Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals, 50086-50087 [2012-20406]

Download as PDF 50086 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 161 / Monday, August 20, 2012 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Joselyd Garcia-Reyes or Kristy Beard, (301)427–8401. On June 20, 2012, notice was published in the Federal Register (77 FR 36999) that a request for an amendment to Permit No. 16160 to conduct research on marine mammals had been submitted by the above-named organization. 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.), 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.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The permit has been amended to increase Southern Resident killer whale takes to 200 per year. The amended permit is valid through the expiration date of the original permit, June 6, 2017. An environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the effects of the permitted activities on the human environment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Based on the analyses in the EA, NMFS determined that issuance of the permit amendment 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 June 4, 2012. As required by the ESA, issuance of this permit amendment 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. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: August 13, 2012. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20405 Filed 8–17–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:24 Aug 17, 2012 Jkt 226001 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XA602 Marine Mammals; File No. 16109 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit amendment. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 16109 has been issued to GeoMarine, Inc. (Responsible Party: Suzanne Bates), 2201 K Avenue, Suite A2, Plano, TX 75074. SUMMARY: The permit amendment and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following offices: 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; Northeast Region, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930; phone (978) 281–9328; fax (978) 281–9394; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727) 824–5312; fax (727) 824–5309. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joselyd Garcia-Reyes or Carrie Hubard, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 5, 2012, notice was published in the Federal Register (77 FR 33198) that a request for an amendment to Permit No. 16109 to conduct research on marine mammals and sea turtles had been submitted by the above-named organization. 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.), 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.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The permit has been amended to increase sei whale takes to 50 per year. The amended permit is valid through the expiration date of the original permit, May 15, 2017. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 An environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the effects of the permitted activities on the human environment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Based on the analyses in the EA, NMFS determined that issuance of the permit amendment 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 May 1, 2012. As required by the ESA, issuance of this permit amendment 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. Dated: August 13, 2012. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20403 Filed 8–17–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC122 Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; affirmative finding renewal. AGENCY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant Administrator) has renewed the affirmative finding for the Government of Spain under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This affirmative finding will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Spanish-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Spanish jurisdiction to be imported into the United States. The affirmative finding was based on review of documentary evidence submitted by the Government of Spain and obtained from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 161 / Monday, August 20, 2012 / Notices The affirmative finding annual renewal is effective from April 1, 2012, through March 31, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Wilkin, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone 562–980–3230; fax 562–980–4027. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The MMPA, 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., allows the entry into the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested by purse seine vessels in the ETP under certain conditions. If requested by the harvesting nation, the Assistant Administrator will determine whether to make an affirmative finding based upon documentary evidence provided by the government of the harvesting nation, the IATTC, or the Department of State. The affirmative finding process requires that the harvesting nation is meeting its obligations under the IDCP and obligations of membership in the IATTC. Every 5 years, the government of the harvesting nation must request an affirmative finding and submit the required documentary evidence directly to the Assistant Administrator. On an annual basis, NMFS reviews the affirmative finding and determines whether the harvesting nation continues to meet the requirements. A nation may provide information related to compliance with IDCP and IATTC measures directly to NMFS on an annual basis or may authorize the IATTC to release the information to NMFS to annually renew an affirmative finding determination without an application from the harvesting nation. An affirmative finding will be terminated, in consultation with the Secretary of State, if the Assistant Administrator determines that the requirements of 50 CFR 216.24(f) are no longer being met or that a nation is consistently failing to take enforcement actions on violations, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of the IDCP. As a part of the affirmative finding process set forth in 50 CFR 216.24(f), the Assistant Administrator considered documentary evidence submitted by the Government of Spain and obtained from the IATTC and has determined that Spain has met the MMPA’s requirements to receive an affirmative finding annual renewal. After consultation with the Department of State, the Assistant Administrator issued an affirmative finding annual renewal to Spain, allowing the continued importation into the United States of yellowfin tuna and products derived from yellowfin tuna mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:25 Aug 17, 2012 Jkt 226001 harvested in the ETP by Spanish-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Spanish jurisdiction through March 31, 2013. Spain’s five-year affirmative finding will remain valid through March 31, 2015, subject to subsequent annual reviews by NMFS. Dated: August 15, 2012. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, performing the functions and duties of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20406 Filed 8–17–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB); Notice of Meeting Reserve Forces Policy Board, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice of advisory committee meeting. AGENCY: Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102–3.150, the Department of Defense announces the following Federal advisory committee meeting of the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) will take place. DATES: Wednesday, September 5, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. ADDRESSES: The address for the open session of the meeting is the Fort Myer Officers’ Club, Arlington, VA 22211. The closed session address is the Pentagon, Room 3E863, Arlington, VA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: CDR Steven Knight, Designated Federal Officer, (703) 681–0608 (Voice), (703) 681–0002 (Facsimile), RFPB@osd.mil. Mailing address is Reserve Forces Policy Board, 5113 Leesburg Pike, Suite 601, Falls Church, VA 22041. Web site: https://ra.defense.gov/rfpb/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of the meeting is obtain, review and evaluate information related to strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and effectiveness of the reserve components. Agenda: The Reserve Forces Policy Board will hold a meeting from 8 a.m. until 4:10 p.m. The portion of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50087 meeting from 3:15 p.m. until 4:10 p.m. will be closed and is not open to the public. The open portion of the meeting will consist of administrative details, remarks from the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness) on her role as the RFPB’s sponsor and the future role of the Reserve Components (RC) within the Department of Defense (DoD); from the Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation on today’s fiscal challenges facing DoD and future implications for the out year Future Year Defense Program; from the Adjutant Generals of California and Wisconsin on their views of AC/RC mix considerations, and roles and missions; an update on the RFPB’s Cost Methodology Project; and RFPB subcommittee briefs. The closed session of the meeting will consist of the Secretary of Defense discussing RC readiness, capability shortfalls, roles and missions and future composition of the Active and Reserve Component. Meeting Accessibility: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102–3.140 through 102–3.165, and the availability of space, the open portion of the meeting is open to the public. To request a seat for the open portion of the meeting, interested persons must email or phone the Designated Federal Officer not later than August 30, 2012 as listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. In accordance with section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2), 5 U.S.C. 552b, and 41 CFR 102– 3.155, the Department of Defense has determined that the portion of this meeting from 3:15 p.m. until 4:10 p.m. will be closed to the public. Specifically, the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), with the coordination of the DoD FACA Attorney, has determined in writing that this portion of the meeting will be closed to the public because it will discuss matters covered by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1). Written Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140 and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, interested persons may submit written statements to the Reserve Forces Policy Board at any time. Written statements should be submitted to the Reserve Forces Policy Board’s Designated Federal Officer at the address or facsimile number listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. If statements pertain to a specific topic being discussed at a planned meeting, then these statements must be submitted no later than five (5) business days prior to the meeting in question. Written statements received after this date may not be provided to or considered by the E:\FR\FM\20AUN1.SGM 20AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 161 (Monday, August 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50086-50087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20406]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC122


Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals

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

ACTION: Notice; affirmative finding renewal.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant 
Administrator) has renewed the affirmative finding for the Government 
of Spain under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This 
affirmative finding will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern 
tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) in compliance with the International 
Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Spanish-flag purse seine vessels 
or purse seine vessels operating under Spanish jurisdiction to be 
imported into the United States. The affirmative finding was based on 
review of documentary evidence submitted by the Government of Spain and 
obtained from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).

[[Page 50087]]


DATES: The affirmative finding annual renewal is effective from April 
1, 2012, through March 31, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Wilkin, Southwest Region, NMFS, 
501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213; phone 
562-980-3230; fax 562-980-4027.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The MMPA, 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., allows the 
entry into the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested by purse seine 
vessels in the ETP under certain conditions. If requested by the 
harvesting nation, the Assistant Administrator will determine whether 
to make an affirmative finding based upon documentary evidence provided 
by the government of the harvesting nation, the IATTC, or the 
Department of State.
    The affirmative finding process requires that the harvesting nation 
is meeting its obligations under the IDCP and obligations of membership 
in the IATTC. Every 5 years, the government of the harvesting nation 
must request an affirmative finding and submit the required documentary 
evidence directly to the Assistant Administrator. On an annual basis, 
NMFS reviews the affirmative finding and determines whether the 
harvesting nation continues to meet the requirements. A nation may 
provide information related to compliance with IDCP and IATTC measures 
directly to NMFS on an annual basis or may authorize the IATTC to 
release the information to NMFS to annually renew an affirmative 
finding determination without an application from the harvesting 
nation.
    An affirmative finding will be terminated, in consultation with the 
Secretary of State, if the Assistant Administrator determines that the 
requirements of 50 CFR 216.24(f) are no longer being met or that a 
nation is consistently failing to take enforcement actions on 
violations, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of the IDCP.
    As a part of the affirmative finding process set forth in 50 CFR 
216.24(f), the Assistant Administrator considered documentary evidence 
submitted by the Government of Spain and obtained from the IATTC and 
has determined that Spain has met the MMPA's requirements to receive an 
affirmative finding annual renewal.
    After consultation with the Department of State, the Assistant 
Administrator issued an affirmative finding annual renewal to Spain, 
allowing the continued importation into the United States of yellowfin 
tuna and products derived from yellowfin tuna harvested in the ETP by 
Spanish-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under 
Spanish jurisdiction through March 31, 2013. Spain's five-year 
affirmative finding will remain valid through March 31, 2015, subject 
to subsequent annual reviews by NMFS.

    Dated: August 15, 2012.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, performing the 
functions and duties of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20406 Filed 8-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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