Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 27659-27660 [2015-11601]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 93 / Thursday, May 14, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Many animals perform vital functions, such as feeding, resting, traveling, and socializing, on a diel cycle (i.e., 24 hour cycle). Behavioral reactions to noise exposure (such as disruption of critical life functions, displacement, or avoidance of important habitat) are more likely to be significant if they last more than one diel cycle or recur on subsequent days (Southall et al., 2007). While NMFS anticipates that the seismic operations would occur on consecutive days, the estimated duration of the survey would last no more than 30 days but would increase sound levels in the marine environment in a relatively small area surrounding the vessel (compared to the range of the animals), which is constantly travelling over distances, and some animals may only be exposed to and harassed by sound for less than a day. In summary, NMFS expects marine mammals to avoid the survey area, thereby reducing the risk of higher exposure and related impacts. We do not anticipate disruption to reproductive behavior and there is no anticipated effect on annual rates of recruitment or survival of affected marine mammals. Due to the nature, degree, instances, and context of Level B (behavioral) harassment anticipated and described (see ‘‘Potential Effects on Marine Mammals’’ section in this notice), NMFS does not expect the activity to impact annual rates of recruitment or survival for any affected species or stock. The seismic survey would not take place in areas of significance for marine mammal feeding, resting, breeding, or calving and would not adversely impact marine mammal habitat, including the identified habitats for coastal bottlenose dolphins and their calves. Based on the analysis herein of the likely effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat, and taking into consideration the implementation of the proposed monitoring and mitigation measures, NMFS finds that Lamont-Doherty’s proposed seismic survey would have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks. Small Numbers As mentioned previously, NMFS estimates that Lamont-Doherty’s activities could potentially affect, by Level B harassment only, 32 species of marine mammals under our jurisdiction. For each species, these take estimates are small numbers relative to the population sizes: Less than 19 percent of the regional populations estimates of Atlantic spotted dolphins, less than 17 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 May 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 percent of Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins; and under 2 percent for all other species and stocks. We have provided the regional population and take estimates for the marine mammal species that may be taken by Level B harassment in Tables 2 and Table 5 in this notice. Impact on Availability of Affected Species or Stock for Taking for Subsistence Uses There are no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals implicated by this action. Endangered Species Act (ESA) There are six marine mammal species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act that may occur in the proposed survey area: The blue, fin, humpback, North Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales. Under section 7 of the ESA, the NSF has initiated formal consultation with NMFS on the proposed seismic survey. NMFS (i.e., National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division) has also consulted internally with NMFS on the issuance of an Authorization under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA. In May, 2015, the Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division issued a Biological Opinion with an ITS to us and to the NSF which concluded that the issuance of the Authorization and the conduct of the seismic survey were not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of blue, fin, humpback, North Atlantic right, sei, and sperm whales. The Biological Opinion also concluded that the issuance of the Authorization and the conduct of the seismic survey would not affect designated critical habitat for these species. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The NSF has prepared a draft amended EA titled, ‘‘Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical Survey by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth in the Atlantic Ocean off New Jersey, summer 2015,’’ prepared by LGL, Ltd. environmental research associates, on behalf of the NSF and Lamont-Doherty. We have also prepared an EA titled, ‘‘Proposed Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory to Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, June–August, 2015,’’ and FONSI in accordance with NEPA and NOAA Administrative Order 216–6. We provided relevant environmental PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27659 information to the public through our notice of proposed Authorization (80 FR 13961, March 17, 2015) and considered public comments received prior to finalizing our EA and deciding whether or not to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). We concluded that issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and have issued a FONSI. Because of this finding, it is not necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement for the issuance of an Authorization to Lamont-Doherty for this activity. Our EA and FONSI for this activity are available upon request (see ADDRESSES). Authorization We have issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization to LamontDoherty for the take of marine mammals, incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey in the Atlantic Ocean, June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015. Dated: May 8, 2015. Perry F. Gayaldo, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–11589 Filed 5–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: Fishery Capacity Reduction Program Buyback Requests. OMB Control Number: 0648–0376. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular (extension of a currently approved information collection). Number of Respondents: 935. Average Hours per Response: Implementation plan, 6,634 hours; referenda votes, bids, seller/buyer reports and annual fee collection reports, 4 hours each; completion of fish ticket, 10 minutes; monthly fee collection report, 2 hours; advising holder/owner of conflict with accepted bidders’ representations, 1 hour; potentially 270 hours-state approval/ review of plans. E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1 27660 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 93 / Thursday, May 14, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Burden Hours: 15,579. Needs and Uses: This request is for an extension of a current information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) established programs to reduce excess fishing capacity by paying fishermen to surrender their vessels/ permits. These fishing capacity reduction programs, or buybacks, are conducted pursuant to the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the MagnusonStevens Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 109–479). The buybacks can be funded by a Federal loan to the industry or by direct Federal or other funding. Buyback regulations are at 50 CFR part 600. The information collected by NMFS involves the submission of buyback requests by industry, submission of bids, referenda of fishery participants and reporting of collection of fees to repay buyback loans. For buybacks involving State-managed fisheries, the State may be involved in developing the buyback plan and complying with other information requirements. NMFS requests information from participating buyback participants to track VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 May 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 repayments of the loans as well as ensure accurate management and monitoring of the loans. The fees recordkeeping and reporting requirements at 50 CFR parts 600.1013 through 600.1017 form the basis for the collection of information. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; individuals or households; and state, local, or tribal government. Frequency: Annually, monthly and on occasion. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits. This information collection request may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. Dated: May 8, 2015. Sarah Brabson, NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–11601 Filed 5–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Transmittal Nos. 15–16] 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104–164 dated July 21, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. B. English, DSCA/DBO/CFM, (703) 601– 3740. The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Transmittals 15–16 with attached transmittal, policy justification, and Sensitivity of Technology. SUMMARY: Dated: May 8, 2015. Aaron Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 93 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27659-27660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11601]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of 
information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35).
    Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
    Title: Fishery Capacity Reduction Program Buyback Requests.
    OMB Control Number: 0648-0376.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Request: Regular (extension of a currently approved 
information collection).
    Number of Respondents: 935.
    Average Hours per Response: Implementation plan, 6,634 hours; 
referenda votes, bids, seller/buyer reports and annual fee collection 
reports, 4 hours each; completion of fish ticket, 10 minutes; monthly 
fee collection report, 2 hours; advising holder/owner of conflict with 
accepted bidders' representations, 1 hour; potentially 270 hours-state 
approval/review of plans.

[[Page 27660]]

    Burden Hours: 15,579.
    Needs and Uses: This request is for an extension of a current 
information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
established programs to reduce excess fishing capacity by paying 
fishermen to surrender their vessels/permits. These fishing capacity 
reduction programs, or buybacks, are conducted pursuant to the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the 
Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 109-479). The buybacks 
can be funded by a Federal loan to the industry or by direct Federal or 
other funding. Buyback regulations are at 50 CFR part 600.
    The information collected by NMFS involves the submission of 
buyback requests by industry, submission of bids, referenda of fishery 
participants and reporting of collection of fees to repay buyback 
loans. For buybacks involving State-managed fisheries, the State may be 
involved in developing the buyback plan and complying with other 
information requirements. NMFS requests information from participating 
buyback participants to track repayments of the loans as well as ensure 
accurate management and monitoring of the loans. The fees recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements at 50 CFR parts 600.1013 through 600.1017 
form the basis for the collection of information.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; 
individuals or households; and state, local, or tribal government.
    Frequency: Annually, monthly and on occasion.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits.
    This information collection request may be viewed at reginfo.gov. 
Follow the instructions to view Department of Commerce collections 
currently under review by OMB.
    Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information 
collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice 
to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395-5806.

    Dated: May 8, 2015.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-11601 Filed 5-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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