Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Missile Launch Operations at Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska, 43861-43862 [2013-17403]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 140 / Monday, July 22, 2013 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kerry Griffin, Staff Officer; telephone: (503) 820–2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purpose of the conference call is to discuss proposals to modify Pacific Coast groundfish EFH. Proposals are due to the Pacific Council on July 31, 2013, and proposals received after this date will not be considered. The conference call will also be used to prepare for upcoming EFHRC tasks to (1) produce an informational report for the September Pacific Council meeting, summarizing the number and content of proposals; and (2) produce a report and recommendations for the Pacific Council’s November meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the EFHRC’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This listening station is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt, at (503) 820–2280, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: July 17, 2013. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–17480 Filed 7–19–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XA216 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Missile Launch Operations at Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of issuance of a Letter of Authorization. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:15 Jul 19, 2013 Jkt 229001 is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) to take two species of pinnipeds incidental to space vehicle and missile launch operations at the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) in Kodiak, Alaska. DATES: Effective from August 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014. ADDRESSES: The LOA and supporting documentation are available for review on the Internet at: https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm#applications. Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours at the following address: Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3225. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Magliocca, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 301–427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon 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 and either regulations are issued. Under the MMPA, the term ‘‘take’’ means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill marine mammals. Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the identified species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings are set forth in the regulations. NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible impact’’ in 50 CFR 216.103 as ‘‘. . . an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.’’ Regulations governing the taking of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), by harassment, and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (adults by harassment and pups by injury or mortality), incidental to space vehicle and missile launch operations at the KLC, were issued on March 22, 2011 (76 FR 16311, March 23, PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43861 2011), and remain in effect until March 21, 2016. For detailed information on the action, please refer to that document. The regulations include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for the incidental take of marine mammals during space vehicle and missile launch operations at the KLC. Summary of Request On July 1, 2013, NMFS received a request from the AAC for renewal of an LOA issued on April 30, 2012, authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to a maximum of 12 space launch vehicles, long-range ballistic target missiles, and other smaller missile systems at the KLC. The AAC has complied with the measures required in 50 CFR 217.70–75, as well as the associated 2012–2013 LOA, and submitted the reports and other documentation required by the final rule and the 2012–2013 LOA. Summary of Activity Under the 2012– 2013 LOA As described in the AAC’s 2012–2013 annual report, launch activities conducted at the KLC were within the scope and amounts authorized by the 2012–2013 LOA and the levels of take remain within the scope and amounts contemplated by the final rule. Zero launches occurred at the KLC under the 2012–2013 LOA. Planned Activities and Estimated Take for 2013–2014 In 2013–2014, the AAC expects to conduct the same type and amount of launches identified in the 2012–2013 LOA. Similarly, the authorized take will remain within the annual estimates analyzed in the final rule. Summary of Monitoring and Reporting Under the 2012–2013 LOA The AAC submitted their annual monitoring report within the required timeframe and the report is posted on NMFS Web site: https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm#applications. NMFS has reviewed the report and it contains the information required by the 2012–2013 LOA. The AAC’s monitoring activities included three quarterly aerial surveys on July 8, 2012, October 20, 2012, and March 16, 2013. The results from these surveys were typical and showed 747– 975 harbor seals and no Steller sea lions. Authorization The AAC complied with the requirements of the 2012–2013 LOA. Based on our review of the record, E:\FR\FM\22JYN1.SGM 22JYN1 43862 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 140 / Monday, July 22, 2013 / Notices NMFS has determined that the marine mammal take resulting from the 2012– 2013 launch operations falls within the levels previously anticipated, analyzed, and authorized. The record supports NMFS’ conclusion that the number of marine mammals taken by the 2013– 2014 launch operations will have no more than a negligible impact on the affected species or stock of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of these species or stocks for taking for subsistence uses. Accordingly, NMFS has issued a 1-year LOA for launch operations conducted at the KLC from August 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014. Dated: July 16, 2013. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–17403 Filed 7–19–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, CNCS is soliciting comments concerning its proposed renewal of the Grantee Progress Report (GPR). All AmeriCorps grantees are required to complete the GPR, which is due in October, and to complete an abbreviated mid-year GPR due in April. The GPR provides information for CNCS staff to monitor grantee progress and to respond to requests from Congress and other stakeholders. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:15 Jul 19, 2013 Jkt 229001 Copies of the information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed in the Addresses section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the individual and office listed in the ADDRESSES section by September 20, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the title of the information collection activity, by any of the following methods: (1) By mail sent to: Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps State and National, Attention Carla Ganiel, Senior Program and Project Specialist, Room 9517E, 1201 New York Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20525. (2) By hand delivery or by courier to the CNCS mailroom at Room 8100 at the mail address given in paragraph (1) above, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. (3) By fax to: (202) 606–3476, Attention: Carla Ganiel, Senior Program and Project Specialist. (4) Electronically through www.regulations.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY–TDD) may call 1–800–833–3722 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carla Ganiel, (202) 606–6773, or by email at cganiel@cns.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CNCS is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of CNCS, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are expected to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses). Background All AmeriCorps State and National grantees complete the GPR and mid-year PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 GPR, which provides information for CNCS staff to monitor grantee progress and to respond to requests from Congress and other stakeholders. The information is collected electronically through the eGrants system. Current Action CNCS seeks to renew the current information collection. In 2013, AmeriCorps State and National developed a new eGrants module to collect performance measurement information during the application process. The GPR and mid-year GPR have been revised to collect information that is consistent with the new application module. In 2013, new and recompete applicants used the new module, but continuation applicants did not. Therefore, new and recompete grantees will complete the new GPR, while continuation grantees complete the existing GPR and mid-year GPR. The existing GPR and mid-year GPR have also been revised for clarity and consistency with the new GPR instructions. The information collection will otherwise be used in the same manner as the existing application. CNCS also seeks to continue using the current application until the revised application is approved by OMB. The current application is due to expire on October 31, 2014. Type of Review: Renewal. Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service. Title: Grantee Progress Report. OMB Number: 3045–0101. Agency Number: None. Affected Public: AmeriCorps State and National grantees. Total Respondents: 154. Frequency: Biannual. Average Time per Response: 9 hours per submission. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 2,772. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None. Total Burden Cost (operating/ maintenance): None. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: July 16, 2013. Bill Basl, Director, AmeriCorps State and National. [FR Doc. 2013–17502 Filed 7–19–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050–28–P E:\FR\FM\22JYN1.SGM 22JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43861-43862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17403]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA216


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to Space Vehicle and Missile Launch Operations at Kodiak 
Launch Complex, 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, notification is hereby given 
that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Alaska 
Aerospace Corporation (AAC) to take two species of pinnipeds incidental 
to space vehicle and missile launch operations at the Kodiak Launch 
Complex (KLC) in Kodiak, Alaska.

DATES: Effective from August 1, 2013, through July 31, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The LOA and supporting documentation are available for 
review on the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. Documents cited in this notice may also be 
viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours at the following 
address: Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Magliocca, Office of 
Protected Resources, NMFS, 301-427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs 
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon 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 and either regulations are issued. Under the MMPA, the term 
``take'' means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, 
hunt, capture, or kill marine mammals.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the identified species 
or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 
relevant), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements 
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings 
are set forth in the regulations. NMFS has defined ``negligible 
impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as ``. . . an impact resulting from the 
specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not 
reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through 
effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.''
    Regulations governing the taking of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias 
jubatus), by harassment, and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (adults by 
harassment and pups by injury or mortality), incidental to space 
vehicle and missile launch operations at the KLC, were issued on March 
22, 2011 (76 FR 16311, March 23, 2011), and remain in effect until 
March 21, 2016. For detailed information on the action, please refer to 
that document. The regulations include mitigation, monitoring, and 
reporting requirements for the incidental take of marine mammals during 
space vehicle and missile launch operations at the KLC.

Summary of Request

    On July 1, 2013, NMFS received a request from the AAC for renewal 
of an LOA issued on April 30, 2012, authorizing the take of marine 
mammals incidental to a maximum of 12 space launch vehicles, long-range 
ballistic target missiles, and other smaller missile systems at the 
KLC. The AAC has complied with the measures required in 50 CFR 217.70-
75, as well as the associated 2012-2013 LOA, and submitted the reports 
and other documentation required by the final rule and the 2012-2013 
LOA.

Summary of Activity Under the 2012-2013 LOA

    As described in the AAC's 2012-2013 annual report, launch 
activities conducted at the KLC were within the scope and amounts 
authorized by the 2012-2013 LOA and the levels of take remain within 
the scope and amounts contemplated by the final rule. Zero launches 
occurred at the KLC under the 2012-2013 LOA.

Planned Activities and Estimated Take for 2013-2014

    In 2013-2014, the AAC expects to conduct the same type and amount 
of launches identified in the 2012-2013 LOA. Similarly, the authorized 
take will remain within the annual estimates analyzed in the final 
rule.

Summary of Monitoring and Reporting Under the 2012-2013 LOA

    The AAC submitted their annual monitoring report within the 
required timeframe and the report is posted on NMFS Web site: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications. NMFS has 
reviewed the report and it contains the information required by the 
2012-2013 LOA. The AAC's monitoring activities included three quarterly 
aerial surveys on July 8, 2012, October 20, 2012, and March 16, 2013. 
The results from these surveys were typical and showed 747-975 harbor 
seals and no Steller sea lions.

Authorization

    The AAC complied with the requirements of the 2012-2013 LOA. Based 
on our review of the record,

[[Page 43862]]

NMFS has determined that the marine mammal take resulting from the 
2012-2013 launch operations falls within the levels previously 
anticipated, analyzed, and authorized. The record supports NMFS' 
conclusion that the number of marine mammals taken by the 2013-2014 
launch operations will have no more than a negligible impact on the 
affected species or stock of marine mammals and will not have an 
unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of these species or 
stocks for taking for subsistence uses. Accordingly, NMFS has issued a 
1-year LOA for launch operations conducted at the KLC from August 1, 
2013, through July 31, 2014.

    Dated: July 16, 2013.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17403 Filed 7-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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