Marine Mammals; File No. 20455, 90781-90782 [2016-30083]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2016 / Notices The Final Plan For the purpose of recovery planning for the ESA-listed species of Pacific salmon and steelhead in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, NMFS designated five geographically based ‘‘recovery domains.’’ The Oregon Coast Coho Salmon ESU spawning range is in the Oregon Coast domain. For each domain, NMFS appointed a team of scientists, nominated for their geographic and species expertise, to provide a solid scientific foundation for recovery plans. The Oregon and Northern California Coasts Technical Recovery Team (TRT) included scientists from NMFS, other Federal agencies, the state of Oregon, and the private sector. A primary task for the Oregon and Northern California Coasts Technical Recovery Team was to recommend criteria for determining when the ESU should be considered viable (i.e., when they are have a low risk of extinction over a 100-year period) and when the ESU would have a risk of extinction consistent with no longer needing the protections of the ESA. All Technical Recovery Teams used the same biological principles for developing their recommendations; these principles are described in the NOAA technical memorandum Viable Salmonid Populations and the Recovery of Evolutionarily Significant Units (McElhany et al., 2000). Viable salmonid populations (VSP) are defined in terms of four parameters: abundance, productivity or growth rate, spatial structure, and diversity. For this Plan, we collaborated with state, tribal and Federal scientists and resource managers and stakeholders to provide technical information that NMFS used to write the Plan which is built upon state and locally-led recovery efforts. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Contents of Plan Our goal is to restore the threatened Oregon Coast Coho Salmon ESU to the point where it is again a viable, selfsustaining member of its ecosystem and no longer needs the protections of the ESA. The Plan contains biological background and contextual information that includes description of the ESU, the planning area, and the context of the plan’s development. It presents relevant information on ESU structure, biological status and proposed biological viability criteria and threats criteria for delisting. The Plan also describes specific information on the following: Current status of Oregon Coast Coho Salmon; limiting factors and threats for the full life cycle that contributed to the species decline; recovery strategies and actions VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Dec 14, 2016 Jkt 241001 addressing these limiting factors and threats; key information needs, and a proposed research, monitoring, and evaluation program for adaptive management. For recovery strategies and actions, Chapter 6 in the Plan includes proposed actions at the ESU and strata levels. Population level information will be posted on the recovery plan Web site (see below). The Plan also describes implementation, prioritization of actions, and adaptive management at the population, strata, and ESU scales. The Plan also summarizes time and costs (Chapter 7) required to implement recovery actions. In addition to the information in the Plan, readers are referred to the recovery plan Web site for more information on all these topics: https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ protected_species/salmon_steelhead/ recovery_planning_and_ implementation/. How NMFS and Others Expect To Use the Plan We will commit to implement the actions in the Plan for which we have authority and funding; encourage other Federal and state agencies and tribal governments to implement recovery actions for which they have responsibility, authority and funding; and work cooperatively with the public and local stakeholders on implementation of other actions. We expect the Plan to guide us and other Federal agencies in evaluating Federal actions under ESA section 7, as well as in implementing other provisions of the ESA and other statutes. For example, the Plan provides greater biological context for evaluating the effects that a proposed action may have on a species by providing delisting criteria, information on priority areas for addressing specific limiting factors, and information on how future populations within the ESU can tolerate varying levels of risk. When we are considering a species for delisting, the agency will examine whether the section 4(a)(1) listing factors have been addressed. To assist in this examination, we will use the delisting criteria described in Chapter 4 of the Plan, which includes both biological criteria and criteria addressing each of the ESA section 4(a)(1) listing factors, as well as any other relevant data and policy considerations. We will also work with the partners described in the Plan to develop implementation schedules that provide greater specificity for recovery actions to be implemented over three-to five-year periods. This will also help promote PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 90781 implementation of recovery actions and subsequent implementation schedules, and will track and report on implementation progress. Conclusion Section 4(f)(1)(B) of the ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, (1) objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan’s goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. We conclude that the Plan meets the requirements of ESA section 4(f) and adopt it as the ESA Recovery Plan for Oregon Coast Coho Salmon. Literature Cited McElhany, P., M.H. Ruckelshaus, M.J. Ford, T.C. Wainwright, and E.P. Bjorkstedt. 2000. Viable salmon populations and the recovery of evolutionarily significant units. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo., NMFS NWFSC 42, 156 p. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: December 12, 2016. Donna Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–30126 Filed 12–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF063 Marine Mammals; File No. 20455 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) for scientific research. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1 90782 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2016 / Notices The application and related documents are available for review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 20455 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available 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. Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713–0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests a five-year permit to take bottlenose and spotted dolphins for scientific research to continue a long-term program to evaluate the health, environmental contamination, reproduction, population structure and dynamics, acoustics, trophic patterns, life history, social structure, and anthropogenic effects on dolphins off the west coast of Florida including bays, estuaries, and offshore waters. Up to 3,000 bottlenose and 1,000 spotted dolphins would be approached annually during vessel surveys for photography, photoidentification, video recording, behavioral observation, acoustic playbacks, and passive acoustic recording, with concurrent deployment of an unmanned aircraft system for photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose and 100 spotted dolphins of the above animals may also be biopsy sampled during vessel surveys annually. Up to 50 bottlenose and 25 spotted dolphins rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Dec 14, 2016 Jkt 241001 annually of the above animals may be captured for health assessments which would include biological sampling, auditory brainstem response tests, metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, xrays, marking, tagging, tracking, and release. Calves less than 8 months of age and females with these calves would not be captured or remotely biopsy sampled. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of each species annually would be remotely satellite tagged to test the feasibility of a new experimental dorsal fin attachment method. Two unintentional mortalities of each species could occur due to capture over the life of the permit. The following species could be incidentally harassed during surveys: Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), olive ridley sea turtle (L. olivacea), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), and gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi). In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; correction. regional marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) in the Federal Register on October 11, 2016. Subsequent to soliciting public comment on the draft 2016 SARs, we became aware that due to technical errors in converting between electronic formats, the draft Atlantic SARs contained incorrect information in some instances. We have corrected these errors and through this notice we announce the availability of revised draft Atlantic 2016 SARs for public comment through the end of the original 90-day comment period. DATES: Comments must be received by January 9, 2017. If members of the public need additional time to review the draft Atlantic 2016 SARs, please contact Shannon Bettridge, Office of Protected Resources, 301–427–8402, Shannon.Bettridge@noaa.gov. ADDRESSES: The 2016 draft SARs are available in electronic form via the Internet at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ pr/sars/draft.htm. You may submit comments, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2016–0101, by any of the following methods: Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20160101, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Send comments or requests for copies of reports to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3226, Attn: Stock Assessments. Instructions: NMFS may not consider comments if they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period. 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. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Bettridge, Office of Protected Resources, 301–427–8402, Shannon.Bettridge@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, NMFS, published a notice of the availability of the draft 2016 Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific Background Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361 Dated: December 9, 2016. Julia Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–30083 Filed 12–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE783 Draft 2016 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports; Correction AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 241 (Thursday, December 15, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 90781-90782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30083]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF063


Marine Mammals; File No. 20455

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Randall Wells, Ph.D., Chicago 
Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine 
Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 has applied 
in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins 
(Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) 
for scientific research.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before January 17, 2017.

[[Page 90782]]


ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for 
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the 
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species 
(APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File 
No. 20455 from the list of available applications.
    These documents are also available 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.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted to the 
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. 
Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713-0376, or by 
email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the 
address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons 
why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan or Amy Hapeman, 
(301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant requests a five-year permit to take bottlenose and 
spotted dolphins for scientific research to continue a long-term 
program to evaluate the health, environmental contamination, 
reproduction, population structure and dynamics, acoustics, trophic 
patterns, life history, social structure, and anthropogenic effects on 
dolphins off the west coast of Florida including bays, estuaries, and 
offshore waters. Up to 3,000 bottlenose and 1,000 spotted dolphins 
would be approached annually during vessel surveys for photography, 
photo-identification, video recording, behavioral observation, acoustic 
playbacks, and passive acoustic recording, with concurrent deployment 
of an unmanned aircraft system for photogrammetry. Up to 250 bottlenose 
and 100 spotted dolphins of the above animals may also be biopsy 
sampled during vessel surveys annually. Up to 50 bottlenose and 25 
spotted dolphins annually of the above animals may be captured for 
health assessments which would include biological sampling, auditory 
brainstem response tests, metabolic rate studies, ultrasound, x-rays, 
marking, tagging, tracking, and release. Calves less than 8 months of 
age and females with these calves would not be captured or remotely 
biopsy sampled. Up to 25 adults or juveniles of each species annually 
would be remotely satellite tagged to test the feasibility of a new 
experimental dorsal fin attachment method. Two unintentional 
mortalities of each species could occur due to capture over the life of 
the permit. The following species could be incidentally harassed during 
surveys: Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle 
(Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys 
kempii), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), olive ridley sea 
turtle (L. olivacea), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), 
smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), and gulf sturgeon (Acipenser 
oxyrinchus desotoi).
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: December 9, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30083 Filed 12-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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