict’’ and add ‘‘revised to ensure consistency’’ in its place. Dated: August 18, 2008. Laurieann Duarte, Acting Director, Regulatory Secretariat. [FR Doc. E8–19501 Filed 8–21–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–61–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:14 Aug 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 SUMMARY: Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of northern fur seals, NMFS is publishing the annual fur seal subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof Islands) for 2005 to 2007, and the annual estimates for the fur seal subsistence needs for 2008 through 2010. NMFS estimates the annual subsistence needs are 1,645–2,000 seals on St. Paul and 300–500 seals on St. George. DATES: Effective September 22, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Williams, (907) 271–5117, email Michael.Williams@noaa.gov; Kaja Brix, (907) 586–7824, email Kaja.Brix@noaa.gov; or Tom Eagle, (301) 713–2322, ext. 105, email Tom.Eagle@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access A Final Environmental Impact Statement is available on the Internet at the following address: https:// www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/ seals/fur.htm. The subsistence harvest from the depleted stock of northern fur seals on the Pribilof Islands, AK, is governed by regulations found in 50 CFR part 216, subpart F, Taking for Subsistence Purposes. The regulations require NMFS to publish every 3 years a summary of the harvest in the preceding 3 years and a discussion of the number of fur seals expected to be taken over the next 3 years to satisfy the subsistence PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 EPA approval date Sfmt 4700 * Explanation * requirements of residents of the Pribilof Islands (St. Paul and St. George). After a 30-day comment period, NMFS must publish a final notification of the expected annual harvest levels for the next 3 years. On June 3, 2008 (73 FR 31666), NMFS published the summary of the 2005– 2007 fur seal harvests and provided a 30-day comment period on proposed estimates of subsistence needs for 2008– 2010. One comment letter was received on the proposed estimates. The letter identified one substantive point: The northern fur seal harvest is unnecessary. NMFS responds that the harvest of northern fur seals meets the dietary and cultural needs of the Pribilof Island Alaska Native residents (Pribilovians). The harvest is authorized by the Fur Seal Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act and continues a tradition as reported in numerous government documents dating back to the late 1800s. NMFS estimates the annual subsistence needs are 1,645–2,000 juvenile male fur seals on St. Paul and 300–500 juvenile male fur seals on St. George. Background information related to these estimates was included in the proposed harvest estimates published in the Federal Register on June 3, 2008. Classification National Environmental Policy Act NMFS prepared an EIS evaluating the impacts on the human environment of the subsistence harvest on northern fur seals. The final EIS is available on the Internet (see Electronic Access). Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act This action has been determined to be not significant under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation, Department of Commerce, certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration at the proposed rule stage that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Because the harvest of northern fur seals on the Pribilof Islands, AK, is for subsistence purposes only, the estimate of subsistence need would not have an economic effect on any small entities. E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 164 / Friday, August 22, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Paperwork Reduction Act National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration This action does not require the collection of information. 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 060418103–6181–02] Executive Order 13132 RIN 0648–XJ82 This action does not contain policies with federalism implications under E.O. 13132. Executive Order 12898, Section 4–4, Subsistence Consumption of Fish and Wildlife. Executive Order 13175 yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES Executive Order 13175 of November 6, 2000 (25 U.S.C. 450 Note), the executive Memorandum of April 29, 1994 (25 U.S.C. 450 note), and the American Indian Native Policy of the U.S. Department of Commerce (March 30, 1995) outline the responsibilities of the National Marine Fisheries Service in matters affecting tribal interests. Section 161 of Public Law 108–100 (188 Stat. 452) as amended by section 518 of Public Law 108–447 (118 Stat. 3267), extends the consultation requirements of E.O. 13175 to Alaska Native corporations. NMFS has contacted the tribal governments of St. Paul and St. George Islands and their respective local Native corporations (Tanadgusix and Tanaq) about setting the next three years harvest estimates and received their input. NMFS signed cooperative agreements with the tribal governments of St. Paul Island in 2000 and with St. George Island in 2001 pursuant to section 119 of the MMPA. Dated: August 18, 2008. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–19584 Filed 8–21–08; 8:45 am] VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:14 Aug 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Closure of spiny dogfish fishery. AGENCY: Section 4–4, Executive Order 12898, requires Federal agencies to protect populations who consume fish and wildlife as part of their subsistence lifestyle, and to communicate to the public the potential health risks [from contaminants] involved as a result of eating fish and wildlife. NMFS has monitored and evaluated contaminant loads in northern fur seals in Alaska for nearly a decade and has reported this information to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Service, and to Alaska Native communities, as this information becomes available. BILLING CODE 3510–22–S Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial Period 1 Quota Harvested SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the spiny dogfish commercial quota available to the coastal states from Maine through Florida for the semiannual quota period, May 1, 2008 October 31, 2008, has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, August 20, 2008, federally permitted spiny dofish vessels may not fish for, possess, transfer, or land spiny dogfish until November 1, 2008, when the Period 2 quota becomes available. Regulations governing the spiny dogfish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the coastal states from Maine through Florida that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no Federal commercial quota is available for landing spiny dogfish in these states. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its Period 1 quota and to allow for effective management of this stock. DATES: Quota Period 1 for the spiny dogfish fishery is closed effective at 0001 hr local time, August 20, 2008, through 2400 hr local time October 31, 2008. Effective August 20, 2008, federally permitted dealers are also advised that they may not purchase spiny dogfish from federally permitted spiny dogfish vessels. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Frei, Fisheries Management Specialist, at (978) 281–9221, or Don.Frei@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations governing the spiny dogfish fishery are found at 50 CFR part 648. The regulations require annual specification of a commercial quota, which is allocated into two quota periods based upon percentages specified in the fishery management plan. The commercial quota is distributed to the coastal states from Maine through Florida, as described in § 648.230. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49617 The initial total commercial quota for spiny dogfish for the 2008 fishing year is 4 million lb (1.81 million kg) (71 FR 40436, July 17, 2006). The commercial quota is allocated into two periods (May 1 through October 31, and November 1 through April 30). Vessel possession limits are intended to preclude directed fishing, and they are set at 600 lb (272 kg) for both Quota Periods 1 and 2. Quota Period 1 is allocated 2.3 million lb (1.05 million kg)), and Quota Period 2 is allocated 1.7 million lb (763,849 kg) of the commercial quota. The total quota cannot be exceeded, so landings in excess of the amount allocated to Period 1 have the effect of reducing the quota available to the fishery during Period 2. The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) monitors the commercial spiny dogfish quota for each quota period and, based upon dealer reports, state data, and other available information, determines when the total commercial quota will be harvested. NMFS is required to publish a notification in the Federal Register advising and notifying commercial vessels and dealer permit holders that, effective upon a specific date, the Federal spiny dogfish commercial quota has been harvested and no Federal commercial quota is available for landing spiny dogfish for the remainder of that quota period. Section 648.4(b) provides that Federal spiny dogfish permit holders agree, as a condition of the permit, not to land spiny dogfish in any state after NMFS has published notification in the Federal Register that the commercial quota has been harvested and that no commercial quota for the spiny dogfish fishery is available. Therefore, effective 0001 hr local time, August 20, 2008, landings of spiny dogfish in coastal states from Maine through Florida by vessels holding commercial Federal fisheries permits are prohibited through October 31, 2008, 2400 hr local time. The 2008 Period 2 quota will be available for commercial spiny dogfish harvest on November 1, 2008. Effective August 20, 2008, federally permitted dealers are also advised that they may not purchase spiny dogfish from vessels issued Federal spiny dogfish permits that land in coastal states from Maine through Florida. Classification This action is required by 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 164 (Friday, August 22, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49616-49617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19584]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 216

[Docket No. 080310408-81008-02]
RIN 0648-AW55


Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest 
Estimates

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

ACTION: Final estimates of annual fur seal subsistence needs.

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SUMMARY:  Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking 
of northern fur seals, NMFS is publishing the annual fur seal 
subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof 
Islands) for 2005 to 2007, and the annual estimates for the fur seal 
subsistence needs for 2008 through 2010. NMFS estimates the annual 
subsistence needs are 1,645-2,000 seals on St. Paul and 300-500 seals 
on St. George.

DATES: Effective September 22, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Williams, (907) 271-5117, 
email Michael.Williams@noaa.gov; Kaja Brix, (907) 586-7824, email 
Kaja.Brix@noaa.gov; or Tom Eagle, (301) 713-2322, ext. 105, email 
Tom.Eagle@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    A Final Environmental Impact Statement is available on the Internet 
at the following address: https://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/
seals/fur.htm.
    The subsistence harvest from the depleted stock of northern fur 
seals on the Pribilof Islands, AK, is governed by regulations found in 
50 CFR part 216, subpart F, Taking for Subsistence Purposes. The 
regulations require NMFS to publish every 3 years a summary of the 
harvest in the preceding 3 years and a discussion of the number of fur 
seals expected to be taken over the next 3 years to satisfy the 
subsistence requirements of residents of the Pribilof Islands (St. Paul 
and St. George). After a 30-day comment period, NMFS must publish a 
final notification of the expected annual harvest levels for the next 3 
years.
    On June 3, 2008 (73 FR 31666), NMFS published the summary of the 
2005-2007 fur seal harvests and provided a 30-day comment period on 
proposed estimates of subsistence needs for 2008-2010. One comment 
letter was received on the proposed estimates. The letter identified 
one substantive point: The northern fur seal harvest is unnecessary. 
NMFS responds that the harvest of northern fur seals meets the dietary 
and cultural needs of the Pribilof Island Alaska Native residents 
(Pribilovians). The harvest is authorized by the Fur Seal Act and the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act and continues a tradition as reported in 
numerous government documents dating back to the late 1800s. NMFS 
estimates the annual subsistence needs are 1,645-2,000 juvenile male 
fur seals on St. Paul and 300-500 juvenile male fur seals on St. 
George. Background information related to these estimates was included 
in the proposed harvest estimates published in the Federal Register on 
June 3, 2008.

Classification

National Environmental Policy Act

    NMFS prepared an EIS evaluating the impacts on the human 
environment of the subsistence harvest on northern fur seals. The final 
EIS is available on the Internet (see Electronic Access).

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This action has been determined to be not significant under 
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation, 
Department of Commerce, certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration at the proposed rule stage that this 
action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. Because the harvest of northern fur seals on 
the Pribilof Islands, AK, is for subsistence purposes only, the 
estimate of subsistence need would not have an economic effect on any 
small entities.

[[Page 49617]]

Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not prepared.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not require the collection of information.

Executive Order 13132

    This action does not contain policies with federalism implications 
under E.O. 13132.

Executive Order 12898, Section 4-4, Subsistence Consumption of Fish and 
Wildlife.

    Section 4-4, Executive Order 12898, requires Federal agencies to 
protect populations who consume fish and wildlife as part of their 
subsistence lifestyle, and to communicate to the public the potential 
health risks [from contaminants] involved as a result of eating fish 
and wildlife. NMFS has monitored and evaluated contaminant loads in 
northern fur seals in Alaska for nearly a decade and has reported this 
information to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Service, and 
to Alaska Native communities, as this information becomes available.

Executive Order 13175

    Executive Order 13175 of November 6, 2000 (25 U.S.C. 450 Note), the 
executive Memorandum of April 29, 1994 (25 U.S.C. 450 note), and the 
American Indian Native Policy of the U.S. Department of Commerce (March 
30, 1995) outline the responsibilities of the National Marine Fisheries 
Service in matters affecting tribal interests. Section 161 of Public 
Law 108-100 (188 Stat. 452) as amended by section 518 of Public Law 
108-447 (118 Stat. 3267), extends the consultation requirements of E.O. 
13175 to Alaska Native corporations. NMFS has contacted the tribal 
governments of St. Paul and St. George Islands and their respective 
local Native corporations (Tanadgusix and Tanaq) about setting the next 
three years harvest estimates and received their input. NMFS signed 
cooperative agreements with the tribal governments of St. Paul Island 
in 2000 and with St. George Island in 2001 pursuant to section 119 of 
the MMPA.

    Dated: August 18, 2008.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-19584 Filed 8-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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