Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability, 10606-10607 [2013-03430]

Download as PDF 10606 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2013 / Notices fisheries production; determining the impacts of fishing gears and testing gear modifications to reduce any impacts; determining recovery rates of deep-sea coral and sponge communities from physical disturbance; and establishing a long-term monitoring program to determine the potential effects of climate change and ocean acidification on deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems. Additionally, NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program is currently analyzing the carbonate mineralogy of Alaskan corals. The mineralogy data will be used in conjunction with species distribution data (depth and geographical) and the present and projected aragonite and calcite saturation horizons in Alaska to predict the effects of ocean acidification on coral resources of the North Pacific Ocean. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Petition Finding We have reviewed the petition, the literature cited in the petition, and other literature and information available in our files. We find that the petition does not present substantial information indicating that the requested listing actions may be warranted for any of the 44 petitioned species. Per 50 CFR 424.14(b)(2)(1), the petition clearly requests that NMFS list 44 taxa of corals as threatened or endangered under the ESA and provides the scientific names for each taxon. Per 50 CFR 424.14(b)(2)(2), the petition provides a narrative justification for listing but does not present information on the past or present numbers or relative abundance of the petitioned taxa and provides scant information on their distribution. Based on information from the NMFS trawl surveys, the published literature, and museum records, at least 17 of the petitioned taxa have a broader depth and geographical distribution than reported in the petition. Of the 44 petitioned taxa, 22 are new to science in the past decade and have very few recorded observations, and the remaining 22 have been recorded opportunistically as bycatch in fish surveys that are not designed to sample corals. Systematic surveys have not been conducted to assess the distribution, abundance, or population trends for any of the petitioned corals, providing no basis to assess their status. We conclude that too little survey data exist to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the small number of documented occurrences of the petitioned taxa may equate to a risk of extinction due to low population size, either now or in the foreseeable future. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:16 Feb 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 Per 50 CFR 424.14(b)(2)(3), the petition provides little information regarding the status of the species. We have somewhat more information including observations from bycatch in NMFS trawl surveys, but systematic surveys for these corals have not been undertaken. At least 17 of the petitioned taxa have a wider distribution than is reflected in the petition. The threats cited in the petition are ocean warming, ocean acidification, commercial fisheries, oil spills, and oil and gas exploration and development. Information presented in the petition regarding the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on the petitioned taxa is too tenuous or unsupported. Also, information in our files and the published literature (discussed above) suggests that certain corals off Alaska might be more resilient to the effects of ocean acidification than the petition implies, leading us to conclude that there is not substantial information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the petitioned corals may be threatened with extinction due to the effects of climate change and ocean acidification, either now or in the foreseeable future. Regarding commercial fisheries, the petition discusses general threats from trawling and other bottom contact fishing but fails to provide a complete description of the protective measures that NMFS has implemented, particularly since 2006, to protect extensive areas of sea floor habitat off Alaska; many of the measures were expressly designed to protect corals. While some of the petitioned taxa may well exist in areas that remain open to bottom-contact fishing, due to the extensive fishery restrictions in place to protect coral habitats and the reasonable inference that the petitioned taxa likely have a wider distribution than has yet been documented in the limited surveys conducted to date, we find insufficient information to lead a reasonable person to believe that such fishing threatens those corals with extinction, either now or in the foreseeable future. Regarding oil spills and oil exploration and development, the petition discusses increasing human activity that may result in an increased risk of spills, but does not present substantial information suggesting that the petitioned corals will face exposure to spilled oil that would present a risk of extinction. Per 50 CFR 424.14(b)(2)(4), the petition includes references and maps, although as noted above, we conclude that overall the petition does not provide substantial information to support its conclusions, and the maps PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 do not accurately reflect the known distribution of the petitioned taxa (acknowledging that even the known distribution is likely not the complete distribution, since comprehensive surveys have not been undertaken). References Cited A complete list of all references is available upon request from the NMFS office in Juneau, Alaska (see ADDRESSES). Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: February 8, 2013. 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. 2013–03475 Filed 2–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of public availability. AGENCY: NOAA is releasing the final management plan and environmental assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. DATE: The final management plan and environmental assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is now available. ADDRESSES: To obtain a copy of the final management plan and environmental assessment, contact the Management Plan Review Coordinator, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606; (757) 591–7328; or via email at Monitor@noaa.gov. Copies can also be downloaded from the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) Web site at https://monitor.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Ricles at (757) 591–7328. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Background Information On January 30, 1975, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2013 / Notices Administration (NOAA) designated Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) as the nation’s first national marine sanctuary. MNMS protects the wreck of the famed Civil War ironclad, USS Monitor, best known for its battle with the Confederate ironclad, CSS Virginia in Hampton Roads, VA, on March 9, 1862. NOAA began to review the management plan for MNMS in December 2008 with public scoping (including meetings). This was followed by meetings of sanctuary advisory council working groups to develop the action plans of the management plan. NOAA released a draft revised management plan on April 12, 2012, and accepted comments through June 22, 2012 (77 F.R. 22761). During the public comment period, NOAA held five public meetings in Raleigh, NC, Wilmington, NC, Beaufort, NC, Nags Head, NC, and Newport News, VA. Comments can be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov with docket number NOAA–NOS–2012–0076. All comments received are addressed in Appendix I: Response to Public Comments. II. Environmental Assessment NOAA prepared an environmental assessment, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, that analyzes the environmental impacts of the revised management plan. NOAA’s analysis of environmental impacts of this action resulted in a finding of no significant impact. Steering Committee. The original document published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2013, and all other information remains unchanged and will not be repeated in this document. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Dated: February 8, 2013. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. The meeting will be held at the Melrose Hotel, 2430 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20037. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15-minute public comment period on Tuesday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. E.S.T. (check agenda on Web site to confirm time.) The Board expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of three (3) minutes. Written comments should be received by the Designated Federal Officer by February 26, 2013 to provide sufficient time for Board review. Written comments received after February 26, 2013 will be distributed to the Board, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Special Accomodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Elizabeth Ban, Designated Federal Officer at 301–734–1082 by February 22, 2013. [FR Doc. 2013–03368 Filed 2–13–13; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SEDAR address: 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Carmichael, SEDAR Program Manager; phone (843) 571–4366; email: john.carmichael@safmc.net or Andrea Grabman, SEDAR Administrative Assistant; phone (843) 571–4366; email: andrea.grabman@safmc.net. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Correction In the Federal Register of February 8, 2013, in FR Doc. 2013–02870, on page 9372, in the first column, correct the DATES caption to read as follows: DATES: The SEDAR Steering Committee webinar will be held on February 25, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Dated: February 6, 2013. Daniel J. Basta, Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. National Sea Grant Advisory Board National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: [FR Doc. 2013–03430 Filed 2–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board). Board members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the agenda found on the National Sea Grant College Program Web site at https:// www.seagrant.noaa.gov/leadership/ advisory_board.html. SUMMARY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC491 Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting; Correction National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Correction to notice of SEDAR Steering Committee meeting. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: This document corrects an error made to the meeting description in the DATES section for the SEDAR SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:16 Feb 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 10607 The announced meeting is scheduled 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST Monday, March 4 and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, March 5, 2013. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 ADDRESSES: Ms. Elizabeth Ban, Designated Federal Officer, National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 EastWest Highway, Room 11843, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, (301) 734– 1082. The Board, which consists of a balanced representation from academia, industry, state government and citizens groups, was established in 1976 by Section 209 of the Sea Grant Improvement Act (Pub. L. 94–461, 33 U.S.C. 1128). The Board advises the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program with respect to operations under the Act, and such other matters as the Secretary refers to them for review and advice. The agenda for this meeting will be available at https:// www.seagrant.noaa.gov/leadership/ advisory_board.html. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: February 6, 2013. Jason Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2013–03446 Filed 2–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–KA–P E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10606-10607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03430]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor 
National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability

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

ACTION: Notice of public availability.

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

SUMMARY: NOAA is releasing the final management plan and environmental 
assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.

DATE: The final management plan and environmental assessment for 
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is now available.

ADDRESSES: To obtain a copy of the final management plan and 
environmental assessment, contact the Management Plan Review 
Coordinator, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, 100 Museum Drive, 
Newport News, VA 23606; (757) 591-7328; or via email at 
Monitor@noaa.gov. Copies can also be downloaded from the Monitor 
National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) Web site at https://monitor.noaa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Ricles at (757) 591-7328.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background Information

    On January 30, 1975, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 10607]]

Administration (NOAA) designated Monitor National Marine Sanctuary 
(MNMS) as the nation's first national marine sanctuary. MNMS protects 
the wreck of the famed Civil War ironclad, USS Monitor, best known for 
its battle with the Confederate ironclad, CSS Virginia in Hampton 
Roads, VA, on March 9, 1862.
    NOAA began to review the management plan for MNMS in December 2008 
with public scoping (including meetings). This was followed by meetings 
of sanctuary advisory council working groups to develop the action 
plans of the management plan.
    NOAA released a draft revised management plan on April 12, 2012, 
and accepted comments through June 22, 2012 (77 F.R. 22761). During the 
public comment period, NOAA held five public meetings in Raleigh, NC, 
Wilmington, NC, Beaufort, NC, Nags Head, NC, and Newport News, VA. 
Comments can be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov with docket number 
NOAA-NOS-2012-0076. All comments received are addressed in Appendix I: 
Response to Public Comments.

II. Environmental Assessment

    NOAA prepared an environmental assessment, pursuant to the National 
Environmental Policy Act, that analyzes the environmental impacts of 
the revised management plan. NOAA's analysis of environmental impacts 
of this action resulted in a finding of no significant impact.

    Dated: February 6, 2013.
Daniel J. Basta,
Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
[FR Doc. 2013-03430 Filed 2-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P

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