Marine Mammals; File No. 17967, 15190-15191 [2015-06449]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 15190 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 55 / Monday, March 23, 2015 / Notices include, but would not be limited to, a requalification of limited access permits, a tiered limited access system, and/or a limited access privilege program (LAPP), which is more commonly referred to as an ‘‘individual quota’’ or ‘‘catch share system.’’ The Council has recently updated control dates for both squid fisheries—May 16, 2013 for longfin squid (https://www. greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/nr/ 2013/May/13smblongfinbutterfish controldatephl.pdf) and August 2, 2013 for Illex squid (https://www.greater atlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/nr/2013/ August/13smbillexcontroldatephl.pdf). The Council may (or may not) use the current or previous control dates as reference points as it considers whether, and/or how, to further limit the number of participants in the squid fisheries (see preceding links for additional details on the control dates). The Council will first gather information during the scoping period. This is the first and best opportunity for members of the public to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in the Amendment. The Council needs your input both to identify management issues and develop effective alternatives. Your comments early in the amendment development process will help us address issues of public concern in a thorough and appropriate manner. Comment topics could include the scope of issues in the amendment, concerns and potential alternatives related to capacity in the squid fisheries, and the appropriate level of environmental analysis. If the Council decides to move forward with the Amendment, the Council will develop a range of management alternatives to be considered and prepare a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and/or other appropriate environmental analyses. These analyses will consider the impacts of the management alternatives being considered, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Following a review of any comments on the draft analyses, the Council will then choose preferred management measures for submission with a Final EIS or Environmental Assessment to the Secretary of Commerce for publishing of a proposed and then final rule, both of which have additional comment periods. While the Council is conducting these scoping hearings, the Council will also accept general comments on the MSB fisheries. These general comments could inform Council decision making for upcoming annual specifications or other actions. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Mar 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: March 17, 2015. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06438 Filed 3–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD837 Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Design workshop for monitoring deep water snapper-grouper species in the South Atlantic. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) will host a workshop where fishermen and scientists will discuss approaches for monitoring the deep water stocks component of the South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper complex. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. DATES: The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2015; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2015; and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2015. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The Workshop will be held at SEFSC Laboratory in Beaufort NC, located at 101 Piver’s Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516. Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405; telephone: (843) 571–4366 or toll free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769–4520; email: kim.iverson@safmc.net. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The goal of the Workshop is to identify optimal approaches and associated costs for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 surveying the South Atlantic deep-water species complex. Survey goals are expected to include providing abundance information and biological samples to support stock assessments of deep water species. Workshop Agenda, Tuesday, April 7– Thursday, April 9, 2015 1. Identify focal species 2. Provide species details 3. Recommend survey gears 4. Recommend gear configurations 5. Recommend survey data to collect 6. Recommend a sampling universe 7. Provide survey design guidance 8. Compare and contrast survey platforms, including cooperative research opportunities 9. Provide cost estimates 10. Identify long-term and short-term needs and cooperative research opportunities Special Accommodations This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the SAFMC office (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 17, 2015. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06437 Filed 3–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD826 Marine Mammals; File No. 17967 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on and enhancement of Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) in captivity. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before April 22, 2015. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 55 / Monday, March 23, 2015 / Notices selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 17967 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available 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. 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. 17967 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Jennifer Skidmore, (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.), 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 222–226). The Minnesota Zoological Gardens (MZG) proposes to maintain up to eight non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals for research and enhancement purposes. This would include five female monk seals (currently being held at Sea World San Antonio) and any other captive or future non-releasable female monk seals taken under separate permit. The five seals currently at Sea World were collected from the wild for rehabilitation under an enhancement permit and deemed non-releasable due to an eye disease of unknown etiology; maintaining these seals in captivity would prevent the potential transmission of disease to the wild population. Proposed research on the captive seals includes the following: (1) Annually, blood samples and nasal swabs taken during routine health assessments will be analyzed for VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Mar 20, 2015 Jkt 235001 presence of West Nile virus, canine distemper virus, and phocine distemper virus in seals previously vaccinated; (2) various sedatives will be tested on the seals during routine health assessments to inform use in the wild population; and (3) seals may be used in research projects authorized under separate permits (e.g., vaccination testing, remotely administrating sedatives, new capture techniques). MZG proposes to maintain the seals for the duration of their lives and will continue public awareness on the status of the species through education and public observation of the seals. The permit is requested for the maximum 5-year period. 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: March 17, 2015. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06449 Filed 3–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD835 Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a conference call that is open to the public. To attend the GMT teleconference, participants need to dial the following toll-free phone number: (888) 283–0166; Passcode: 4432591. DATES: The GMT meeting will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015, from 1 p.m. until business for the day is completed. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via conference call with a listening SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 15191 station provided at the Pacific Council Office, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384; telephone: (503) 820–2280. Ms. Kelly Ames, Pacific Council; telephone: (503) 820–2426. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The primary purpose of the GMT working meeting is to prepare for the April 2015 Council meeting. Specific agenda topics include NOAA’s proposed revisions to National Standards 1, 3, and 7; a review of the latest West Coast Groundfish Observer Program data; inseason adjustments to groundfish fisheries including carryover for the shorebased individual fishing quota program; further consideration for flexible management of annual catch limit setasides; and comments on a Council Operating Procedure for methodology reviews. The GMT may also address other assignments relating to groundfish management. No management actions will be decided by the GMT. Public comment will be accommodated if time allows, at the discretion of the GMT Chair. The GMT’s task will be to develop recommendations for consideration by the Pacific Council at its April 10–16, 2015 meeting in Rohnert Park, CA. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt at (503) 820–2425 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: March 17, 2015. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06435 Filed 3–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\23MRN1.SGM 23MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15190-15191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06449]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD826


Marine Mammals; File No. 17967

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, has applied in due form 
for a permit to conduct research on and enhancement of Hawaiian monk 
seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) in captivity.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before April 22, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review by

[[Page 15191]]

selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the ``Features'' box 
on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, 
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 17967 from the 
list of available applications.
    These documents are also available 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.
    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. 17967 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Sloan or Jennifer Skidmore, (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.), 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 222-226).
    The Minnesota Zoological Gardens (MZG) proposes to maintain up to 
eight non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals for research and enhancement 
purposes. This would include five female monk seals (currently being 
held at Sea World San Antonio) and any other captive or future non-
releasable female monk seals taken under separate permit. The five 
seals currently at Sea World were collected from the wild for 
rehabilitation under an enhancement permit and deemed non-releasable 
due to an eye disease of unknown etiology; maintaining these seals in 
captivity would prevent the potential transmission of disease to the 
wild population. Proposed research on the captive seals includes the 
following: (1) Annually, blood samples and nasal swabs taken during 
routine health assessments will be analyzed for presence of West Nile 
virus, canine distemper virus, and phocine distemper virus in seals 
previously vaccinated; (2) various sedatives will be tested on the 
seals during routine health assessments to inform use in the wild 
population; and (3) seals may be used in research projects authorized 
under separate permits (e.g., vaccination testing, remotely 
administrating sedatives, new capture techniques). MZG proposes to 
maintain the seals for the duration of their lives and will continue 
public awareness on the status of the species through education and 
public observation of the seals. The permit is requested for the 
maximum 5-year period.
    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: March 17, 2015.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06449 Filed 3-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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