Marine Mammals; File No. 23188, 31747-31748 [2020-11270]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 27, 2020 / Notices meeting are invited to submit written statements electronically by email to cheryl.gendron@nist.gov. Admittance Instructions: All participants will be attending via webinar. Please contact Ms. Gendron at 301–975–2785 or cheryl.gendron@ nist.gov for detailed instructions on how to join the webinar. All requests must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Thursday, May 28, 2020. Kevin A. Kimball, Chief of Staff. [FR Doc. 2020–11281 Filed 5–26–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; West Coast Region Groundfish Trawl Fishery Electronic Monitoring Program The Department of Commerce will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. We invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on February 18, 2020, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Agency: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Title: West Coast Region Groundfish Trawl Fishery Electronic Monitoring Program. OMB Control Number: 0648–0785. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular submission (Revision and extension to an existing information collection). Number of Respondents: 174. Average Hours per Response: EM service providers: Application (application form, EM service plan, submission of EM units)—5 hours; application renewals (biennial)—1 hour; EM service provider appeal—4 hours; EM service plan changes—2 hours; EM system certification—30 minutes; reports (technical assistance—20 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 May 26, 2020 Jkt 250001 minutes, harassment and intimidation— 1 hour, compliance reports—20 minutes, catch reports—15 minutes, feedback to vessel—10 minutes, data storage—15 minutes); debrief of EM staff—2 hours 45 minutes. Vessel owners: Initial application—30 minutes; final application (updated application, EM system certification, tentative fishing plan, vessel monitoring plan)—8 hours 40 minutes; changes to vessel monitoring plan—1 hour; appeal—4 hours; annual EM authorization renewal—30 minutes. Vessel operators: One-time online EM training provided by NMFS 1 hour 30 minutes; federal discard logbook for each landing; hard drive submission— 10 minutes. Total Annual Burden Hours: 5,120. Needs and Uses: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a final rule on June 28, 2019 (84 FR 31146), to implement an electronic monitoring (EM) program for two sectors of the limited entry trawl fishery, consistent with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The action allows catcher vessels in the Pacific whiting fishery and fixed gear vessels in the shorebased Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) fishery to use EM in place of observers to meet the requirements of the Trawl Rationalization Program for 100-percent at-sea observer coverage. This action is necessary to increase operational flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for vessels in the trawl fishery by providing an alternative to observers. Under this collection, some catcher vessels will have the option to use EM in place of observers to reduce total fleet monitoring costs to levels sustainable for the fleet and agency and meet the requirements for 100-pecent observer coverage at-sea. In place of an observer documenting discards onboard, captains would report estimates of their own discards on a logbook and submit them to NMFS. NMFS would use the discards reported on the logbook to debit allocations in the Vessel Accounting System (VAS) and North Pacific Database Program (NorPac). They would also install and carry and EM system to capture fishing activities at-sea. Following the trip, an analyst would review the video and report estimates of discards of allocated species to NMFS to use to audit the validity of the logbook estimates. The EM data would also be used to monitor compliance with the requirements of the catch share program. In this way, logbooks and EM systems would be used in tandem in place of observers to meet the objectives PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31747 of 100-percent at-sea monitoring of the catch share program. Vessel operators would be required to submit a logbook reporting their discards of IFQ species. NMFS would use the logbook data to debit discards of IFQ species from IFQs and cooperative allocations, and use the EM data to audit the logbook data. EM data would also be used to monitor compliance with the requirements of the catch share program. Vessel operators would be required to submit a logbook reporting their discards of IFQ species. New requirements being added to this collection include: EM Service Providers will be required to submit catch reports and feedback reports, and store EM data and other records. Vessel Owners will be required to obtain services from an NMFSpermitted EM service provider to analyze and store EM data, and report it to NMFS. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Frequency: Annual and periodic. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: 50 CFR 660.603(b)(1) and 660.604(b)(1) in the final rule 0648– BF52. This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view the Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0648–0785. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2020–11350 Filed 5–26–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XR092] Marine Mammals; File No. 23188 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\27MYN1.SGM 27MYN1 31748 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 27, 2020 / Notices Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. Notice is hereby given that the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz (Responsible Party: Daniel Costa, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before June 26, 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. 23188 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 reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young or Shasta McClenahan, (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.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The applicant requests authorization to continue a long-term research program started in 1968 to study northern elephant seal population growth and status, reproductive strategies, behavioral and physiological adaptations for diving and fasting, general physiology and metabolism, and sensory physiology. Up to 4,210 northern elephant seals may be captured and handled for research and up to jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:59 May 26, 2020 Jkt 250001 32,110 individuals may be harassed during research. Five unintentional mortalities related to research and up to 10 directed mortalities for euthanasia of moribund or orphaned pups, are requested annually. Research methods include behavioral observations, marking, flipper tagging, capture and sampling, active and passive acoustics, attachment of instrumentats for tracking, translocation studies, shortterm captive holding for laboratory studies, use of hormone challenges and standard clinical tracer techniques for physiology studies. Research would include all age and sex classes of northern elephant seals over the entire calendar year. Proposed research locations include haul-out sites from California to Washington, but primarily An˜o Nuevo. Incidental harassment of northern elephant seals, California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) of the Eastern Distinct Population Segment is requested. The duration of the requested permit is 5 years. 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: May 20, 2020. Julia Marie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–11270 Filed 5–26–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA179] South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of the following: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Information and Education Committee; Dolphin Wahoo Committee; Snapper Grouper Committee; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee; Citizen Science Committee; Executive Committee; and Mackerel Cobia Committee. The meeting week will also include a formal public comment session and meeting of the Full Council (partially Closed Session). Due to public health concerns associated with COVID–19 and current travel restrictions, the meeting originally planned for Key West, FL will be held via webinar. The Council meeting will be held from 10 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2020, until 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020. DATES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held via webinar. Webinar registration is required. Details are included in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 302–8440 or toll free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769– 4520; email: kim.iverson@safmc.net. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Meeting information, including agendas, overviews, and briefing book materials will be posted on the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/ council-meetings/. Webinar registration links for each meeting day will also be available from the Council’s website. Public comment: Written comments may be directed to John Carmichael, Executive Director, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (see Council address) or electronically via the Council’s website at https:// safmc.net/safmc-meetings/councilmeetings/. Comments received by close of business the Monday before the meeting (6/1/20) will be compiled, posted to the website as part of the meeting materials, and included in the administrative record; please use the Council’s online form available from the website. For written comments received after the Monday before the meeting (after 6/1/20), individuals submitting a comment must use the Council’s online form available from the website. Comments will automatically be posted to the website and available for Council consideration. Comments received prior to 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 will be a part of the meeting administrative record. The items of discussion in the individual meeting agendas are as follows: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\27MYN1.SGM 27MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 27, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31747-31748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11270]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XR092]


Marine Mammals; File No. 23188

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 31748]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Institute of Marine Sciences, 
University of California at Santa Cruz (Responsible Party: Daniel 
Costa, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research 
on northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before June 26, 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. 23188 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 reasons 
why a hearing on this application would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young or Shasta McClenahan, (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.), the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant requests authorization to continue a long-term 
research program started in 1968 to study northern elephant seal 
population growth and status, reproductive strategies, behavioral and 
physiological adaptations for diving and fasting, general physiology 
and metabolism, and sensory physiology. Up to 4,210 northern elephant 
seals may be captured and handled for research and up to 32,110 
individuals may be harassed during research. Five unintentional 
mortalities related to research and up to 10 directed mortalities for 
euthanasia of moribund or orphaned pups, are requested annually. 
Research methods include behavioral observations, marking, flipper 
tagging, capture and sampling, active and passive acoustics, attachment 
of instrumentats for tracking, translocation studies, short-term 
captive holding for laboratory studies, use of hormone challenges and 
standard clinical tracer techniques for physiology studies. Research 
would include all age and sex classes of northern elephant seals over 
the entire calendar year. Proposed research locations include haul-out 
sites from California to Washington, but primarily A[ntilde]o Nuevo. 
Incidental harassment of northern elephant seals, California sea lions 
(Zalophus californianus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Steller 
sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) of the Eastern Distinct Population 
Segment is requested. The duration of the requested permit is 5 years.
    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: May 20, 2020.
Julia Marie Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-11270 Filed 5-26-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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