Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area, 4673-4674 [2014-01724]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 19 / Wednesday, January 29, 2014 / Notices has received requests for an extension of the public comment period. In response to those requests, NOAA is reopening the public comment period for an additional 45 days. DATES: Comments must be received or postmarked by no later than March 13, 2014. ADDRESSES: The draft guidance is available in electronic form via the Internet at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ pr/acoustics/ and via the eRulemaking Portal https://www.regulations.gov. You may submit comments, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2013–0177, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal https:// www.regulations.gov. • Mail: Send comments to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910– 3226, Attn: Acoustic Guidance. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may 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). You may submit attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Scholik-Schlomer, Office of Protected Resources, 301–427–8449. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 27, 2013 NOAA announced the availability of draft guidance for assessing the effects of anthropogenic sound on marine mammal species under NOAA’s jurisdiction for public comment (78 FR 78822). The guidance provides updated received levels, or thresholds, above which individual marine mammals are predicted to experience changes in their hearing sensitivity (either temporary or permanent) for all underwater anthropogenic sound sources. NOAA has received requests for an extension of the public comment period. In response to these requests, NOAA is reopening the comment period an additional 45 days. Comments must be received or VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:05 Jan 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 postmarked by no later than March 13, 2014. Dated: January 23, 2014. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, performing the functions and duties of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–01611 Filed 1–28–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–BD89 Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for letter of authorization; request for comments and information. AGENCY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the training and testing activities conducted in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area from October 2015 through October 2020. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS announces our receipt of the Navy’s request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy’s application and request. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than February 28, 2014. ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910– 3225. The mailbox address for providing email comments is ITP.Hopper@ noaa.gov. NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10megabyte file size. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4673 generally be posted to https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. A copy of the Navy’s application may be obtained by visiting the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm. The Navy’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for NWTT was made available to the public on January 17, 2014. A 60-day public comment period is open through March 18, 2014. Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian D. Hopper, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by United States citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specific geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the 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. 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.’’ With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: ‘‘(i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal E:\FR\FM\29JAN1.SGM 29JAN1 4674 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 19 / Wednesday, January 29, 2014 / Notices stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].’’ Summary of Request On December 18, 2013, NMFS received an application from the Navy requesting a Letters of Authorization (LOA) for the take of 29 species of marine mammals incidental to Navy training and testing activities to be conducted in the NWTT Study Area over 5 years. The Navy is requesting a 5-year LOA for training and testing activities to be conducted from 2015 through 2020. The Study Area includes the existing Northwest Training Range Complex, the Keyport Range Complex, Carr Inlet Operations Area, Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility (SEAFAC), and Navy pierside locations where sonar maintenance or testing may occur (see Figure 1–1 of the Navy’s application for a map of the NWTT Study Area). The activities conducted within the NWTT Study Area are classified as military readiness activities. The Navy states that these activities may expose some of the marine mammals present within the NWTT Study Area to sound from underwater acoustic sources and explosives. In addition, incidental takes of marine mammals may occur from ship strike. The Navy is requesting authorization to take 29 marine mammal species by Level B (behavioral) harassment; 9 of those marine mammal species may be taken by injury or mortality. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Description of the Specified Activity In the application submitted to NMFS, the Navy requests authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting the following training and testing activities: Anti-surface warfare; anti-submarine warfare; mine warfare; naval special warfare; major training activities; Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) testing; anti-surface warfare testing; anti-submarine warfare testing; Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) testing; and Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) testing. Detailed descriptions of these activities, including duration, location, and equipment involved, are provided in the Navy’s application. The Navy has also prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) analyzing the effects on the human environment of VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:05 Jan 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 implementing their preferred alternative (among others). Information Solicited Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and comments concerning the Navy’s request (see ADDRESSES). All input related to the Navy’s NWTT request and NMFS’ role in governing the incidental taking of marine mammals will be considered by NMFS when developing, if appropriate, the most effective regulations governing the issuance of a Letter of Authorization. Dated: January 24, 2014. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–01724 Filed 1–28–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION Academic Research Council Solicitation of Applications for Membership Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Section 1013(b)(1) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act, 12 U.S.C. 5493(b)(1), establishes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (‘‘Bureau’’) Office of Research and assigns to it the responsibility of researching, analyzing, and reporting on topics relating to the Bureau’s mission, including developments in markets for consumer financial products and services, consumer awareness, and consumer behavior. The Bureau established the Academic Research Council as a technical advisory body comprised of scholars to provide the Office of Research with guidance as it performs its responsibilities. Director Richard Cordray invites qualified individuals to apply for appointment to the Academic Research Council. Appointments to the Council are typically for two years. However, the Director may amend the Council charter from time to time during the charter terms, as the Director deems necessary to accomplish the purpose of the Council. There are two vacancies on the Academic Research Council. Bureau expects to announce the selection of new members in March 2014. DATES: Complete application packets received on or before February 11, 2014 will be given consideration for membership on the Council. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Complete application ´ ´ packets must include a resume for each applicant and a completed application. The appropriate forms can be accessed at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ blog/accepting-applications-for-ouracademic-research-council. If electronic submission is not feasible, the completed application packet can be mailed to Christopher Banks, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street NW., 6108 E–A, Washington, DC 20552. All applications for membership on the Academic Research Council should be sent: • Electronically: CFPB_ BoardandCouncilApps@cfpb.gov. We strongly encourage electronic submissions. • Mail: Christopher Banks, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street NW., 6111 E–B, Washington, DC 20552. Post marked on or before 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on February 11, 2014. • Hand Delivery/Courier in Lieu of Mail: Christopher Banks, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street NW., 6111 E–B, Washington, DC 20552. Received on or before 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on February 11, 2014. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Christopher Banks, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, (202) 435–9064. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Bureau is charged with regulating ‘‘the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under the Federal consumer financial laws,’’ so as to ensure that ‘‘all consumers have access to markets for consumer financial products and services and that markets for consumer financial products and services are fair, transparent, and competitive.’’ Pursuant to Section 1021(c) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 111–203 (‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’), the Bureau’s primary functions are: 1. Conducting financial education programs; 2. Collecting, investigating, and responding to consumer complaints; 3. Collecting, researching, monitoring, and publishing information relevant to the function of markets for consumer financial products and services to identify risks to consumers and to the proper functioning of such markets; 4. Supervising persons covered under the Dodd-Frank Act for compliance with E:\FR\FM\29JAN1.SGM 29JAN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4673-4674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01724]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-BD89


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. 
Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Northwest Training and 
Testing Study Area

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for letter of authorization; 
request for comments and information.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for 
authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the training and 
testing activities conducted in the Northwest Training and Testing 
(NWTT) Study Area from October 2015 through October 2020. Pursuant to 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS announces our receipt of 
the Navy's request for the development and implementation of 
regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and 
inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy's 
application and request.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than February 
28, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Michael 
Payne, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225. The mailbox address for providing email 
comments is ITP.Hopper@noaa.gov. NMFS is not responsible for email 
comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments 
sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10-
megabyte file size.
    Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record 
and will generally be posted to https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm without change. All Personal Identifying Information 
(for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the 
commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential 
Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    A copy of the Navy's application may be obtained by visiting the 
Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. The 
Navy's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for NWTT was made 
available to the public on January 17, 2014. A 60-day public comment 
period is open through March 18, 2014. Documents cited in this notice 
may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at 
the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian D. Hopper, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the 
incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine 
mammals by United States citizens who engage in a specified activity 
(other than commercial fishing) within a specific geographical region 
if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if 
the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed 
authorization is provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the 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. 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.''
    With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA defines 
``harassment'' as: ``(i) any act that injures or has the significant 
potential to injure a marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A 
Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal

[[Page 4674]]

stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, 
including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, 
feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are 
abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].''

Summary of Request

    On December 18, 2013, NMFS received an application from the Navy 
requesting a Letters of Authorization (LOA) for the take of 29 species 
of marine mammals incidental to Navy training and testing activities to 
be conducted in the NWTT Study Area over 5 years. The Navy is 
requesting a 5-year LOA for training and testing activities to be 
conducted from 2015 through 2020. The Study Area includes the existing 
Northwest Training Range Complex, the Keyport Range Complex, Carr Inlet 
Operations Area, Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility 
(SEAFAC), and Navy pierside locations where sonar maintenance or 
testing may occur (see Figure 1-1 of the Navy's application for a map 
of the NWTT Study Area). The activities conducted within the NWTT Study 
Area are classified as military readiness activities. The Navy states 
that these activities may expose some of the marine mammals present 
within the NWTT Study Area to sound from underwater acoustic sources 
and explosives. In addition, incidental takes of marine mammals may 
occur from ship strike. The Navy is requesting authorization to take 29 
marine mammal species by Level B (behavioral) harassment; 9 of those 
marine mammal species may be taken by injury or mortality.

Description of the Specified Activity

    In the application submitted to NMFS, the Navy requests 
authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting the 
following training and testing activities: Anti-surface warfare; anti-
submarine warfare; mine warfare; naval special warfare; major training 
activities; Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) testing; anti-surface 
warfare testing; anti-submarine warfare testing; Naval Sea Systems 
Command (NAVSEA) testing; and Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Naval 
Research Laboratory (NRL) testing. Detailed descriptions of these 
activities, including duration, location, and equipment involved, are 
provided in the Navy's application. The Navy has also prepared a Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) analyzing the effects on the 
human environment of implementing their preferred alternative (among 
others).

Information Solicited

    Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and 
comments concerning the Navy's request (see ADDRESSES). All input 
related to the Navy's NWTT request and NMFS' role in governing the 
incidental taking of marine mammals will be considered by NMFS when 
developing, if appropriate, the most effective regulations governing 
the issuance of a Letter of Authorization.

    Dated: January 24, 2014.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-01724 Filed 1-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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