Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper 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, 24103-24104 [2019-10920]

Download as PDF 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 khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 24104 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 101 / Friday, May 24, 2019 / Notices Live/Hardbottom Habitat of the South Atlantic Region. The applicant requests authorization to collect a variety of species in the snapper-grouper complex, dolphin, and live rock. Specific species and quantities of each species, listed by common name, to be collected each year of a 5-year period include a maximum of 16 red hind, 16 rock hind, 16 graysby, 24 red porgy, 24 black sea bass, 16 coney, 16 scamp, 3 snowy grouper, 16 red grouper, 16 gag grouper, 9 yellowedge grouper, 9 yellowfin grouper, 16 yellowmouth grouper, 36 vermilion snapper, 20 red snapper, 36 yellowtail snapper, 24 amberjack (lesser and greater amberjack combined), 24 almaco jack, 100 bar jack, 24 dolphin, and 50 lb (22.7 kg) of live rock. Specimens would be collected in Federal waters from 3 miles (4.8 km) offshore out to 100 fathoms (182 m), from 33°10′ N lat. to 36°30′ N lat. along the coast of North Carolina. The EFP would authorize sampling operations to be conducted on vessels to be named by the North Carolina Aquariums and designated in the EFP. The project proposes to use hook-and-line gear, no more than 5 black sea bass pots and 10 minnow traps to collect fish, and SCUBA to collect live rock by hand. Most collections would be conducted year-round for a period of 5 years, commencing on the date of issuance of the EFP. Black sea bass pots and minnow traps would be deployed from the months of May through October each year of the EFP. The soak time for both pots and traps would vary from 4 to 8 hours up to 2 days. The majority of the pots and traps would be set in the morning and retrieved at the end of the same day; however, if the weather is suitable, the pots and traps may be left overnight for no more than one night at a time. Pots and traps would be retrieved by hand to reduce barotrauma, and would be deployed in hard bottom and ledge habitats offshore. The intent of the request is to incorporate North Carolina native species into the educational exhibits at four state aquariums located on Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jennette’s Pier, North Carolina. The aquariums use these displays of native North Carolina habitats and species to teach the public about conservation of these resources. NMFS finds this application warrants further consideration. Based on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. Possible conditions the agency may impose on this permit, if it is indeed granted, include but are not limited to, a prohibition of conducting research within marine protected areas, marine sanctuaries, special management VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 May 23, 2019 Jkt 247001 zones, or artificial reefs without additional authorization. Additionally, NMFS will require any sea turtles taken incidentally during the course of fishing or scientific research activities to be handled with due care to prevent injury to live specimens, observed for activity, and returned to the water. To acquire live rock for the aquariums, the applicant has the option to either purchase aquacultured live rock from a commercial source, or if the EFP is issued, the applicant may collect up to 50 lb (22.7 kg) of live rock from the Federal waters off North Carolina, but immediately replace it with an equal weight of substrate suitable to support the culture of live rock. A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on NMFS’ review of public comments received on the application, consultations with the affected state, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that it is consistent with all applicable laws. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: May 21, 2019. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–10920 Filed 5–23–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs Office for Coastal Management (OCM), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office for Coastal Management will hold a public meeting to solicit comments on the performance evaluation of the Louisiana Coastal Management Program. DATES: Louisiana Coastal Management Program Evaluation: The public meeting will be held on July 23, 2019, and written comments must be received on or before August 2, 2019. For specific dates, times, and locations of the public meetings, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the coastal program NOAA intends to evaluate by any of the following methods: SUMMARY: Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hall, Evaluator, Planning and Performance Measurement Program, Office for Coastal Management, NOS/ NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th Floor, N/OCM1, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, by phone at (240) 533– 0730 or email comments Carrie.Hall@ noaa.gov. Copies of the previous evaluation findings and 2016–2020 Assessment and Strategy may be viewed and downloaded on the internet at https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/evaluations. A copy of the evaluation notification letter and most recent progress report may be obtained upon request by contacting the person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires NOAA to conduct periodic evaluations of federally approved state and territorial coastal programs. The process includes one or more public meetings, consideration of written public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. During the evaluation, NOAA will consider the extent to which the state has met the national objectives, adhered to the management program approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance under the CZMA. 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 or submit oral comments at the public meeting scheduled as follows: Date: July 23, 2019. Time: 6:00 p.m., local time. Location: Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, LaSalle Building, Labelle Room, 617 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802–5428. Written public comments must be received on or before August 2, 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PO 00000 Public Meeting and Oral Comments: A public meeting will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For the specific location, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Written Comments: Please direct written comments to Carrie Hall, Evaluator, Planning and Performance Measurement Program, Office for Coastal Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th Floor, N/OCM1, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or email comments Carrie.Hall@ noaa.gov. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\24MYN1.SGM 24MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 101 (Friday, May 24, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24103-24104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-10920]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG988


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper 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

AGENCY: 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.

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

SUMMARY: 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 Aquariums to collect, with certain conditions, 
various species of snapper-grouper, 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 
[email protected].

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

[[Page 24104]]

Live/Hardbottom Habitat of the South Atlantic Region. The applicant 
requests authorization to collect a variety of species in the snapper-
grouper complex, dolphin, and live rock. Specific species and 
quantities of each species, listed by common name, to be collected each 
year of a 5-year period include a maximum of 16 red hind, 16 rock hind, 
16 graysby, 24 red porgy, 24 black sea bass, 16 coney, 16 scamp, 3 
snowy grouper, 16 red grouper, 16 gag grouper, 9 yellowedge grouper, 9 
yellowfin grouper, 16 yellowmouth grouper, 36 vermilion snapper, 20 red 
snapper, 36 yellowtail snapper, 24 amberjack (lesser and greater 
amberjack combined), 24 almaco jack, 100 bar jack, 24 dolphin, and 50 
lb (22.7 kg) of live rock.
    Specimens would be collected in Federal waters from 3 miles (4.8 
km) offshore out to 100 fathoms (182 m), from 33[deg]10' N lat. to 
36[deg]30' N lat. along the coast of North Carolina. The EFP would 
authorize sampling operations to be conducted on vessels to be named by 
the North Carolina Aquariums and designated in the EFP. The project 
proposes to use hook-and-line gear, no more than 5 black sea bass pots 
and 10 minnow traps to collect fish, and SCUBA to collect live rock by 
hand. Most collections would be conducted year-round for a period of 5 
years, commencing on the date of issuance of the EFP. Black sea bass 
pots and minnow traps would be deployed from the months of May through 
October each year of the EFP. The soak time for both pots and traps 
would vary from 4 to 8 hours up to 2 days. The majority of the pots and 
traps would be set in the morning and retrieved at the end of the same 
day; however, if the weather is suitable, the pots and traps may be 
left overnight for no more than one night at a time. Pots and traps 
would be retrieved by hand to reduce barotrauma, and would be deployed 
in hard bottom and ledge habitats offshore.
    The intent of the request is to incorporate North Carolina native 
species into the educational exhibits at four state aquariums located 
on Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jennette's Pier, 
North Carolina. The aquariums use these displays of native North 
Carolina habitats and species to teach the public about conservation of 
these resources.
    NMFS finds this application warrants further consideration. Based 
on a preliminary review, NMFS intends to issue an EFP. Possible 
conditions the agency may impose on this permit, if it is indeed 
granted, include but are not limited to, a prohibition of conducting 
research within marine protected areas, marine sanctuaries, special 
management zones, or artificial reefs without additional authorization. 
Additionally, NMFS will require any sea turtles taken incidentally 
during the course of fishing or scientific research activities to be 
handled with due care to prevent injury to live specimens, observed for 
activity, and returned to the water. To acquire live rock for the 
aquariums, the applicant has the option to either purchase aquacultured 
live rock from a commercial source, or if the EFP is issued, the 
applicant may collect up to 50 lb (22.7 kg) of live rock from the 
Federal waters off North Carolina, but immediately replace it with an 
equal weight of substrate suitable to support the culture of live rock. 
A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on NMFS' review of 
public comments received on the application, consultations with the 
affected state, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and the 
U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that it is consistent with all 
applicable laws.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: May 21, 2019.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-10920 Filed 5-23-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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