Implementation of New Competitive Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Program and Regional Rotation of the Existing and New National Competitive HAB Programs, 20465-20469 [E9-10187]

Download as PDF tjames on PRODPC75 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 84 / Monday, May 4, 2009 / Notices (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) in an omnibus amendment to the fishery management plans (FMPs) for Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, Atlantic bluefish, spiny dogfish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, tilefish, surfclams, and ocean quahogs. This notice announces an extension of the comment period for the public process of determining the scope of issues to be addressed, and for identifying the significant issues related to the implementation of ACLs and AMs for these fisheries. This notice is to alert the interested public of additional time to prepare and submit comments during the scoping process. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before 5 p.m., EST, on May 31, 2009. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods: • E-mail to the following address: Omnibus.NOI@noaa.gov; • Mail or hand deliver to Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council, Room 2115 Federal Building, 300 South New Street, Dover, Delaware 19904– 6790. Mark the outside of the envelope ‘‘Omnibus Amendment: National Standard 1 Requirements Scoping Comments’’; or • Fax to (302) 674–5399. The scoping document may also be obtained from the Council office at the previously provided address, or by request to the Council by telephone (302) 674–2331, or via the Internet at https://www.mafmc.org/mid-atlantic/ comments/comments.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Daniel T. Furlong, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Room 2115 Federal Building, 300 S. New St., Dover, DE 19904–6790, (telephone 302–674– 2331). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: An initial notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS and conduct public scoping meetings in support of ACL and AM development for an omnibus amendment to Council FMPs was published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2009 (74 FR 12314). The initial NOI contained detail on the topics to be addressed in the EIS and information on topics that may be considered for further development by the Council to address MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ACL and AM requirements. Those details are not repeated here. The initial NOI indicated that public comment was to be submitted to the Council by 5:00 p.m., EST, May 15, 2009. This subsequent announcement extends the previously published public VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:26 May 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 comment period to 5 p.m., EST, on May 31, 2009. The extension is provided to permit the public and other interested parties additional time to develop and submit comments on the NOI. The initially announced scoping hearings contained in the March 24, 2009, announcement remain unchanged. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 28, 2009. Kristen C. Koch, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–10179 Filed 5–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 090416674–9675–01] Implementation of New Competitive Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Program and Regional Rotation of the Existing and New National Competitive HAB Programs AGENCY: National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice; implementation of competitive research program. SUMMARY: NOAA announces the implementation, under the authorities of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) of 1998, as reauthorized in 2004, of a new competitive research program on Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (PCM HAB). This third national competitive program is a companion to the two existing national harmful algal bloom (HAB) programs, Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) and Monitoring and Event Response of Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB), already implemented under the authorities of HABHRCA. PCM HAB will transition promising technologies and strategies for prevention, control, and mitigation, arising from these and other HAB research programs, to endusers. In addition, NOAA is announcing that funding opportunity announcements for ECOHAB, MERHAB, and HAB PCM will be rotated regionally on a three year basis. The three regional groupings are: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean/Pacific Islands; West Coast, Alaska, and Great Lakes; and South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Gulf of Maine. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20465 Details concerning appropriate research subjects for each program, more information about the regional rotation, and additional procedural information are also provided in this announcement. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Quay Dortch, ECOHAB Program Coordinator , 301/713–3338 ext 157, Quay.Dortch@NOAA.gov or Marc Suddleson, MERHAB Program Manager, 301/713–3338 ext. 162, Marc.Suddleson@noaa.gov, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Introduction The 1998 Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research Control Act (HABHRCA) and the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (2004 HABHRCA Reauthorization) authorized the establishment of three national programs on harmful algal blooms (HABs): 1. ‘‘Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms’’ (ECOHAB) (HABHRCA Sec. 605 (2)); 2. ‘‘Monitoring and analysis activities for HABs’’ (renamed Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms or MERHAB) (HABHRCA Sec. 605 (4)); and 3. ‘‘A peer-reviewed research project on management measures that can be taken to prevent, reduce, control, and mitigate HABs.’’ (HABHRCA Sec. 605 (3)) To implement the HABHRCA, NOAA established in 1998 the ECOHAB program as an interagency (NOAA, National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), competitive research program, led by NOAA, and the MERHAB program as a NOAA competitive research program. ECOHAB provides coastal managers with the understanding, tools, and models to predict the development, extent, and toxicity of HABs and their impacts, leading to early warning and new prevention and mitigation strategies. MERHAB builds capacity and enhances partnerships between managers, researchers, and private industry to improve monitoring for HAB cells and toxins and responding to HAB events. NOAA is now announcing the establishment of a Prevention Control and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (PCM HAB) Program pursuant to HABHRCA section 605(3). In the following sections, the new PCM HAB E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 20466 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 84 / Monday, May 4, 2009 / Notices tjames on PRODPC75 with NOTICES program will be described (Section II), the existing ECOHAB and MERHAB programs will be described (Section III), and distinctions between all three programs will be clarified (Section IV). NOAA is also announcing that funding for the national competitive HAB programs, ECOHAB, MERHAB, and PCM HAB will be implemented on a rotating regional basis, as described in Section V. II. Announcement of New National Competitive PCM HAB Program Multiple interagency and HAB community reports and plans provide guidance for the new PCM HAB Program. The 2004 HABHRCA Reauthorization called for a National Scientific Research, Development, Demonstration, and Technology Transfer Plan on Reducing Impacts from Harmful Algal Blooms (RDDTT Plan) to ‘‘establish priorities and guidelines for a competitive, peer-reviewed, merit based interagency research, development, demonstration, and technology transfer program on methods for the prevention, control, and mitigation of HABs.’’ In response, a workshop was held to obtain input for this plan from HAB researchers, state and Federal resource and public health managers, and private industry. The resulting workshop report was published in September 2008, HAB RDDTT National Workshop Report: A Plan for Reducing HABs and HAB Impacts (2008)1. The RDDTT Plan, based on the Workshop Report, was published in an interagency report, Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response: Assessment and Plan (2008)2. Both the RDDTT Workshop Report and the RDDTT Plan provide recommendations to advance research on prevention, control and mitigation of HABs and form the basis for the new PCM HAB program. Additional guidance about appropriate areas of research are provided by Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy (2006)3, Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A Research Plan (2001)4, and Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters: Options for Prevention, Control, and Mitigation (1997)5. The PCM HAB program will transition promising technologies and strategies for preventing, controlling, or mitigating HABs and their impacts from development through demonstration and technology transfer for field application by end-users. The technologies will arise from HAB research conducted by the two existing national HAB programs, ECOHAB and MERHAB, or other research programs such as Sea Grant, the NOAA Oceans VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:26 May 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 and Human Health Initiative and the NSF/NIEHS Centers for Oceans and Human Health. The goals of PCM HAB are as follows: (1) Develop and make widely available new socially and environmentally acceptable strategies and methods for preventing, controlling, and mitigating HABs and their impacts; and (2) Assess the social and economic costs of HAB events and the costs and benefits of prevention, control, and mitigation to guide future research and aid in the selection of the most appropriate management strategies and methods. PCM research should address the following topics in order to meet the stated goals (1) Prevent HABs by: (a) Using and modifying existing models to identify strategies to prevent HABs, for example by nutrient reductions or hydrodynamic modifications, and (b) Minimizing or preventing introductions of invasive HAB species, their cysts, and organisms that facilitate the success of HAB species; (2) Control HABs and their impacts by: (a) Eliminating or reducing the levels of HAB organisms through biological, chemical, or physical removal mechanisms, and (b) Eliminating or reducing the levels of HAB toxins through biological, chemical or physical removal mechanisms; (3) Mitigate HABs and their impacts by developing or improving methods for (a) HAB cell and toxin detection, (b) Relocating or modifying aquaculture and wild-capture resources, (c) Harvesting bans and closures, (d) Fishing and processing practices, (e) Education and outreach, (f) Enhancing community capacity to respond to social and economic impacts, and (g) Intervening to reduce wildlife mortality; (4) Enhance HAB response and ensure socially responsible development and effective implementation of PCM by (a) Measuring social and economic costs of HABs and their impacts and the costs and benefits of HAB PCM, (b) Improving communication strategies and approaches for facilitating changes in human behavior/attitudes, and (c) Improving coordination of researchers, decision-makers, and stakeholders in implementing PCM research. The PCM HAB program will be a competitive, peer-reviewed program PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 that supports projects in three stages. In the Development phase research will advance and evaluate unproven but promising PCM technologies and strategies. The Demonstration phase will test, validate and evaluate new technologies in the field across a broad temporal and spatial scale. Finally, the Technology/Information Transfer phase will facilitate the transition of technologies and strategies to end-user application. PCM HAB projects will be typically 2–3 years in duration. Proposals for projects can be submitted for any phase. A single proposal can cover one or more phases, depending on the magnitude of the project. All projects must specify the phase or phases of the research to be conducted for the project period and outline how additional phases will be conducted. End-users, including local, state, and Federal resource and public health managers, nonprofit organizations, and a variety of businesses, must be identified and will normally be involved in all three stages. Projects in the Technology Transfer phase will also need to have end-user support secured either for long-term operations or the application of the developed tool or technology. III. Definition of Existing National Competitive ECOHAB and MERHAB Programs A. ECOHAB With the addition of the new PCM HAB program, ECOHAB is retaining the focus that was originally identified in ECOHAB, the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (1995)6, as updated by Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy (HARRNESS) 2005–2015 (2005)7. The goals of ECOHAB are to develop: 1. Quantitative understanding of HABs and, where applicable, their toxins in relation to the surrounding environment with the intent of developing new information and tools, predictive models and forecasts, and prevention strategies to aid managers in coastal environments; and 2. Understanding leading to models of trophic transfer of toxins, knowledge of biosynthesis and metabolism of toxins, and assessment of impacts of toxins on higher trophic levels. Research results will be used directly to guide management of coastal resources to reduce HAB development, impacts, and future threats and will feed into other HAB programs for development of tools to improve HAB management and response. E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 84 / Monday, May 4, 2009 / Notices tjames on PRODPC75 with NOTICES In order to meet the stated goals, research will be conducted in the following areas: 1. Developing methods for HAB cell and toxin detection that are necessary for the conduct of research on understanding the causes and dynamics of HABs and HAB impacts on higher trophic levels; 2. Understanding the factors controlling HAB growth and toxicity by focusing on harmful algal genetics, physiology, and toxin production; 3. Understanding community ecology and ecosystem dynamics, including topdown and bottom-up control of HABs; 4. Delineating the biosynthetic pathways and metabolism of toxins; 5. Determining the trophic transfer of toxins within food webs and the impacts of toxins on individual organisms and food webs; ECOHAB is a NOAA-led interagency, peer-reviewed, competitive program that funds regional-scale studies and targeted studies. Regional ecosystem investigations of the causes and impacts of HABs leading to development of model-based operational ecological forecasting capabilities in areas with severe, recurrent blooms are a high priority. These can be either in new areas, areas that have been studied previously but where new or unanswered questions remain, or involve comparisons between ecosystems. Conducted by multidisciplinary, multi-institutional teams, they are typically 3–5 years in duration. Targeted studies are conducted by individual or small groups of investigators for 2–3 years and address fundamental ecological and oceanographic questions related to HAB events. B. MERHAB MERHAB is guided by the recommendations in Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy (HARRNESS) 2005–2015 (2005)7 and its development was shaped by findings in Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A Research Plan (2001)4, and Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters: Options for Prevention, Control, and Mitigation (1997)5. The need for a comprehensive effort devoted to HAB monitoring is also provided by HAB RDDTT National Workshop Report: A Plan for Reducing HABs and HAB Impacts (2008)1. The principal goal of MERHAB is to build capacity of local, state, and tribal governments, and the private sector, for less costly and more precise and comprehensive monitoring of HAB cells and toxins, and for responding to HAB VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:26 May 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 events. Improved monitoring and event response capability will be achieved through 1. Development and management application of faster, less expensive and more reliable detection methods for HAB cells and toxins; 2. Development and management application of instrumentation for lowcost, long-term observations of conditions that influence HAB dynamics; 3. Application of improved monitoring strategies and forecast models to enhance early warning capability, foster improved response to HAB events, and demonstrate operational capabilities MERHAB is a NOAA competitive, peer-reviewed program that funds regional-scale and targeted studies. Regional projects are multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional efforts of 3–5 years duration that promote sustainable, incentive-based partnerships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including multiple Federal agencies and state, academic, tribal, and local entities. Regional-scale projects must include management end-users as part of the partnership. Targeted projects address specific needs to improve HAB monitoring and response, typically last for 2–3 years, and are often smaller in scale and scope. All projects must have a clear and ready management application, and include identification of management end-users. IV. Guidance for Submitting Proposals to ECOHAB, MERHAB, and PCM HAB Several research topics may fit more than one HAB program. Further, there are some topics that are more appropriate for other NOAA programs or programs in other agencies. The following section (A.) lists examples of appropriate programs for different components of potentially overlapping topics. Examples of topics which are not applicable to any of these three programs are provided in Section B. However, when considering the development of a proposal, investigators are strongly advised to consult with the HAB program managers designated in the request for proposals to determine the appropriate program. A. Examples of Appropriate Research Topics for Each Program 1. Developing methods of measuring and monitoring HAB cells and toxins. The purpose of the research and the stage of development will determine which program is appropriate. (a) ECOHAB will fund method development when it is necessary to conduct research. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20467 (b) MERHAB will fund method development when it is needed to improve or test an existing method for use in monitoring HAB cells or toxins or environmental conditions that foster HABs. (c) PCM HAB Phase 1 will fund novel method development where the concept is so new that it is unknown whether it will be suitable for research or monitoring. (d) PCM HAB will also fund efforts to make existing technologies more widely available. 2.Use of models for forecasting and prediction (a) HAB forecasting and prediction through the development of models, is covered by the ECOHAB program. (b) Development of partnerships to test and utilize models for forecasting as part of specific monitoring programs is under the purview of MERHAB. (c) Transfer of models for HAB forecasting and prediction to end users will be covered by PCM HAB. (d) Modification or use of models to develop prevention strategies will be funded by PCM HAB. 3. HAB-related human dimensions research will be conducted as part of the PCM HAB program, including socioeconomic impacts of HABs. However, an ECOHAB or a MERHAB proposal may have a socio-economic component as part of a larger study. B. Examples of Non-Applicable Research Topics 1. Prevention of HABs by implementation of nutrient reductions or hydrodynamic modifications is a possible strategy, but numerous other programs in other agencies address implementation issues. PCM HAB will not fund, for example, research to develop new methods of nutrient removal or develop land use practices that may reduce nutrient inputs. However, if actual nutrient reductions or hydrodynamic changes are implemented, PCM HAB may fund research to monitor and model the consequences of those activities if they will be transferable to other situations. 2. Disease surveillance, clinical characterization, and therapeutic guidance in humans are the purview of other programs within NOAA, such as NOAA OHHI, and other agencies, such as NSF/NIEHS COHH, CDC and FDA. 3. Drinking water monitoring and treatment is under the purview of EPA. V. Establishment of a Regional Rotation for ECOHAB, MERHAB, and PCM HAB Programs Funding competitions for the three national HAB programs, ECOHAB, E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 20468 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 84 / Monday, May 4, 2009 / Notices MERHAB, and PCM HAB, will be rotated on a regional basis in order to address programmatic needs and make more efficient use of resources. The need for a regional approach to addressing marine problems was emphasized in An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century 8 and America’s Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change 9. In response, Charting the Course for Ocean Science in the United States for the Next Decade: An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy10 and Advancing NOAA’s Priorities through Regional Collaboration 11 recommend Federal agencies and NOAA take a regional approach. The 2004 Reauthorization of HABHRCA also acknowledged the need for a regional approach to HAB research and response by establishing a procedure for requesting Regional Assessments of HABs. In addition the regional rotation will make more efficient use of the funding available for the large, regional ecosystem-scale studies frequently funded by these programs and facilitate the proposal review process. Each year every region will be eligible to submit funding proposals to one of the three HAB programs. Regional eligibility will rotate annually on a three year cycle, as described in the following table. Geographic Regions Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 1 2 3 tjames on PRODPC75 with NOTICES Regional Group Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean/Pacific Islands West Coast, Alaska, Great Lakes South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Gulf of Maine MERHAB ECOHAB PCM HAB ECOHAB PCM HAB MERHAB PCM HAB MERHAB ECOHAB The geographic region signifies where the HAB occurs, where the field work will be conducted, and/or where the benefit of the research will accrue. The location of the investigator(s) is not a determining factor. In cases where the choice of region is ambiguous, investigators are advised to consult with the appropriate Program Manager prior to submitting a letter of intent. Both regional-scale and targeted ECOHAB and MERHAB proposals will be accepted in the funding competitions held for each geographic region. Regional-scale proposals can extend between Geographic Regions in the same Regional Group (e.g. a regionalscale proposal can extend between the South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic—both Group 3), but not between different Groups (e.g. the South Atlantic—Group 3, and Gulf of Mexico—Group 1) without prior approval of the Program Manager. Most of the boundaries between regions listed in the table are selfevident. However, the boundary between the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic is set at Jupiter, FL in order to group together HABs associated with coral reefs that occur in both the Gulf of Mexico and the southeast coast of Florida. However, all proposals concerning primarily Karenia species will be submitted to competitions for the Gulf of Mexico, even if they occur on the Atlantic coast. Some projects may not readily fit into a regional context. For example, a project may compare regions, involve many species, have a national scope, or be independent of a particular region. Investigators proposing projects that do not clearly fit any one region must have approval of the Program Manager. VI. Procedural Information A combined Request for Proposals for all three programs will be published VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:26 May 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 approximately annually, depending on availability of funds. It will specify the regional rotations for that year and provide guidance on areas of particular agency interest. Letters of intent will be due a month later and full proposals will be due in three months. Once initiated, the order of regional rotation will be maintained. Investigators will be strongly encouraged to submit non-binding, brief letters of intent (LOI) for all three programs. The purpose of the LOI process is to provide information to potential applicants on the relevance of their proposed project to the HAB program for which it is being submitted, prior to submitting a full proposal. Full proposals will be encouraged only for LOIs deemed relevant. LOIs may be submitted by e-mail, mail, or fax and will be due one month after the request for proposals for the three HAB programs is published. They will be reviewed by Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR) HAB Program Managers to determine whether the proposed project is responsive in terms of region and subject matter for each program and the eligibility of the recipients to receive funds. An LOI response will be sent back to the investigator encouraging or discouraging a full proposal. The investigator will not be precluded from submitting a full proposal regardless of the LOI response. The LOI and associated communications will not be shared with mail or Panel reviewers, and will not be a factor in the decisional process. Separate proposal review panels will be held for each program. The panel expertise will reflect the focus of each specific program and the range of proposals that have been submitted. Proposals for the three phases of the PCM HAB program will be considered by the same panel. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 VII. References 1. Dortch, Q., Anderson, D., Ayres, D., and Glibert, P., editors, 2008. Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Development, Demonstration and Technology Transfer: A National Workshop Report. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA. (https:// www.whoi.edu/ fileserver.do?id=43464&pt=10& p=19132) 2. Jewett, E.B., Lopez, C.B., Dortch, Q., Etheridge, S.M., Backer, L.C., 2008. Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response: Assessment and Plan. Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia and Human Health of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology. Washington, DC, 76 pp. (https:// ocean.ceq.gov/about/docs/jsostl hab0908.pdf ) 3. Bauer, M.(ed.). 2006. Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy. National Office for Marine Biotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms. Woods Hole, MA: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 72 pp. (https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ stressors/extremeevents/hab/ HDstrategy.pdf) 4. Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A Research Plan, 2001. NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, 28pp. (https:// www.whoi.edu/science/B/redtide/ pertinentinfo/ PCMlHABlResearchlPlan) 5. Boesch, D.F., Anderson, D.M., Horner, R.A., Shumway, S.E., Tester, P.A. and Whitledge, T.E. 1997. Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters: Options for Prevention, Control, and Mitigation. NOAA/COP/Decision Analysis Series No.10. Silver Spring, MD: NOAA Coastal Ocean Office, 61 pp. (https:// www.cop.noaa.gov/pubs/das/das10.pdf) 6. Anderson, D.M. 1995. ECOHAB, the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 84 / Monday, May 4, 2009 / Notices Algal Blooms. Woods Hole, MA: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. (https:// www.whoi.edu/redtide/nationplan/ ECOHAB/ECOHABhtml.html) 7. Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy (HARRNESS) 2005– 2015. 2005. Ecological Society of America, Washington, D.C. (https:// www.cop.noaa.gov/stressors/ extremeevents/hab/current/ harrness.html ) 8. U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, 2004. An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century. Final Report. Washington, DC, 2004 (https:// www.oceancommission.gov/documents/ fulllcolorlrpt/welcome.html) 9. Pew Oceans Commission, 2003. America’s Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change. Summary Report. Pew Oceans Commission, Arlington, Virginia. (https:// www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/ wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protectingl oceanllife/POClSummary.pdf) 10. NSTC Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology, 2007. Charting the Course for Ocean Science in the United States for the Next Decade: An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy (https://ocean.ceq.gov/about/ supljsostlprioritiesplan.html) 11. NOAA Program Planning & Integration, 2007. Advancing NOAA’s Priorities through Regional Collaboration (https:// www.ppi.noaa.gov/ RegionallCollaboration/ RegionallCollaborationl Overviewl041307.pdf) Dated: April 23, 2009. Christopher Cartwright, Chief Financial Officer, Ocean Service and Coastal Zone Management. [FR Doc. E9–10187 Filed 5–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JS–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XP02 tjames on PRODPC75 with NOTICES Marine Mammals; File No. 633–1763 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; withdrawal of application. an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 633–1763. The documents related to this action 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; Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298; phone (978) 281–9300; fax (978) 281–9394; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727) 824–5312; fax (727) 824–5309. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristy Beard or Kate Swails, (301) 713– 2289. On October 16, 2008 a notice was published in the Federal Register (73 FR 61398) that an amendment application had been filed by CCS. The amendment to Permit No. 633–1763 was requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Permit No. 633–1763, issued on April 21, 2005 (70 FR 22299), authorizes the permit holder to harass North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) during close approaches for aerial and vessel surveys with associated photo-identification and behavioral observations in the Gulf of Maine, Cape Cod Bay, Great South Channel, and Georgia Bight; and the collection and export of sloughed right whale skin. The applicant has withdrawn their application. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: April 28, 2009. Tammy C. Adams, Acting Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–10168 Filed 5–1–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), P.O. Box 1036,Provincetown, MA 02657, has withdrawn its application for VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:26 May 01, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20469 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Acquisition Regulations System Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Government Property (OMB Control Number 0704– 0246) AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Notice and request for comments regarding a proposed extension of an approved information collection requirement. SUMMARY: In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection for use through July 31, 2009. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use for three additional years. DATES: DoD will consider all comments received by July 6, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by OMB Control Number 0704–0246, using any of the following methods: Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Æ E-mail: dfars@osd.mil. Include OMB Control Number 0704–0246 in the subject line of the message. Æ Fax: 703–602–7887. Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Mr. Mark Gomersall, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP(DARS), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3062. Æ Hand Delivery/Courier: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Crystal Square 4, Suite 200A, 241 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202–3402. E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 84 (Monday, May 4, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20465-20469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10187]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 090416674-9675-01]

Implementation of New Competitive Prevention, Control, and
Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Program and Regional Rotation
of the Existing and New National Competitive HAB Programs

AGENCY: National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice; implementation of competitive research program.

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SUMMARY: NOAA announces the implementation, under the authorities of
the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA)
of 1998, as reauthorized in 2004, of a new competitive research program
on Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (PCM
HAB). This third national competitive program is a companion to the two
existing national harmful algal bloom (HAB) programs, Ecology and
Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) and Monitoring and Event
Response of Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB), already implemented under
the authorities of HABHRCA. PCM HAB will transition promising
technologies and strategies for prevention, control, and mitigation,
arising from these and other HAB research programs, to end-users. In
addition, NOAA is announcing that funding opportunity announcements for
ECOHAB, MERHAB, and HAB PCM will be rotated regionally on a three year
basis. The three regional groupings are: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean/
Pacific Islands; West Coast, Alaska, and Great Lakes; and South
Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Gulf of Maine.
Details concerning appropriate research subjects for each program,
more information about the regional rotation, and additional procedural
information are also provided in this announcement.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Quay Dortch, ECOHAB Program
Coordinator , 301/713-3338 ext 157, Quay.Dortch@NOAA.gov or Marc
Suddleson, MERHAB Program Manager, 301/713-3338 ext. 162,
Marc.Suddleson@noaa.gov, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research,
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOS.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

The 1998 Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research Control Act
(HABHRCA) and the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of
2004 (2004 HABHRCA Reauthorization) authorized the establishment of
three national programs on harmful algal blooms (HABs):
1. ``Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms'' (ECOHAB)
(HABHRCA Sec. 605 (2));
2. ``Monitoring and analysis activities for HABs'' (renamed
Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms or MERHAB)
(HABHRCA Sec. 605 (4)); and
3. ``A peer-reviewed research project on management measures that
can be taken to prevent, reduce, control, and mitigate HABs.'' (HABHRCA
Sec. 605 (3))
To implement the HABHRCA, NOAA established in 1998 the ECOHAB
program as an interagency (NOAA, National Science Foundation (NSF),
Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), competitive
research program, led by NOAA, and the MERHAB program as a NOAA
competitive research program. ECOHAB provides coastal managers with the
understanding, tools, and models to predict the development, extent,
and toxicity of HABs and their impacts, leading to early warning and
new prevention and mitigation strategies. MERHAB builds capacity and
enhances partnerships between managers, researchers, and private
industry to improve monitoring for HAB cells and toxins and responding
to HAB events.
NOAA is now announcing the establishment of a Prevention Control
and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (PCM HAB) Program pursuant to
HABHRCA section 605(3). In the following sections, the new PCM HAB

[[Page 20466]]

program will be described (Section II), the existing ECOHAB and MERHAB
programs will be described (Section III), and distinctions between all
three programs will be clarified (Section IV). NOAA is also announcing
that funding for the national competitive HAB programs, ECOHAB, MERHAB,
and PCM HAB will be implemented on a rotating regional basis, as
described in Section V.

II. Announcement of New National Competitive PCM HAB Program

Multiple interagency and HAB community reports and plans provide
guidance for the new PCM HAB Program. The 2004 HABHRCA Reauthorization
called for a National Scientific Research, Development, Demonstration,
and Technology Transfer Plan on Reducing Impacts from Harmful Algal
Blooms (RDDTT Plan) to ``establish priorities and guidelines for a
competitive, peer-reviewed, merit based interagency research,
development, demonstration, and technology transfer program on methods
for the prevention, control, and mitigation of HABs.'' In response, a
workshop was held to obtain input for this plan from HAB researchers,
state and Federal resource and public health managers, and private
industry. The resulting workshop report was published in September
2008, HAB RDDTT National Workshop Report: A Plan for Reducing HABs and
HAB Impacts (2008)\1\. The RDDTT Plan, based on the Workshop Report,
was published in an interagency report, Harmful Algal Bloom Management
and Response: Assessment and Plan (2008)\2\. Both the RDDTT Workshop
Report and the RDDTT Plan provide recommendations to advance research
on prevention, control and mitigation of HABs and form the basis for
the new PCM HAB program. Additional guidance about appropriate areas of
research are provided by Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human
Dimensions Strategy (2006)\3\, Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of
Harmful Algal Blooms: A Research Plan (2001)\4\, and Harmful Algal
Blooms in Coastal Waters: Options for Prevention, Control, and
Mitigation (1997)\5\.
The PCM HAB program will transition promising technologies and
strategies for preventing, controlling, or mitigating HABs and their
impacts from development through demonstration and technology transfer
for field application by end-users. The technologies will arise from
HAB research conducted by the two existing national HAB programs,
ECOHAB and MERHAB, or other research programs such as Sea Grant, the
NOAA Oceans and Human Health Initiative and the NSF/NIEHS Centers for
Oceans and Human Health.
The goals of PCM HAB are as follows:
(1) Develop and make widely available new socially and
environmentally acceptable strategies and methods for preventing,
controlling, and mitigating HABs and their impacts; and
(2) Assess the social and economic costs of HAB events and the
costs and benefits of prevention, control, and mitigation to guide
future research and aid in the selection of the most appropriate
management strategies and methods.
PCM research should address the following topics in order to meet
the stated goals
(1) Prevent HABs by:
(a) Using and modifying existing models to identify strategies to
prevent HABs, for example by nutrient reductions or hydrodynamic
modifications, and
(b) Minimizing or preventing introductions of invasive HAB species,
their cysts, and organisms that facilitate the success of HAB species;
(2) Control HABs and their impacts by:
(a) Eliminating or reducing the levels of HAB organisms through
biological, chemical, or physical removal mechanisms, and
(b) Eliminating or reducing the levels of HAB toxins through
biological, chemical or physical removal mechanisms;
(3) Mitigate HABs and their impacts by developing or improving
methods for
(a) HAB cell and toxin detection,
(b) Relocating or modifying aquaculture and wild-capture resources,
(c) Harvesting bans and closures,
(d) Fishing and processing practices,
(e) Education and outreach,
(f) Enhancing community capacity to respond to social and economic
impacts, and
(g) Intervening to reduce wildlife mortality;
(4) Enhance HAB response and ensure socially responsible
development and effective implementation of PCM by
(a) Measuring social and economic costs of HABs and their impacts
and the costs and benefits of HAB PCM,
(b) Improving communication strategies and approaches for
facilitating changes in human behavior/attitudes, and
(c) Improving coordination of researchers, decision-makers, and
stakeholders in implementing PCM research.
The PCM HAB program will be a competitive, peer-reviewed program
that supports projects in three stages. In the Development phase
research will advance and evaluate unproven but promising PCM
technologies and strategies. The Demonstration phase will test,
validate and evaluate new technologies in the field across a broad
temporal and spatial scale. Finally, the Technology/Information
Transfer phase will facilitate the transition of technologies and
strategies to end-user application. PCM HAB projects will be typically
2-3 years in duration. Proposals for projects can be submitted for any
phase. A single proposal can cover one or more phases, depending on the
magnitude of the project. All projects must specify the phase or phases
of the research to be conducted for the project period and outline how
additional phases will be conducted. End-users, including local, state,
and Federal resource and public health managers, nonprofit
organizations, and a variety of businesses, must be identified and will
normally be involved in all three stages. Projects in the Technology
Transfer phase will also need to have end-user support secured either
for long-term operations or the application of the developed tool or
technology.

III. Definition of Existing National Competitive ECOHAB and MERHAB
Programs

A. ECOHAB

With the addition of the new PCM HAB program, ECOHAB is retaining
the focus that was originally identified in ECOHAB, the Ecology and
Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (1995)\6\, as updated by Harmful
Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy
(HARRNESS) 2005-2015 (2005)\7\.
The goals of ECOHAB are to develop:
1. Quantitative understanding of HABs and, where applicable, their
toxins in relation to the surrounding environment with the intent of
developing new information and tools, predictive models and forecasts,
and prevention strategies to aid managers in coastal environments; and
2. Understanding leading to models of trophic transfer of toxins,
knowledge of biosynthesis and metabolism of toxins, and assessment of
impacts of toxins on higher trophic levels. Research results will be
used directly to guide management of coastal resources to reduce HAB
development, impacts, and future threats and will feed into other HAB
programs for development of tools to improve HAB management and
response.

[[Page 20467]]

In order to meet the stated goals, research will be conducted in
the following areas:
1. Developing methods for HAB cell and toxin detection that are
necessary for the conduct of research on understanding the causes and
dynamics of HABs and HAB impacts on higher trophic levels;
2. Understanding the factors controlling HAB growth and toxicity by
focusing on harmful algal genetics, physiology, and toxin production;
3. Understanding community ecology and ecosystem dynamics,
including top-down and bottom-up control of HABs;
4. Delineating the biosynthetic pathways and metabolism of toxins;
5. Determining the trophic transfer of toxins within food webs and
the impacts of toxins on individual organisms and food webs;
ECOHAB is a NOAA-led interagency, peer-reviewed, competitive
program that funds regional-scale studies and targeted studies.
Regional ecosystem investigations of the causes and impacts of HABs
leading to development of model-based operational ecological
forecasting capabilities in areas with severe, recurrent blooms are a
high priority. These can be either in new areas, areas that have been
studied previously but where new or unanswered questions remain, or
involve comparisons between ecosystems. Conducted by multi-
disciplinary, multi-institutional teams, they are typically 3-5 years
in duration. Targeted studies are conducted by individual or small
groups of investigators for 2-3 years and address fundamental
ecological and oceanographic questions related to HAB events.

B. MERHAB

MERHAB is guided by the recommendations in Harmful Algal Research
and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy (HARRNESS)
2005-2015 (2005)\7\ and its development was shaped by findings in
Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A Research
Plan (2001)\4\, and Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters: Options for
Prevention, Control, and Mitigation (1997)\5\. The need for a
comprehensive effort devoted to HAB monitoring is also provided by HAB
RDDTT National Workshop Report: A Plan for Reducing HABs and HAB
Impacts (2008)\1\.
The principal goal of MERHAB is to build capacity of local, state,
and tribal governments, and the private sector, for less costly and
more precise and comprehensive monitoring of HAB cells and toxins, and
for responding to HAB events. Improved monitoring and event response
capability will be achieved through
1. Development and management application of faster, less expensive
and more reliable detection methods for HAB cells and toxins;
2. Development and management application of instrumentation for
low-cost, long-term observations of conditions that influence HAB
dynamics;
3. Application of improved monitoring strategies and forecast
models to enhance early warning capability, foster improved response to
HAB events, and demonstrate operational capabilities
MERHAB is a NOAA competitive, peer-reviewed program that funds
regional-scale and targeted studies. Regional projects are multi-
disciplinary, multi-institutional efforts of 3-5 years duration that
promote sustainable, incentive-based partnerships with a broad spectrum
of stakeholders, including multiple Federal agencies and state,
academic, tribal, and local entities. Regional-scale projects must
include management end-users as part of the partnership. Targeted
projects address specific needs to improve HAB monitoring and response,
typically last for 2-3 years, and are often smaller in scale and scope.
All projects must have a clear and ready management application, and
include identification of management end-users.

IV. Guidance for Submitting Proposals to ECOHAB, MERHAB, and PCM HAB

Several research topics may fit more than one HAB program. Further,
there are some topics that are more appropriate for other NOAA programs
or programs in other agencies. The following section (A.) lists
examples of appropriate programs for different components of
potentially overlapping topics. Examples of topics which are not
applicable to any of these three programs are provided in Section B.
However, when considering the development of a proposal, investigators
are strongly advised to consult with the HAB program managers
designated in the request for proposals to determine the appropriate
program.

A. Examples of Appropriate Research Topics for Each Program

1. Developing methods of measuring and monitoring HAB cells and
toxins. The purpose of the research and the stage of development will
determine which program is appropriate.
(a) ECOHAB will fund method development when it is necessary to
conduct research.
(b) MERHAB will fund method development when it is needed to
improve or test an existing method for use in monitoring HAB cells or
toxins or environmental conditions that foster HABs.
(c) PCM HAB Phase 1 will fund novel method development where the
concept is so new that it is unknown whether it will be suitable for
research or monitoring.
(d) PCM HAB will also fund efforts to make existing technologies
more widely available.
2.Use of models for forecasting and prediction
(a) HAB forecasting and prediction through the development of
models, is covered by the ECOHAB program.
(b) Development of partnerships to test and utilize models for
forecasting as part of specific monitoring programs is under the
purview of MERHAB.
(c) Transfer of models for HAB forecasting and prediction to end
users will be covered by PCM HAB.
(d) Modification or use of models to develop prevention strategies
will be funded by PCM HAB.
3. HAB-related human dimensions research will be conducted as part
of the PCM HAB program, including socio-economic impacts of HABs.
However, an ECOHAB or a MERHAB proposal may have a socio-economic
component as part of a larger study.

B. Examples of Non-Applicable Research Topics

1. Prevention of HABs by implementation of nutrient reductions or
hydrodynamic modifications is a possible strategy, but numerous other
programs in other agencies address implementation issues. PCM HAB will
not fund, for example, research to develop new methods of nutrient
removal or develop land use practices that may reduce nutrient inputs.
However, if actual nutrient reductions or hydrodynamic changes are
implemented, PCM HAB may fund research to monitor and model the
consequences of those activities if they will be transferable to other
situations.
2. Disease surveillance, clinical characterization, and therapeutic
guidance in humans are the purview of other programs within NOAA, such
as NOAA OHHI, and other agencies, such as NSF/NIEHS COHH, CDC and FDA.
3. Drinking water monitoring and treatment is under the purview of
EPA.

V. Establishment of a Regional Rotation for ECOHAB, MERHAB, and PCM HAB
Programs

Funding competitions for the three national HAB programs, ECOHAB,

[[Page 20468]]

MERHAB, and PCM HAB, will be rotated on a regional basis in order to
address programmatic needs and make more efficient use of resources.
The need for a regional approach to addressing marine problems was
emphasized in An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century \8\ and America's
Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change \9\. In response,
Charting the Course for Ocean Science in the United States for the Next
Decade: An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation
Strategy\10\ and Advancing NOAA's Priorities through Regional
Collaboration \11\ recommend Federal agencies and NOAA take a regional
approach. The 2004 Reauthorization of HABHRCA also acknowledged the
need for a regional approach to HAB research and response by
establishing a procedure for requesting Regional Assessments of HABs.
In addition the regional rotation will make more efficient use of the
funding available for the large, regional ecosystem-scale studies
frequently funded by these programs and facilitate the proposal review
process.
Each year every region will be eligible to submit funding proposals
to one of the three HAB programs. Regional eligibility will rotate
annually on a three year cycle, as described in the following table.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regional Group Geographic Regions Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean/Pacific IsMERHAB ECOHAB PCM HAB
2 West Coast, Alaska, Great LakeECOHAB PCM HAB MERHAB
3 South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Gulf of PCM HAB MERHAB ECOHAB
Maine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The geographic region signifies where the HAB occurs, where the
field work will be conducted, and/or where the benefit of the research
will accrue. The location of the investigator(s) is not a determining
factor. In cases where the choice of region is ambiguous, investigators
are advised to consult with the appropriate Program Manager prior to
submitting a letter of intent. Both regional-scale and targeted ECOHAB
and MERHAB proposals will be accepted in the funding competitions held
for each geographic region. Regional-scale proposals can extend between
Geographic Regions in the same Regional Group (e.g. a regional-scale
proposal can extend between the South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic--both
Group 3), but not between different Groups (e.g. the South Atlantic--
Group 3, and Gulf of Mexico--Group 1) without prior approval of the
Program Manager.
Most of the boundaries between regions listed in the table are
self-evident. However, the boundary between the Gulf of Mexico and
South Atlantic is set at Jupiter, FL in order to group together HABs
associated with coral reefs that occur in both the Gulf of Mexico and
the southeast coast of Florida. However, all proposals concerning
primarily Karenia species will be submitted to competitions for the
Gulf of Mexico, even if they occur on the Atlantic coast.
Some projects may not readily fit into a regional context. For
example, a project may compare regions, involve many species, have a
national scope, or be independent of a particular region. Investigators
proposing projects that do not clearly fit any one region must have
approval of the Program Manager.

VI. Procedural Information

A combined Request for Proposals for all three programs will be
published approximately annually, depending on availability of funds.
It will specify the regional rotations for that year and provide
guidance on areas of particular agency interest. Letters of intent will
be due a month later and full proposals will be due in three months.
Once initiated, the order of regional rotation will be maintained.
Investigators will be strongly encouraged to submit non-binding,
brief letters of intent (LOI) for all three programs. The purpose of
the LOI process is to provide information to potential applicants on
the relevance of their proposed project to the HAB program for which it
is being submitted, prior to submitting a full proposal. Full proposals
will be encouraged only for LOIs deemed relevant. LOIs may be submitted
by e-mail, mail, or fax and will be due one month after the request for
proposals for the three HAB programs is published. They will be
reviewed by Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR) HAB
Program Managers to determine whether the proposed project is
responsive in terms of region and subject matter for each program and
the eligibility of the recipients to receive funds. An LOI response
will be sent back to the investigator encouraging or discouraging a
full proposal. The investigator will not be precluded from submitting a
full proposal regardless of the LOI response. The LOI and associated
communications will not be shared with mail or Panel reviewers, and
will not be a factor in the decisional process.
Separate proposal review panels will be held for each program. The
panel expertise will reflect the focus of each specific program and the
range of proposals that have been submitted. Proposals for the three
phases of the PCM HAB program will be considered by the same panel.

VII. References

1. Dortch, Q., Anderson, D., Ayres, D., and Glibert, P., editors,
2008. Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Development, Demonstration and
Technology Transfer: A National Workshop Report. Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA. (https://www.whoi.edu/fileserver.do?id=43464&pt=10&p=19132)
2. Jewett, E.B., Lopez, C.B., Dortch, Q., Etheridge, S.M., Backer,
L.C., 2008. Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response: Assessment and
Plan. Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia and
Human Health of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology.
Washington, DC, 76 pp. (https://ocean.ceq.gov/about/docs/jsost_hab0908.pdf )
3. Bauer, M.(ed.). 2006. Harmful Algal Research and Response: A
Human Dimensions Strategy. National Office for Marine Biotoxins and
Harmful Algal Blooms. Woods Hole, MA: Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, 72 pp. (https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/stressors/extremeevents/hab/HDstrategy.pdf)
4. Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A
Research Plan, 2001. NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, 28pp.
(https://www.whoi.edu/science/B/redtide/pertinentinfo/PCM_HAB_Research_Plan)
5. Boesch, D.F., Anderson, D.M., Horner, R.A., Shumway, S.E.,
Tester, P.A. and Whitledge, T.E. 1997. Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal
Waters: Options for Prevention, Control, and Mitigation. NOAA/COP/
Decision Analysis Series No.10. Silver Spring, MD: NOAA Coastal Ocean
Office, 61 pp. (https://www.cop.noaa.gov/pubs/das/das10.pdf)
6. Anderson, D.M. 1995. ECOHAB, the Ecology and Oceanography of
Harmful

[[Page 20469]]

Algal Blooms. Woods Hole, MA: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
(https://www.whoi.edu/redtide/nationplan/ECOHAB/ECOHABhtml.html)
7. Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental
Science Strategy (HARRNESS) 2005-2015. 2005. Ecological Society of
America, Washington, D.C. (https://www.cop.noaa.gov/stressors/extremeevents/hab/current/harrness.html )
8. U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, 2004. An Ocean Blueprint for
the 21st Century. Final Report. Washington, DC, 2004 (https://www.oceancommission.gov/documents/full_color_rpt/welcome.html)
9. Pew Oceans Commission, 2003. America's Living Oceans: Charting a
Course for Sea Change. Summary Report. Pew Oceans Commission,
Arlington, Virginia. (https://www.pewtrusts.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewtrustsorg/Reports/Protecting_ocean_life/POC_Summary.pdf)
10. NSTC Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology, 2007.
Charting the Course for Ocean Science in the United States for the Next
Decade: An Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy
(https://ocean.ceq.gov/about/sup_jsost_prioritiesplan.html)
11. NOAA Program Planning & Integration, 2007. Advancing NOAA's
Priorities through Regional Collaboration (https://www.ppi.noaa.gov/Regional_Collaboration/Regional_Collaboration_Overview_041307.pdf)

Dated: April 23, 2009.
Christopher Cartwright,
Chief Financial Officer, Ocean Service and Coastal Zone Management.
[FR Doc. E9-10187 Filed 5-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-JS-S

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