Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 29052-29053 [2017-13401]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 29052 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices extrapolating from the three observed districts of the fishery to the unobserved districts of the Southeast Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery was unreliable given the variability in fishing effort and humpback whale distribution. Instead, the one observed interaction was the basis for estimating that 11 M/SI occurred in the observed districts; and, since the observed districts represent only a portion of the overall fishing effort in this fishery, we expect this to be a minimum estimate of the total level of humpback whale M/SI in salmon gillnet fisheries in Southeast Alaska. This is consistent with how we handled the M/SI of harbor porpoise, which was extrapolated within the three districts but not beyond the three observed districts to the rest of the Southeast Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery. Comment 55: The Organizations note that NMFS states in the draft North Pacific sperm whale SARs that PBR is unknown for this stock (and the entire species is listed as a single endangered species under the ESA) but also concludes in the status of the stock section for this stock that total estimated annual level of human-caused M/SI (2.2 whales) ‘‘seems minimal.’’ Given the uncertainty surrounding the degree of depletion and recovery of the North Pacific sperm whale population, the SARs should be precautionary in the analysis of impacts of M/SI resulting from commercial fishing. The practical impact of the SARs continuing to find PBR ‘‘unknown’’ for this stock is that the North Pacific stock of sperm whales assessed in the Alaska SARs may be receiving less protection than other U.S. stocks of sperm whales. This appears to be the only U.S. stock of sperm whale for which the fisheries interacting with it are not listed as Category I or II; NMFS does not require MMPA section 101(a)(5)(E) authorization for fisheries interacting with the North Pacific Stock because, in this case, its PBR is said to be unknown. Response: As there are no available abundance estimates for the number of sperm whales in Alaska waters, Nmin is not available for this stock and therefore, the PBR is unknown. Assessing sperm whale populations presents considerable challenges, including the range and offshore distribution of the species, uncertainties regarding stock boundaries, the segregation by sex and maturational class that characterizes sperm whale distribution, and behavioral factors (e.g., long dive times) that make surveys difficult. Nonetheless, we plan to convene a working group to discuss the practicality of estimating sperm whale abundance and other issues surrounding VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Jun 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 assessment of this species. We have revised the text in the final 2016 sperm whale SAR to clarify that the estimate of annual fisheries-caused mortality and serious injury is a minimum estimate. We will also omit the characterization that an M/SI rate of 2.2 whales ‘‘seems minimal.’’ Even in the absence of a PBR, we continue to assess fishery interactions with sperm whales in Alaska, including efforts by the fishing industry to reduce interactions (e.g., the recent change to allow pot gear in the sablefish fishery to reduce depredation by sperm whales). Although we cannot conduct a quantitative tier analysis for stocks without PBRs, we can evaluate whether to classify fisheries by analogy to other similar fisheries based on various factors (50 CFR 229.2). Comment 56: The Organizations suggest adding information to the Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR from a new study of spatial and temporal patterns in the calling behavior of beluga whales in Cook Inlet. Response: We will review this information and consider including it in a future Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR. Comment 57: The Organizations point out that the last sentence on draft page 62 of the Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR should more correctly read: ‘‘The next abundance estimate survey was conducted in June 2016 and is currently undergoing analyses.’’ On this same page, using the formula provided for calculating minimum abundance, it appears that the minimum population estimate in the stock should be 287 not 280. Response: We have incorporated these corrections into the final 2016 Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR. Comment 58: The Organizations suggest that the Status of the Stock section of the Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR be updated to reflect that the recovery plan for the Cook Inlet beluga whales was finalized and published on January 4, 2017. Additionally, the Organizations suggest that the Habitat Concerns section be updated to reflect information that was in the draft and final recovery plan for this stock. These include a number of references. Response: We will add a statement about the final Recovery Plan to the Status of Stock section of the final 2016 Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR, and we will update the information on the Recovery Plan in the Habitat Concerns section of the draft 2017 Cook Inlet beluga whale SAR. Comment 59: The HLA notes that the draft 2016 SAR for the Central North Pacific humpback whale stock (‘‘CNP Stock’’) states that ‘‘until such time as the MMPA stock delineations are PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reviewed in light of the DPS designations, NMFS considers this stock endangered and depleted for MMPA management purposes (e.g., selection of a recovery factor, stock status).’’ Although the HLA appreciates that the MMPA humpback stock delineations do not align with the new humpback DPS designations, it is nevertheless inaccurate for the SAR to suggest that the entire CNP Stock is ‘‘endangered’’ and ‘‘depleted.’’ In fact, many whales within the CNP Stock’s presently delineated range likely come from DPSs that are not ‘‘endangered’’ or ‘‘threatened.’’ At a minimum, they request that the SAR for the CNP Stock include a statement that the two observed CNP Stock interactions with the Hawaii-based longline fisheries occurred with animals from the Hawaii DPS, which is not listed as ‘‘threatened’’ or ‘‘endangered.’’ Response: We have added the following statement to the end of the ‘‘Status of Stock’’ section in the final 2016 Central North Pacific humpback whale SAR: ‘‘Humpback whale mortality and serious injury in Hawaiibased fisheries involves whales from the Hawaii DPS; this DPS is not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.’’ Dated: June 21, 2017. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–13369 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF487 Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a 5-day meeting to discuss the items contained in the agenda under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. DATES: The meetings will be held on July 10–14, 2017. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at ˜ the Council Office, 270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM 27JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 27, 2017 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council, ˜ 270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1903; telephone: (787) 766–5926. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Monday, July 10, 2017 —Call to Order —Adoption of Agenda —1st day Overview; review last meetings’ outcomes —Review ABC CR (buffer) —Puerto Rico —Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule —Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule —Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to OFL (NS1) —Review and finalize Action 2— Indicator species for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix —Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as applicable —Finish with PR species (Action 3) Tuesday, July 11, 2017 —Finish with PR species (Action 3) Wednesday, July 12, 2017 —Day 3 USVI—STT/STJ —Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as applicable. —Determination of likely stock/complex status —Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule —Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule —Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to OFL (NS1) mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Thursday, July 13, 2017 —USVI STX —Review and finalize Action 2— Indicator species —Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as applicable. —Determination of likely stock/complex status —Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule —Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule —Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Jun 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to OFL (NS1) Friday, July 14, 2017 —Recommendations to CFMC —Other Business Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. For more information or request for sign language interpretation and other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. ´ Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, ˜ 270 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918–1903, telephone (787) 766–5926, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: June 22, 2017. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–13401 Filed 6–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RINS 0648–XA874, 0648–XA172, 0648– XA626, 0648–XA84, 0648–XF213, 0648– XB005, 0648–XC644, 0648–XD224, 0648– XD824, 0648–XF158, 0648–XE204, 0648– XE517, 0648–XF148, 0648–XE788, 0648– XE938, 0648–XF603, 0648–XF149, 0648– XF082, 0648–XF154, 0648–XF213, 0648– XF214, 0648–XF271, 0648–XF267, and 0648– XF352 Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; File Nos. 15240–01, 15453–01, 15569–01, 16160–02, 16163–03, 16479– 04, 16609, 17086–01, 18016–01, 18537– 02, 18890–01, 19508, 19621–01, 19697, 20294, 20339, 20430, 20455, 20465, 20527, 20646, 20993, 21026, 21043, 21155, and 21199 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits and permit amendments/modifications. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that permits or permit amendments have been issued to the following entities: RIN 0648–XA874; Permit No. 15240– 01: NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818 (Responsible Party: Frank A. Parrish, Ph.D.); RIN 0648–XA172; Permit No. 15453– 01: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29053 Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Andrew Rossiter, Ph.D., Responsible Party); RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 15569– 01: The Center for Whale Research (CWR; Kenneth C. Balcomb III, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 1577, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 16160– 02: The Whale Museum (Jenny Atkinson, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; RIN 0648–XA626; Permit No. 16163– 03: NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC; M. Bradley Hanson, Ph.D., Responsible Party) 2725 Montlake Blvd. RIN 0648–XA84; Permit No. 16479– 04: Pacific Whale Foundation (Gregory D. Kaufman, Responsible Party), 300 Maalaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793; RIN 0648–XF213; Permit No. 16609: Zoological Society of San Diego (Douglas Myers, Responsible Party), P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112; RIN 0648–XB005; Permit No. 17086– 01: Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia Research, 218 1⁄2 W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501; RIN 0648–XC644; Permit No. 18016– 01: Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., 2000 W. International Airport Rd, Suite C1, Anchorage, AK 99502; RIN 0648–XD224; Permit No. 18537– 02: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Michael J. Rehberg, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99518; RIN 0648–XD824; Permit No. 18890– 01: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Lori Quakenbush, Responsible Party), 525 W. 67th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99518; RIN 0648–XF158; Permit No. 19508: Katherine Mansfield, Ph.D., University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Building 20, BIO301, Orlando, FL 32825; RIN 0648–XE204; Permit No. 19621– 01: Michael Arendt, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412; RIN 0648–XE517; Permit No. 19697: Carlos E. Diez, Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico, Programa de Especies Protegidas, P.O. Box 366147, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936; RIN 0648–XF148; Permit No. 20294: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Chief Scientist, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (P.O. Box 932, Hampton Bays, New York, 11946; RIN 0648–XE788; Permit No. 20339: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center (SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive, E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM 27JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29052-29053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13401]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF487


Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's Scientific and 
Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a 5-day meeting to discuss the 
items contained in the agenda under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

DATES: The meetings will be held on July 10-14, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Council Office, 270 
Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[[Page 29053]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
270 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-
1903; telephone: (787) 766-5926.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Monday, July 10, 2017

--Call to Order
--Adoption of Agenda
--1st day Overview; review last meetings' outcomes
--Review ABC CR (buffer)
--Puerto Rico
--Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule
--Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule
--Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species 
groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to 
OFL (NS1)
--Review and finalize Action 2--Indicator species for Puerto Rico, St. 
Thomas/St. John and St. Croix
--Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to 
establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as 
applicable
--Finish with PR species (Action 3)

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

--Finish with PR species (Action 3)

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

--Day 3 USVI--STT/STJ
--Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to 
establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as 
applicable.
--Determination of likely stock/complex status
--Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule
--Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule
--Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species 
groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to 
OFL (NS1)

Thursday, July 13, 2017

--USVI STX
--Review and finalize Action 2--Indicator species
--Action 3: Time Series: Select a time series of landings data to 
establish management reference points for a stock/stock complex, as 
applicable.
--Determination of likely stock/complex status
--Define process for determination of scalars used in ABC Control Rule
--Define process for determination of buffers used in ABC Control Rule
--Determine References Points (e.g., OFL, ABC) for species/species 
groupings for each Island Use of multi-year sequences for comparison to 
OFL (NS1)

Friday, July 14, 2017

--Recommendations to CFMC
--Other Business

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. For more information or request for sign language 
interpretation and other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. Miguel A. 
Rol[oacute]n, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
270 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 
00918-1903, telephone (787) 766-5926, at least 5 days prior to the 
meeting date.

    Dated: June 22, 2017.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13401 Filed 6-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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