Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal; Extension of Information Request Period, 15203-15204 [2021-05834]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Notices severity of vessel collisions with North Atlantic right whales (73 FR 60173). The final rule contained a mandatory collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction act (PRA), which collects information about safety deviations from the rule in alignment with 50 CFR 224.105(c). The restrictions are in effect seasonally in discrete areas along the U.S. eastern seaboard. NMFS provided a safety exception to the restrictions due to poor weather or sea conditions. Ships’ captains are required to make an entry into the vessel’s Official Logbook when an exception is necessary. This revision to the current information collection includes a voluntary survey effort of vessel operators to evaluate their ability and willingness to: (1) Comply with North Atlantic right whale mandatory speed restrictions, and (2) cooperate with voluntary speed reduction efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales, which are promoted through NMFS outreach efforts. We will collect information from two types of vessels (pleasure yachts and large ocean going vessels) in two different areas of the North Atlantic right whales’ range using voluntary online surveys and small focus groups. The surveys will collect information about vessel operators’ time spent on the water, experience and knowledge about large whales, knowledge of North Atlantic vessel strike reduction efforts, opinions about these whales and conservation efforts, and their preferred means of receiving information. Results from this information collection will be used to develop effective outreach to these vessel communities, with the long-term goal of improving the communities’ compliance with mandatory measures and cooperation with voluntary measures that support North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction conservation efforts. II. Method of Collection jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES New survey information will be collected in two ways. Surveys will be administered electronically. Focus group information will be collected either in person or virtually during 2.5hour face-to-face or virtual meetings. The information collection requires an entry into the vessel’s hard copy logbook. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0580. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission [revision of a current information collection]. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:46 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,342. Estimated Time per Response: One hour for electronic surveys, 2.5 hours for focus groups, 5 minutes for logbook entries. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 273. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: 0. Respondent’s Obligation: Logbook entry—Mandatory. Survey—Voluntary. Legal Authority: US Code: 16 U.S.C. 1531–1543. Name of Law: Endangered Species Act. IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2021–05850 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15203 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA922] Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal; Extension of Information Request Period National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; extension of information request period. AGENCY: NMFS hereby extends the information request period on the notice of initiation of a 5-year review of the Beringia and Okhotsk distinct population segments (DPSs) of the Pacific bearded seal subspecies Erignathus barbatus nauticus under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). DATES: Information must be received by May 25, 2021. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: Submit your information, identified by docket number NOAA– NMFS–2020–0030, by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic information via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA– NMFS–2020–0030 in the Search box. Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your submission of information. • Mail: Submit written information to Jon Kurland, Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn: Records Office. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802–1668. Instructions: NMFS may not consider submissions of information if they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the comment period ends. All submissions of information received are a part of the public record and NMFS will post the submissions for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous submissions of information (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1 15204 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: On January 13, 2021, we announced the initiation of a 5-year review of the Beringia and Okhotsk DPSs of the bearded seal under the ESA (86 FR 2648). As a part of that notice, we solicited information relevant to the review and announced a 60-day information request period to end on March 26, 2021. NMFS received two requests to extend the information request period to May 25, 2021, in order to provide additional time to gather relevant information and prepare submissions in a thorough manner. We are therefore extending the close of the information request period to May 25, 2021, as requested, to provide additional time for public input. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: March 16, 2021. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–05834 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coral Reef Conservation Program National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. AGENCY: Notice of information collection, request for comment. ACTION: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites 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. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before May 21, 2021. DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:46 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at Adrienne.thomas@noaa.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648– 0448 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Craig Reid, Grant Coordinator, Coral Reef Conservation Program, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 240–533–0783, and Craig.A.Reid@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Tammy Olson, NMFS Alaska Region, 907–271–2373, tammy.olson@noaa.gov. I. Abstract This request is for revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) was enacted on December 14, 2000, to preserve, sustain and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems; to promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local communities and the Nation; to develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such ecosystems; to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting conservation programs, including projects that involve affected local communities and non-governmental organizations; to provide financial resources for those programs and projects; and to establish a formal mechanism for the collecting and allocating of monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects. Under section 6403 of the Act, the Secretary, through the NOAA Administrator (Administrator) and subject to the availability of funds, is authorized to provide matching grants of financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. Section 408(c) of the Act authorizes at least $8,000,000 annually for financial assistance projects under the Program. Collection activities for this program are outlined below and include: 1. Applicant creation and submission of requests for waivers of the non-Federal matching funds requirement; 2. Review of project proposals by Federal Agencies and non-Federal entities with jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted; PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and 3. Revision of performance reporting methods to include a standard program-specific template and a new indicator tracking report. As per section 6403(b) of the Act, NOAA will require that Federal funds for any coral conservation financial assistance project may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost. However, the Administrator may waive all or part of the matching requirement if the Administrator determines that no reasonable means are available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement and the probable benefit of the project outweighs the public interest in the matching requirement. The suitability for a waiver is determined after the applicant has submitted a written request with the application package and provided the proper justification. As per section 6403(f) of the Act, NOAA will review eligible coral reef conservation proposals using an external governmental review and merit-based peer review. As part of this review, NOAA will request and consider written comments on the proposal from each Federal agency, state government, or other government jurisdiction, including the relevant regional Fishery Management Councils established under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), or any National Marine Sanctuary, with jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted. Pursuant to this requirement of the Act, NOAA will apply the following standard in requesting comments: (A) Proposals for projects in state or territorial waters, including Federal marine protected areas in such waters (e.g. National Marine Sanctuaries), will be submitted to that state or territorial government’s designated U.S. Coral Reef Task Force point of contact for comment; (B) proposals for projects in Federal waters will be submitted to the relevant Fishery Management Council for comment; (C) proposals for projects which require Federal permits will be submitted to the Federal agency which issued the permit for comment; (D) proposals for projects in Federal marine protected areas managed by Federal agencies (e.g., National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Marine Sanctuaries, etc.) will be submitted to the respective Federal management authority for comment; and (E) NOAA will seek comments from other government entities, authorities, and/or jurisdictions, including international entities for projects proposed outside of E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 53 (Monday, March 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15203-15204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05834]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA922]


Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review 
for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the 
Bearded Seal; Extension of Information Request Period

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

ACTION: Notice; extension of information request period.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS hereby extends the information request period on the 
notice of initiation of a 5-year review of the Beringia and Okhotsk 
distinct population segments (DPSs) of the Pacific bearded seal 
subspecies Erignathus barbatus nauticus under the Endangered Species 
Act (ESA).

DATES: Information must be received by May 25, 2021. However, we will 
continue to accept new information about any listed species at any 
time.

ADDRESSES: Submit your information, identified by docket number NOAA-
NMFS-2020-0030, by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic information 
via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov and 
enter NOAA-NMFS-2020-0030 in the Search box. Click on the ``Comment'' 
icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your submission 
of information.
     Mail: Submit written information to Jon Kurland, Assistant 
Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, Alaska Region NMFS, 
Attn: Records Office. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802-1668.
    Instructions: NMFS may not consider submissions of information if 
they are sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, 
or received after the comment period ends. All submissions of 
information received are a part of the public record and NMFS will post 
the submissions for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without 
change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, 
etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive 
information submitted voluntarily by the sender is publicly accessible. 
NMFS will accept anonymous submissions of information (enter ``N/A'' in 
the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

[[Page 15204]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Olson, NMFS Alaska Region, 907-
271-2373, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 13, 2021, we announced the 
initiation of a 5-year review of the Beringia and Okhotsk DPSs of the 
bearded seal under the ESA (86 FR 2648). As a part of that notice, we 
solicited information relevant to the review and announced a 60-day 
information request period to end on March 26, 2021. NMFS received two 
requests to extend the information request period to May 25, 2021, in 
order to provide additional time to gather relevant information and 
prepare submissions in a thorough manner. We are therefore extending 
the close of the information request period to May 25, 2021, as 
requested, to provide additional time for public input.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: March 16, 2021.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05834 Filed 3-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.