Strategic Plan for Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean Acidification, 40860-40861 [2012-16919]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 40860 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Notices amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222– 226). Permit No. 14097, issued on July 7, 2010, (75 FR 40776), authorizes the permit holder to conduct scientific research on 5 pinniped species, 57 cetacean species, and 5 sea turtle species in U.S. territorial and international waters of the Pacific, Southern, Indian, and Arctic Oceans as part of three projects. Under Project I (Pinnipeds) population assessments are conducted of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) via aerial photography, ground or vessel surveys, and photogrammetry to determine abundance, distribution patterns, length frequencies, and breeding densities. Scats and spewings are collected from California sea lions to determine their diet. Under Project II (Cetaceans) surveys are conducted to determine the abundance, distribution, movement patterns, and stock structure of cetaceans. These studies are conducted through vessel surveys, aerial surveys, small plane photogrammetry, photoidentification (from vessels and small boats), biological sampling, radio tagging, and satellite tagging. Under Project III (Sea Turtles) surveys are conducted to determine the abundance, distribution, movement patterns, stock structure, and diet of sea turtles. Sea turtles may be opportunistically captured during Project II surveys for biological sampling and to attach satellite tags. Cetacean, pinniped, and sea turtle biological samples may be imported/exported. The permit was amended (to version no. 14097–01) on July 7, 2011, to authorize use of less invasive suction cup tags instead of a portion of the authorized dart/barb tag takes. The permit holder is requesting the permit be amended to (1) include authorization for the attachment of dart/ barb tags or implantable tags on Arnoux’s beaked whales (Berardius arnuxii) in the Southern Ocean, using the methods authorized for other species; and (2) increase the takes of pinniped species encountered during aerial, ground, and vessel surveys in the Pacific Ocean, to account for ten additional surveys per year. The expiration date of the permit would not change: June 30, 2015. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:11 Jul 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 activities proposed are consistent with the Proposed Action Alternative in the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Issuance of a Scientific Research Permit [File No. 14097] for Pinniped, Cetacean, and Sea Turtle Studies (NMFS 2010). Based on that analysis, NMFS determined that issuance of the permit would not significantly impact the quality of the human environment and that preparation of an environmental impact statement was not required. That determination is documented in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), signed on July 1, 2010. The EA and FONSI are available upon request. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. Documents may be reviewed in the following locations: Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)427–8401; fax (301)713–0376; 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: July 5, 2012. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–16916 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC071 Strategic Plan for Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean Acidification National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 We are advising the public that a Draft Strategic Plan for Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean Acidification is being made available for public review and comment. The Draft Research Plan presents a vision for how to move Federal agencies toward a better understanding of the process of ocean acidification, its effects on marine ecosystems, and the steps that could be taken to adapt marine resource management to account for it. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 10, 2012. ADDRESSES: Please visit https:// www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/iwgoa/pages/ research_strategy.html to view and provide comments on the draft Strategy. Comments can be submitted via an online form or by submitting revised version of the strategy, with changes tracked, to NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov. Alternatively, you may send comments by U.S. mail to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, ATTN: OA Strategy Coordinator, 1315 East-West Highway, F/ST7, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jennifer Howard, 301–713–8173, NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background The development of this Strategic Plan (Plan) was directed by section 12404(c) and guided by section 12405 of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009, 33 U.S.C. 3701–3708, (FOARAM Act). The Plan is intended to guide ‘‘Federal research and monitoring on ocean acidification that will provide for an assessment of the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms and marine ecosystems and the development of adaption and mitigation strategies to conserve marine organisms and marine ecosystems.’’ This Plan presents a vision on how to move Federal agencies toward a better understanding of the process of ocean acidification, its effects on marine ecosystems, and the steps that could be taken to adapt marine resource management to account for it. The Plan calls for the implementation of a comprehensive global and regional ocean acidification observing system that includes the monitoring of biological effects on marine organisms and ecosystems. Researchers will quantify the physiological effects of ocean acidification, under a range of scenarios, on a wide variety of marine organisms. Enhanced modeling efforts E:\FR\FM\11JYN1.SGM 11JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Notices 40861 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES will lead to improved understanding of the global biogeochemical processes of ocean acidification and its impact on marine ecosystems. Pursuant to section 12404 of the FOARAM Act, 33 U.S.C. 3703, a National Ocean Acidification Program will be established to lead U.S. coordination of ocean acidification activities between the Federal agencies, and with academic institutions, industry, and other private sector and international partners. A national ocean acidification data management and information exchange program will ensure that ocean acidification information reaches scientists, decision makers, and the public in a timely manner. Finally, the U.S. will join other countries in establishing a robust international research program to address this global challenge. acidification and developing adaptation and mitigation strategies. Theme 6—‘‘Education, Outreach, and Engagement Strategy on Ocean Acidification,’’ describes goals for designing and coordinating educational, public outreach, and domestic and international engagement activities, as well as ensuring results and assessments of monitoring and research efforts are accessible to and understandable by all stakeholders. Theme 7—‘‘Data Management and Integration,’’ discusses the need for effective data management and integration within the context of other international, Federal, State, local and private activities. Dated: July 5, 2012. David Detlor, Acting Director, Office of Science and Technology, National Marine Fisheries Service. Overview The Plan is organized into seven priority themes: Theme 1—‘‘Monitoring of Ocean Chemistry and Biological Impacts,’’ identifies sampling programs that collect ocean acidification data, and it prioritizes additional monitoring systems necessary for adequate data collection and monitoring. Theme 2—‘‘Research to Understand Responses to Ocean Acidification,’’ describes the goals and priorities to understand the physiological responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification and its interactions with other stressors, the impacts to marine food webs, and possible approaches to track ecosystem responses. Theme 3—‘‘Modeling to Predict Changes in the Ocean Carbon Cycle and Impacts on Marine Ecosystems and Organisms,’’ summarizes requirements and recommendations for modeling ocean acidification, and its impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems, including codifying our research understanding and studying the interplay of factors affecting marine ecosystems, thus permitting analysis of the efficacy of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Theme 4—‘‘Technology Development and Standardization of Measurements,’’ describes goals that ensure the ability to measure all required parameters through technology development and adequate data quality via measurement standardization. Theme 5—‘‘Assessment of Socioeconomic Impacts and Development of Strategies to Conserve Marine Organisms and Ecosystems,’’ focuses on assessing the socioeconomic impacts of ocean Description of Desired Comments SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:11 Jul 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 General comments are welcome and specific comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed strategy meets the requirements of the FOARAM Act, (2) whether the proposed strategy meets the ocean acidification research needs of the United States; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the strategy; and (4) any additional information that is currently absent that should be included. Comments submitted in response to this notice will become a matter of public record and will be posted online together with responses from the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification established under section 12404 of the FOARAM Act. Id. All comments will be carefully considered and addressed in the Strategic Research Plan to the extent possible. Public Availability of Comments All comments received are a part of the public record and may be posted for public viewing at https:// www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/iwgoa/pages/ research_strategy.html without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted via email to NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov in Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2012–16919 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DOD–2012–OS–0084] Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Office of the Secretary, DoD. Notice to add a new system of AGENCY: ACTION: records. The Office of the Secretary of Defense proposes to add a new system of records in its inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. DATES: This proposed action will be effective on August 10, 2012 unless comments are received which result in a contrary determination. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Federal Docket Management System Office, 4800 Mark Center Drive, East Tower, 2nd Floor, Suite 02G09, Alexandria, VA 22350–3100. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Allard, Chief, OSD/JS Privacy Office, Freedom of Information Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–1155, or by phone at (571) 372–0461. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of the Secretary of Defense notices for systems of records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, have been published in the Federal Register and are available from the address in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The proposed system report, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) of the E:\FR\FM\11JYN1.SGM 11JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40860-40861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16919]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC071


Strategic Plan for Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean 
Acidification

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

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that a Draft Strategic Plan for 
Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean Acidification is being made 
available for public review and comment. The Draft Research Plan 
presents a vision for how to move Federal agencies toward a better 
understanding of the process of ocean acidification, its effects on 
marine ecosystems, and the steps that could be taken to adapt marine 
resource management to account for it.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Please visit https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/iwgoa/pages/research_strategy.html to view and provide comments on the draft 
Strategy. Comments can be submitted via an online form or by submitting 
revised version of the strategy, with changes tracked, to 
NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov. Alternatively, you may send comments by 
U.S. mail to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National 
Marine Fisheries Service, ATTN: OA Strategy Coordinator, 1315 East-West 
Highway, F/ST7, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Jennifer Howard, 301-713-8173, 
NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The development of this Strategic Plan (Plan) was directed by 
section 12404(c) and guided by section 12405 of the Federal Ocean 
Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009, 33 U.S.C. 3701-3708, 
(FOARAM Act). The Plan is intended to guide ``Federal research and 
monitoring on ocean acidification that will provide for an assessment 
of the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms and marine 
ecosystems and the development of adaption and mitigation strategies to 
conserve marine organisms and marine ecosystems.''
    This Plan presents a vision on how to move Federal agencies toward 
a better understanding of the process of ocean acidification, its 
effects on marine ecosystems, and the steps that could be taken to 
adapt marine resource management to account for it. The Plan calls for 
the implementation of a comprehensive global and regional ocean 
acidification observing system that includes the monitoring of 
biological effects on marine organisms and ecosystems. Researchers will 
quantify the physiological effects of ocean acidification, under a 
range of scenarios, on a wide variety of marine organisms. Enhanced 
modeling efforts

[[Page 40861]]

will lead to improved understanding of the global biogeochemical 
processes of ocean acidification and its impact on marine ecosystems. 
Pursuant to section 12404 of the FOARAM Act, 33 U.S.C. 3703, a National 
Ocean Acidification Program will be established to lead U.S. 
coordination of ocean acidification activities between the Federal 
agencies, and with academic institutions, industry, and other private 
sector and international partners. A national ocean acidification data 
management and information exchange program will ensure that ocean 
acidification information reaches scientists, decision makers, and the 
public in a timely manner. Finally, the U.S. will join other countries 
in establishing a robust international research program to address this 
global challenge.

Overview

    The Plan is organized into seven priority themes:

Theme 1--``Monitoring of Ocean Chemistry and Biological Impacts,'' 
identifies sampling programs that collect ocean acidification data, and 
it prioritizes additional monitoring systems necessary for adequate 
data collection and monitoring.
Theme 2--``Research to Understand Responses to Ocean Acidification,'' 
describes the goals and priorities to understand the physiological 
responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification and its 
interactions with other stressors, the impacts to marine food webs, and 
possible approaches to track ecosystem responses.
Theme 3--``Modeling to Predict Changes in the Ocean Carbon Cycle and 
Impacts on Marine Ecosystems and Organisms,'' summarizes requirements 
and recommendations for modeling ocean acidification, and its impacts 
on marine organisms and ecosystems, including codifying our research 
understanding and studying the interplay of factors affecting marine 
ecosystems, thus permitting analysis of the efficacy of adaptation and 
mitigation strategies.
Theme 4--``Technology Development and Standardization of 
Measurements,'' describes goals that ensure the ability to measure all 
required parameters through technology development and adequate data 
quality via measurement standardization.
Theme 5--``Assessment of Socioeconomic Impacts and Development of 
Strategies to Conserve Marine Organisms and Ecosystems,'' focuses on 
assessing the socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification and 
developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Theme 6--``Education, Outreach, and Engagement Strategy on Ocean 
Acidification,'' describes goals for designing and coordinating 
educational, public outreach, and domestic and international engagement 
activities, as well as ensuring results and assessments of monitoring 
and research efforts are accessible to and understandable by all 
stakeholders.
Theme 7--``Data Management and Integration,'' discusses the need for 
effective data management and integration within the context of other 
international, Federal, State, local and private activities.

Description of Desired Comments

    General comments are welcome and specific comments are invited on: 
(1) Whether the proposed strategy meets the requirements of the FOARAM 
Act, (2) whether the proposed strategy meets the ocean acidification 
research needs of the United States; (3) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the strategy; and (4) any additional 
information that is currently absent that should be included. Comments 
submitted in response to this notice will become a matter of public 
record and will be posted online together with responses from the 
Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification established under 
section 12404 of the FOARAM Act. Id. All comments will be carefully 
considered and addressed in the Strategic Research Plan to the extent 
possible.

Public Availability of Comments

    All comments received are a part of the public record and may be 
posted for public viewing at https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/iwgoa/pages/research_strategy.html without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted voluntarily by the 
sender will be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will 
accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you 
wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be 
accepted via email to NMFS.ST.OAStrategy@noaa.gov in Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

    Dated: July 5, 2012.
David Detlor,
Acting Director, Office of Science and Technology, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16919 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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