Endangered and Threatened Species; Draft Recovery Plan for Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals, 53019-53020 [2014-21154]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 172 / Friday, September 5, 2014 / Notices (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: August 29, 2014. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2014–21125 Filed 9–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC598 Endangered and Threatened Species; Draft Recovery Plan for Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability for public review of the draft Recovery Plan (Plan) for elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). The Plan is available on the NMFS Web site at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/recovery/ plans.htm and the Southeast Regional Office Web site at https:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_ resources/coral/elkhorn_coral/ document/Key_Docs/ DraftAcroporaRecoveryPlan.pdf. NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the draft Plan, and NMFS will consider all relevant, substantive comments received during the review period before finalizing the Plan. DATES: Comments on the draft Plan must be received by close of business on October 20, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2014–0110, by any of the following methods: rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:29 Sep 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov. To submit comments via the e-Rulemaking Portal, first click the ‘‘submit a comment’’ icon, then enter NOAA–NMFS–2014–0110 in the keyword search. Locate the document you wish to comment on from the resulting list and click on the ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ icon on the right of that line. • Mail: Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Attn: Draft Acropora Recovery Plan. Instructions: Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods to ensure that the comments are received, documented, and considered by NMFS. Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted voluntarily by the sender will 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). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alison Moulding (727–824–5312), email Alison.Moulding@noaa.gov or Therese Conant (301–427–8456), email Therese.Conant@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Recovery plans describe actions beneficial for the conservation and recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable: (1) Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the Plan’s goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. The ESA requires the PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53019 development of recovery plans for each listed species unless such a plan would not promote its conservation. The purpose of this draft Plan is to rebuild and assure the long-term viability of elkhorn and staghorn coral populations in the wild, allowing ultimately for the species’ removal from the federal list of endangered and threatened species. The goal of this Plan is to increase the abundance and to protect the genetic diversity of elkhorn and staghorn coral populations throughout their geographical ranges while sufficiently abating threats to warrant delisting of both species. Elkhorn and staghorn coral populations should be large enough to include numerous groups of successfully reproducing individuals, including thickets, across the historical range of these species. These groups should be large enough to protect genetic diversity and maintain ecosystem function. The proposed recovery approach includes research and monitoring to identify, reduce, or eliminate threats so the recovery objectives outlined in this Plan have the greatest likelihood of being achieved. Because some threats to elkhorn and staghorn corals cannot be directly managed (e.g., disease), the Plan pursues concurrent actions to address both global and local threats. Population enhancement is also an integral part of elkhorn and staghorn recovery through restoration, restocking, and active management. Ecosystem-level actions are identified to improve habitat quality and restore community structure and ecological functions, such as herbivory, to sustain adult colonies and enable successful recruitment in the wild over the long term. The goal, objectives, and criteria of the Plan represent NMFS’ expectation of conditions to recover elkhorn and staghorn corals so they no longer need the protective measures provided by the ESA; conservation of elkhorn and staghorn species is described in the Plan regardless of their listing as an endangered or threatened species. The recovery criteria in the draft Plan are based on the current literature and expert consensus. In some cases, the current best available information is so limited that it is not practicable to identify recovery criteria. Instead, interim criteria are identified to gather and obtain the information necessary to establish final recovery criteria. Recovery criteria can be viewed as targets, or values, by which progress toward achievement of recovery objectives can be measured. In the Plan we frame recovery criteria both in terms of population parameters (Populationbased Recovery Criteria) and the five E:\FR\FM\05SEN1.SGM 05SEN1 53020 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 172 / Friday, September 5, 2014 / Notices ESA listing factors (Threat-based Recovery Criteria). The draft recovery plan also includes the projected timeframe to recover the elkhorn and staghorn corals and the cost of implementing actions. We believe the draft Plan meets the requirements of the ESA. We solicit written comments on the proposed Recovery Plan and will consider all relevant, substantive comments and information presented during the public comment period in the course of finalizing this Plan. We specifically request any comments or information regarding: (1) The recovery criterion and actions addressing the threats of ocean warming and acidification associated with global climate change resulting from atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations; and (2) the identification and development of interim criteria. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: August 29, 2014. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–21154 Filed 9–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service RIN 0648–XD366 [FWS–R1–ES–2014–N095] Draft Environmental Impact Statement; Proposed Washington Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Lands Habitat Conservation Plan, Washington National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce; Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; announcement of meetings; request for comment. AGENCY: The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has submitted applications to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (together, the Services) for incidental take permits (permits) for a term of 50 years, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:29 Sep 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 amended (ESA). The permit applications address incidental take of listed species caused by WDNR authorizations of shellfish aquaculture, log booming and storage, and overwater structures undertaken by individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies on 2.6 million acres of State-owned aquatic lands, including marine and freshwater tidelands, shorelands, and bedlands of the State of Washington. The proposed permits would authorize take, incidental to otherwise lawful activities, of 29 species of fish and wildlife, including federally listed threatened and endangered species. As required by the ESA, WNDR has prepared a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) designed to minimize and mitigate the impacts to the maximum extent practicable, that will likely result from such taking. A draft implementing agreement (IA) for the HCP has also been prepared. The Services have jointly prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The DEIS evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, the proposed HCP and issuance of the permits. We are announcing public meetings and requesting public comment on the DEIS, proposed HCP, and the IA. DATES: Written comments on the DEIS, proposed HCP and draft IA must be received from interested parties no later than December 4, 2014. The Services and the WDNR will conduct four public meetings to inform the public about the DEIS, proposed HCP, and the IA. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for meeting dates, times, and locations. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The DEIS, HCP and related documents are available electronically on the World Wide Web at https://www.nwr.noaa.gov/ Salmon-Habitat/Habitat-ConservationPlans/HCPs-in-Process.cfm and https:// www.fws.gov/wafwo/. Submitting Comments: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • U.S. mail: Scott Anderson, National Marine Fisheries Service, 510 Desmond Drive SE., Suite 103, Lacey, WA 98503; or Tim Romanski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 510 Desmond Drive SE., Suite 102, Lacey, WA 98503. • Email: WFWOComments@fws.gov. Include the identifier ‘‘WDNR Aquatic Lands HCP EIS’’ in the subject line of the message. • Facsimile: 360–753–9518. • In-Person: Written comments will be accepted at the public meetings, or can be dropped off during regular business hours at the above address. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Romanski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 510 Desmond Drive SE., Suite 102, Lacey, WA 98503; telephone 360– 753–9440; facsimile 360–753–9518; or email Tim_Romanski@fws.gov; or Scott Anderson, National Marine Fisheries Service, 510 Desmond Drive SE., Suite 103, Lacey, WA 98503; telephone 360– 753–5828; facsimile 360–753–9517; or email scott.anderson@noaa.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf, please call the Federal Information Relay Service TTY 800–877–8339 or visit Federal Relay at https:// www.federalrelay.us/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Meeting Information and Special Accommodation The public meeting locations are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation services or other auxiliary aids should be made at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date by contacting: Scott Anderson, National Marine Fisheries Service, at telephone 360–753–5828; or email scott.anderson@noaa.gov; or Tim Romanski, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, telephone 360–753–9440; facsimile 360–753–9518; or email Tim_ Romanski@fws.gov. The four meetings will be held at the following locations listed below: 1. Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus, Angst Hall, Room A– 125, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. 2. Thursday, October 9, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Cowlitz County Public Utility District Office, 961 12th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. 3. Monday, October 13, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Pierce County Public Library, Processing and Administration Center, Rooms B and C, 3005 112th Street E, Tacoma, WA 98446. 4. Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., City of Pasco Senior Center, Multi-Purpose Room North, 1315 N 7th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301. Statutory Authority Section 9 of the ESA and its implementing Federal regulations prohibit the ‘‘taking’’ of a species listed as endangered or threatened. The term ‘‘take’’ is defined under the ESA to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such E:\FR\FM\05SEN1.SGM 05SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 172 (Friday, September 5, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53019-53020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21154]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC598


Endangered and Threatened Species; Draft Recovery Plan for 
Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the 
availability for public review of the draft Recovery Plan (Plan) for 
elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora 
cervicornis). The Plan is available on the NMFS Web site at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/recovery/plans.htm and the Southeast Regional 
Office Web site at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/
protectedresources/coral/elkhorncoral/document/
KeyDocs/DraftAcroporaRecoveryPlan.pdf. NMFS is soliciting 
review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the 
draft Plan, and NMFS will consider all relevant, substantive comments 
received during the review period before finalizing the Plan.

DATES: Comments on the draft Plan must be received by close of business 
on October 20, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2014-0110, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov. To 
submit comments via the e-Rulemaking Portal, first click the ``submit a 
comment'' icon, then enter NOAA-NMFS-2014-0110 in the keyword search. 
Locate the document you wish to comment on from the resulting list and 
click on the ``Submit a Comment'' icon on the right of that line.
     Mail: Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected 
Resources, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701. Attn: Draft Acropora Recovery Plan.
    Instructions: Comments must be submitted by one of the above 
methods to ensure that the comments are received, documented, and 
considered by NMFS. Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public 
record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted voluntarily by the 
sender will 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). Attachments to electronic comments will be 
accepted in Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file 
formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alison Moulding (727-824-5312), email 
Alison.Moulding@noaa.gov or Therese Conant (301-427-8456), email 
Therese.Conant@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Recovery plans describe actions beneficial for the conservation and 
recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(ESA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA 
requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent 
practicable: (1) Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would 
result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or 
endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve 
the Plan's goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to 
implement recovery actions. The ESA requires the development of 
recovery plans for each listed species unless such a plan would not 
promote its conservation.
    The purpose of this draft Plan is to rebuild and assure the long-
term viability of elkhorn and staghorn coral populations in the wild, 
allowing ultimately for the species' removal from the federal list of 
endangered and threatened species. The goal of this Plan is to increase 
the abundance and to protect the genetic diversity of elkhorn and 
staghorn coral populations throughout their geographical ranges while 
sufficiently abating threats to warrant delisting of both species. 
Elkhorn and staghorn coral populations should be large enough to 
include numerous groups of successfully reproducing individuals, 
including thickets, across the historical range of these species. These 
groups should be large enough to protect genetic diversity and maintain 
ecosystem function. The proposed recovery approach includes research 
and monitoring to identify, reduce, or eliminate threats so the 
recovery objectives outlined in this Plan have the greatest likelihood 
of being achieved. Because some threats to elkhorn and staghorn corals 
cannot be directly managed (e.g., disease), the Plan pursues concurrent 
actions to address both global and local threats. Population 
enhancement is also an integral part of elkhorn and staghorn recovery 
through restoration, restocking, and active management. Ecosystem-level 
actions are identified to improve habitat quality and restore community 
structure and ecological functions, such as herbivory, to sustain adult 
colonies and enable successful recruitment in the wild over the long 
term. The goal, objectives, and criteria of the Plan represent NMFS' 
expectation of conditions to recover elkhorn and staghorn corals so 
they no longer need the protective measures provided by the ESA; 
conservation of elkhorn and staghorn species is described in the Plan 
regardless of their listing as an endangered or threatened species.
    The recovery criteria in the draft Plan are based on the current 
literature and expert consensus. In some cases, the current best 
available information is so limited that it is not practicable to 
identify recovery criteria. Instead, interim criteria are identified to 
gather and obtain the information necessary to establish final recovery 
criteria. Recovery criteria can be viewed as targets, or values, by 
which progress toward achievement of recovery objectives can be 
measured. In the Plan we frame recovery criteria both in terms of 
population parameters (Population-based Recovery Criteria) and the five

[[Page 53020]]

ESA listing factors (Threat-based Recovery Criteria). The draft 
recovery plan also includes the projected timeframe to recover the 
elkhorn and staghorn corals and the cost of implementing actions.
    We believe the draft Plan meets the requirements of the ESA. We 
solicit written comments on the proposed Recovery Plan and will 
consider all relevant, substantive comments and information presented 
during the public comment period in the course of finalizing this Plan. 
We specifically request any comments or information regarding: (1) The 
recovery criterion and actions addressing the threats of ocean warming 
and acidification associated with global climate change resulting from 
atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations; and (2) the identification 
and development of interim criteria.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: August 29, 2014.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21154 Filed 9-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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