Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Analysis and Management Plan, 52053-52055 [2019-20247]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
15 CFR Part 922
Initiation of Review of Management
Plan for Channel Islands National
Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct
Scoping and Prepare Draft
Environmental Analysis and
Management Plan
Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Initiation of review of
management plan; intent to conduct
scoping and prepare environmental
analysis under the National
Environmental Policy Act.
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with Section
304(e) of the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA),
the Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) is initiating a
review of the Channel Islands National
Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary)
management plan, to evaluate
substantive progress toward
implementing the goals of the sanctuary,
and to make revisions to the
management plan as necessary to fulfill
the purposes and policies of the NMSA.
NOAA anticipates management plan
changes will require preparation of an
environmental analysis under the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). NOAA will conduct public
scoping meetings to gather information
and other comments from individuals,
organizations, tribes and government
agencies on the scope, types, and
significance of issues related to the
CINMS management plan and the
proper scope of environmental analysis
for the management plan review. The
scoping meetings are scheduled as
detailed below under DATES.
DATES: Written comments should be
received on or before November 15,
2019. Public scoping meetings will be
held on:
(1) Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 6–8
p.m., at Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara
Public Library, 40 E Anapamu St., Santa
Barbara, CA 93101.
(2) Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 6–
8 p.m., at Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451
Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document, identified by NOAA–
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NOS–2019–0110, 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-NOS-20190110, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
• Mail: UCSB Ocean Science
Education, Building 514/MC 6155,
Santa Barbara, California 93106, Attn:
Chris Mobley, Superintendent.
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 NOAA. 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 personally
identifying information (e.g., name,
address, etc.), confidential business
information, or otherwise sensitive
information submitted voluntarily by
the sender will be publicly accessible.
NOAA will accept anonymous
comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required
fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Murray, 805–893–6418,
cinmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) was
designated in October 1980. It spans
1,470 square miles (1,110 square
nautical miles) of southern California
marine waters surrounding five offshore
islands. The sanctuary boundary begins
at the Mean High Water Line and
extends seaward to a distance of
approximately six nautical miles from
the following islands and offshore rocks:
San Miguel Island, Santa Cruz Island,
Santa Rosa Island, Anacapa Island,
Santa Barbara Island, Richardson Rock,
and Castle Rock. CINMS is administered
by NOAA, within the U.S. Department
of Commerce, and was designated to
conserve, protect, and enhance the
biodiversity, ecological integrity, and
cultural legacy of marine resources
surrounding the Channel Islands for
current and future generations.
Sanctuary programs in education,
conservation, science, and stewardship
help protect CINMS and its nationallysignificant resources, while promoting
public use and enjoyment through
compatible human activities.
The current CINMS management plan
was published in 2009, and is available
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52053
on the internet here: https://
channelislands.noaa.gov/management/
manplan/welcome.html.
In 2018, NOAA completed an internal
assessment of progress toward
implementation of the 2009
management plan. The assessment
found that 89% (123 of 138 activities) of
the management plan’s activities had
been fully or partially completed or
were still being implemented as ongoing
functions, while 11% (15 of 138
activities) were not yet started or had
been placed on hold. Results of the 2018
internal assessment were discussed at a
public meeting of the sanctuary
advisory council in May 2018.
Reviewing the CINMS management
plan may result in proposed changes to
existing programs and policies to
address contemporary issues and
challenges, and to better protect and
manage the sanctuary’s resources and
qualities. The review process is
composed of four major stages: (1)
Information collection and
characterization; (2) preparation and
release of a draft management plan and
environmental document under NEPA,
and any proposed amendments to the
regulations; (3) public review and
comment; and (4) preparation and
release of a final management plan and
environmental document, and any final
amendments to the regulations, if
applicable. NOAA will also address
other statutory and regulatory
requirements that may be required
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act
(ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act,
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) provisions
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act), Coastal Zone
Management Act (CZMA), National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and
tribal consultation responsibilities
under Executive Order 13175.
Condition Report
To inform the management plan
review, in 2019, NOAA updated the
CINMS Condition Report, which was
first published in 2009. The new
condition report provides an updated
summary of sanctuary resources, drivers
and pressures on those resources,
current conditions and trends for
resources, and existing management
responses to identified pressures, and
introduces a new section on ecosystem
services. The report uses quantitative
data gathered through 2016, expert
scientific input, and a focus on select
ecosystem indicators to update the
conditions and changes in water quality,
habitat, living resources, and maritime
archaeological resources in the
sanctuary. Overall, the condition report
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules
indicates that sanctuary resources are
doing well in comparison to other parts
of the world’s ocean. Many sanctuary
resources are showing relative stability
or improvement since 2009, including
water quality (which is safe for
swimming and recreation), nutrient
levels, shoreline and seafloor habitats,
many fish species, overall native
sanctuary biodiversity, and the maritime
archaeological resources. The 2019
condition report also identifies some
pressures and activities that have
impacts on sanctuary resources, such as
vessel traffic, introduction of non-native
species, ocean noise, marine debris,
harmful algal blooms, and climatedriven changes to ocean conditions. An
ecosystem services assessment is
introduced to the condition report, as
well as an ecosystem assessment
independently authored by members of
the Chumash community. The 2019
condition report is available on the
internet at: https://sanctuaries.noaa
.gov/science/condition/cinms/welcome
.html.
Preliminary Priority Topics
NOAA has prepared a preliminary list
of priority topics to consider during the
CINMS management plan review
process. NOAA is interested in public
comment on these topics, as well as any
other issues of interest that are relevant
to the CINMS management plan review
(including additional topics raised
through public comment, and tribal and
interagency consultation).
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
Partnership-Based Management
Through collaborative partnerships
with other federal and state agencies,
universities, and many other
organizations, NOAA is interested in
providing effective and coordinated
management of marine resources and
human activities within CINMS. This
includes partnerships that enhance
scientific research, sustain ongoing
monitoring of environmental and
socioeconomic conditions, enforce
regulations, share community-based
initiatives, and implement effective
education, outreach, and volunteer
programs. NOAA seeks input on
strengthening and optimizing
partnerships within the sanctuary to
increase management effectiveness.
Climate-Driven Impacts
NOAA is a leader in developing tools
to educate the public education about
climate change impacts on CINMS, such
as ocean acidification. NOAA also
measures climate change impacts in and
around the sanctuary and supports
partner organizations that do the same.
This includes changes to pH within the
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sanctuary and changes to deep sea
corals. With changes expected in the
occurrence of cyclic and seasonal
phenomena, rising sea levels, and shifts
in species distributions, NOAA will
look for opportunities to effectively
respond by adapting operations and
management approaches to mitigate
climate impacts.
Collaborative Research and Monitoring
There is a continuing need for
characterization, research, and
monitoring to understand baseline
conditions of marine resources and
human activities, ecosystem functions,
the status and trends of biological and
historic resources, and changing
socioeconomic conditions within
CINMS. Findings from research and
monitoring help inform sound
management of activities in CINMS.
Anticipated priority areas of scientific
study for CINMS, or partner-led
programs, include, but are not limited
to: Improving understanding of the
distribution of large transient species
(e.g., giant seabass and sharks);
monitoring habitats of interest and
concern within the sanctuary (e.g., deep
sea coral gardens); increasing the
amount of sanctuary seafloor mapped;
improving knowledge of acoustic
habitats within CINMS; understanding
and quantifying human use of CINMS;
and tracking pollutant levels in
sanctuary sediments, water samples,
and fish tissues. In support of these
science activities, NOAA seeks to
continue working with a variety of
partners aboard CINMS research vessels.
Protection of Sanctuary Resources
Using an ecosystem-based approach
to management, NOAA examines and
evaluates existing and potential
resource management issues that may
adversely affect sanctuary resources.
CINMS regulations protect sanctuary
resources while allowing for compatible
uses. Anticipated priorities for resource
protection activities that are either led
by NOAA or supported by partner-led
programs include, but are not limited to:
Continued efforts to reduce the risk of
lethal ship strikes to endangered whales
through innovative approaches designed
to elicit cooperative behavior from the
shipping industry (e.g., vessel speed
reduction programs); detection and
control actions to limit introductions of
non-native species (e.g., Undaria
pinnatifida and Sargassum horneri);
working with partners to ensure
continued protection of species and
habitats within the state and federal
network of marine reserves and marine
conservation areas established within
CINMS; assisting with efforts to restore
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Sfmt 4702
endangered white abalone; and
pursuing innovative and collaborative
approaches to reduce the amount of
marine debris accumulating within
CINMS (e.g., removal of lost fishing gear
and floating plastic debris). NOAA seeks
to continue and enhance its
collaborative approach to enforcing
federal and state rules and regulations
applicable within the sanctuary to
protect sanctuary resources. NOAA
expects to continue developing remote
technology tools (e.g., shore-based radar
systems and mobile applications) that
make monitoring and patrol operations
more streamlined and effective.
Education, Outreach, and Citizen
Science
Enhancing public awareness and
appreciation of sanctuary resources is a
cornerstone of the CINMS mission.
Recent initiatives and advancements
offer the potential for NOAA and its
partners to enhance and expand
education and outreach programming to
reach larger audiences. These
advancements include using remote
video-link technologies, developing
mobile applications to enhance
community science activities,
improving video production, and
partnering with the recreation and
tourism industry. NOAA is also
committed to continuing shipwreck
discovery missions within the sanctuary
and providing compelling public
education about these maritime heritage
discoveries. NOAA is seeking the
public’s view on developing and
improving programs designed to
enhance public awareness and
stewardship, support environmentally
responsible recreation and tourism,
sustain volunteer contributions, and
improve socioeconomic understanding
of visitor use. NOAA is also interested
in collaboratively developing
educational programming in partner
facilities open to public visitation.
Facilities include the east wing of the
Ocean Science Education Building at
the University of California Santa
Barbara, and the Channel Islands
Boating Center in Oxnard.
Regulatory and Boundary Changes
In preparing for public scoping,
NOAA has not identified the need for
any changes to CINMS regulations, such
as adjustments to the regulations or
boundaries of the marine reserve and
conservation area network within the
sanctuary, or changes to the sanctuary’s
boundary. However, regulatory changes
may be considered based on a review of
public scoping comments and, if
proposed, would be presented for public
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 190 / Tuesday, October 1, 2019 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
review with the publication of a
proposed rulemaking.
John Armor,
Director, Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries.
Public Comments
NOAA is interested in hearing the
public’s views on:
• The potential impacts of ongoing
and proposed sanctuary activities
discussed above, and ways to mitigate
impacts to sanctuary resources.
• The preliminary priority topics
discussed above, and whether these are
the appropriate priority topics, or if
there are additional topics NOAA
should consider.
• The effectiveness of the existing
management plan in meeting the
mandates of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1431
et seq.) and supporting the mission and
goals expressed in the current strategic
plan for the National Marine Sanctuary
System (available on the internet here:
https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/fiveyear-strategy-2017-2022.html).
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Consultations
This document also advises the public
that NOAA will coordinate its
consultation responsibilities under
section 7 of the ESA, EFH under the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, section 106 of
the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470), and Federal
Consistency review under the CZMA.
Through its ongoing NEPA process and
the use of NEPA documents and public
and stakeholder meetings, NOAA will
also coordinate compliance with other
federal laws.
In fulfilling its responsibility under
the NHPA and NEPA, NOAA intends to
identify consulting parties; identify
historic properties and assess the effects
of the undertaking on such properties;
initiate formal consultation with the
State Historic Preservation Officer, the
Advisory Council of Historic
Preservation, and other consulting
parties; involve the public in
accordance with NOAA’s NEPA
procedures; and develop in consultation
with identified consulting parties
alternatives and proposed measures that
might avoid, minimize, or mitigate any
adverse effects on historic properties
and describe them in any environmental
analysis.
NOAA will also initiate
communications and consultation steps
with relevant federally recognized tribal
governments pursuant to Executive
Order 13175, Department of Commerce
tribal consultation policies, and NOAA
procedures for government-togovernment consultation with federally
recognized Indian Tribes.
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[FR Doc. 2019–20247 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
21 CFR Part 573
[Docket No. FDA–2019–F–3911]
Evonik Corp.; Filing of Food Additive
Petition (Animal Use)
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
Notification; petition for
rulemaking.
ACTION:
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or we) is
announcing that Evonik Corp. has filed
a petition proposing that the food
additive regulations be amended to
provide for the safe use of silicon
dioxide as an anticaking agent, grinding
aid, antifoaming agent, or carrier in
animal feed components (ingredients,
intermediate premixes, premixes,
supplements, or concentrates).
DATES: The food additive petition was
filed on July 24, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For access to the docket, go
to https://www.regulations.gov and
insert the docket number, found in
brackets in the heading of this
document, into the ‘‘Search’’ box and
follow the prompts; and/or go to the
Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers
Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chelsea Cerrito, Center for Veterinary
Medicine, Food and Drug
Administration, 7519 Standish Pl.,
Rockville, MD 20855, 240–402–6729,
Chelsea.Cerrito@fda.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(section 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5))),
notice is given that a food additive
petition (FAP 2308) has been filed by
Evonik Corp., 1707 Barrett Lakes Blvd.
NW, Suite 340, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
The petition proposes to amend Title 21
of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
in part 573 (21 CFR part 573) Food
Additives Permitted in Feed and
Drinking Water of Animals to provide
for the safe use of silicon dioxide as an
anticaking agent, grinding aid,
antifoaming agent, or carrier in animal
feed components (ingredients,
SUMMARY:
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52055
intermediate premixes, premixes,
supplements, or concentrates).
The petitioner has claimed that this
action is categorically excluded under
21 CFR 25.32(r) because it is of a type
that does not individually or
cumulatively have a significant effect on
the human environment. In addition,
the petitioner has stated that, to their
knowledge, no extraordinary
circumstances exist. If FDA determines
a categorical exclusion applies, neither
an environmental assessment nor an
environmental impact statement is
required. If FDA determines a
categorical exclusion does not apply, we
will request an environmental
assessment and make it available for
public inspection.
Dated: September 23, 2019.
Lowell J. Schiller,
Principal Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–20958 Filed 9–30–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 60
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0960; FRL–10000–43–
OAR]
Call for Information: Information
Related to the Development of
Emission Estimating Methodologies
for Animal Feeding Operations
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Call for information.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting
quality-assured emissions and process
data, and calculation models and
methodologies that are relevant to
developing emission estimating
methodologies (EEMs) for emissions of
volatile organic compounds (VOC) from
animal feeding operations (AFOs). The
EPA may use the data to supplement the
emissions and process data collected
under the National Air Emission
Monitoring Study (NAEMS) for AFOs.
DATES: Information must be received on
or before December 2, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2010–0960, by any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov/ (our
preferred method). Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov.
Include Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–
E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52053-52055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20247]
[[Page 52053]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
15 CFR Part 922
Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft
Environmental Analysis and Management Plan
AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Initiation of review of management plan; intent to conduct
scoping and prepare environmental analysis under the National
Environmental Policy Act.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 304(e) of the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), the Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) is initiating a review of the Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan, to
evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the
sanctuary, and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to
fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA anticipates
management plan changes will require preparation of an environmental
analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA will
conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and other
comments from individuals, organizations, tribes and government
agencies on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the
CINMS management plan and the proper scope of environmental analysis
for the management plan review. The scoping meetings are scheduled as
detailed below under DATES.
DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 15,
2019. Public scoping meetings will be held on:
(1) Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 6-8 p.m., at Faulkner Gallery, Santa
Barbara Public Library, 40 E Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
(2) Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 6-8 p.m., at Poinsettia Pavilion,
3451 Foothill Road, Ventura, CA 93003.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by
NOAA-NOS-2019-0110, 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-NOS-2019-0110, click the
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or
attach your comments.
Mail: UCSB Ocean Science Education, Building 514/MC 6155,
Santa Barbara, California 93106, Attn: Chris Mobley, Superintendent.
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 NOAA. 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 personally identifying
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA will accept anonymous
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Murray, 805-893-6418,
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) was
designated in October 1980. It spans 1,470 square miles (1,110 square
nautical miles) of southern California marine waters surrounding five
offshore islands. The sanctuary boundary begins at the Mean High Water
Line and extends seaward to a distance of approximately six nautical
miles from the following islands and offshore rocks: San Miguel Island,
Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara
Island, Richardson Rock, and Castle Rock. CINMS is administered by
NOAA, within the U.S. Department of Commerce, and was designated to
conserve, protect, and enhance the biodiversity, ecological integrity,
and cultural legacy of marine resources surrounding the Channel Islands
for current and future generations. Sanctuary programs in education,
conservation, science, and stewardship help protect CINMS and its
nationally-significant resources, while promoting public use and
enjoyment through compatible human activities.
The current CINMS management plan was published in 2009, and is
available on the internet here: https://channelislands.noaa.gov/management/manplan/welcome.html.
In 2018, NOAA completed an internal assessment of progress toward
implementation of the 2009 management plan. The assessment found that
89% (123 of 138 activities) of the management plan's activities had
been fully or partially completed or were still being implemented as
ongoing functions, while 11% (15 of 138 activities) were not yet
started or had been placed on hold. Results of the 2018 internal
assessment were discussed at a public meeting of the sanctuary advisory
council in May 2018.
Reviewing the CINMS management plan may result in proposed changes
to existing programs and policies to address contemporary issues and
challenges, and to better protect and manage the sanctuary's resources
and qualities. The review process is composed of four major stages: (1)
Information collection and characterization; (2) preparation and
release of a draft management plan and environmental document under
NEPA, and any proposed amendments to the regulations; (3) public review
and comment; and (4) preparation and release of a final management plan
and environmental document, and any final amendments to the
regulations, if applicable. NOAA will also address other statutory and
regulatory requirements that may be required pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act, Essential Fish Habitat
(EFH) provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Coastal Zone Management Act
(CZMA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and tribal
consultation responsibilities under Executive Order 13175.
Condition Report
To inform the management plan review, in 2019, NOAA updated the
CINMS Condition Report, which was first published in 2009. The new
condition report provides an updated summary of sanctuary resources,
drivers and pressures on those resources, current conditions and trends
for resources, and existing management responses to identified
pressures, and introduces a new section on ecosystem services. The
report uses quantitative data gathered through 2016, expert scientific
input, and a focus on select ecosystem indicators to update the
conditions and changes in water quality, habitat, living resources, and
maritime archaeological resources in the sanctuary. Overall, the
condition report
[[Page 52054]]
indicates that sanctuary resources are doing well in comparison to
other parts of the world's ocean. Many sanctuary resources are showing
relative stability or improvement since 2009, including water quality
(which is safe for swimming and recreation), nutrient levels, shoreline
and seafloor habitats, many fish species, overall native sanctuary
biodiversity, and the maritime archaeological resources. The 2019
condition report also identifies some pressures and activities that
have impacts on sanctuary resources, such as vessel traffic,
introduction of non-native species, ocean noise, marine debris, harmful
algal blooms, and climate-driven changes to ocean conditions. An
ecosystem services assessment is introduced to the condition report, as
well as an ecosystem assessment independently authored by members of
the Chumash community. The 2019 condition report is available on the
internet at: https://sanctuaries.noaa .gov/science/condition/cinms/
welcome .html.
Preliminary Priority Topics
NOAA has prepared a preliminary list of priority topics to consider
during the CINMS management plan review process. NOAA is interested in
public comment on these topics, as well as any other issues of interest
that are relevant to the CINMS management plan review (including
additional topics raised through public comment, and tribal and
interagency consultation).
Partnership-Based Management
Through collaborative partnerships with other federal and state
agencies, universities, and many other organizations, NOAA is
interested in providing effective and coordinated management of marine
resources and human activities within CINMS. This includes partnerships
that enhance scientific research, sustain ongoing monitoring of
environmental and socioeconomic conditions, enforce regulations, share
community-based initiatives, and implement effective education,
outreach, and volunteer programs. NOAA seeks input on strengthening and
optimizing partnerships within the sanctuary to increase management
effectiveness.
Climate-Driven Impacts
NOAA is a leader in developing tools to educate the public
education about climate change impacts on CINMS, such as ocean
acidification. NOAA also measures climate change impacts in and around
the sanctuary and supports partner organizations that do the same. This
includes changes to pH within the sanctuary and changes to deep sea
corals. With changes expected in the occurrence of cyclic and seasonal
phenomena, rising sea levels, and shifts in species distributions, NOAA
will look for opportunities to effectively respond by adapting
operations and management approaches to mitigate climate impacts.
Collaborative Research and Monitoring
There is a continuing need for characterization, research, and
monitoring to understand baseline conditions of marine resources and
human activities, ecosystem functions, the status and trends of
biological and historic resources, and changing socioeconomic
conditions within CINMS. Findings from research and monitoring help
inform sound management of activities in CINMS. Anticipated priority
areas of scientific study for CINMS, or partner-led programs, include,
but are not limited to: Improving understanding of the distribution of
large transient species (e.g., giant seabass and sharks); monitoring
habitats of interest and concern within the sanctuary (e.g., deep sea
coral gardens); increasing the amount of sanctuary seafloor mapped;
improving knowledge of acoustic habitats within CINMS; understanding
and quantifying human use of CINMS; and tracking pollutant levels in
sanctuary sediments, water samples, and fish tissues. In support of
these science activities, NOAA seeks to continue working with a variety
of partners aboard CINMS research vessels.
Protection of Sanctuary Resources
Using an ecosystem-based approach to management, NOAA examines and
evaluates existing and potential resource management issues that may
adversely affect sanctuary resources. CINMS regulations protect
sanctuary resources while allowing for compatible uses. Anticipated
priorities for resource protection activities that are either led by
NOAA or supported by partner-led programs include, but are not limited
to: Continued efforts to reduce the risk of lethal ship strikes to
endangered whales through innovative approaches designed to elicit
cooperative behavior from the shipping industry (e.g., vessel speed
reduction programs); detection and control actions to limit
introductions of non-native species (e.g., Undaria pinnatifida and
Sargassum horneri); working with partners to ensure continued
protection of species and habitats within the state and federal network
of marine reserves and marine conservation areas established within
CINMS; assisting with efforts to restore endangered white abalone; and
pursuing innovative and collaborative approaches to reduce the amount
of marine debris accumulating within CINMS (e.g., removal of lost
fishing gear and floating plastic debris). NOAA seeks to continue and
enhance its collaborative approach to enforcing federal and state rules
and regulations applicable within the sanctuary to protect sanctuary
resources. NOAA expects to continue developing remote technology tools
(e.g., shore-based radar systems and mobile applications) that make
monitoring and patrol operations more streamlined and effective.
Education, Outreach, and Citizen Science
Enhancing public awareness and appreciation of sanctuary resources
is a cornerstone of the CINMS mission. Recent initiatives and
advancements offer the potential for NOAA and its partners to enhance
and expand education and outreach programming to reach larger
audiences. These advancements include using remote video-link
technologies, developing mobile applications to enhance community
science activities, improving video production, and partnering with the
recreation and tourism industry. NOAA is also committed to continuing
shipwreck discovery missions within the sanctuary and providing
compelling public education about these maritime heritage discoveries.
NOAA is seeking the public's view on developing and improving programs
designed to enhance public awareness and stewardship, support
environmentally responsible recreation and tourism, sustain volunteer
contributions, and improve socioeconomic understanding of visitor use.
NOAA is also interested in collaboratively developing educational
programming in partner facilities open to public visitation. Facilities
include the east wing of the Ocean Science Education Building at the
University of California Santa Barbara, and the Channel Islands Boating
Center in Oxnard.
Regulatory and Boundary Changes
In preparing for public scoping, NOAA has not identified the need
for any changes to CINMS regulations, such as adjustments to the
regulations or boundaries of the marine reserve and conservation area
network within the sanctuary, or changes to the sanctuary's boundary.
However, regulatory changes may be considered based on a review of
public scoping comments and, if proposed, would be presented for public
[[Page 52055]]
review with the publication of a proposed rulemaking.
Public Comments
NOAA is interested in hearing the public's views on:
The potential impacts of ongoing and proposed sanctuary
activities discussed above, and ways to mitigate impacts to sanctuary
resources.
The preliminary priority topics discussed above, and
whether these are the appropriate priority topics, or if there are
additional topics NOAA should consider.
The effectiveness of the existing management plan in
meeting the mandates of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and
supporting the mission and goals expressed in the current strategic
plan for the National Marine Sanctuary System (available on the
internet here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/five-year-strategy-
2017-2022.html).
Federal Consultations
This document also advises the public that NOAA will coordinate its
consultation responsibilities under section 7 of the ESA, EFH under the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, section 106 of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470), and
Federal Consistency review under the CZMA. Through its ongoing NEPA
process and the use of NEPA documents and public and stakeholder
meetings, NOAA will also coordinate compliance with other federal laws.
In fulfilling its responsibility under the NHPA and NEPA, NOAA
intends to identify consulting parties; identify historic properties
and assess the effects of the undertaking on such properties; initiate
formal consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, the
Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, and other consulting
parties; involve the public in accordance with NOAA's NEPA procedures;
and develop in consultation with identified consulting parties
alternatives and proposed measures that might avoid, minimize, or
mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties and describe them
in any environmental analysis.
NOAA will also initiate communications and consultation steps with
relevant federally recognized tribal governments pursuant to Executive
Order 13175, Department of Commerce tribal consultation policies, and
NOAA procedures for government-to-government consultation with
federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
John Armor,
Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
[FR Doc. 2019-20247 Filed 9-30-19; 8:45 am]
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