New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 53463-53464 [2016-19252]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 156 / Friday, August 12, 2016 / Notices the species is typically found shoreward of the 60 m isobath (Hammond et al. 2012), suggesting that the number of authorized takes is likely conservative as the species is unlikely to be encountered throughout the full survey area. The species’ wide distribution and apparent abundance suggest the number of authorized takes represents a small number of individuals relative to the species’ total abundance. Peale’s dolphin is a coastal species that is known to inhabit waters very near to shore, commonly within or shoreward of kelp beds, while in the waters of southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego they appear to prefer channels, fjords and deep bays (Goodall 2009). Their apparent habitat preference for waters very near to shore suggests that the number of authorized takes is likely very conservative as the species is unlikely to be encountered throughout much of the survey area. While no abundance estimate exists for the species, Peale’s dolphin is reportedly the most common cetacean found around the coast of the Falkland Islands and Chile (Brownell Jr. et al. 1999). The combination of the species’ apparent abundance and the species’ apparent preference for habitats that would not be surveyed by Lamont-Doherty suggests the number of authorized takes represents a small number of individuals relative to the species’ total abundance. The full distribution of the southern right whale dolphin is not known, but the species appears to be circumpolar and fairly common throughout its range. Survey data and stranding and fishery interaction data in northern Chile suggest that the species may be one of the most common cetaceans in the region (Van Waerebeek et al. 1991). The species’ apparent abundance and its broad distribution suggest the number of authorized takes represents a small number of individuals relative to the species’ total abundance. The pygmy right whale has a circumpolar distribution, between about 30° and 55°S, with records from southern South America as well as Africa, Australia and New Zealand (Kemper 2009). There are no estimates of abundance for the species, but judging by the number of strandings in Australia and New Zealand, it is likely to be reasonably common in that region (Kemper 2009), with aggregations of up to approximately 80 individuals reported (Matsuoka 1996). The species’ apparent abundance and its broad distribution suggest the number of authorized takes would represent a small number of individuals relative to the species’ total abundance. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:42 Aug 11, 2016 Jkt 238001 NMFS finds that the incidental take associated with Lamont-Doherty’s planned seismic survey would be limited to small numbers relative to the affected species or stocks. 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 survey area. Under section 7 of the ESA, NSF initiated formal consultation with the NMFS Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division on the planned seismic survey. We (the NMFS Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division) also consulted internally under section 7 of the ESA with the NMFS OPR Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division on the issuance of an Authorization under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA. In July, 2016, the NMFS OPR Endangered Species Act Interagency Cooperation Division issued a Biological Opinion with an Incidental Take Statement 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, sei, Southern right 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) NSF prepared an environmental analysis titled, ‘‘Environmental Analysis of a Marine Geophysical Survey by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, 2016/2017’’. NMFS independently evaluated the environmental analysis and prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) titled, ‘‘Proposed Issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization to LamontDoherty Earth Observatory to Take Marine Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, 2016/2017’’. NMFS and NSF provided relevant environmental information to the public through the Federal Register notice for the proposed IHA (81 FR 23117; April 19, 2016) and considered PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53463 public comments received prior to finalizing our EA and deciding whether or not to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). NMFS concluded that issuance of an IHA to Lamont-Doherty would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and prepared and issued a FONSI in accordance with NEPA and NOAA Administrative Order 216–6. NMFS’s EA and FONSI for this activity are available on our Web site at: https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental. Authorization NMFS has issued an Authorization to Lamont-Doherty for the potential harassment of small numbers of 44 marine mammal species incidental to conducting a seismic survey in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures. Dated: August 8, 2016. Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–19145 Filed 8–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE799 New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Monkfish Committee on Thursday, September 1, 2016 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This meeting will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. SUMMARY: ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Radisson Airport Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739–3000; fax: (401) 732–9309. E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1 53464 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 156 / Friday, August 12, 2016 / Notices Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Monkfish Committee will meet to receive a report on the 2016 operational assessment. The Committee will discuss the Scientific and Statistical Committee recommendations for Allowable Biological Catch (ABC) for FYs 2017–19, the potential range of alternatives for the specifications package, and priorities for 2017. There will be a closed session to review advisory panel applications. The Committee will discuss other business, as needed. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at 978–465–0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 9, 2016. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–19252 Filed 8–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE730 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Pacific Island Fisheries; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: NMFS announces a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review of the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:42 Aug 11, 2016 Jkt 238001 report ‘‘Stock Assessment of the Coral Reef Fishes of Hawaii, 2016.’’ The report contains single-species stock assessments for 28 species of reefassociated fish stocks around the main Hawaiian islands. A panel of three independent experts will review the stock assessment and report their findings. DATES: See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for meeting dates and times. The meeting will be held in Suite 1701, Finance Factors Building, 1164 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Dunlap, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office, (808) 725–5177 or matthew.dunlap@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting schedule and agenda are as follows (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. every day): ADDRESSES: Monday, August 29, 2016 • • • • • • Introductions Background information Objectives and Terms of Reference Fishery Operation Management Presentation of stock assessments (Nadon) • Presentation and review of stock assessments (Nadon and Panel) Wednesday, August 31, 2016 • Continue review of stock assessments (Nadon and Panel) Thursday, September 1, 2016 • Continue review of stock assessments • Public comment period • Panel discussion (closed) Friday, September 2, 2016 • Panel discussions (morning, closed) • Present results of review and recommendations (afternoon, open) • Adjourn The agenda order may change. The meeting will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. Although non-emergency issues that are not contained in this agenda may come up at the meeting for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during the meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice, and any issues arising after publication of this notice 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. Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Make direct requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids to Matt Dunlap, (808) 725–5177 or matthew.dunlap@ noaa.gov, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 9, 2016. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–19253 Filed 8–11–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE798 New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Groundfish Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01950; phone: (978) 777–2500; fax: (978) 750–7911. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Tuesday, August 30, 2016 PO 00000 Special Accommodations Agenda The Advisory Panel will review the draft alternatives for Framework Adjustment 56 (specifications and management measures) and make recommendations to the Groundfish Committee. They will discuss and summarize recent market and fishery information regarding groundfish stocks—focusing on those with assessments this year (i.e., Eastern E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 156 (Friday, August 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53463-53464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19252]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE799


New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice; public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is 
scheduling a joint public meeting of its Monkfish Committee on 
Thursday, September 1, 2016 to consider actions affecting New England 
fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from 
this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration 
and action, if appropriate.

DATES: This meeting will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 9:30 
a.m.

ADDRESSES: 
    Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Radisson Airport 
Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000; 
fax: (401) 732-9309.

[[Page 53464]]

    Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water 
Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, 
New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Monkfish Committee will meet to receive 
a report on the 2016 operational assessment. The Committee will discuss 
the Scientific and Statistical Committee recommendations for Allowable 
Biological Catch (ABC) for FYs 2017-19, the potential range of 
alternatives for the specifications package, and priorities for 2017. 
There will be a closed session to review advisory panel applications. 
The Committee will discuss other business, as needed.
    Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come 
before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject 
of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to 
those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising 
after publication of this notice that require emergency action under 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has 
been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address 
the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. 
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids 
should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at 978-465-
0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: August 9, 2016.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-19252 Filed 8-11-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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