Marine Mammals; File No. 774-1714, 31010-31011 [E9-15344]

Download as PDF 31010 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 123 / Monday, June 29, 2009 / Notices Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) warrants further consideration. The application was submitted by members of the Pacific sardine fishing industry and requests an exemption from commercial quotas in order to conduct a survey to obtain a estimate of the population of Pacific sardine. NMFS requests public comment on the application. DATES: Comments must be received by July 14, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this notice identified by 0648–XP83 by any one of the following methods: • Mail: Rodney R. McInnis, Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802. • Fax: (562) 980–4047, Att: Joshua Lindsay FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of the application can viewed on the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website at https:// www.pcouncil.org/cps/cpsefp.html; or contact Joshua Lindsay, Southwest Region, NMFS, (562) 980–4034. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 20, 2009, NMFS published a final rule implementing the harvest guideline (HG) and annual specifications for the 2009 Pacific sardine fishing season off the U.S. West Coast (74 FR 7826). These specifications and associated management measures were based on recommendations adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) at their November 2008 public meeting in San Diego, California (73 FR 60680). As part of these management measures the Council recommended, and NMFS approved, that 1,200 metric tons (mt) of the available acceptable biological catch (ABC) be initially subtracted from the ABC and reserved for a potential industry-based research project. This 1,200 mt set-aside was intended to allow research fishing, that had been proposed for the second seasonal period (July 1–September 15, 2009), to continue if that period’s allocation is reached and directed fishing is closed. Members of the Pacific sardine fishing industry requested this separate allocation so that they could conduct research fishing activities after fishing is closed because of foreseen difficulties in attempting to have vessels fish for the VerDate Nov<24>2008 19:07 Jun 26, 2009 Jkt 217001 purposes of research during the normal fishing season. At the March 2009 Council meeting, the Council reviewed two industry research/EFP proposals to allow access to the 1,200 mt set-aside. Both proposals went forward for public comment with the recommendation from the Council that the proposals be combined to create a single EFP application to be reviewed at the June 2009 Council meeting. After hearing the research proposals and public comment, the Council also recommended, and NMFS issued a Federal Register notice proposing, that the original 1200 mt set-aside be increased to 2400 mt (74 FR 20897). Sardine industry representatives and scientists have since collaborated on a single proposal and on June 16, 2009, the Council made a final recommendation to NMFS to approve and implement this single EFP application. The goal set forth in the EFP application is the development of an index of biomass for Pacific sardine, with the desire that this index be included in the next Pacific sardine stock assessment. If NMFS decides not to issue this EFP, then the set-aside will be re-allocated to the third period’s directed harvest allocation. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 22, 2009. Kristen C. Koch Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–15190 Filed 6–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XQ04 Marine Mammals; File No. 774–1714 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) (Jeremy Rusin, Principal Investigator), Protected Resources Division, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 774–1714–09. ADDRESSES: The amendment and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 in the following offices: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Kristy Beard, (301)713–2289. On March 3, 2009, notice was published in the Federal Register (74 FR 9222) that an amendment to Permit No. 774–1714, issued June 30, 2004 (68 FR 57673), had been requested by the above-named organization. The requested amendment has been granted 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), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222– 226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). Permit No. 774–1714–10 authorizes the SWFSC to conduct research on seven pinniped species, 53 cetacean species, and five sea turtle species in the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Arctic and Southern Oceans. The permit authorizes Level B harassment during aerial and vessel surveys for photo-identification/ photogrammetry, incidental harassment, collection of sloughed skin, and salvage of carcasses and parts; Level A harassment for capture, biopsy sampling, and tagging activities; and the import/export of specimens. This amendment increases the number of short-beaked and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) that may be harassed during vessel and aerial surveys. For each species, up to 60,000 dolphins may be harassed annually during aerial surveys, up to 10,000 approached by vessel for photoidentification, and 1,500 approached and biopsy sampled annually. During research up to 40,000 animals of each species may be incidentally harassed annually. The purposes of this research are to investigate the life history traits and assess the relative reproductive rates of these species off the coast of California and Baja California. This amendment also extends the duration of the permit to June 30, 2010. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment was prepared analyzing the effects of the permitted activities. After a Finding of No Significant Impact, the determination was made that it was not necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 123 / Monday, June 29, 2009 / Notices Issuance of this permit, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit: (1) was applied for in good faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Documents may be reviewed in the following locations: 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; Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115–0700; phone (206)526–6150; fax (206)526–6426; Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668; phone (907)586–7221; fax (907)586–7249; Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001; fax (562)980–4018; and Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814–4700; phone (808)944–2200; fax (808)973–2941. Dated: June 24, 2009. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–15344 Filed 6–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Amy Sloan (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested permit amendment has been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals (50 CFR part 216). Permit No. 984–1587 authorized captive research activities on two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and juvenile California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) undergoing rehabilitation at The Marine Mammal Center through June 7, 2009. The minor amendment (No. 984–1587– 08) extends the duration of the permit through September 7, 2009, but does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Dated: June 23, 2009. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–15343 Filed 6–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration International Trade Administration RIN 0648–XP94 Marine Mammals; File No. 984–1587–08 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Dr. Terrie Williams, Department of Biology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 984–1587–07. ADDRESSES: The amendment and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office: 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. VerDate Nov<24>2008 19:07 Jun 26, 2009 Jkt 217001 The Manufacturing Council: Meeting AGENCY: International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of an open meeting. SUMMARY: The Manufacturing Council will hold an introductory meeting with the Secretary of Commerce to discuss topics related to the U.S. manufacturing sector. DATES: July 20, 2009. Time: 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Location: U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 4832, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J. Marc Chittum, The Manufacturing Council, Room 4043, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202–482–4501; and e-mail: Marc.Chittum@mail.doc.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31011 Dated: June 23, 2009. J. Marc Chittum, Executive Secretary, The Manufacturing Council. [FR Doc. E9–15232 Filed 6–26–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XP92 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction and Operation of Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of issuance of a letter of authorization. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a letter of authorization (LOA) to BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. (BPXA) to take marine mammals incidental to the production of offshore oil and gas at the Northstar development in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska. DATES: This Authorization is effective from July 7, 2009, through July 6, 2010. ADDRESSES: The LOA and supporting documentation may be obtained by writing to P. Michael Payne, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or by telephoning one of the contacts listed here. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candace Nachman (301) 713–2289 or Brad Smith (907) 271–3023. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs NMFS to allow, on request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region, if certain findings are made by NMFS and regulations are issued. Under the MMPA, the term ‘‘take’’ means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill or to attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill marine mammals. Authorization may be granted for periods up to 5 years if NMFS finds, after notice and opportunity for public comment, that the taking will have a E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 123 (Monday, June 29, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31010-31011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15344]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XQ04


Marine Mammals; File No. 774-1714

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

ACTION:  Notice; issuance of permit amendment.

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

SUMMARY:  Notice is hereby given that NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science 
Center (SWFSC) (Jeremy Rusin, Principal Investigator), Protected 
Resources Division, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 has 
been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 774-1714-09.

ADDRESSES:  The amendment and related documents are available for 
review upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: 
See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Amy Hapeman or Kristy Beard, 
(301)713-2289.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 3, 2009, notice was published in 
the Federal Register (74 FR 9222) that an amendment to Permit No. 774-
1714, issued June 30, 2004 (68 FR 57673), had been requested by the 
above-named organization. The requested amendment has been granted 
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), the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222-226), and the Fur Seal 
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    Permit No. 774-1714-10 authorizes the SWFSC to conduct research on 
seven pinniped species, 53 cetacean species, and five sea turtle 
species in the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Arctic and Southern Oceans. 
The permit authorizes Level B harassment during aerial and vessel 
surveys for photo-identification/photogrammetry, incidental harassment, 
collection of sloughed skin, and salvage of carcasses and parts; Level 
A harassment for capture, biopsy sampling, and tagging activities; and 
the import/export of specimens. This amendment increases the number of 
short-beaked and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) that may 
be harassed during vessel and aerial surveys. For each species, up to 
60,000 dolphins may be harassed annually during aerial surveys, up to 
10,000 approached by vessel for photo-identification, and 1,500 
approached and biopsy sampled annually. During research up to 40,000 
animals of each species may be incidentally harassed annually. The 
purposes of this research are to investigate the life history traits 
and assess the relative reproductive rates of these species off the 
coast of California and Baja California. This amendment also extends 
the duration of the permit to June 30, 2010.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an environmental assessment was prepared 
analyzing the effects of the permitted activities. After a Finding of 
No Significant Impact, the determination was made that it was not 
necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement.

[[Page 31011]]

    Issuance of this permit, as required by the ESA, was based on a 
finding that such permit: (1) was applied for in good faith; (2) will 
not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is 
consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the 
ESA.
    Documents may be reviewed in the following locations:
    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;
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 
1, Seattle, WA 98115-0700; phone (206)526-6150; fax (206)526-6426;
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; phone 
(907)586-7221; fax (907)586-7249;
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone (562)980-4001; fax (562)980-4018; and
    Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Rm 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700; phone (808)944-2200; fax (808)973-2941.

    Dated: June 24, 2009.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E9-15344 Filed 6-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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