Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seismic Surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska, 45428-45429 [2014-18444]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 45428 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 150 / Tuesday, August 5, 2014 / Notices Disclosure Report at the following Web site. https://www.oge.gov/Forms-Library/ OGE-Form-450-Confidential-FinancialDisclosure-Report/. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15-minute public comment period on Tuesday, September 8 at 10:45 a.m. (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 Friday, August 29, 2014 to provide sufficient time for the Board review. Written comments received after Friday, August 29, 2014 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-serve basis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Established by Section 209 of the Act and as amended the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–394), the duties of the Board are as follows: (1) In general. The Board shall advise the Secretary and the Director concerning: (A) Strategies for utilizing the Sea Grant College Program to address the Nation’s highest priorities regarding the understanding, assessment, development, management, utilization, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources; (B) The designation of Sea Grant Colleges and Sea Grant Institutes; and (C) Such other matters as the Secretary refers to the Board for review and advice. (2) Biennial Report. The Board shall report to the Congress every two years on the state of the National Sea Grant College Program. The Board shall indicate in each such report the progress made toward meeting the priorities identified in the strategic plan in effect under section 204 (c). The Secretary shall make available to the Board such information, personnel, and administrative services and assistance as it may reasonably require to carry out its duties under this title. The Board shall consist of 15 voting members who shall be appointed by the Secretary. The Director and a director of a Sea Grant program who is elected by the various directors of Sea Grant programs shall serve as nonvoting members of the Board. Not less than 8 of the voting members of the Board shall VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:16 Aug 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 be individuals who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in one or more of the disciplines and fields included in marine science. The other voting members shall be individuals who, by reason of knowledge, experience, or training, are especially qualified in, or representative of, education, marine affairs and resource management, coastal management, extension services, State government, industry, economics, planning, or any other activity which is appropriate to, and important for, any effort to enhance the understanding, assessment, development, management, utilization, or conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. No individual is eligible to be a voting member of the Board if the individual is (A) the director of a Sea Grant College or Sea Grant Institute; (B) an applicant for, or beneficiary (as determined by the Secretary) of, any grant or contract under section 205 [33 USCS § 1124]; or (C) a full-time officer or employee of the United States. The Director of the National Sea Grant College Program and one Director of a Sea Grant Program also serve as nonvoting members. Board members are appointed for a 4-year term. Special Accomodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Elizabeth Ban, Designated Federal Officer at 301–734–1082 by Monday, August 25, 2014. Dated: July 30, 2014. Jason Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2014–18521 Filed 8–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–KA–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD416 Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seismic Surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska 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: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NMFS has received a request from Apache Alaska Corporation (Apache) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and gas exploration seismic operations in Cook Inlet, AK, from March 2015 through February 2020. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implementing regulations, NMFS is announcing our receipt of Apache’s request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on Apache’s application and request. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than September 4, 2014. ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email comments is ITP.Nachman@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 25-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 Apache’s application may be obtained by visiting the internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm. Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candace Nachman, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: 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 U.S. 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 E:\FR\FM\05AUN1.SGM 05AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 150 / Tuesday, August 5, 2014 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES harassment for no more than 1 year, 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.’’ Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the MMPA defines ‘‘harassment’’ as any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering [Level B harassment]. Summary of Request On July 11, 2014, NMFS received a complete application from Apache requesting authorization for the take of six marine mammal species incidental to an oil and gas exploration seismic program in Cook Inlet, AK, over the course of 5 years, which would necessitate the promulgation of 5-year regulations. The purpose of the proposed project is to explore for and develop oil and gas resources in Cook Inlet. The following specific aspects of the activities are likely to result in the take of marine mammals: seismic airgun operations. Apache requests authorization to take six marine mammal species by Level B harassment only: beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas); killer whale (Orcinus orca); harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena); gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus); harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi); and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Injury or mortality is unlikely during the proposed seismic survey, and take by Level A harassment (including injury) or mortality is not requested in Apache’s application. Specified Activities In the application submitted to NMFS, Apache requests authorization to VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:16 Aug 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 take marine mammals incidental to a seismic survey program in Cook Inlet, AK. Apache proposes to conduct seismic operations in both intertidal and offshore areas, utilizing two synchronized source vessels and nodal technology. Sections 2 and 3 of Apache’s application (see ADDRESSES) describe the activities in detail, as well as the timing and location. Information Solicited Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and comments concerning Apache’s request (see ADDRESSES). All information, suggestions, and comments related to Apache’s request and NMFS’ potential development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals by Apache’s activities will be considered by NMFS in developing, if appropriate, the most effective regulations governing the issuance of letters of authorization. Dated: July 30, 2014. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–18444 Filed 8–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2014. TIME AND DATE: 1155 21st St. NW., Washington, DC, 9th Floor Commission Conference Room. PLACE: STATUS: Closed. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Surveillance, Enforcement Matters, and Examinations. In the event that the times, dates, or locations of this or any future meetings change, an announcement of the change, along with the new time and place of the meeting will be posted on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.cftc.gov. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, 202–418– 5964. Natise Allen, Executive Assistant. [FR Doc. 2014–18559 Filed 8–1–14; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 6351–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45429 CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has submitted a public information collection request (ICR) entitled Financial Management Survey, OMB No. 3045–0102, for review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Douglas Godesky, at 202–606–6967 or email to dgodesky@ cns.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. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register: (1) By fax to: 202–395–6974, Attention: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; or (2) By email to: smar@omb.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • 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; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05AUN1.SGM 05AUN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45428-45429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18444]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD416


Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; 
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seismic Surveys in Cook Inlet, 
Alaska

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 Apache Alaska Corporation 
(Apache) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and 
gas exploration seismic operations in Cook Inlet, AK, from March 2015 
through February 2020. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA) implementing regulations, NMFS is announcing our receipt of 
Apache's request for the development and implementation of regulations 
governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting 
information, suggestions, and comments on Apache's application and 
request.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than 
September 4, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to Jolie 
Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email 
comments is ITP.Nachman@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 25-
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 Apache's application may be obtained by visiting the 
internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm. 
Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, 
during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candace Nachman, 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 U.S. 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

[[Page 45429]]

harassment for no more than 1 year, 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.''
    Except with respect to certain activities not pertinent here, the 
MMPA defines ``harassment'' as any act of pursuit, torment, or 
annoyance which (i) has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 
marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has the 
potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild 
by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering [Level B harassment].

Summary of Request

    On July 11, 2014, NMFS received a complete application from Apache 
requesting authorization for the take of six marine mammal species 
incidental to an oil and gas exploration seismic program in Cook Inlet, 
AK, over the course of 5 years, which would necessitate the 
promulgation of 5-year regulations. The purpose of the proposed project 
is to explore for and develop oil and gas resources in Cook Inlet. The 
following specific aspects of the activities are likely to result in 
the take of marine mammals: seismic airgun operations. Apache requests 
authorization to take six marine mammal species by Level B harassment 
only: beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas); killer whale (Orcinus 
orca); harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena); gray whale (Eschrichtius 
robustus); harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi); and Steller sea lion 
(Eumetopias jubatus). Injury or mortality is unlikely during the 
proposed seismic survey, and take by Level A harassment (including 
injury) or mortality is not requested in Apache's application.

Specified Activities

    In the application submitted to NMFS, Apache requests authorization 
to take marine mammals incidental to a seismic survey program in Cook 
Inlet, AK. Apache proposes to conduct seismic operations in both 
intertidal and offshore areas, utilizing two synchronized source 
vessels and nodal technology. Sections 2 and 3 of Apache's application 
(see ADDRESSES) describe the activities in detail, as well as the 
timing and location.
Information Solicited
    Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and 
comments concerning Apache's request (see ADDRESSES). All information, 
suggestions, and comments related to Apache's request and NMFS' 
potential development and implementation of regulations governing the 
incidental taking of marine mammals by Apache's activities will be 
considered by NMFS in developing, if appropriate, the most effective 
regulations governing the issuance of letters of authorization.

    Dated: July 30, 2014.
Donna S. Wieting,
Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-18444 Filed 8-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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