Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15543-06, 15488-01, 15537-02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638, 20283, 59982-59983 [2016-20941]
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59982
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices
Average Hours per Response: 0.67.
Burden Hours: 42,700.
Needs and Uses: The SIPP is a
household-based survey designed as
continuous series of national panels.
The SIPP represents a source of
information for a wide variety of topics
and allows the integration of
information for separate topics to form
a single, unified database allowing for
the examination of the interaction
between tax, transfer, and other
government and private policies.
Government domestic policy
formulators depend heavily upon SIPP
information concerning the distribution
of income received either directly as
money or indirectly as in-kind benefits
and the effect of tax and transfer
programs on that distribution. They also
need improved and expanded data on
the income and general economic and
financial situation of the U.S.
population, which the SIPP has
provided on a continuing basis since
1983. The SIPP has measured levels of
economic well-being and permitted
measurement of changes in these levels
over time.
The 2014 SIPP interview includes a
portion conducted using an Event
History Calendar (EHC) that facilitates
the collection of dates of events and
spells of coverage. The EHC assists the
respondent’s ability to recall events
accurately over the one year reference
period and provides increased data
quality and inter-topic consistency for
dates reported by respondents. The EHC
is intended to help respondents recall
information in a more natural
‘‘autobiographical’’ manner by using life
events as triggers to recall other
economic events. The EHC was
previously used in the 2010–2013 SIPP–
EHC field tests in addition to 2014 Panel
Waves 1 and 2. The 2014 Panel SIPP
design does not contain freestanding
topical modules; however, a portion of
traditional SIPP topical module content
is integrated into the 2014 SIPP Panel
interview. Examples of this content
include questions on medical expenses,
child care, retirement and pension plan
coverage, marital history, adult and
child well-being, and others.
Affected Public: Respondents,
researchers, policymakers.
Frequency: The 2014 SIPP Panel is an
annual survey that runs for four years
consecutively.
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 13, United
States Code, Sections 141 and 182.
This information collection request
may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov.
Follow the instructions to view
Department of Commerce collections
currently under review by OMB.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
21:59 Aug 30, 2016
Jkt 238001
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: August 25, 2016.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016–20902 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–07–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RINS 0648–XZ51, 0648–XA524, 0648–XA756,
0648–XD824, 0648–XE041, 0648–XE580,
0648–XE599, and 0648–XE622
Marine Mammals and Endangered
Species; File Nos. 15543–06, 15488–01,
15537–02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638,
20283
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and
amendments.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
permits or permit amendments have
been issued to the following entities:
Permit No. 15543–06: Randy Wells,
Ph.D., Sarasota Dolphin Research
Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory,
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota,
FL 34236;
Permit No. 15488–01: Georgia
Department of Natural Resources
(GADNR), Wildlife Resources Division,
2070 U.S. Hwy 278 SE., Social Circle,
GA 30025 (Dan Forster, Responsible
Party);
Permit No. 15537–02: Institute for
Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), P.O.
Box 207, Gulfport, MS 39502 (Moby
Solangi, Ph.D., Responsible Party);
Permit No. 18890: Alaska Department
of Fish and Game (ADFG), 1255 West
8th Street, Juneau, Alaska, 99811–5526
(Robert Small, Ph.D., Responsible
Party);
Permit No. 19091: NMFS Southwest
Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), 8901
La Jolla Shore Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037,
[Lisa Ballance, Ph.D., Responsible
Party];
Permit No. 19116: Brandon Southall,
Ph.D., Southall Environmental Services
Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos,
CA 95003;
Permit No. 19638: Paul Ponganis,
Ph.D., University of California at San
Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093; and
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Permit No. 20283: Demian Chapman,
Ph.D., School of Marine and
Atmospheric Science, Stony Brook
University, Stony Brook, NY 11794.
ADDRESSES: The permits and related
documents are available for review
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Skidmore (Permit Nos. 15537–
02, 20283), Amy Sloan (Permit Nos.
15537–02, 15543–06, 18890, 19638),
Carrie Hubard (Permit No. 15488–01),
Amy Hapeman (Permit No. 19091), and
Sara Young (Permit Nos. 19116 and
19638), (301) 427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices
were published in the Federal Register
that requests for a permit had been
submitted by the above-named
applicants, as applicable. The requested
permits have been issued under the
following authorities, as applicable: The
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972,
as amended (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.), and the regulations governing
the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR parts 222–226).
Permit No. 15543 (Dr. Wells) was
issued on May 26, 2011 (76 FR 32144,
June 3, 2011), authorizing research on
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
truncatus) in Florida including photoidentification, behavioral studies,
remote biopsy sampling, and captures
for health assessments. The purpose of
the research is to study population
structure and dynamics, life history,
social structure, genetic structure,
health and physiology, and human
interactions including assessments of oil
spill impacts. The permit was amended
on four occasions to add minor changes
to protocols, and on one occasion via a
major amendment (80 FR 23258, April
27, 2015) to expand the study area to
include Alabama and Louisiana, and to
add studies on Atlantic spotted
dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The issued
minor amendment (No. 15543–06)
extends the duration of the permit
through June 1, 2017, and adds the use
of an alternative stable isotope and
administration technique for physiology
studies, but otherwise does not change
any other terms or conditions of the
permit.
Permit No. 15488 (GADNR) issued on
June 24, 2011 (75 FR 75458, December
E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM
31AUN1
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices
3, 2010), authorizes research on North
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena
glacialis) off the coast of Georgia,
Florida, and South Carolina. Activities
include aerial surveys, vessel surveys,
photo-identification, biopsy sampling,
and behavioral observations. The
purpose of the research is to monitor
population status, demographics,
habitat and anthropogenic impacts. The
issued minor amendment (No. 15488–
01) extends the duration of the permit
through June 30, 2017, but does not
change any other terms or conditions of
the permit.
Permit No. 15537 (IMMS) was issued
on October 5, 2011 (76 FR 63286,
October 12, 2011), authorizing the
acquisition of up to eight stranded,
releasable California sea lions (Zalophus
californianus) from the NMFS Marine
Mammal Health and Stranding
Response Program for the purposes of
public display. Permit No. 15537 was
amended on May 2, 2016 (81 FR 33217,
May 25, 2016), in response to a Courtordered remand of the permit to NMFS
for reconsideration. IMMS v. NMFS, No.
1:11CV318–LG–JMR (S.D.Miss. 2014).
Permit Condition B.3 was removed,
Permit Condition B.2 was amended and
the permit was extended for one year.
The issued permit amendment (No.
15537–02) further extends the duration
of permit through December 31, 2018,
but does not change any other terms or
conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 18890 (ADF&G; 80 FR
15992, March 26, 2015) authorizes
research on beluga (Delphinapterus
leucas), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus),
gray, and humpback whales in Alaska
including photo-identification, biopsy
sampling, and tagging (large whales and
belugas) and aerial surveys and captures
for health assessments (belugas,
excluding the Cook Inlet Distinct
Population Segment). Research studies
include population abundance (beluga),
stock structure (bowhead, gray,
humpback, and beluga), feeding areas
and other important habitats (all
species), migration routes (all species),
behavior relative to human disturbance
(all species), and to genetically identify
individuals in order to determine
survival and calving intervals (belugas).
Ice seals may be incidentally captured
or harassed during research. Biological
samples may be imported or exported
for analysis. The permit is valid for five
years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 19091 (SWFSC; 80 FR
45196, July 29, 2015) authorizes
research on over 55 species of marine
mammals and five species of sea turtles
in all oceans of the world, with special
focus on the eastern Pacific Ocean. The
purpose of this research is to determine
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21:59 Aug 30, 2016
Jkt 238001
the abundance, distribution, movement
patterns, dive behavior, demography
and stock structure, and to monitor
trends in recruitment of pinnipeds,
cetaceans, and sea turtles in U.S.
territorial and international waters.
Researchers may conduct ground,
vessel, and aerial surveys for
observation, photogrammetry, photoidentification, biological sampling, and
tagging animals. A request to use fully
implantable satellite tags for cetaceans
was denied. Researchers also may
salvage and receive/import/export
specimens and biological samples of
these species. The permit is valid for
five years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 19116 (Dr. Southall; 81 FR
29847, May 13, 2016) authorizes
research involving studies of sound
production, diving and other behavior,
and responses to sound of sixteen
species of marine mammals, including
endangered species. This study involves
close approaches, attachment of tags,
and sound exposure. Small fragments of
sloughed skin, which often remain
attached to retrieved tags, would be
used for genetic analyses. Target species
include beaked whales and other
odontocetes, key baleen whales, and
pinniped species for whom such data
have not been previously obtained;
other marine species may be
incidentally harassed. The permit is
valid for five years from the date of
issuance.
Permit No. 19638 (Dr. Ponganis; 81 FR
29846, May 13, 2016) authorizes
research to determine the role of blood
oxygen store depletion in the dive
behavior and foraging ecology of
California sea lions on San Nicolas
Island, California. Lactating females
would be captured, flipper tagged,
anesthetized, and equipped with a
venous or arterial blood oxygen
recorder, a velocity-acceleration-depth
recorder, kinematic recorders,
intravascular lactate sensor, or
intravascular thermistor probe during
foraging trips to sea. Animals would be
recaptured after the foraging trip to
remove the recorders. The pups of the
females would also be captured and
marked for ID purposes. Other
pinnipeds may be incidentally harassed.
The permit is valid for five years from
the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20283 (Dr. Chapman; 81
FR 33212, May 25, 2016) authorizes the
import of scalloped hammerhead shark
(Sphyrna lewini) samples obtained from
the Hong Kong fish market in order to
assess global trade of shark fins through
genetic analysis. Samples from up to
200 individuals would be imported to
the Florida International University for
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
59983
analysis. The permit is valid for two
years from the date of issuance.
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final
determination has been made that the
activities proposed are categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement, with
the exception of File No. 19116.
For File No. 19116, an environmental
assessment (EA) was prepared analyzing
the effects of the permitted activities on
the human environment in compliance
with NEPA. Based on the analyses in
the EA, NMFS determined that issuance
of the permit would not significantly
impact the quality of the human
environment and that preparation of an
environmental impact statement was
not required. That determination is
documented in a Finding of No
Significant Impact, signed on July 8,
2016.
As required by the ESA, as applicable,
issuance of these permits were based on
a finding that such permits: (1) Were
applied for in good faith; (2) will not
operate to the disadvantage of such
endangered species; and (3) are
consistent with the purposes and
policies set forth in section 2 of the
ESA.
Dated: August 25, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20941 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
United States Global Change Research
Program (USGCRP)
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
United States Global Change Research
Program (USGCRP).
ACTION: Request for public nominations.
AGENCY:
Context: The U.S. Global Change
Research Program (USGCRP) is
mandated under the Global Change
Research Act (GCRA) of 1990 to conduct
a quadrennial National Climate
Assessment (NCA). Under its current
decadal strategic plan (https://
go.usa.gov/3qGU4) USGCRP is building
sustained assessment capacity. The
sustained assessment supports the
Nation’s ability to understand,
anticipates, and responds to risks and
E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM
31AUN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59982-59983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20941]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RINS 0648-XZ51, 0648-XA524, 0648-XA756, 0648-XD824, 0648-XE041, 0648-
XE580, 0648-XE599, and 0648-XE622
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15543-06, 15488-
01, 15537-02, 18890, 19091, 19116, 19638, 20283
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and amendments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that permits or permit amendments have
been issued to the following entities:
Permit No. 15543-06: Randy Wells, Ph.D., Sarasota Dolphin Research
Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway,
Sarasota, FL 34236;
Permit No. 15488-01: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(GADNR), Wildlife Resources Division, 2070 U.S. Hwy 278 SE., Social
Circle, GA 30025 (Dan Forster, Responsible Party);
Permit No. 15537-02: Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS),
P.O. Box 207, Gulfport, MS 39502 (Moby Solangi, Ph.D., Responsible
Party);
Permit No. 18890: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), 1255
West 8th Street, Juneau, Alaska, 99811-5526 (Robert Small, Ph.D.,
Responsible Party);
Permit No. 19091: NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC),
8901 La Jolla Shore Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037, [Lisa Ballance, Ph.D.,
Responsible Party];
Permit No. 19116: Brandon Southall, Ph.D., Southall Environmental
Services Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003;
Permit No. 19638: Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., University of California at
San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093; and
Permit No. 20283: Demian Chapman, Ph.D., School of Marine and
Atmospheric Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794.
ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore (Permit Nos. 15537-
02, 20283), Amy Sloan (Permit Nos. 15537-02, 15543-06, 18890, 19638),
Carrie Hubard (Permit No. 15488-01), Amy Hapeman (Permit No. 19091),
and Sara Young (Permit Nos. 19116 and 19638), (301) 427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notices were published in the Federal
Register that requests for a permit had been submitted by the above-
named applicants, as applicable. The requested permits have been issued
under the following authorities, as applicable: The Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended (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.), and the regulations governing the taking,
importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR
parts 222-226).
Permit No. 15543 (Dr. Wells) was issued on May 26, 2011 (76 FR
32144, June 3, 2011), authorizing research on bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus) in Florida including photo-identification,
behavioral studies, remote biopsy sampling, and captures for health
assessments. The purpose of the research is to study population
structure and dynamics, life history, social structure, genetic
structure, health and physiology, and human interactions including
assessments of oil spill impacts. The permit was amended on four
occasions to add minor changes to protocols, and on one occasion via a
major amendment (80 FR 23258, April 27, 2015) to expand the study area
to include Alabama and Louisiana, and to add studies on Atlantic
spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The issued minor amendment (No.
15543-06) extends the duration of the permit through June 1, 2017, and
adds the use of an alternative stable isotope and administration
technique for physiology studies, but otherwise does not change any
other terms or conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 15488 (GADNR) issued on June 24, 2011 (75 FR 75458,
December
[[Page 59983]]
3, 2010), authorizes research on North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena
glacialis) off the coast of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Activities include aerial surveys, vessel surveys, photo-
identification, biopsy sampling, and behavioral observations. The
purpose of the research is to monitor population status, demographics,
habitat and anthropogenic impacts. The issued minor amendment (No.
15488-01) extends the duration of the permit through June 30, 2017, but
does not change any other terms or conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 15537 (IMMS) was issued on October 5, 2011 (76 FR 63286,
October 12, 2011), authorizing the acquisition of up to eight stranded,
releasable California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) from the NMFS
Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program for the purposes of
public display. Permit No. 15537 was amended on May 2, 2016 (81 FR
33217, May 25, 2016), in response to a Court-ordered remand of the
permit to NMFS for reconsideration. IMMS v. NMFS, No. 1:11CV318-LG-JMR
(S.D.Miss. 2014). Permit Condition B.3 was removed, Permit Condition
B.2 was amended and the permit was extended for one year. The issued
permit amendment (No. 15537-02) further extends the duration of permit
through December 31, 2018, but does not change any other terms or
conditions of the permit.
Permit No. 18890 (ADF&G; 80 FR 15992, March 26, 2015) authorizes
research on beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), bowhead (Balaena
mysticetus), gray, and humpback whales in Alaska including photo-
identification, biopsy sampling, and tagging (large whales and belugas)
and aerial surveys and captures for health assessments (belugas,
excluding the Cook Inlet Distinct Population Segment). Research studies
include population abundance (beluga), stock structure (bowhead, gray,
humpback, and beluga), feeding areas and other important habitats (all
species), migration routes (all species), behavior relative to human
disturbance (all species), and to genetically identify individuals in
order to determine survival and calving intervals (belugas). Ice seals
may be incidentally captured or harassed during research. Biological
samples may be imported or exported for analysis. The permit is valid
for five years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 19091 (SWFSC; 80 FR 45196, July 29, 2015) authorizes
research on over 55 species of marine mammals and five species of sea
turtles in all oceans of the world, with special focus on the eastern
Pacific Ocean. The purpose of this research is to determine the
abundance, distribution, movement patterns, dive behavior, demography
and stock structure, and to monitor trends in recruitment of pinnipeds,
cetaceans, and sea turtles in U.S. territorial and international
waters. Researchers may conduct ground, vessel, and aerial surveys for
observation, photogrammetry, photo-identification, biological sampling,
and tagging animals. A request to use fully implantable satellite tags
for cetaceans was denied. Researchers also may salvage and receive/
import/export specimens and biological samples of these species. The
permit is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 19116 (Dr. Southall; 81 FR 29847, May 13, 2016)
authorizes research involving studies of sound production, diving and
other behavior, and responses to sound of sixteen species of marine
mammals, including endangered species. This study involves close
approaches, attachment of tags, and sound exposure. Small fragments of
sloughed skin, which often remain attached to retrieved tags, would be
used for genetic analyses. Target species include beaked whales and
other odontocetes, key baleen whales, and pinniped species for whom
such data have not been previously obtained; other marine species may
be incidentally harassed. The permit is valid for five years from the
date of issuance.
Permit No. 19638 (Dr. Ponganis; 81 FR 29846, May 13, 2016)
authorizes research to determine the role of blood oxygen store
depletion in the dive behavior and foraging ecology of California sea
lions on San Nicolas Island, California. Lactating females would be
captured, flipper tagged, anesthetized, and equipped with a venous or
arterial blood oxygen recorder, a velocity-acceleration-depth recorder,
kinematic recorders, intravascular lactate sensor, or intravascular
thermistor probe during foraging trips to sea. Animals would be
recaptured after the foraging trip to remove the recorders. The pups of
the females would also be captured and marked for ID purposes. Other
pinnipeds may be incidentally harassed. The permit is valid for five
years from the date of issuance.
Permit No. 20283 (Dr. Chapman; 81 FR 33212, May 25, 2016)
authorizes the import of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini)
samples obtained from the Hong Kong fish market in order to assess
global trade of shark fins through genetic analysis. Samples from up to
200 individuals would be imported to the Florida International
University for analysis. The permit is valid for two years from the
date of issuance.
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the
activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement,
with the exception of File No. 19116.
For File No. 19116, an environmental assessment (EA) was prepared
analyzing the effects of the permitted activities on the human
environment in compliance with NEPA. Based on the analyses in the EA,
NMFS determined that issuance of the permit would not significantly
impact the quality of the human environment and that preparation of an
environmental impact statement was not required. That determination is
documented in a Finding of No Significant Impact, signed on July 8,
2016.
As required by the ESA, as applicable, issuance of these permits
were based on a finding that such permits: (1) Were applied for in good
faith; (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered
species; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policies set
forth in section 2 of the ESA.
Dated: August 25, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20941 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
