Marine Mammals; File No. 23203, 8572-8573 [2020-03005]

Download as PDF 8572 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Notices NMFS devised a suite of recommendations for the District to consider implementing to improve the Program. The Program modifications were added as an addendum to the RRMP. Dated: February 10, 2020. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–02995 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA042] Fisheries of the Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of SEDAR 65 Assessment Webinar I for Highly Migratory Species Atlantic Blacktip Shark. AGENCY: The SEDAR 65 assessment of the Atlantic stock of Blacktip Shark will consist of a series of workshops and webinars: Data Workshop; Assessment Webinars; and a Review workshop. DATES: The SEDAR 65 Assessment Webinar I has been scheduled for March 26, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., EST. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held via webinar. The webinar is open to members of the public. Registration is available online at: https:// attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 8955867858539392267. SEDAR address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405; www.sedarweb.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Howington, SEDAR Coordinator, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405; phone: (843) 571–4366; email: Kathleen.Howington@safmc.net. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils, in conjunction with NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions, have implemented the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process, a multi-step method for khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Feb 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 determining the status of fish stocks in the Southeast Region. SEDAR is a threestep process including: (1) Data Workshop; (2) Assessment Process utilizing webinars; and (3) Review Workshop. The product of the Data Workshop is a data report which compiles and evaluates potential datasets and recommends which datasets are appropriate for assessment analyses. The product of the Assessment Process is a stock assessment report which describes the fisheries, evaluates the status of the stock, estimates biological benchmarks, projects future population conditions, and recommends research and monitoring needs. The assessment is independently peer reviewed at the Review Workshop. The product of the Review Workshop is a 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, Highly Migratory Species 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 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); international experts; and staff of Councils, Commissions, and state and federal agencies. The items of discussion at the Assessment webinar I are as follows: • Introduce and discuss uncertainty analyses (alternative states of nature) and develop reference case model run(s) which are robust to the major uncertainties identified. 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. Special Accommodations This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council office (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 10, 2020. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–02968 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XR093] Marine Mammals; File No. 23203 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston, Clear Lake (Responsible Party: George Guillen), 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Box 540, Houston, TX 77508–1002, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). SUMMARY: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before March 16, 2020. 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. 23203 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.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. 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 DATES: E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Notices reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman, (301) 427–8401. The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant proposes to conduct research on common bottlenose dolphins in the bays, sounds, estuaries, and near-shore coastal waters of Texas in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the research is to: (1) Develop and maintain photoidentification catalogs; (2) characterize fine-scale population structure and dynamics; (3) establish baseline patterns of distribution, habitat use, diet, and health; (4) estimate abundance for strategic stocks; (5) analyze dolphin behavior in relation to anthropogenic activities; and (6) identify potential risks to the population. Researchers would take up to 16,288 dolphins annually during vessel surveys for counts, photoidentification, behavioral observation and passive acoustic recordings. A subset of animals would also be biopsy sampled or observed for photogrammetry with an unmanned aircraft system. Up to 200 non-target cetaceans may be incidentally harassed and/or approached annually for counts and behavioral observation. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: February 11, 2020. Julia Marie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–03005 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Feb 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 [RTID 0648–XA046] Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the will hold a meeting. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, starting at 1 p.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda details. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will take place at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Place, 550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202; telephone: (410) 234–0550. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674–2331; website: www.mafmc.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, telephone: (302) 526–5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this meeting is to make acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations for golden tilefish for the 2021 fishing year and interim recommendations for the 2022 fishing year based on information in the 2020 data update. The SSC will also review the most recent survey and fishery data and the previously recommended 2021 ABC for blueline tilefish. The SSC will also review and provide feedback on the most recent Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem report and other Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) related activities. The SSC and staff from the NMFS Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) will have an open discussion and question and answer session regarding the recently implemented changes to the recreational data collection program with a focus on specific implications to Mid-Atlantic stocks. The SSC will discuss the 2020– 2024 stock assessment schedule, recent changes to the Mid-Atlantic Council’s risk policy, and receive an update from SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8573 the Illex workgroup. In addition, the SSC may take up any other business as necessary. A detailed agenda and background documents will be made available on the Council’s website (www.mafmc.org) prior to the meeting. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: February 11, 2020. Diane M. DeJames-Daly, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–03012 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA048] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Herring Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 1 p.m. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton, One Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA 01880; telephone: (781) 245–9300. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Agenda The Herring Committee will discuss goals and objectives and potential range of alternatives to consider in Framework E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8572-8573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03005]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XR093]


Marine Mammals; File No. 23203

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Institute of 
Houston at the University of Houston, Clear Lake (Responsible Party: 
George Guillen), 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Box 540, Houston, TX 77508-1002, 
has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose 
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 16, 2020.

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. 23203 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 [email protected]. Please include the File No. 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

[[Page 8573]]

reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing the 
taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant proposes to conduct research on common bottlenose 
dolphins in the bays, sounds, estuaries, and near-shore coastal waters 
of Texas in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the 
research is to: (1) Develop and maintain photo-identification catalogs; 
(2) characterize fine-scale population structure and dynamics; (3) 
establish baseline patterns of distribution, habitat use, diet, and 
health; (4) estimate abundance for strategic stocks; (5) analyze 
dolphin behavior in relation to anthropogenic activities; and (6) 
identify potential risks to the population. Researchers would take up 
to 16,288 dolphins annually during vessel surveys for counts, photo-
identification, behavioral observation and passive acoustic recordings. 
A subset of animals would also be biopsy sampled or observed for 
photogrammetry with an unmanned aircraft system. Up to 200 non-target 
cetaceans may be incidentally harassed and/or approached annually for 
counts and behavioral observation.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: February 11, 2020.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-03005 Filed 2-13-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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