Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 41020-41021 [2021-16292]

Download as PDF 41020 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 144 / Friday, July 30, 2021 / Notices Workshop is a data report that 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 that 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, HMS 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 NGO’s; International experts; and staff of Councils, Commissions, and state and federal agencies. The items of discussion in the webinar are as follows: • Participants will discuss and make recommendations regarding what indices data may be included in the assessment of U.S. Caribbean Queen Triggerfish. 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 business days prior to each workshop. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Jul 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 Dated: July 27, 2021. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–16267 Filed 7–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB277] Marine Mammals; File No. 25739 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 (Responsible Party: Vikki Spruill), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before August 30, 2021. 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. 25739 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@ noaa.gov. Written comments on this application should be submitted via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include File No. 25739 in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request via email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@ noaa.gov. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D. or 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.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The applicant proposes to conduct research on North Atlantic right whales in U.S. and international waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The objectives of the research are to assess, quantify, and track trends in the demographic characteristics of North Atlantic right whales, as well as identifying, quantifying and monitoring the long term trends in anthropogenic impacts on the species. North Atlantic right whales may be taken during vessel and aerial surveys, including an unmanned aircraft system, for counts, photoidentification, photography, videography, photogrammetry, thermal imaging, behavioral observations, passive acoustic recordings, and biological sampling (exhaled air, feces, sloughed skin, and skin and blubber biopsies). Samples may be imported and exported for analysis. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus), and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) may be unintentionally harassed during right whale research. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested by species, life stage, and procedure. The permit is requested for 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 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: July 26, 2021. Julia Marie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–16300 Filed 7–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB262] Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 144 / Friday, July 30, 2021 / Notices Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application from the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed Exempted Fishing Permits. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 16, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by the following method: • Email: nmfs.gar.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation N-Viro Dredge EFP.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannah Jaburek, Fishery Management Specialist, shannah.jaburek@noaa.gov, (978) 281–9135. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) submitted a complete application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct commercial fishing activities that the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan regulations would otherwise restrict. This EFP would exempt the participating vessels from: Observer program requirements at 50 CFR 648.11; days-at-sea (DAS) requirements at § 648.53; crew size restrictions at § 648.51(c); scallop fishing restrictions in Closed Area II— East at § 648.59(b)(2) and (g)(1); scallop trawl and dredge gear restrictions at § 648.51; and minimum size and possession restrictions for onboard sampling and scallop transplanting in § 648 subparts B and D through O. The project was funded as part of the 2021 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research SetAside (RSA) Program, and is the second phase of a project funded by the 2019 Scallop RSA Program. This project would compare scallop catch rates, bycatch rates, and fuel savings from new designs of the N-Viro dredge to the standard New Bedford style dredge, as well as the version of the N-Viro dredge used in the 2019 study. Experimental fishing will take place on four limited access general category (LAGC) vessels and one limited access (LA) scallop vessel. The LAGC vessels will target a total of 90 60-minute tows lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Jul 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 using the N-Viro dredge in Statistical Areas 537, 539, and 611 over approximately 12 days of fishing. The LA vessel will conduct one, 6-day trip in Closed Area II—East. This area has a large population of small scallops and would allow for testing the effects of the N-Viro dredge on small scallop bycatch. The LA vessel will conduct 90 paired tows using the N-Viro dredge and a standard New Bedford dredge. Fortyfive tows will be at the optimal speed for the N-Viro dredge, and 45 tows at the optimal speed for the New Bedford dredge. The N-Viro dredge design will vary slightly between the LAGC and LA vessels participating in the project. For the LAGC vessels, the dredge will consist of a tow bar with four small dredges attached, while the LA vessel will use six small dredges attached to a tow bar. CFRF may test several modifications to the small dredge on the LAGC, including: (1) Increasing the number of tines on each frame from 9 to 12; (2) adding a pressure plate to the frame opening; (3) substituting a cutting bar in place of the adjustable tine bar on the dredge frames; (4) changing the twine top hang ration and attachment points; (5) moving a set of float cans to the front of the bag; (6) removing chain links between tow bar and individual frames to change frame tow angles; and (7) adding rubber chafing gear. Two of the small dredges will be standard. Results from the LAGC portion of the research will inform the design of the dredge used on the LA vessel. Researchers from CFRF would accompany each trip taken under the EFP and direct all sampling activities. On all vessels, catch will be sorted into baskets after each tow. On LAGC vessels, catch from the standard and modified N-Viro dredges will be kept separate. On the LA vessel, catch from the N-Viro dredge and New Bedford dredge will be kept separate. The total number and weight of scallops and rocks will be recorded. Sub-legal scallops will then be separated from legal scallops, and both categories will be counted and weighed. A random subsample of each will be measured. All incidental catch will identified to the species level, and will be counted, weighed, and measured. On the LAGC trips, scallop catch would be kept for sale in accordance with current regulations. On the LA trips, catch would not be landed for sale unless the vessel has used 2021 Scallop RSA quota. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 41021 may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 27, 2021. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–16292 Filed 7–29–21; 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; Tornado Watch/Warning Post-Event Evaluation 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 January 15, 2021, (86 FR 3998) during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. Title: Tornado Watch/Warning Post Event Evaluation. OMB Control Number: 0648–XXXX. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular (New information collection). Number of Respondents: 1,500. Average Hours per Response: 0.1hrs. Total Annual Burden Hours: 150. Needs and Uses: This is a request for a new collection of information. Each year over 1000 tornadoes affect communities across the United States, yet very little is known about how individuals receive, interpret, and respond to information from NOAA E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1

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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 144 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41020-41021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16292]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB262]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic 
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

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

[[Page 41021]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary 
determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application from the 
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation contains all of the required 
information and warrants further consideration. Regulations under the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require 
publication of this notification to provide interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on applications for proposed Exempted Fishing 
Permits.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 16, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by the following method:
     Email: [email protected]. Include in the subject line 
``Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation N-Viro Dredge EFP.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannah Jaburek, Fishery Management 
Specialist, [email protected], (978) 281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation 
(CFRF) submitted a complete application for an Exempted Fishing Permit 
(EFP) to conduct commercial fishing activities that the Atlantic Sea 
Scallop Fishery Management Plan regulations would otherwise restrict. 
This EFP would exempt the participating vessels from: Observer program 
requirements at 50 CFR 648.11; days-at-sea (DAS) requirements at Sec.  
648.53; crew size restrictions at Sec.  648.51(c); scallop fishing 
restrictions in Closed Area II--East at Sec.  648.59(b)(2) and (g)(1); 
scallop trawl and dredge gear restrictions at Sec.  648.51; and minimum 
size and possession restrictions for onboard sampling and scallop 
transplanting in Sec.  648 subparts B and D through O.
    The project was funded as part of the 2021 Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program, and is the second phase of a project 
funded by the 2019 Scallop RSA Program. This project would compare 
scallop catch rates, bycatch rates, and fuel savings from new designs 
of the N-Viro dredge to the standard New Bedford style dredge, as well 
as the version of the N-Viro dredge used in the 2019 study.
    Experimental fishing will take place on four limited access general 
category (LAGC) vessels and one limited access (LA) scallop vessel. The 
LAGC vessels will target a total of 90 60-minute tows using the N-Viro 
dredge in Statistical Areas 537, 539, and 611 over approximately 12 
days of fishing. The LA vessel will conduct one, 6-day trip in Closed 
Area II--East. This area has a large population of small scallops and 
would allow for testing the effects of the N-Viro dredge on small 
scallop bycatch. The LA vessel will conduct 90 paired tows using the N-
Viro dredge and a standard New Bedford dredge. Forty-five tows will be 
at the optimal speed for the N-Viro dredge, and 45 tows at the optimal 
speed for the New Bedford dredge.
    The N-Viro dredge design will vary slightly between the LAGC and LA 
vessels participating in the project. For the LAGC vessels, the dredge 
will consist of a tow bar with four small dredges attached, while the 
LA vessel will use six small dredges attached to a tow bar. CFRF may 
test several modifications to the small dredge on the LAGC, including: 
(1) Increasing the number of tines on each frame from 9 to 12; (2) 
adding a pressure plate to the frame opening; (3) substituting a 
cutting bar in place of the adjustable tine bar on the dredge frames; 
(4) changing the twine top hang ration and attachment points; (5) 
moving a set of float cans to the front of the bag; (6) removing chain 
links between tow bar and individual frames to change frame tow angles; 
and (7) adding rubber chafing gear. Two of the small dredges will be 
standard. Results from the LAGC portion of the research will inform the 
design of the dredge used on the LA vessel.
    Researchers from CFRF would accompany each trip taken under the EFP 
and direct all sampling activities. On all vessels, catch will be 
sorted into baskets after each tow. On LAGC vessels, catch from the 
standard and modified N-Viro dredges will be kept separate. On the LA 
vessel, catch from the N-Viro dredge and New Bedford dredge will be 
kept separate. The total number and weight of scallops and rocks will 
be recorded. Sub-legal scallops will then be separated from legal 
scallops, and both categories will be counted and weighed. A random 
subsample of each will be measured. All incidental catch will 
identified to the species level, and will be counted, weighed, and 
measured.
    On the LAGC trips, scallop catch would be kept for sale in 
accordance with current regulations. On the LA trips, catch would not 
be landed for sale unless the vessel has used 2021 Scallop RSA quota.
    If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and 
extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and 
extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed 
essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have 
minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially 
approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope 
of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: July 27, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16292 Filed 7-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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