South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 23947-23948 [2021-09420]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 5, 2021 / Notices comments within the needed timeframe. We likewise were able to fully consider the MMC’s comments within the needed timeframe. Therefore, our inadvertent failure to provide the MMC with direct notice was functionally harmless in this case. Comment: The MMC asserts that NMFS wrongly considered the two phases of ADOT&PF’s project and that we ignored the possibility that ADOT&PF would conduct both phases simultaneously. Response: We considered this issue in the proposed renewal notice. On page 12920 (86 FR 12918; March 5, 2021) we noted that Phase I and Phase II of the work would not occur simultaneously. We have emphasized this again in this final Renewal IHA notice. Comment: Based on the asserted and perceived problems noted above, the MMC recommends that NMFS formally revoke its authorization renewal process. Response: NMFS does not agree with the MMC’s recommendation, and does not adopt it. First, as noted above, we have concurred with the MMC’s interpretation of the increase in the maximum number of piles per day from 3 to 8, and, following our recommendation, ADOT&PF rescinded the request for this change. Additionally, as discussed above the MMC asserted numerous problems that in fact were not true, were based on the MMC’s opinion, or did not appreciably impact the MMC’s ability to comment on the proposed Renewal, and thus do not establish problems with this Renewal IHA or systemic problems with the renewal process and its compliance with Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA overall. Further, we note in prior responses to comments about IHA Renewals (e.g., 84 FR 52464; October 2, 2019, 85 FR 53342; August 28, 2020; and 86 FR 14606; March 17, 2021), NMFS has explained how the renewal process, as implemented, is consistent with the statutory requirements contained in section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA, provides additional efficiencies beyond the use of abbreviated notices, and, further, promotes NMFS’ goals of improving conservation of marine mammals and increasing efficiency in the MMPA compliance process. Therefore, we intend to continue implementing the Renewal process and will adjust its conditions and implementation as needed. National Environmental Policy Act To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:06 May 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216–6A, NMFS must review our proposed action (i.e., the issuance of an IHA) with respect to potential impacts on the human environment. This action is consistent with categories of activities identified in Categorical Exclusion B4 (IHAs with no anticipated serious injury or mortality) of the Companion Manual for NAO 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. Accordingly, NMFS has determined that the issuance of the IHA Renewal qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. Determinations NMFS has concluded that there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change from those reached for the initial IHA. This includes consideration of all information discussed above, as well as stock abundance information. The estimated abundance of the West Coast Transient and Northern Resident Killer whale stocks and Steller sea lion Eastern U.S. stock have increased slightly, whereas, the Clarence Strait harbor seal stock decreased slightly. Based on the information and analysis 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; (4) ADOT&PF’s activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action, and; (5) appropriate monitoring and reporting requirements are included. Endangered Species Act 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 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23947 whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species, in this case with the NMFS’ Alaska Regional Office. NMFS’ Alaska Region issued a revised Biological Opinion to NMFS’ Office of Protected Resources on December 19, 2019 which concluded that issuance of IHAs to ADOT&PF is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Mexico DPS humpback whales. Since then, the regional office determined that issuance of the renewal IHA will not alter take or require re-initiation of the consultation. Renewal As a result of these determinations, NMFS has issued a Renewal IHA to ADOT&PF for the taking of marine mammals incidental to the remaining activities of Phase I of the two-phase ferry berth improvements and construction in Tongass Narrows, near Ketchikan, AK from the date of issuance through February 28, 2022, provided the previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. The IHA can be found at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ national/marine-mammal-protection/ incidental-take-authorizationsconstruction-activities. Dated: April 28, 2021. Catherine Marzin, Acting Director, Office of Protected Resource, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–09451 Filed 5–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB016] South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Private Recreational Reporting Workgroup evaluating reporting alternatives for the private recreational snapper grouper fishery. SUMMARY: The Workgroup meeting will be held via webinar from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held via webinar. DATES: E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM 05MYN1 23948 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 5, 2021 / Notices Webinar registration is required. Details are included in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meeting information, including the webinar link, agenda, and briefing book materials will be posted on the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/ council-meetings/. Agenda items include: 1. Review recreational reporting by Highly Migratory Species anglers 2. Review recreational reporting for Mid-Atlantic Tilefish anglers 3. Review NOAA Fisheries Marine Recreational Information Program’s (MRIP) Large Pelagic Survey 4. Identify topics for discussion or presentation at the next meeting Written comments may be submitted electronically via the Council’s website at https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/ council-meetings/. Comments become part of the Administrative Record of the meeting and will automatically be posted to the website and available for Council consideration. 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 Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: April 29, 2021. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–09420 Filed 5–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:06 May 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB050] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Ad Hoc Climate and Communities Core Team (CCCT) is holding an online meeting, which is open to the public. DATES: The online meeting will be held Friday, May 21, 2021, beginning at 1:30 p.m., Pacific Time and continuing until business is completed. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held online. Specific meeting information, including directions on how to join the meeting and system requirements will be provided in the meeting announcement on the Pacific Council’s website (see www.pcouncil.org). You may send an email to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov) or contact him at (503) 820– 2412 for technical assistance. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: At this meeting, the CCCT will discuss the drafting of a final report for the Fishery Ecosystem Plan Climate and Communities Initiative. The report will be based on a review of information generated during the Initiative and make recommendations on tools, products, and processes to build consideration of, and adaption to, climate change into ongoing Council processes. The report is scheduled for Council consideration at its September 2021 meeting. The CCCT will also discuss additional activities, including future meetings, related to completion of the report and the Initiative. A meeting agenda will be posted on the Pacific Council website at least one week before the meeting date. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt, (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov; (503) 820–2412), at least 10 business days prior to the meeting date. Dated: April 29, 2021. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–09418 Filed 5–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB062] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public online meeting. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee’s (SSC’s) Economics and Groundfish Subcommittees will meet to review a new Quota Share Owners’ Cost Survey to inform decisions on the west coast limited entry trawl catch shares program and to do some initial planning on an upcoming review of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish program. DATES: The online meeting will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2021, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held online. Specific meeting information, including directions on how to join the meeting and system requirements will be provided in the meeting announcement on the Pacific Council’s website (see www.pcouncil.org). You may send an email to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov) or contact him at (503) 820– 2412 for technical assistance. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John DeVore, Staff Officer, Pacific Council; telephone: (503) 820–2413. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM 05MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23947-23948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09420]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB016]


South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold a meeting of its Private Recreational Reporting Workgroup 
evaluating reporting alternatives for the private recreational snapper 
grouper fishery.

DATES: The Workgroup meeting will be held via webinar from 9 a.m. to 12 
p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held via webinar.

[[Page 23948]]

Webinar registration is required. Details are included in SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.
    Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 
Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information 
Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 302-8440 or toll free: (866) SAFMC-10; 
fax: (843) 769-4520; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meeting information, including the webinar 
link, agenda, and briefing book materials will be posted on the 
Council's website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.
    Agenda items include:

1. Review recreational reporting by Highly Migratory Species anglers
2. Review recreational reporting for Mid-Atlantic Tilefish anglers
3. Review NOAA Fisheries Marine Recreational Information Program's 
(MRIP) Large Pelagic Survey
4. Identify topics for discussion or presentation at the next meeting

    Written comments may be submitted electronically via the Council's 
website at https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/. Comments 
become part of the Administrative Record of the meeting and will 
automatically be posted to the website and available for Council 
consideration.
    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 Council's 
intent to take final action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. 
Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office 
(see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting.

    Note:  The times and sequence specified in this agenda are 
subject to change.


    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: April 29, 2021.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-09420 Filed 5-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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