Marine Mammals; File No. 18171, 56218-56219 [2013-22186]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 56218 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 177 / Thursday, September 12, 2013 / Notices remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Gerhart, 727–824–5305; email: Susan.Gerhart@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) concerning exempted fishing. The applicant proposes research as part of the Cooperative Research Program, which is intended to involve commercial fishermen in the collection of fundamental fisheries information. The described research is part of a longterm observer program that began in 1992, and that can be expected to continue in the future. Resource collection efforts support the development and evaluation of fisheries management and regulatory options. The EFP would exempt the activities described herein from regulations at 50 CFR part 622, as they affect fish and invertebrates managed by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). The EFP covers these Council-managed species that may be taken during standard fishing activities of the commercial shrimp fishery of the southeast United States. The EFP would exempt personnel from the Foundation from fishery regulations such as bag limits, size limits, quotas, seasonal restrictions, and gear authorizations as specified in 50 CFR part 622, Subparts A through R for reef fish, red drum, coastal migratory pelagics, and spiny lobster in the Gulf of Mexico, and snapper-grouper, coastal migratory pelagics, dolphin and wahoo, and spiny lobster in the South Atlantic. The EFP would authorize Foundation observers aboard commercial shrimp vessels to temporarily possess all necessary specimens from the catch for documentation and to permanently retain approximately 500 specimens of federally-managed finfishes and invertebrates that would otherwise be prohibited from possession and retention through December 31, 2018. The described research is part of a longterm observer program that began in 1992, and that can be expected to continue in the future, therefore, the 5year time period for the EFP is appropriate for this research effort. Specimens would be collected from Federal waters of the Gulf and South Atlantic, and sampling would occur during normal fishing operations of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:54 Sep 11, 2013 Jkt 229001 trawl gear component of the penaeid shrimp commercial sector. Sampling would occur year-round. These species would be retained only in the event of the need for subsequent shore-side identification or as documentation of quality assurance in the data collection process. Data collection for this study would support improved information about the catch, bycatch, discards, and the ability to reduce bycatch for species taken by the shrimp fisheries of the Gulf and South Atlantic. These data would provide insight on a stock’s resilience to fishing, and would help improve estimates of long-term biological productivity of the stocks. Currently, these data are unavailable, and it is anticipated that project results will yield valuable data within these fisheries. NMFS finds this application warrants further consideration. Based on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. The limited sampling program and associated methodology listed in the EFP is not expected to impact the fishery stocks; the estimated 500 specimens to be retained through the duration of the EFP represents a small fraction of average annual landings. Conditions the agency will impose on this permit, if it is granted, include but are not limited to, a prohibition of conducting research within marine protected areas, marine sanctuaries, or special management zones, without additional authorization. Additionally, NMFS will prohibit the possession of Nassau or goliath grouper, and require any sea turtles taken incidentally during the course of fishing or scientific research activities to be handled with due care to prevent injury to live specimens, observed for activity, and returned to the water. All Foundationassociated personnel who conduct onboard sampling activities have undergone formal sea turtle handling training through NMFS, and are considered NMFS-designated agents while conducting work under the identified Cooperative Agreements. A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on a NMFS review of public comments received on the application, consultations with the affected states, the Councils, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that the EFP is consistent with all applicable laws. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: September 9, 2013. James P. Burgess, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–22215 Filed 9–11–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC862 Marine Mammals; File No. 18171 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Wessley Merten, Marine Sciences Department, University of Puerto Rico, ¨ Mayaguez Campus, PO Box 9000, ¨ Mayaguez, PR 00682, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) in waters off Puerto Rico. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before October 15, 2013. ADDRESSES: These documents are available 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; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727) 824–5312; fax (727) 824–5309. Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713–0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 177 / Thursday, September 12, 2013 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosa ´ L. Gonzalez or Carrie Hubard, (301) 427–8401. The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Section 104(c)(6) provides for photography for educational or commercial purposes involving nonendangered and non-threatened marine mammals in the wild. Wessley Merten requests a two-year photography permit to film and photograph bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) in waters off Puerto Rico, specifically, out to 40 miles. Filming would be conducted underwater and from a small boat. Filming would occur throughout the year and be completed by July 2015. Footage would be used in a documentary of offshore sport fishing in Puerto Rico, endorsed by the Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program, and which would be distributed to schools and the public throughout Puerto Rico. In addition, footage would be used in a documentary about Puerto Rico’s marine mammal and marine mammal program. 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 activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Dated: September 6, 2013. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–22186 Filed 9–11–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:54 Sep 11, 2013 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC100 Marine Mammals; File No. 17115 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. 17115– 00 has been issued to James LloydSmith, Ph.D., Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 610 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Box 723905, Los Angeles, CA 90095–7239. ADDRESSES: 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; and Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562) 980–4001; fax (562) 980–4018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Tammy Adams, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 15, 2013, notice was published in the Federal Register (78 FR 42041) that a request for an amendment Permit No. 17115–00 to conduct research on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) had been submitted by the above-named applicant. 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. 17115–01 authorizes the permit holder to study the prevalence of leptospirosis in wild California sea lions in California. The amendment expands the scope of the study to include (1) two additional study sites, Monterey Bay and San Nicolas Island, in addition to ˜ Ano Nuevo Island; (2) disentangling sea lions; (3) disturbance from collecting environmental samples to study transmission of leptospirosis; and (4) collecting fur and blood to study contaminants. Sea lions may be captured (including restraint and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56219 anesthesia); marked and measured; sampled (blood, urine, vibrissae, fur); and released. A limited number of nontarget sea lions may be captured and released without sampling. California sea lions, northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) may be taken by incidental disturbance. Four unintentional mortalities of California sea lions are authorized annually, not to exceed eight over the duration of the permit. The permit expires September 30, 2017. 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: September 6, 2013. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–22182 Filed 9–11–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Meeting of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force Director of Administration and Management, DoD. ACTION: Notice of advisory committee meeting. AGENCY: The Department of Defense is publishing this notice to announce that the following Federal Advisory Committee meeting of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force (‘‘the Commission’’) will take place. SUMMARY: Date of Open Meeting, including Hearing and Commission Discussion: Tuesday, October 1, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. DATES: Bossier Civic Center, Bodcau Room, at 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Marcia Moore, Designated Federal Officer, National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, 1950 Defense Pentagon, Room 3A874, Washington, DC 20301–1950. Email: dfoafstrucomm@osd.mil. Desk (703) 545–9113. Facsimile (703) 692–5625. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 177 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56218-56219]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22186]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC862


Marine Mammals; File No. 18171

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Wessley Merten, Marine Sciences 
Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayag[uuml]ez Campus, PO Box 
9000, Mayag[uuml]ez, PR 00682, has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct commercial or educational photography of bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncates), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), striped 
dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), False killer whales (Pseudorca 
crassidens), and killer whales (Orcinus orca) in waters off Puerto 
Rico.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before October 15, 2013.

ADDRESSES: These documents are available 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; and
    Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 
33701; phone (727) 824-5312; fax (727) 824-5309.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. 
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by 
email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the 
address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons 
why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.

[[Page 56219]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosa L. Gonz[aacute]lez or Carrie 
Hubard, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the 
taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Section 
104(c)(6) provides for photography for educational or commercial 
purposes involving non-endangered and non-threatened marine mammals in 
the wild.
    Wessley Merten requests a two-year photography permit to film and 
photograph bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates), spinner dolphins 
(Stenella longirostris), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), 
false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), and killer whales (Orcinus 
orca) in waters off Puerto Rico, specifically, out to 40 miles. Filming 
would be conducted underwater and from a small boat. Filming would 
occur throughout the year and be completed by July 2015. Footage would 
be used in a documentary of offshore sport fishing in Puerto Rico, 
endorsed by the Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program, and which would be 
distributed to schools and the public throughout Puerto Rico. In 
addition, footage would be used in a documentary about Puerto Rico's 
marine mammal and marine mammal program.
    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 activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: September 6, 2013.
P. Michael Payne,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-22186 Filed 9-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.