Pacific Whiting; Advisory Panel; Joint Management Committee, 32363-32364 [2015-13894]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 109 / Monday, June 8, 2015 / Notices species apart from those that were considered in the consultation on FTA’s action. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) and analyzed the potential impacts to marine mammals that would result from WSDOT’s Vashon Seismic Retrofit Project. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed in May 2015. A copy of the EA and FONSI is available upon request (see ADDRESSES). Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to WSDOT for the potential harassment of small numbers of nine marine mammal species incidental to the Vashon Seismic Retrofit Project in Washington State, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. Dated: June 2, 2015. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13890 Filed 6–5–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–BE51 Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Navy Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Training Activities in Virginia and North Carolina National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of issuance of a Letter of Authorization. AGENCY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the U.S. Navy (NAVY) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) training activities conducted in nearshore waters at the Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little CreekFort Story in Virginia and at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, from June 2, 2015 through June 1, 2020. DATES: Effective from June 2, 2015, through June 1, 2020. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:09 Jun 05, 2015 Jkt 235001 The LOA and supporting documentation may be obtained by writing to Jolie Harrison, Supervisor, Incidental Take Program, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, calling the contact listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, or 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 above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shane Guan, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Background Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) 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 specified geographical region if certain findings are made and regulations are issued. Under the MMPA, the term ‘‘take’’ means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill or to attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. Authorization for incidental takings may 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 certain subsistence uses, and that the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking 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.’’ The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA) (Public Law 108– 136) removed the ‘‘small numbers’’ and ‘‘specified geographical region’’ limitations and amended the definition of ‘‘harassment’’ as it applies to a ‘‘military readiness activity’’ to read as follows (Section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): ‘‘(i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32363 of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].’’ Because the Navy’s activities constitute military readiness activities, they are not subject to the small numbers or specified geographic region limitations. Regulations governing the take of five species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to the JLOTS training activities were effective on June 2, 2015. These regulations are effective from June 2, 2015, through June 1, 2020. The species which are authorized for taking by Level B harassment are: Bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins. For detailed information on this action, please refer to the final rule published on June 2, 2015. These regulations include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities. This LOA is effective from June 2, 2015, through June 1, 2020, and authorizes the incidental take of the five marine mammal species listed above that may result from launches, aircraft and helicopter operations, and harbor activities related to vehicles from VAFB, California. Dated: June 2, 2015. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13891 Filed 6–5–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD970 Pacific Whiting; Advisory Panel; Joint Management Committee National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; call for nominations. AGENCY: NMFS is soliciting nominations for appointments to the United States Advisory Panel (AP) and the Joint Management Committee (JMC) established in the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting (Pacific Whiting Treaty). Nominations are being sought to fill six positions on the AP beginning on September 16, 2015, and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.SGM 08JNN1 32364 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 109 / Monday, June 8, 2015 / Notices Nominations must be received by July 30, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations by any of the following methods: Email: whiting.nominations.wcr@ noaa.gov. Fax: 206–526–6736, Attn: Frank Lockhart. Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115–0070. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Lockhart, (206) 526–6142 or Miako Ushio, (206) 526–4644 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and these meetings will be held in the United States or Canada. AP and JMC members will need a valid U.S. passport. The Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 also states that while performing their appointed duties, members ‘‘other than officers or employees of the United States Government, shall not be considered to be Federal employees while performing such service, except for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.’’ (Id.) Information on the Pacific Whiting Treaty, including current committee members can be found at: www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ fisheries/management/whiting/pacific_ whiting_treaty.html. Background Nominations Pacific Whiting Treaty Committees Nomination packages for appointments should include: (1) The name of the applicant or nominee, position they are being nominated for and a description of his/ her interest in Pacific whiting; and (2) A statement of background and/or description of how the following qualifications are met. one position on the JMC starting November 1, 2015. Terms are 4 years, and appointees will be eligible for reappointment at the expiration of the terms. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: The Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 (Pacific Whiting Act) (16 U.S.C. 7001– 10) implements the 2003 Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting. Among other provisions, the Pacific Whiting Act provides for the establishment of a JMC and AP. The JMC reviews the advice of two scientific bodies and the AP, and recommends to the Parties the coastwide total allowable catch of Pacific whiting each year. Four individuals represent the United States on the JMC; one official from NOAA, one member of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, one representative of the treaty Indian tribes with treaty fishing rights to Pacific whiting, and one representative from the commercial fishing sector. NMFS is soliciting nominations for the representative of the commercial sector of the whiting fishing industry concerned with the offshore whiting resource (16 U.S.C. 7001(a)(1)(D)) through this notice. The AP advises the JMC on bilateral Pacific whiting management issues. Eight individuals represent the United States on the AP, and nominations for six of those individuals (id. at section 7005) are solicited through this notice. Members appointed to the U.S. sections of the AP and JMC will be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of Title 5. (Id. at section 7008). NMFS anticipates that 1–2 meetings of the AP and of the JMC will be held annually, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:09 Jun 05, 2015 Jkt 235001 Advisory Panel Qualifications AP member nominees must be knowledgeable or experienced in the harvesting, processing, marketing, management, conservation, or research of the offshore Pacific whiting resource; and must not be employees of the United States government. Joint Management Committee Qualifications The JMC nominee must be from the commercial sector of the Pacific whiting fishing industry concerned with the offshore Pacific whiting resource, and must be knowledgeable or experienced concerning the offshore whiting resource. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq. Dated: June 3, 2015. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13894 Filed 6–5–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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: Marine Debris Program Performance Progress Report. OMB Control Number: 0648–xxxx. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular (request for a new information collection). Number of Respondents: 70. Average Hours per Response: 10 hours per semi-annual report. Burden Hours: 1,400 hours. Needs and Uses: The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) supports national and international efforts to research, prevent, and reduce the impacts of marine debris. The MDP is a centralized office within NOAA that coordinates and supports activities, both within the bureau and with other federal agencies, that address marine debris and its impacts. In addition to inter-agency coordination, the MDP uses partnerships with state and local agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry to investigate and solve the problems that stem from marine debris through research, prevention, and reduction activities, in order to protect and conserve our nation’s marine environment and ensure navigation safety. The Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.) as amended by the Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–213, Title VI, Sec. 603, 126 Stat. 1576, December 20, 2012) outlines three central program components for the MDP to undertake: (1) Mapping, identification, impact assessment, removal, and prevention; (2) reducing and preventing fishing gear loss; and (3) outreach to stakeholders and the general public. To address these components, the Marine Debris Act authorized the MDP to establish several competitive grant programs on marine debris research, prevention and removal that provide federal funding to non-federal applicants throughout the coastal United States and territories. The terms and conditions of the financial assistance awarded through E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.SGM 08JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 109 (Monday, June 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32363-32364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13894]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD970


Pacific Whiting; Advisory Panel; Joint Management Committee

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

ACTION: Notice; call for nominations.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is soliciting nominations for appointments to the United 
States Advisory Panel (AP) and the Joint Management Committee (JMC) 
established in the Agreement between the Government of the United 
States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting 
(Pacific Whiting Treaty). Nominations are being sought to fill six 
positions on the AP beginning on September 16, 2015, and

[[Page 32364]]

one position on the JMC starting November 1, 2015. Terms are 4 years, 
and appointees will be eligible for reappointment at the expiration of 
the terms.

DATES: Nominations must be received by July 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations by any of the following methods:
    Email: whiting.nominations.wcr@noaa.gov.
    Fax: 206-526-6736, Attn: Frank Lockhart.
    Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, West Coast 
Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Lockhart, (206) 526-6142 or 
Miako Ushio, (206) 526-4644

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Pacific Whiting Treaty Committees

    The Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 (Pacific Whiting Act) (16 U.S.C. 
7001-10) implements the 2003 Agreement between the Government of the 
United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/
Whiting. Among other provisions, the Pacific Whiting Act provides for 
the establishment of a JMC and AP.
    The JMC reviews the advice of two scientific bodies and the AP, and 
recommends to the Parties the coast-wide total allowable catch of 
Pacific whiting each year. Four individuals represent the United States 
on the JMC; one official from NOAA, one member of the Pacific Fishery 
Management Council, one representative of the treaty Indian tribes with 
treaty fishing rights to Pacific whiting, and one representative from 
the commercial fishing sector. NMFS is soliciting nominations for the 
representative of the commercial sector of the whiting fishing industry 
concerned with the offshore whiting resource (16 U.S.C. 7001(a)(1)(D)) 
through this notice.
    The AP advises the JMC on bilateral Pacific whiting management 
issues. Eight individuals represent the United States on the AP, and 
nominations for six of those individuals (id. at section 7005) are 
solicited through this notice.
    Members appointed to the U.S. sections of the AP and JMC will be 
reimbursed for necessary travel expenses in accordance with Federal 
Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 
of Title 5. (Id. at section 7008). NMFS anticipates that 1-2 meetings 
of the AP and of the JMC will be held annually, and these meetings will 
be held in the United States or Canada. AP and JMC members will need a 
valid U.S. passport.
    The Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 also states that while performing 
their appointed duties, members ``other than officers or employees of 
the United States Government, shall not be considered to be Federal 
employees while performing such service, except for purposes of injury 
compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of 
title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.'' (Id.)
    Information on the Pacific Whiting Treaty, including current 
committee members can be found at: www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/whiting/pacific_whiting_treaty.html.

Nominations

    Nomination packages for appointments should include:
    (1) The name of the applicant or nominee, position they are being 
nominated for and a description of his/her interest in Pacific whiting; 
and
    (2) A statement of background and/or description of how the 
following qualifications are met.

Advisory Panel Qualifications

    AP member nominees must be knowledgeable or experienced in the 
harvesting, processing, marketing, management, conservation, or 
research of the offshore Pacific whiting resource; and must not be 
employees of the United States government.

Joint Management Committee Qualifications

    The JMC nominee must be from the commercial sector of the Pacific 
whiting fishing industry concerned with the offshore Pacific whiting 
resource, and must be knowledgeable or experienced concerning the 
offshore whiting resource.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.

    Dated: June 3, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13894 Filed 6-5-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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