Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Green Sturgeon 4(d) Rule Take Exceptions and Exemptions, 47497-47498 [2019-19530]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2019 / Notices States Marine Fisheries Commissions have implemented the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process, a multi-step method for determining the status of fish stocks in the Southeast Region. SEDAR is a multistep process including: (1) Data Workshop, (2) a series of assessment webinars, and (3) A Review Workshop. The product of the Data Workshop is a report that compiles and evaluates potential datasets and recommends which datasets are appropriate for assessment analyses. The assessment webinars produce a report that describes the fisheries, evaluates the status of the stock, estimates biological benchmarks, projects future population conditions, and recommends research and monitoring needs. The product of the Review Workshop is an Assessment Summary documenting panel opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the stock assessment and input data. Participants for SEDAR Workshops are appointed by the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, HMS Management Division, and Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Participants include data collectors and database managers; stock assessment scientists, biologists, and researchers; constituency representatives including fishermen, environmentalists, and NGO’s; International experts; and staff of Councils, Commissions, and state and federal agencies. The items of discussion during the Assessment Webinar are as follows: 1. Using datasets and initial assessment analysis recommended from the in-person workshop, panelists will employ assessment models to evaluate stock status, estimate population benchmarks and management criteria, and project future conditions. 2. Participants will recommend the most appropriate methods and configurations for determining stock status and estimating population parameters. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Sep 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 business days prior to each workshop. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 5, 2019. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2019–19491 Filed 9–9–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Green Sturgeon 4(d) Rule Take Exceptions and Exemptions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 12, 2019. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the internet at PRAcomments@doc.gov). All comments received are part of the public record. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. You may submit attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Melissa Neuman, NMFS SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47497 West Coast Region Protected Resources Division, 501 West Ocean Boulevard Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802, (562) 980–4115, or Melissa.Neuman@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This request is for an extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection. The Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris; hereafter, ‘‘Southern DPS’’) was listed as a threatened species in April 2006. Protective regulations under section 4(d) of the ESA were promulgated for the species on June 2, 2010 (75 FR 30714) (the final ESA 4(d) Rule). To comply with the ESA and the protective regulations, entities must obtain take authorization prior to engaging in activities involving take of Southern DPS fish unless the activity is covered by an exception or exemption. ‘‘Take’’ is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Certain activities described in the ‘‘exceptions’’ provision of 50 CFR 223.210(b) are not subject to the take prohibitions if they adhere to specific criteria and reporting requirements. Under the ‘‘exemption’’ provision of 50 CFR 223.210(c), the take prohibitions do not apply to scientific research, scientific monitoring, and fisheries activities conducted under an approved 4(d) program or plan; similarly, take prohibitions do not apply to tribal resource management activities conducted under a Tribal Plan for which the requisite determinations described in 50 CFR 223.102(c)(3) have been made. To ensure that activities qualify under exceptions to or exemptions from the take prohibitions, local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, and private organizations are asked to voluntarily submit detailed information regarding their activity on a schedule to be determined by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) staff. This information is used by NMFS to (1) track the number of Southern DPS fish taken as a result of each action; (2) understand and evaluate the cumulative effects of each action on the Southern DPS; and (3) determine whether additional protections are needed for the species, or whether additional exceptions may be warranted. NMFS designed the criteria to ensure that plans meeting the criteria would adequately limit impacts on threatened E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1 47498 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2019 / Notices Southern DPS fish, such that additional protections in the form of a federal take prohibition would not be necessary and advisable. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE II. Method of Collection RIN 0648–XV058 Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. Methods of submittal include email of electronic forms, and mail and facsimile transmission of paper forms. Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings OMB Control Number: 0648–0613. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal government; Federal government; business or other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 58 Estimated Time per Response: Written notification describing research, monitoring or habitat restoration activities, 40 hours; development of fisheries management and evaluation plans or state 4(d) research programs, 40 hours; reports, 5 hours; development of a tribal fishery management plan, 20 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,760. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $200. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Sheleen Dumas, Departmental Lead PRA Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Sep 09, 2019 Jkt 247001 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. AGENCY: III. Data [FR Doc. 2019–19530 Filed 9–9–19; 8:45 am] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Marianas Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC) and Marianas Advisory Panel (AP) to discuss fishery issues and develop recommendations for future ecosystem management of the archipelagic and pelagic fisheries and protected species. DATES: The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) REAC meeting will be held between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on September 25, 2019. The CNMI AP meeting will be held between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on September 25, 2019. The Guam REAC meeting will be held between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on September 27, 2019. The Guam AP meeting will be held between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on September 27, 2019. For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The CNMI REAC and AP meetings will be held at the Chamolinian Room of Hyatt Regency Hotel, Royal Palm Avenue, Micro Beach Rd, Garapan, Saipan 96950, Northern Mariana Islands; telephone: (670) 234– 1234. The Guam REAC and AP meetings will be held at the Gallery Room of the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa, 202 Hilton Road, Tumon Bay, Guam 96913; telephone: (671) 646–1835. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; telephone: (808) 522–8220; fax: (808) 522–8226. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public comment periods will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The meetings will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. SUMMARY: Agenda for the CNMI REAC Meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of 2018 REAC Meeting 3. Overview of the 2019 REAC Meeting PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4. Information sourcing for local fishery ecosystem impacts of climate change 5. Sourcing for local data sources that can be used to support research 6. Setting local research priorities needed to address impacts of climate change on the local fishery ecosystems 7. Discussion on Coral Reef Grant Projects 8. Social, economic, and ecological characterization of shark depredation 9. Public Comment 10. Other Business 11. Discussion and Recommendations Agenda for the CNMI AP Meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Review of the last AP meeting and recommendations 3. 180th Council Meeting Action Items and Issues a. Territorial Bottomfish Stock Assessment b. Pacific Insular Fisheries Monitoring and Assessment Planning Summit 4. CNMI Reports a. Community Report b. Education Report c. Island Report d. Legislative Report e. 2018 Mariana Archipelago Fisheries Economics Survey 5. Island Fishery Issues & Activities a. Issues b. Activities 6. Public Comments 7. Discussion and Recommendations 8. Other Business Agenda for the Guam REAC Meeting Friday, September 27, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Overview of the REAC 2019 meeting 3. Information sourcing for local fishery ecosystem impacts of climate change 4. Sourcing for local data sources that can be used to support research 5. Setting local research priorities needed to address impacts of climate change on the local fishery ecosystems (include pelagics) 6. Discussion on Coral Reef Grant Projects 7. Social, economic, and ecological characterization of shark depredation 8. Public Comment 9. Other Business 10. Discussion and Recommendations E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47497-47498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19530]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Green Sturgeon 
4(d) Rule Take Exceptions and Exemptions

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 12, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, 
NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the 
internet at [email protected]). All comments received are part of the 
public record. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, 
name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be 
publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information. You may submit 
attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe 
PDF file formats.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Melissa Neuman, NMFS West Coast Region Protected 
Resources Division, 501 West Ocean Boulevard Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 
90802, (562) 980-4115, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for an extension, without change, of a currently 
approved information collection.
    The Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green 
sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris; hereafter, ``Southern DPS'') was 
listed as a threatened species in April 2006. Protective regulations 
under section 4(d) of the ESA were promulgated for the species on June 
2, 2010 (75 FR 30714) (the final ESA 4(d) Rule). To comply with the ESA 
and the protective regulations, entities must obtain take authorization 
prior to engaging in activities involving take of Southern DPS fish 
unless the activity is covered by an exception or exemption. ``Take'' 
is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, 
capture or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. 
Certain activities described in the ``exceptions'' provision of 50 CFR 
223.210(b) are not subject to the take prohibitions if they adhere to 
specific criteria and reporting requirements. Under the ``exemption'' 
provision of 50 CFR 223.210(c), the take prohibitions do not apply to 
scientific research, scientific monitoring, and fisheries activities 
conducted under an approved 4(d) program or plan; similarly, take 
prohibitions do not apply to tribal resource management activities 
conducted under a Tribal Plan for which the requisite determinations 
described in 50 CFR 223.102(c)(3) have been made.
    To ensure that activities qualify under exceptions to or exemptions 
from the take prohibitions, local, state, and federal agencies, non-
governmental organizations, academic researchers, and private 
organizations are asked to voluntarily submit detailed information 
regarding their activity on a schedule to be determined by National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) staff. This information is used by NMFS 
to (1) track the number of Southern DPS fish taken as a result of each 
action; (2) understand and evaluate the cumulative effects of each 
action on the Southern DPS; and (3) determine whether additional 
protections are needed for the species, or whether additional 
exceptions may be warranted. NMFS designed the criteria to ensure that 
plans meeting the criteria would adequately limit impacts on threatened

[[Page 47498]]

Southern DPS fish, such that additional protections in the form of a 
federal take prohibition would not be necessary and advisable.

II. Method of Collection

    Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. 
Methods of submittal include email of electronic forms, and mail and 
facsimile transmission of paper forms.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0613.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or 
Tribal government; Federal government; business or other for-profit 
organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 58
    Estimated Time per Response: Written notification describing 
research, monitoring or habitat restoration activities, 40 hours; 
development of fisheries management and evaluation plans or state 4(d) 
research programs, 40 hours; reports, 5 hours; development of a tribal 
fishery management plan, 20 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,760.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $200.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental Lead PRA Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, 
Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2019-19530 Filed 9-9-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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