Draft Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response Guidelines, 24102-24103 [2019-10905]

Download as PDF 24102 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Notices national objectives, adhered to its management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to and implemented the terms of financial assistance under the Coastal Zone Management Act. When the evaluation is completed, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final Evaluation Findings. You may participate and submit oral comments at the public meeting scheduled as follows: Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Time: 6:00 p.m., local time. Location: Castroville Branch Library, 11160 Speegle Street, Castroville, CA 95012. Written comments must be received on or before Friday, July 26, 2019. Authority: 16 U.S.C. § 1458, 15 CFR 921.40, 15 CFR 923.134. (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog 11.419 Coastal Zone Management Program Administration) Dated: May 16, 2019. Keelin Kuipers, Deputy Director, Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2019–10855 Filed 5–23–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–08–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG990 Draft Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response Guidelines National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: NMFS, in an effort to increase preparedness for wildlife response under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, has drafted guidelines for marine mammal response in disaster situations in Cook Inlet and Kodiak, Alaska entitled ‘‘Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response Guidelines’’ (Guidelines). NMFS invites the public to comment on and/or provide additional information for NMFS to consider in finalizing the guidelines. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 24, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2019–0038, by any one of the following methods; khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 May 23, 2019 Jkt 247001 • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20190038, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments; • Mail: Submit written comments to Sadie Wright, attention Ellen Sebastian, National Marine Fisheries Service, Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region, 709 West 9th Street, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. 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), 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). Electronic copies of the draft Guidelines and associated Appendices may be obtained from https:// www.regulations.gov or from the NMFS Alaska Region website at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/marinelife-distress/alaska-marine-mammalstranding-network. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sadie Wright, (907) 586–7630 or Sadie.Wright@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Marine mammal oil spill response and preparedness in the Cook Inlet and Kodiak region of Alaska presents many challenges including remote conditions; lack of infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel; and large populations of marine mammals that may be impacted. Additionally, marine mammals are important subsistence and cultural resources for Alaska Native coastal communities, and response efforts must be cooperative with and sensitive to local communities. NMFS developed the Guidelines through stakeholder engagement to develop regionally specific and culturally sensitive response strategies during disasters that impact marine mammals. NMFS sought input on communication and response protocols for carcass collection, de-oiling, tissue sampling, necropsies, and subsistence food issues through meetings with local leaders and responders in Kenai, Seward, Ninilchik, Seldovia, Port PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Graham, Homer, Anchorage, Nanwalek, Kodiak, Ouzinkie, Port Lions, Larsen Bay, and teleconferences and email correspondence with outlying communities. These stakeholder meetings resulted in three key recommendations for the Guidelines: (1) Include a communication structure that is locally based and efficient; (2) prioritize response to address impacts to fish and associated public health and economy; and (3) address the lack of infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel for response efforts. These recommendations are addressed by the Guidelines in the following ways: (1) The local marine mammal stranding agreement holder or community-appointed organization(s) is the local lead, and communication protocols outline cooperative approaches between stakeholders; (2) All response protocols are congruent with food safety testing, and the Alaska state public health representative is part of the communication loop; and (3) Caches of equipment should be developed and stored in hub communities with smaller caches in outlying villages, to include modular and adaptive infrastructure for response activities. Finally, the Guidelines provide decision-making tools regarding Cook Inlet beluga whale deterrence that will be useful to NMFS protocols, and to other responders to gain a better understanding of potential concerns in deterring this endangered population. The draft Guidelines focus on marine mammal species under NMFS jurisdiction that occur in Cook Inlet and within the Kodiak archipelago. Different approaches may be appropriate for sea otters, which are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any response to marine mammals per these Guidelines should occur in coordination with NMFS through the Incident Command Structure, if put in place for an oil spill or other major incident. The draft Guidelines also focus primarily on marine mammal response during oil spills, but include considerations for response in a non-spill disaster situation such as a natural disaster (response typically under the Stafford Act) or a marine mammal Unusual Mortality Event. Comments are invited on any aspect of the draft Guidelines. We are particularly interested in maintaining an efficient communication strategy for marine mammal disaster response in the Cook Inlet and Kodiak region, and seek suggestions to ensure the final E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Notices Guidelines provide that framework. In addition, NMFS appreciates specific suggestions on how to improve the clarity of the draft Guidelines. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: May 21, 2019. Catherine Marzin, Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–10905 Filed 5–23–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF801 Endangered Species; File No. 20610 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit modification. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that David Portnoy, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 20610. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before June 24, 2019. 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. 20610–01 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.Pr1 Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. 20610 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 the application would be appropriate. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 May 23, 2019 Jkt 247001 Jennifer Skidmore or Erin Markin (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject modification to Permit No. 20610 is requested 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). Permit No. 20610, issued on February 27, 2018 (83 FR 13731; March 30, 2018), authorizes the permit holder to import scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) tissues for genetic analysis at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. The permit holder is requesting the permit be modified to add three additional countries from which to import samples: Honduras, Panama, and Cabo Verde. The permit holder is requesting to import samples from up to 50 animals per country. All other aspects of the permitted activities would not change. The permit would expire on February 28, 2023. Dated: May 16, 2019. Julia Marie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–10960 Filed 5–23–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG988 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States, Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Off the Atlantic States, and Coral and Coral Reefs Fishery in the South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permit National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Julie Johnson, on behalf of the North Carolina Aquariums at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jennette’s Pier, North Carolina. If granted, the EFP would authorize North Carolina SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24103 Aquariums to collect, with certain conditions, various species of snappergrouper, dolphin, and live rock in Federal waters along the North Carolina coast. The specimens would be used in educational exhibits displaying North Carolina native species at the aquariums. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 24, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2019– 0051’’, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail; D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0051, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. 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: Frank Helies, 727–824–5305; email frank.helies@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EFP is requested under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) concerning exempted fishing. The North Carolina Aquariums have completed identical work under a previous EFP that was issued by NMFS on April 30, 2014, and recently expired on April 30, 2019. NMFS did not receive any public comments on the previous EFP notice of receipt of an application (79 FR 16301; March 25, 2014). This action involves activities covered by regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plans (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic Region, and the FMP for Coral, Coral Reefs and E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 101 (Friday, May 24, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24102-24103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-10905]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG990


Draft Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response 
Guidelines

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

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS, in an effort to increase preparedness for wildlife 
response under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, has drafted guidelines 
for marine mammal response in disaster situations in Cook Inlet and 
Kodiak, Alaska entitled ``Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster 
Response Guidelines'' (Guidelines). NMFS invites the public to comment 
on and/or provide additional information for NMFS to consider in 
finalizing the guidelines.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 24, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2019-0038, by any one of the following methods;
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0038, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments;
     Mail: Submit written comments to Sadie Wright, attention 
Ellen Sebastian, National Marine Fisheries Service, Protected Resources 
Division, Alaska Region, 709 West 9th Street, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, 
AK 99802.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. 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), 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).
    Electronic copies of the draft Guidelines and associated Appendices 
may be obtained from https://www.regulations.gov or from the NMFS Alaska 
Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/marine-life-distress/alaska-marine-mammal-stranding-network.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sadie Wright, (907) 586-7630 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Marine mammal oil spill response and 
preparedness in the Cook Inlet and Kodiak region of Alaska presents 
many challenges including remote conditions; lack of infrastructure, 
equipment, and trained personnel; and large populations of marine 
mammals that may be impacted. Additionally, marine mammals are 
important subsistence and cultural resources for Alaska Native coastal 
communities, and response efforts must be cooperative with and 
sensitive to local communities. NMFS developed the Guidelines through 
stakeholder engagement to develop regionally specific and culturally 
sensitive response strategies during disasters that impact marine 
mammals.
    NMFS sought input on communication and response protocols for 
carcass collection, de-oiling, tissue sampling, necropsies, and 
subsistence food issues through meetings with local leaders and 
responders in Kenai, Seward, Ninilchik, Seldovia, Port Graham, Homer, 
Anchorage, Nanwalek, Kodiak, Ouzinkie, Port Lions, Larsen Bay, and 
teleconferences and email correspondence with outlying communities. 
These stakeholder meetings resulted in three key recommendations for 
the Guidelines:
    (1) Include a communication structure that is locally based and 
efficient;
    (2) prioritize response to address impacts to fish and associated 
public health and economy; and
    (3) address the lack of infrastructure, equipment, and trained 
personnel for response efforts.
    These recommendations are addressed by the Guidelines in the 
following ways:
    (1) The local marine mammal stranding agreement holder or 
community-appointed organization(s) is the local lead, and 
communication protocols outline cooperative approaches between 
stakeholders;
    (2) All response protocols are congruent with food safety testing, 
and the Alaska state public health representative is part of the 
communication loop; and
    (3) Caches of equipment should be developed and stored in hub 
communities with smaller caches in outlying villages, to include 
modular and adaptive infrastructure for response activities.
    Finally, the Guidelines provide decision-making tools regarding 
Cook Inlet beluga whale deterrence that will be useful to NMFS 
protocols, and to other responders to gain a better understanding of 
potential concerns in deterring this endangered population.
    The draft Guidelines focus on marine mammal species under NMFS 
jurisdiction that occur in Cook Inlet and within the Kodiak 
archipelago. Different approaches may be appropriate for sea otters, 
which are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any response 
to marine mammals per these Guidelines should occur in coordination 
with NMFS through the Incident Command Structure, if put in place for 
an oil spill or other major incident. The draft Guidelines also focus 
primarily on marine mammal response during oil spills, but include 
considerations for response in a non-spill disaster situation such as a 
natural disaster (response typically under the Stafford Act) or a 
marine mammal Unusual Mortality Event.
    Comments are invited on any aspect of the draft Guidelines. We are 
particularly interested in maintaining an efficient communication 
strategy for marine mammal disaster response in the Cook Inlet and 
Kodiak region, and seek suggestions to ensure the final

[[Page 24103]]

Guidelines provide that framework. In addition, NMFS appreciates 
specific suggestions on how to improve the clarity of the draft 
Guidelines.

    Dated: May 21, 2019.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-10905 Filed 5-23-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.