Marine Mammals; File No. 18537, 51313-51314 [2014-20490]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 167 / Thursday, August 28, 2014 / Notices
published on January 31, 2014 (79 FR
5379). The NOI indicated the
amendment would be supported by an
environmental impact statement, which
was the preliminary determination at
the time the original purpose and need
of the amendment was drafted. When
the Council first requested development
of this amendment the allocation
applied to dolphin and snapper-grouper
species.
The Council subsequently removed
snapper-grouper species from the
allocation action, which left only
dolphin allocations and AM
modifications for snapper-grouper
species and golden crab as amendment
actions. A reassessment of the actions in
the amendment relative to the National
Environmental Policy Act indicates an
EA is appropriate. Therefore, a DEIS
will not be prepared for the Generic AM
and Dolphin Allocation Amendment at
this time.
The EA for the Generic AM and
Dolphin Allocation Amendment would
consider alternatives to modify existing
AMs for snapper-grouper species and
golden crab to provide consistency
among species, and ensure overfishing
does not occur. The EA would also
consider alternatives to modify existing
sector allocations for dolphin.
The Council held public hearings in
August 2014 to discuss the actions
included in the Generic AM and
Dolphin Allocation Amendment.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: August 22, 2014.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–20437 Filed 8–27–14; 8:45 am]
Research Reserve in Virginia, Waquoit
Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve, and Indiana Coastal
Management Program. This document
contains corrections to that notice,
regarding the date of the public meeting
for the Chesapeake Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia
and the dates for which written
comments will be accepted for the
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve in Virginia, Waquoit
Bay National Estuarine Research, and
Indiana Coastal Management Program.
Date and Time: The public
meeting for the Chesapeake Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve in
Virginia will be held Thursday,
September 18, at 5:00 p.m. local time at
the Wilson House at 7581 Spencer Road,
Glouster Point, VA 23062.
DATES:
Written comments from
interested parties are encouraged and
will be accepted until September 12,
2014 for the Indiana Coastal
Management Program and Waquoit Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve
and will be accepted until September
19, 2014 for the Chesapeake Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve in
Virginia. Please direct all written
comments to Carrie Hall, Evaluator,
National Policy and Evaluation Division
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 EastWest Highway, 10th Floor, N/ORM7,
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, (301)
563–1135, or Carrie.Hall@noaa.gov. All
other portions of the 25 July notice
remain unchanged.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Carrie Hall, Evaluator, National Policy
and Evaluation Division, Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 EastWest Highway, 10th Floor, N/ORM7,
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, (301)
563–1135, or Carrie.Hall@noaa.gov.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Evaluation of State Coastal
Management Program and National
Estuarine Research Reserves
Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog
11.419.
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Ocean Service,
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of Intent to Evaluate:
Correction.
Dated: August 22, 2014.
Coastal Zone Management Program
Administration.
Donna Rivelli,
Deputy Associate Assistant Administrator for
Management and CFO/CAO, Ocean Services
and Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY:
The NOAA Office of Ocean
and Coastal Resource Management
(OCRM) published a notice in the
Federal Register on 25 July 2014
announcing its intent to evaluate the
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:14 Aug 27, 2014
Jkt 232001
[FR Doc. 2014–20488 Filed 8–27–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–08–P
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
51313
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648- XD224
Marine Mammals; File No. 18537
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that a
permit has been issued to the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G),
Division of Wildlife Conservation,
Juneau, AK, (Principal Investigator:
Michael Rehberg), to conduct research
on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias
jubatus), within incidental disturbance
of several pinniped species.
ADDRESSES: The permit and related
documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment
in the 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Courtney Smith or Amy Sloan,
(301)427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April
9, 2014 notice was published in the
Federal Register (79 FR 19578) that a
request for a permit to conduct research
on the species identified above had been
submitted by the above-named
applicant. The requested permit has
been issued under the authority of the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.), the regulations governing the
taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR parts 222–226), and the Fur Seal
Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151
et seq.).
Permit No. 18537 supports
continuation of ADF&G’s long-term
Steller sea lion (SSL) research program.
It authorizes takes during research
activities that incorporate improved
methodology based on previous work
authorized under permit No. 14325 and
subsequent modifications, including:
Incidental disturbance during aerial,
skiff- and ground-based count and brand
resight surveys; captures supporting
marking, external instrument
attachment, and physiology, toxicology,
feeding ecology and health sampling;
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM
28AUN1
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
51314
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 167 / Thursday, August 28, 2014 / Notices
and permanent marking of pups and
older age classes for describing vital
rates and intra-/inter-Discrete
Population Segment (DPS) movement.
The permit authorizes takes by
incidental disturbance of northern fur
seals (Callorhinus ursinus), California
sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and
harbor (Phoca vitulina), spotted (Phoca
largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata),
ringed (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals
(Erignathus barbatus) due to the
proximity of isolated individuals to the
study area. See tables in permit for
numbers of takes by species, stock and
activity. Annual unintentional mortality
of 5 SSL from the Western DPS and 10
SSL from the Eastern DPS is authorized.
The permit is valid through August 31,
2019.
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NMFS has
determined that the activities proposed
are consistent with the Preferred
Alternative in the Final Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for
Steller Sea Lion and Northern Fur Seal
Research (NMFS 2007), and that
issuance of the permit would not have
a significant adverse impact on the
human environment. An additional
environmental assessment (EA)
analyzing the effects of sUAS, which
were not considered in the initial PEIS,
on the human environment was
prepared in compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Based on
the analyses in the EA for Issuance of
Permits to take Steller Sea Lions by
Harassment During Surveys Using
Unmanned Aerial Systems, NMFS
determined that issuance of the permit
would not significantly impact the
quality of the human environment and
that preparation of an environmental
impact statement was not required. That
determination is documented in a
Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI), signed on June 17, 2014.
As required by the ESA, issuance of
this permit was based on a finding that
such permit: (1) Was applied for in good
faith; (2) will not operate to the
disadvantage of such endangered
species; and (3) is consistent with the
purposes and policies set forth in
section 2 of the ESA.
Dated: August 25, 2014.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–20490 Filed 8–27–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:14 Aug 27, 2014
Jkt 232001
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XV92
Marine Mammals; File No. 14610
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. 14610–
02 has been issued to the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADFG),
Division of Wildlife Conservation,
Juneau, AK (Principal Investigator: Lori
Quakenbush).
ADDRESSES: The permit amendment and
related documents are available for
review upon written request or by
appointment in the Permits and
Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Room 13705, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427–
8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Courtney Smith or Carrie Hubard, (301)
427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April
9, 2014, notice was published in the
Federal Register (79 FR19579) that a
request for an amendment to Permit No.
14610–02 to conduct research on beluga
whales (Delphinapterus leucas),
endangered bowhead whales (Balaena
mysticetus), gray whales (Eschrictius
robustus), and endangered humpback
whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) 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.), the regulations
governing the taking and importing of
marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.),
and the regulations governing the
taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR parts 222–226).
The previous permit (No. 14610–02)
authorized vessel and aerial surveys,
remote biopsy and instrument
attachment for the above listed cetacean
species. Amended Permit No. 14610–03
now authorizes take for vessel surveys
and photo-identification to determine
stock or feeding group affiliation of gray
whales encountered in Alaskan waters
(Chukchi and western Beaufort seas).
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Additional gray whale takes by
harassment during photo-identification
efforts (300 annually), and tagging and
biopsy activities (50 annually) are now
authorized. The amendment also
authorizes tag attachment methods to be
altered to allow for the attachment of
tags using a two-anchor system on
bowhead whales. The amended permit
is valid through the expiration date of
the original permit, May 31, 2015.
A supplement environmental
assessment (SEA) analyzing the effects
of the permitted activities on the human
environment was prepared in
compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Based on the
analyses in the SEA, NMFS determined
that issuance of the permit amendment
would not significantly impact the
quality of the human environment and
that preparation of an environmental
impact statement was not required. That
determination is documented in a
Finding of No Significant Impact, signed
on August 8, 2014.
As required by the ESA, issuance of
this permit was based on a finding that
such permit: (1) Was applied for in good
faith; (2) will not operate to the
disadvantage of such endangered
species; and (3) is consistent with the
purposes and policies set forth in
section 2 of the ESA.
Dated: August 25, 2014.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–20491 Filed 8–27–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XD131
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to
Specified Activities; Taking Marine
Mammals Incidental to Construction of
the Block Island Transmission System
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental
harassment authorization.
AGENCY:
In accordance with
regulations implementing the Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA),
notification is hereby given that NMFS
has issued an Incidental Harassment
Authorization (IHA) to Deepwater Wind
Block Island Transmission, LLC
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM
28AUN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 167 (Thursday, August 28, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51313-51314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20490]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648- XD224
Marine Mammals; File No. 18537
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife
Conservation, Juneau, AK, (Principal Investigator: Michael Rehberg), to
conduct research on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), within
incidental disturbance of several pinniped species.
ADDRESSES: The permit and related documents are available for review
upon written request or by appointment in the 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Smith or Amy Sloan, (301)427-
8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 9, 2014 notice was published in the
Federal Register (79 FR 19578) that a request for a permit to conduct
research on the species identified above had been submitted by the
above-named applicant. The requested permit has been issued under the
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the regulations
governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and
threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
Permit No. 18537 supports continuation of ADF&G's long-term Steller
sea lion (SSL) research program. It authorizes takes during research
activities that incorporate improved methodology based on previous work
authorized under permit No. 14325 and subsequent modifications,
including: Incidental disturbance during aerial, skiff- and ground-
based count and brand resight surveys; captures supporting marking,
external instrument attachment, and physiology, toxicology, feeding
ecology and health sampling;
[[Page 51314]]
and permanent marking of pups and older age classes for describing
vital rates and intra-/inter-Discrete Population Segment (DPS)
movement. The permit authorizes takes by incidental disturbance of
northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus), and harbor (Phoca vitulina), spotted (Phoca
largha), ribbon (Histriophoca fasciata), ringed (Pusa hispida) and
bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) due to the proximity of isolated
individuals to the study area. See tables in permit for numbers of
takes by species, stock and activity. Annual unintentional mortality of
5 SSL from the Western DPS and 10 SSL from the Eastern DPS is
authorized. The permit is valid through August 31, 2019.
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NMFS has determined that the activities
proposed are consistent with the Preferred Alternative in the Final
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Steller Sea Lion and
Northern Fur Seal Research (NMFS 2007), and that issuance of the permit
would not have a significant adverse impact on the human environment.
An additional environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the effects of
sUAS, which were not considered in the initial PEIS, on the human
environment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Based on the analyses in
the EA for Issuance of Permits to take Steller Sea Lions by Harassment
During Surveys Using Unmanned Aerial Systems, NMFS determined that
issuance of the permit would not significantly impact the quality of
the human environment and that preparation of an environmental impact
statement was not required. That determination is documented in a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), signed on June 17, 2014.
As required by the ESA, issuance of this permit was based on a
finding that such permit: (1) Was applied for in good faith; (2) will
not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species; and (3) is
consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the
ESA.
Dated: August 25, 2014.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-20490 Filed 8-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
