Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Scientific and Statistical Committees; Peer Review; National Standard Guidelines, 54132-54133 [E8-21837]

Download as PDF dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS 54132 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 182 / Thursday, September 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules is destroyed, recolonization would be impossible and the population supported by that breeding pond would be extirpated. Habitat loss on private lands is an imminent threat that is compounded by a variety of other factors. Fire suppression on private lands occupied by the frosted flatwoods salamander represents one of the biggest threats to the species’ habitat and the continued existence of the species on these sites. However, 62 percent of frosted flatwoods salamander populations have an improved chance of surviving demographic and environmental stochasticity given that the distribution of breeding sites occurs within an adult salamander’s dispersal distance. We believe that, when combining the effects of historical, current, and projected habitat loss and degradation, historical and ongoing drought, and the exacerbating effects of disease, predation, small population size, and isolation, the frosted flatwoods salamander continues to be likely to become an endangered species throughout all of its range within the foreseeable future. We believe these threats, particularly the threats to populations resulting from habitat degradation and fragmentation, small population size, and drought, are current and are projected to continue into the future. We have determined that these threats are operating on the species and its habitat with a moderate degree of magnitude throughout most of its range and with a moderate degree of severity, as discussed above. Based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we have determined that the preferred action is for the frosted flatwoods salamander to retain its status as a threatened species under the Act. Without the protection of the Act, significant management of threats would likely occur on public lands; however, there is still substantial risk of loss of ponds to drought and disease and, on private lands, a variety of potential threats (for example, introduction of fish, predation, pesticides), and development. As discussed previously, declines resulting from drought can occur within only a few years. In the case of the frosted flatwoods salamander, 38 percent of populations have only one breeding pond. If the habitat at that site is destroyed, recolonization would be impossible and the population supported by that breeding pond would be extirpated. This could occur within a few years given recurring drought conditions and existing threats. While not in immediate danger of extinction, the frosted flatwoods salamander is VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:24 Sep 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range if the present trends that negatively affect the species, and its limited and restricted habitat, continue. Furthermore, because these threats to the species are of comparable magnitude and severity across all of the species’ range, we have determined that an analysis of whether a specific portion of the range might require a different listing status is not warranted at this time. Available Conservation Measures For additional information on available conservation measures, please refer to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2008 (73 FR 47258). References Cited A complete list of all references cited in this document is available upon request from the Field Supervisor Ray Aycock, Mississippi Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Author(s) The primary authors of this package are the staff of the Mississippi Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: September 5, 2008. Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. E8–21878 Filed 9–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 600 [Docket No. 0808041047–81182–01] RIN 0648–AW62 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Scientific and Statistical Committees; Peer Review; National Standard Guidelines National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces that it is considering, and is seeking public PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 comment on proposed rulemaking to revise National Standard 2 (NS2) guidelines regarding use of best scientific information available, in light of reauthorization of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). NMFS is considering modifying the language describing the content and purpose of the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report or related documents, and adding language regarding peer review processes, the role of the scientific and statistical committees (SSCs) of the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), and the relationship between peer reviews and SSCs. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before 5 p.m., local time, December 17, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by 0648–AW62, by any one of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal https:// www.regulations.gov. • Fax: Attn: William Michaels 301– 713–1875. • Mail: William Michaels, NOAA Fisheries Service, Office of Science and Technology, 1315 East-West Highway, F/ST4, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Michaels, 301–713–2363 x136. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 12, 2007, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA) was signed into law. The MSRA amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act included provisions to improve the use of science in decision-making, provide for a stronger role for Councils’ SSCs and enhance peer review processes. Currently, the NS2 guidelines address the use of best scientific information available to support fishery management actions, prescribe the content and purpose of SAFE reports or similar E:\FR\FM\18SEP1.SGM 18SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 182 / Thursday, September 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS documents, and assign responsibility for the preparation and review of SAFE reports to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). SAFE reports are intended to provide the Councils with a summary of current scientific information available to make management decisions and are intended to contain information upon which Councils are to base harvest specifications, including annual harvest levels from each stock. At this time, NS2 does not specifically mention that the SAFE should include SSC recommendations for acceptable biological catch from either the SSC or peer review process (established under Section 302(g)(1)(E) of the MagnusonStevens Act). SSC recommendations for acceptable biological catch are the basis upon which each Council is to set annual catch limits (ACLs), and ACLs are not to exceed these fishing level recommendations per Section 302(h)(6) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. NMFS is considering, and is seeking public comment on how to revise the discussion of SAFE reports in the NS2 to include the scientific recommendations that are to be provided by the SSCs under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, as reauthorized. NMFS is inviting comment on the extent to which the NS2 guidelines should provide guidance as to what constitutes ‘‘best scientific information available.’’ In 2004, the National Research Council (NRC) of the National VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:24 Sep 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 Academies was charged with examining the application of the term ‘‘best scientific information available’’ as the basis for fishery conservation and management measures required under NS2 and recommended approaches for a more uniform application of the standard within the context of current and future fisheries management efforts. The NRC recommendations can be found in their publication, ‘‘Improving the Use of the Best Scientific Information Available’ Standard in Fisheries Management’’ (NRC 2004,https://books.nap.edu/ openbook.php). Although NMFS has informally adopted many of the NRC recommendations, this advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) is an opportunity to solicit and incorporate recommendations into the NS2 guidance. Section 302(g)(1)(E) of the MagnusonStevens Act provides that ‘‘(T)he Secretary and each Council may establish a peer review process for that Council for scientific information used to advise the Council about the conservation and management of the fishery. The review process, which may include existing committees or panels, is deemed to satisfy the requirements of the guidelines issued pursuant to section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2001,’’ otherwise known as the Information Quality Act. At present, PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 54133 none of the 10 national standards, or national standard guidelines, directly discuss or provide guidance on peer review processes. NMFS is considering expanding NS2 to include specific language regarding peer review processes. NS2 appears to be the logical national standard to provide further guidance regarding peer reviews, since a peer review process is one method for ensuring that the best scientific information available is utilized in Council decisions. This language may include minimum criteria for peer review processes, based in part on the public comments received. Furthermore, there may be a need to clarify the relationship between the peer review processes that may be established by the Secretary and each Council and the role of the SSC of that ´ Council vis-a-vis the peer review process. Finally, NMFS seeks comments from the public on other issues or clarifications to NS2 that the public would like to see addressed in this rulemaking. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1851. Dated: September 15, 2008. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–21837 Filed 9–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\18SEP1.SGM 18SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 182 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54132-54133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21837]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 600

[Docket No. 0808041047-81182-01]
RIN 0648-AW62


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Scientific and Statistical 
Committees; Peer Review; National Standard Guidelines

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

ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces that it is considering, and is seeking public 
comment on proposed rulemaking to revise National Standard 2 (NS2) 
guidelines regarding use of best scientific information available, in 
light of reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). NMFS is considering 
modifying the language describing the content and purpose of the Stock 
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report or related documents, 
and adding language regarding peer review processes, the role of the 
scientific and statistical committees (SSCs) of the Regional Fishery 
Management Councils (Councils), and the relationship between peer 
reviews and SSCs.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before 5 p.m., local 
time, December 17, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by 0648-AW62, by any one 
of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal https://www.regulations.gov.
     Fax: Attn: William Michaels 301-713-1875.
     Mail: William Michaels, NOAA Fisheries Service, Office of 
Science and Technology, 1315 East-West Highway, F/ST4, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910.
    Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record 
and will generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov without 
change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, 
address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly 
accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or 
Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Michaels, 301-713-2363 x136.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 12, 2007, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA) 
was signed into law. The MSRA amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
included provisions to improve the use of science in decision-making, 
provide for a stronger role for Councils' SSCs and enhance peer review 
processes.
    Currently, the NS2 guidelines address the use of best scientific 
information available to support fishery management actions, prescribe 
the content and purpose of SAFE reports or similar

[[Page 54133]]

documents, and assign responsibility for the preparation and review of 
SAFE reports to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). SAFE reports are 
intended to provide the Councils with a summary of current scientific 
information available to make management decisions and are intended to 
contain information upon which Councils are to base harvest 
specifications, including annual harvest levels from each stock. At 
this time, NS2 does not specifically mention that the SAFE should 
include SSC recommendations for acceptable biological catch from either 
the SSC or peer review process (established under Section 302(g)(1)(E) 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Act). SSC recommendations for acceptable 
biological catch are the basis upon which each Council is to set annual 
catch limits (ACLs), and ACLs are not to exceed these fishing level 
recommendations per Section 302(h)(6) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. NMFS 
is considering, and is seeking public comment on how to revise the 
discussion of SAFE reports in the NS2 to include the scientific 
recommendations that are to be provided by the SSCs under the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, as reauthorized.
    NMFS is inviting comment on the extent to which the NS2 guidelines 
should provide guidance as to what constitutes ``best scientific 
information available.'' In 2004, the National Research Council (NRC) 
of the National Academies was charged with examining the application of 
the term ``best scientific information available'' as the basis for 
fishery conservation and management measures required under NS2 and 
recommended approaches for a more uniform application of the standard 
within the context of current and future fisheries management efforts. 
The NRC recommendations can be found in their publication, ``Improving 
the Use of the Best Scientific Information Available' Standard in 
Fisheries Management'' (NRC 2004,https://books.nap.edu/openbook.php). 
Although NMFS has informally adopted many of the NRC recommendations, 
this advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) is an opportunity to 
solicit and incorporate recommendations into the NS2 guidance.
    Section 302(g)(1)(E) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act provides that 
``(T)he Secretary and each Council may establish a peer review process 
for that Council for scientific information used to advise the Council 
about the conservation and management of the fishery. The review 
process, which may include existing committees or panels, is deemed to 
satisfy the requirements of the guidelines issued pursuant to section 
515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for 
Fiscal year 2001,'' otherwise known as the Information Quality Act. At 
present, none of the 10 national standards, or national standard 
guidelines, directly discuss or provide guidance on peer review 
processes.
    NMFS is considering expanding NS2 to include specific language 
regarding peer review processes. NS2 appears to be the logical national 
standard to provide further guidance regarding peer reviews, since a 
peer review process is one method for ensuring that the best scientific 
information available is utilized in Council decisions. This language 
may include minimum criteria for peer review processes, based in part 
on the public comments received. Furthermore, there may be a need to 
clarify the relationship between the peer review processes that may be 
established by the Secretary and each Council and the role of the SSC 
of that Council vis-[aacute]-vis the peer review process.
    Finally, NMFS seeks comments from the public on other issues or 
clarifications to NS2 that the public would like to see addressed in 
this rulemaking.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1851.

    Dated: September 15, 2008.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-21837 Filed 9-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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