Availability of Final Evaluation Findings of State Coastal Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves, 64125-64126 [2020-22460]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 197 / Friday, October 9, 2020 / Notices mitigation and monitoring are also as prescribed in the initial IHA. Species that are expected to be taken by the planned activity include harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and killer whale (Orcinus orca). A description of the methods and inputs used to estimate take anticipated to occur and, ultimately, the take that was authorized is found in the previous documents referenced above. The data inputs and methods of estimating take are identical to those used in the initial IHA. NMFS has reviewed recent Stock Assessment Reports, information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and recent scientific literature, and determined that no new information affects our original analysis of impacts or take estimate under the initial IHA. We refer to the documents related to the previously issued IHA, which include the Federal Register notice of the issuance of the initial 2020 IHA for GCHS’ construction work (85 FR 42837), GCHS’ application, the Federal Register notice of the proposed IHA (85 FR 18196; April 1, 2020), and all associated references and documents. Determinations GCHS will conduct activities as analyzed in the initial 2020 IHA. As described above, the number of authorized takes of the same species and stocks of marine mammals are identical to the numbers that were found to meet the negligible impact and small numbers standards and authorized under the initial IHA and no new information has emerged that would change those findings. The re-issued 2021 IHA includes identical required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures as the initial IHA, and there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change. Based on the information contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) The required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; and (4) GCHS’ activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as subsistence harvest of harbor seals and other marine mammals VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Oct 08, 2020 Jkt 253001 64125 is rare in the area and local subsistence users have not expressed concern about this project. mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements from the initial 2020 IHA are incorporated. National Environmental Policy Act To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216–6A, NMFS must review our proposed action with respect to environmental consequences on the human environment. Accordingly, NMFS has determined that the issuance of the IHA qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. This action is consistent with categories of activities identified in CE B4 of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216–6A, which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would preclude this categorical exclusion. Dated: October 5, 2020. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS consults internally whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species. NMFS is proposing to authorize take of Western DPS Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) and Mexico DPS of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which are listed under the ESA. The NMFS Alaska Regional Office Protected Resources Division issued a Biological Opinion on June 25, 2020 under section 7 of the ESA, on the issuance of an IHA to GCHS under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA by the NMFS Permits and Conservation Division. The Biological Opinion concluded that the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the above species, and is also not likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat of the above species. Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to GCHS for in-water construction activities associated with the specified activity from July 15, 2021 through September 20, 2021. All previously described PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2020–22407 Filed 10–8–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Availability of Final Evaluation Findings of State Coastal Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves Office for Coastal Management (OCM), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of availability of evaluation findings. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given of the availability of final evaluation findings of state coastal programs and national estuarine research reserves. The NOAA Office for Coastal Management has completed review of the Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations for the states and territories of California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. In addition, the NOAA Office for Coastal Management has completed review of the National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations for Great Bay, Hudson River, Kachemak Bay, North Inlet-Winyah Bay, Old Woman Creek, and Rookery Bay, and Sapelo Island. Copies of these final evaluation findings may be downloaded at https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/ evaluations/evaluation_findings/ index.html or by submitting a written request to the person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hall, Evaluator, Planning and Performance Measurement Program, Office for Coastal Management at Carrie.Hall@noaa.gov or (240) 530– 0730. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The states and territories were found to be implementing and enforcing their federally approved Coastal Zone Management Programs, addressing the national coastal management objectives identified in CZMA Section 303(2), and adhering to the programmatic terms of SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09OCN1.SGM 09OCN1 64126 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 197 / Friday, October 9, 2020 / Notices intends to begin reviewing applications to fill upcoming vacancies by January 31, 2021. Applications will be kept on file for consideration of any Board vacancy for a period of three years from January 31, 2021. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held virtually only. For more information and for virtual access see below in the their financial assistance awards. The reserves were found to be adhering to programmatic requirements of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Keelin Kuipers, Deputy Director, Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT [FR Doc. 2020–22460 Filed 10–8–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JE–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB); Public Meeting and Solicitation for Nominations for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of public meeting and notice of solicitation for nominations for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. AGENCY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board). Board members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP) in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the agenda found on the NSGCP website at https:// seagrant.noaa.gov/WhoWeAre/ Leadership/NationalSea GrantAdvisoryBoard/ UpcomingAdvisoryBoardMeetings.aspx. This notice also responds to the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976, which requires the Secretary of Commerce to solicit nominations at least once a year for membership on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. To apply for membership to the Board applicants should submit a current resume. A cover letter highlighting specific areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the Board is helpful, but not required. Nominations will be accepted by email (preferred) or U.S. mail (See Contact Information Section). NOAA is an equal opportunity employer. DATES: The announced meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. There is no due date for nominations, however the program SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Oct 08, 2020 Jkt 253001 section. Nominations should be sent via email to Ms. Donna Brown, Donna.Brown@noaa.gov. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15-minute public comment period on Friday, November 13, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. (Check agenda using link in the Summary section to confirm time.) The Board expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of three (3) minutes. Public written comments should be received by Ms. Donna Brown by Friday, October 30, 2020 to provide sufficient time for Board review. Public written comments received after the deadline will be distributed to the Board, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. As this will be a virtual meeting, there is no physical address for the meeting and all public comments should be sent to the contact below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For any questions concerning the meeting, please contact Ms. Donna Brown, at Donna.Brown@noaa.gov. Phone Number: 301–734–1088. Special Accommodations: The Board meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Donna Brown by Friday, November 1, 2020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board, which consists of a balanced representation from academia, industry, state government and citizens groups, was established in 1976 by Section 209 of the Sea Grant Improvement Act (Pub. L. 94–461, 33 U.S.C. 1128). The Board advises the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the NSGCP with respect to operations under the Act, and such other matters as the Secretary refers to them for review and advice. Individuals Selected for Federal Advisory Committee Membership: Upon selection and agreement to serve on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board, you become a Special Government Employee (SGE) of the United States Government. According to 18 U.S.C. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 202(a), an SGE is an officer or employee of an agency who is retained, designated, appointed, or employed to perform temporary duties, with or without compensation, not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days, either on a full time or intermittent basis. Please be aware that after the selection process is complete, applicants selected to serve on the Board must complete the following actions before they can be appointed as a Board member: (a) Security Clearance (on-line Background Security Check process and fingerprinting), and other applicable forms, both conducted through NOAA Workforce Management; and (b) Confidential Financial Disclosure Report as an SGE, you are required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report annually to avoid involvement in a real or apparent conflict of interest. You may find the Confidential Financial Disclosure Form at the following website. https://oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/ OGE%20Forms/60739EAC38F56977 85258363005C02C9. Dated: September 21, 2020. David Holst, Director Chief Financial Officer/CAO, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2020–22427 Filed 10–8–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–KA–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA518] Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that Exempted Fishing Permits to facilitate the use of fishing year 2020 and 2021 monkfish research set-aside days-at-sea warrant further consideration. This notice provides interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed Exempted Fishing Permits. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 26, 2020. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09OCN1.SGM 09OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 197 (Friday, October 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64125-64126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22460]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Availability of Final Evaluation Findings of State Coastal 
Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management (OCM), National Ocean Service 
(NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice of availability of evaluation findings.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the availability of final evaluation 
findings of state coastal programs and national estuarine research 
reserves. The NOAA Office for Coastal Management has completed review 
of the Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations for the states and 
territories of California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. In addition, 
the NOAA Office for Coastal Management has completed review of the 
National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations for Great Bay, Hudson 
River, Kachemak Bay, North Inlet-Winyah Bay, Old Woman Creek, and 
Rookery Bay, and Sapelo Island. Copies of these final evaluation 
findings may be downloaded at https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/evaluations/evaluation_findings/ or by submitting a written request to 
the person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Hall, Evaluator, Planning and 
Performance Measurement Program, Office for Coastal Management at 
[email protected] or (240) 530-0730.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The states and territories were found to be 
implementing and enforcing their federally approved Coastal Zone 
Management Programs, addressing the national coastal management 
objectives identified in CZMA Section 303(2), and adhering to the 
programmatic terms of

[[Page 64126]]

their financial assistance awards. The reserves were found to be 
adhering to programmatic requirements of the National Estuarine 
Research Reserve System.

Keelin Kuipers,
Deputy Director, Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2020-22460 Filed 10-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P
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