Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Endangered Western Distinct Population Segment of Steller Sea Lion; Extension of Public Comment Period and Correction, 5248-5249 [2018-02326]

Download as PDF 5248 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 6, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their foreign buyers. The TFAC also provides a forum to facilitate the discussion between a diverse group of stakeholders such as banks, non-bank financial institutions, other trade finance related organizations, and exporters, to gain a better understanding regarding current challenges facing U.S. exporters in accessing capital. On February 22, 2018, the TFAC will hold its third meeting. During this meeting members are expected to discuss possible recommendations on policies and programs that can increase awareness of, and expand access to, private export financing resources for U.S. exporters. They will also hear from officials from the Department of Commerce and other agencies on issues impacting the scope of their work and mission. Public Participation The meeting will be open to the public and will be accessible to people with disabilities. All guests are required to register in advance by the deadline identified under the DATE caption. Requests to register (including to speak or for auxiliary aids) and any written comments should be submitted by either of the following methods: (a) Electronic Submission: Submit statements electronically to Ericka Ukrow, U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Finance Advisory Council Designated Federal Officer, via email to TFAC@trade.gov; or (b) Paper Submissions: Send paper statements to Ericka Ukrow, U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Finance Advisory Council Designated Federal Officer, Room 18002, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. Last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. There will be fifteen (15) minutes allotted for oral comments from members of the public joining the meeting. To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the time for public comments may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Individuals wishing to reserve speaking time during the meeting must submit a request at the time of registration, as well as the name and address of the proposed speaker. If the number of registrants requesting to make statements is greater than can be reasonably accommodated during the meeting, the International Trade Administration may conduct a lottery to determine the speakers. Speakers are requested to submit a written copy of their prepared remarks by 5:00 p.m. EDT on February 14, 2018, for inclusion in the meeting records and for VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:02 Feb 05, 2018 Jkt 244001 circulation to the members of the Council. In addition, any member of the public may submit pertinent written comments concerning matters relevant to the TFAC’s responsibilities at any time before or after the meeting. Comments may be submitted to Ericka Ukrow, at the contact information indicated above. To be considered during the meeting, comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT on February 14, 2018, to ensure transmission to the Council members prior to the meeting. Comments received after that date and time will be distributed to the members but may not be considered during the meeting. Comments and statements will be posted on the U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Finance Advisory Council website (https://trade.gov/TFAC) without change, including any business or personal information provided such as names, addresses, email addresses, or telephone numbers. All comments and statements received, including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. You should submit only information that you are prepared to have made publicly available. II. Meeting Minutes Copies of TFAC meeting minutes will be available within 90 days of the meeting. Dated: January 26, 2018. Paul Thanos, Director, Office of Finance and Insurance Industries. [FR Doc. 2018–02273 Filed 2–5–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF792 Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Endangered Western Distinct Population Segment of Steller Sea Lion; Extension of Public Comment Period and Correction National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of initiation of 5-year review; request for information, extension of public comment period and correction. AGENCY: NMFS hereby extends the comment period on the notice of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 initiation of a 5-year review of the Western Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), and our request for information relevant to that review. We also correct the electronic link provided in the address. DATES: Comments related to the 5-year review of the western DPS of Steller sea lion must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or received at the appropriate address (see ADDRESSES) by April 6, 2018. However, we will continue to accept new information about Steller sea lions at any time. ADDRESSES: Submit your information or comments by including the FDMS Docket Number NOAA–NMFS–2017– 0137, by either of the following methods: • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D= NOAA-NMFS-2017-0137, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written information to Jon Kurland, Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: We 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 specified period. All comments received are a part of the public record, and we will generally post for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information submitted voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. We will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic submissions will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Lisa Rotterman, 907–271–1692 or lisa.rotterman@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On December 8, 2017 we, NMFS, published a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 57955) announcing our initiation of a 5-year review of the Western DPS of Steller sea lion under the ESA and requesting information relevant to this review. NMFS received a request to extend the public comment period to provide adequate time for E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 6, 2018 / Notices interested parties to research and prepare comments. Based on this request, the comment period for submission of comments and information relevant to this 5-year review is extended to April 6, 2018, as requested, to provide additional opportunity for public comment. Correction of Address The electronic link provided in the Federal Register (82 FR 57955) notice for submission of comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal is not correct. Thus, NMFS provides a new electronic link (https://www.regulations. gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0137) in the address section above. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: February 1, 2018. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–02326 Filed 2–5–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF285 Endangered Species; File No. 21293 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permit. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a permit to Mr. Jack Rudloe, Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc. (GSML), for the incidental take of Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), loggerhead (Caretta caretta Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment), green (Chelonia mydas North Atlantic Distinct Population Segment), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) associated with the otherwise lawful trawling activities in Florida state waters of Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla Counties. ADDRESSES: The incidental take permit, final environmental assessment, and other related documents are available on the NMFS Office of Protected Resources website at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ pr/permits/esa_review.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Wissmann, phone: (301) 427–8402; email: Sara.Wissmann@noaa.gov. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:02 Feb 05, 2018 Jkt 244001 Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations prohibits the ‘taking’ of a species listed as endangered or threatened. The ESA defines ‘‘take’’ to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. NMFS may issue permits, under limited circumstances to take listed species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA provides for authorizing incidental take of listed species. The regulations for issuing incidental take permits for threatened and endangered species are promulgated at 50 CFR 222.307. NMFS received a permit application from GSML on February 4, 2016. Based on our review of the application, we requested further information and clarification. On July 22, 2016, GSML submitted supplemental information to its application. NMFS and GSML held further discussions on amount and extent of anticipated takes and clarifications of gear type to be used. On March 16, 2017, NMFS notified GSML of this approach, and GSML confirmed the updated approach on March 21, 2017. On April 12, 2017, we published a notice of application receipt and requested review and comment on the application and conservation plan in the Federal Register (82 FR 17638). The public comment period for the application and conservation plan closed on May 12, 2017. NMFS received three comments on the action, all were generally supportive of the issuance of the permit. Specific concerns were raised on duration of the permit and oversite of activities covered by the permit, which were address in the Environmental Assessment. On November 6, 2017, we published a notice of availability of the draft Environmental Assessment and requested review and comment in the Federal Register (82 FR 51398). The public comment period for the Environmental Assessment closed on December 6, 2017, and no comments were received. NMFS has issued the requested permit under the authority of 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). This permit authorizes the incidental take of up to a total of six sea turtles, all live, in any combination, of loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley or leatherback sea turtles and up to six Gulf sturgeon, alive. If incidental SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5249 captures reach the established level for either turtles or sturgeon, GSML must cease activities authorized under this ITP. Take must be incidental to otherwise lawful trawling activities described in the ITP application, and as conditioned in the permit. This ITP covers incidental take from date of issuance through December 11, 2035. The conservation plan prepared by GSML describes measures designed to minimize and mitigate the impacts of any incidental takes of ESA-listed sea turtles and sturgeon. The main way that GSML will do this is by limiting tow times to 30 minutes. In the case of incidental capture this plan includes provisions to ensure that any captured sea turtles in need of resuscitation are provided such care, per NMFS guidelines. Additionally, any turtles needing medical attention or rehabilitation will be cared for by authorized persons and facilities. This permit also requires the applicant to follow specific handling procedures for Gulf sturgeon to minimize impacts to this species should an interaction occur. The conservation plan mitigates the impacts of any incidental takes of ESAlisted sea turtles that are harmed due to interactions with other fisheries in the area. Specifically, GSML will remove, taking into account any human safety considerations, any turtles it encounters entangled in fishing lines, nets, and trap ropes. If any of these sea turtles require care, GSML will transport them to a permitted sea turtle rehabilitation facility. Dated: February 1, 2018. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–02320 Filed 2–5–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB); Meeting: The National Sea Grant Advisory Board Spring 2018 Meeting Will Be Held March 6–7, 2018. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the NSGAB. NSGAB members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5248-5249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02326]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF792


Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review 
for the Endangered Western Distinct Population Segment of Steller Sea 
Lion; Extension of Public Comment Period and Correction

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

ACTION: Notice of initiation of 5-year review; request for information, 
extension of public comment period and correction.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS hereby extends the comment period on the notice of 
initiation of a 5-year review of the Western Distinct Population 
Segment (DPS) of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), and our request for 
information relevant to that review. We also correct the electronic 
link provided in the address.

DATES: Comments related to the 5-year review of the western DPS of 
Steller sea lion must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
or received at the appropriate address (see ADDRESSES) by April 6, 
2018. However, we will continue to accept new information about Steller 
sea lions at any time.

ADDRESSES: Submit your information or comments by including the FDMS 
Docket Number NOAA-NMFS-2017-0137, by either of the following methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0137, click the ``Comment 
Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your 
comments.
     Mail: Submit written information to Jon Kurland, Assistant 
Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Alaska Region NMFS, 
Attn: Ellen Sebastian, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668.
    Instructions: We 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 specified period. All comments received are a part of the 
public record, and we will generally post for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information submitted 
voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. We will accept 
anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to 
remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic submissions will be 
accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Lisa Rotterman, 907-271-1692 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On December 8, 2017 we, NMFS, published a notice in the Federal 
Register (82 FR 57955) announcing our initiation of a 5-year review of 
the Western DPS of Steller sea lion under the ESA and requesting 
information relevant to this review. NMFS received a request to extend 
the public comment period to provide adequate time for

[[Page 5249]]

interested parties to research and prepare comments. Based on this 
request, the comment period for submission of comments and information 
relevant to this 5-year review is extended to April 6, 2018, as 
requested, to provide additional opportunity for public comment.

Correction of Address

    The electronic link provided in the Federal Register (82 FR 57955) 
notice for submission of comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal is 
not correct. Thus, NMFS provides a new electronic link (https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0137) in the address 
section above.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: February 1, 2018.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02326 Filed 2-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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