Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Initiation of a 5-Year Review and Notice of Intent To Update the Recovery Plan for the U.S. Distinct Population Segment of Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata), 3781-3782 [2016-01239]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 14 / Friday, January 22, 2016 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B–2–2016] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Notification of Proposed Production Activity; GE Generators (Pensacola) L.L.C.; Subzone 249A (Wind Turbine Nacelles and Hubs); Pensacola, Florida GE Generators (Pensacola) L.L.C. (GE Generators), operator of Subzone 249A, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board, for its facility located in Pensacola, Florida. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on January 8, 2016. GE Generators already has authority to produce wind turbines and related blades within Subzone 249A. The current request would add finished products (nacelle assemblies and hubs) and foreign-status components to the scope of authority. Pursuant to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status components and specific finished products described in the submitted notification (as described below) and subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt GE Generators from customs duty payments on the foreign status components used in export production. On its domestic sales, GE Generators would be able to choose the duty rates during customs entry procedures that apply to nacelle assemblies and hubs (duty rates—free, 2.5%) for the foreign-status inputs noted below and in the existing scope of authority. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment. The components sourced from abroad include: Pitch bearings; hub castings; pitch cabinets; pitch drives; gearboxes; main shafts; yaw drives; bed plates; yaw bearings; top boxes; main bearings; pillow blocks; generator frames; flex couplings; gearbox coolers; gearbox isolation pedestals; pillow block housing covers; generator frames and legs; blade root spacers; and, elastomeric gearbox mounts (duty rate ranges from free to 5.8%). Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the FTZ Board’s Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is March 2, 2016. A copy of the notification will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 Jan 21, 2016 Jkt 238001 21013, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230–0002, and in the ‘‘Reading Room’’ section of the FTZ Board’s Web site, which is accessible via www.trade.gov/ftz. For further information, contact Pierre Duy at Pierre.Duy@trade.gov or (202) 482–1378. Dated: January 15, 2016. Andrew McGilvray, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–01294 Filed 1–21–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE388 Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Initiation of a 5-Year Review and Notice of Intent To Update the Recovery Plan for the U.S. Distinct Population Segment of Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of initiation of a 5-year review and notice of intent to update a recovery plan; request for information. AGENCY: We, NMFS, announce the initiation of a 5-year review for the U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish (hereafter referred to as ‘smalltooth sawfish’), and our intent to update the smalltooth sawfish recovery plan. A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. Recovery plans are guides to rebuild and assure the long-term viability of protected species in the wild. Each document is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review/ update. Therefore, we are requesting submission of any information on the status of smalltooth sawfish that has become available since the previous iterations of these documents in 2010 and 2009 respectively. DATES: Information regarding the status of smalltooth sawfish must be received by March 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit information by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3781 #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20160005, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written information to the Protected Resources Division, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701. 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.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. We will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous), although submitting comments anonymously will prevent us from contacting you if we have difficulty retrieving your submission. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Brame, Protected Resources Division, 727–209–5958. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended, requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every five years. The regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing those species currently under active review. This notice announces our active review of the smalltooth sawfish. Section 4(f) of the ESA requires NMFS to develop and implement recovery plans for the conservation and survival of federally-listed species. Section 4(f) also requires that a public notice and opportunity to review and comment be provided during recovery plan development. Recovery means that listed species and their ecosystems are restored, and their future secured, so that the protections of the ESA are no longer necessary. The ESA specifies that recovery plans must include: (1) A description of management actions necessary to achieve the plan’s goals for E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1 3782 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 14 / Friday, January 22, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES the conservation and survival of the species; (2) objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in the species being removed from the list; and (3) estimates of the time and costs required to achieve the plan’s goal and the intermediate steps towards that goal. The U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) was listed as endangered under the ESA on April 1, 2003 (68 FR 15680) subsequent to a 1999 listing petition from The Ocean Conservancy. Smalltooth sawfish were once prevalent throughout Florida and were encountered from Texas to North Carolina. Currently, smalltooth sawfish can only be found with any regularity in south Florida between the Caloosahatchee River and the Florida Keys. The smalltooth sawfish recovery team prepared a recovery plan in 2009. Then in 2010, NMFS completed the first 5-year review for the species. NMFS will consider all substantive comments and information presented during the public comment period in the course of drafting each of these documents. Public Solicitation of New Information To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new information from the public, governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any other interested parties concerning the status of smalltooth sawfish in U.S. waters. Categories of requested information include: (1) Species biology including, but not limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; (2) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability; (3) conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species; (4) status and trends of threats; and (5) other new information, data, or corrections. Any new information will be considered during the 5-year review and will also be incorporated, as appropriate, into the recovery plan update. In regards to the recovery plan, we are soliciting relevant information related to smalltooth sawfish and their habitats, including: (1) Criteria for removing smalltooth sawfish from the list of threatened and endangered species; (2) human activities that contribute to the ESA listing factors (section 4(a)(1)(A)– (E)); (3) strategies and/or actions necessary to recover smalltooth sawfish; (4) critical knowledge gaps and/or uncertainties that need to be resolved to better inform recovery efforts; and (5) VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 Jan 21, 2016 Jkt 238001 research, monitoring and evaluation needs to address knowledge gaps and uncertainties, to assess the species’ status, or to evaluate progress in addressing the ESA listing factors relative to recovery goals. Upon completion, the updated recovery plan will be available for public review and comment through the publication of a Federal Register Notice. Dated: January 19, 2016. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. The objective of the survey will be to understand divers’ and snorkelers’ expenditures associated with recreational coral reef diving activities in South Florida. The survey will also collect information on divers’ attitudes, preferences, and concerns about recreational diving and coral reefs health in South Florida. We are conducting this survey to improve our understanding of divers’ expenditure patterns and to estimate the economic impact of coral reef related spending. Results of the survey will be used to inform coastal resource management planning and establish a baseline for outreach and education. The expenditure survey is also expected to provide useful information for local economic and business interests. [FR Doc. 2016–01239 Filed 1–21–16; 8:45 am] II. Method of Collection BILLING CODE 3510–22–P The survey will be conducted using two modes: Mail and Internet. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE III. Data National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OMB Control Number: 0648–XXXX. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission (request for a new information collection). Affected Public: Individual recreational divers and snorkelers. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,500. Estimated Time per Response: 20 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 500. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs. Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Impacts of Diving and Snorkeling Expenditures in Southern Florida National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before March 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Kristy Wallmo, 301–427– 8190 or kristy.wallmo@noaa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for a new collection of information. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (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. E:\FR\FM\22JAN1.SGM 22JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 14 (Friday, January 22, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3781-3782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01239]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE388


Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Initiation of a 5-
Year Review and Notice of Intent To Update the Recovery Plan for the 
U.S. Distinct Population Segment of Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis 
pectinata)

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

ACTION: Notice of initiation of a 5-year review and notice of intent to 
update a recovery plan; request for information.

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

SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce the initiation of a 5-year review for the 
U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish (hereafter 
referred to as `smalltooth sawfish'), and our intent to update the 
smalltooth sawfish recovery plan. A 5-year review is a periodic process 
conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is 
accurate. Recovery plans are guides to rebuild and assure the long-term 
viability of protected species in the wild. Each document is based on 
the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the 
review/update. Therefore, we are requesting submission of any 
information on the status of smalltooth sawfish that has become 
available since the previous iterations of these documents in 2010 and 
2009 respectively.

DATES: Information regarding the status of smalltooth sawfish must be 
received by March 22, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit information by either of the following 
methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments via 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0005, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, 
complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written information to the Protected 
Resources Division, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue 
South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.
    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.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. We will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous), although submitting comments anonymously will prevent us 
from contacting you if we have difficulty retrieving your submission. 
Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, 
Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Brame, Protected Resources 
Division, 727-209-5958.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as 
amended, requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least 
once every five years. The regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we 
publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing those species 
currently under active review. This notice announces our active review 
of the smalltooth sawfish.
    Section 4(f) of the ESA requires NMFS to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of federally-listed 
species. Section 4(f) also requires that a public notice and 
opportunity to review and comment be provided during recovery plan 
development.
    Recovery means that listed species and their ecosystems are 
restored, and their future secured, so that the protections of the ESA 
are no longer necessary. The ESA specifies that recovery plans must 
include: (1) A description of management actions necessary to achieve 
the plan's goals for

[[Page 3782]]

the conservation and survival of the species; (2) objective, measurable 
criteria which, when met, would result in the species being removed 
from the list; and (3) estimates of the time and costs required to 
achieve the plan's goal and the intermediate steps towards that goal.
    The U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) was listed 
as endangered under the ESA on April 1, 2003 (68 FR 15680) subsequent 
to a 1999 listing petition from The Ocean Conservancy. Smalltooth 
sawfish were once prevalent throughout Florida and were encountered 
from Texas to North Carolina. Currently, smalltooth sawfish can only be 
found with any regularity in south Florida between the Caloosahatchee 
River and the Florida Keys. The smalltooth sawfish recovery team 
prepared a recovery plan in 2009. Then in 2010, NMFS completed the 
first 5-year review for the species. NMFS will consider all substantive 
comments and information presented during the public comment period in 
the course of drafting each of these documents.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best 
available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new 
information from the public, governmental agencies, Tribes, the 
scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any other 
interested parties concerning the status of smalltooth sawfish in U.S. 
waters. Categories of requested information include: (1) Species 
biology including, but not limited to, population trends, distribution, 
abundance, demographics, and genetics; (2) habitat conditions 
including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability; 
(3) conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the 
species; (4) status and trends of threats; and (5) other new 
information, data, or corrections. Any new information will be 
considered during the 5-year review and will also be incorporated, as 
appropriate, into the recovery plan update.
    In regards to the recovery plan, we are soliciting relevant 
information related to smalltooth sawfish and their habitats, 
including: (1) Criteria for removing smalltooth sawfish from the list 
of threatened and endangered species; (2) human activities that 
contribute to the ESA listing factors (section 4(a)(1)(A)-(E)); (3) 
strategies and/or actions necessary to recover smalltooth sawfish; (4) 
critical knowledge gaps and/or uncertainties that need to be resolved 
to better inform recovery efforts; and (5) research, monitoring and 
evaluation needs to address knowledge gaps and uncertainties, to assess 
the species' status, or to evaluate progress in addressing the ESA 
listing factors relative to recovery goals. Upon completion, the 
updated recovery plan will be available for public review and comment 
through the publication of a Federal Register Notice.

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: January 19, 2016.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-01239 Filed 1-21-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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