Marine Mammals; File No. 25563, 43528-43529 [2021-16931]

Download as PDF 43528 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Notices The AP meeting will be held by webinar and conference call from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8; from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 9; and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, September 10. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be accessible via conference call and webinar. Conference call and webinar access information are available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/ september-2021-hms-advisory-panelmeeting. Participants are strongly encouraged to log/dial in 15 minutes prior to the meeting. NMFS will show the presentations via webinar and allow public comment during identified times on the agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cooper at (301) 427–8503 or Peter.Cooper@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic HMS fisheries are managed under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). The 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) and its amendments are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 635. The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the establishment of APs and requires NMFS to consult with and consider the comments and views of AP members during the preparation and implementation of FMPs or FMP amendments. 16 U.S.C. 1854(g)(1)(A)– (B). NMFS meets with the HMS AP approximately twice each year to consider potential alternatives for the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfish, and shark fisheries, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act. For this meeting, we anticipate discussing: • Bluefin tuna fisheries management, including multiple sessions dedicated to Draft Amendment 13; • The progress regarding a Report to Congress on an ‘‘assessment of fishing interference’’ by sharks and dolphins on commercial, charter, and recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic as directed by the 2021 Appropriations Act Joint Explanatory Statement; • The HMS best scientific information available (BSIA) framework draft document; • The progress regarding spatial management models and considerations; lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Aug 06, 2021 Jkt 253001 • Gear considerations and pelagic and demersal indicator species lists; and • A plan to establish term limits for HMS AP members. Additional information on the meetings and a copy of the draft agenda will be posted prior to the meeting at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/ september-2021-hms-advisory-panelmeeting. Dated: August 3, 2021. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–16894 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB303] Marine Mammals; File No. 25563 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 (Responsible Party: John Bengtson), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 20 species of marine mammals. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before September 8, 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. 25563 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. 25563 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., (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.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). The applicant proposes to monitor cetacean population trends, abundance, distribution, and health in the North Pacific Ocean, the Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi Seas, and Gulf of Maine. Researchers would study 20 species of cetaceans including endangered and threatened blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), Cook Inlet beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), Southern Resident killer (Orcinus orca), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Researchers would conduct vessel and aerial (crewed and uncrewed) surveys for observations, counts, photography/videography (underwater, topside, and aerial), photogrammetry, photo-identification, biological sampling (exhaled air, feces, blubber and skin, sloughed skin, eDNA, and prey remains), invasive and noninvasive tagging, and active acoustics. Biological samples collected on the high seas would be imported to the United States. Up to nine species of pinnipeds could be unintentionally harassed during surveys. See the take tables for specific numbers and life stages requested for each species. The permit would be valid for five 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. E:\FR\FM\09AUN1.SGM 09AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 150 / Monday, August 9, 2021 / Notices Dated: August 3, 2021. Amy Sloan, Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2021–16931 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID DoD–2021–OS–0039] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. AGENCY: The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 8, 2021. SUMMARY: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Duncan, 571–372–7574, or whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dodinformation-collections@mail.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Understanding Employer Experiences Under Continuing Reserve Component Operations; OMB Control Number 0704–ESGR. Type of Request: Regular. Number of Respondents: 3,284. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 3,284. Average Burden per Response: 30 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 1,642 hours. Needs and Uses: In accordance with 10 United States Code, Section 2358, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) is required to conduct research of interest to DoD. This research of interest to DoD requires the collection and dissemination of information from employers about their views on employing members of the National lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Aug 06, 2021 Jkt 253001 Guard and Reserve (G&R). The data RAND collects via the survey vendor will be used to provide descriptive information about the experiences and views of employers with respect to employing G&R members as civilians. Findings will inform leadership of the experiences and opinions of G&R personnel and used in a review of G&R policies and programs and could be used to change the strategic communications with and outreach to civilian employers. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Frequency: On occasion. Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Ms. Angela Duncan. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Ms. Duncan at whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dddod-information-collections@mail.mil. Dated: August 2, 2021. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2021–16879 Filed 8–6–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID DoD–2021–OS–0021] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. AGENCY: The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43529 following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 8, 2021. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Duncan, 571–372–7574, or whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dodinformation-collections@mail.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Active Duty Spouse Survey; OMB Control Number 0704–0604. Type of Request: Regular. Number of Respondents: 72,700. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 72,700. Average Burden per Response: 15 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 18,175 hours. Needs and Uses: The DoD Survey of Active Duty Spouse Survey (ADSS) is the primary source for reliable and generalizable data on the effects of military life on military spouses and their families and the effectiveness of current programs and policies related to military families. The survey is designed to enhance understanding of how spouse and family resilience impact force readiness and retention and is also an indicator informing the effectiveness of programs and policies under the purview of DoD’s Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Department. Without this biennial survey, DoD would not have current data to guide limited resources to the appropriate programs, policies, and services related to military spouses, their families and ultimately Service members. This survey provides an opportunity for military spouses to directly expand policy maker’s knowledge by sharing opinions on issues that directly affect them. Success of current efforts and shortfalls in programs and policies are identified through this biennial survey. These survey results ensure decisions based on current and statistically reliable data. The legislation authorizing the USD(P&R) to conduct these surveys is provided under 10 United States Code (U.S.C.), Sections 136, 1782 and 2358, and 37 U.S.C., Section 1008(b). E:\FR\FM\09AUN1.SGM 09AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43528-43529]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16931]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB303]


Marine Mammals; File No. 25563

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science 
Center, Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 
98115 (Responsible Party: John Bengtson), has applied in due form for a 
permit to conduct research on 20 species of marine mammals.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before September 8, 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. 25563 from the list of available applications. These documents are 
also available upon written request via email to 
[email protected].
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to [email protected]. Please include File No. 25563 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to [email protected]. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Shasta McClenahan, 
Ph.D., (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.), the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur 
Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to monitor cetacean population trends, 
abundance, distribution, and health in the North Pacific Ocean, the 
Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi Seas, and Gulf of Maine. Researchers 
would study 20 species of cetaceans including endangered and threatened 
blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), Cook Inlet 
beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray 
(Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), North 
Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), 
Southern Resident killer (Orcinus orca), and sperm (Physeter 
macrocephalus) whales. Researchers would conduct vessel and aerial 
(crewed and uncrewed) surveys for observations, counts, photography/
videography (underwater, topside, and aerial), photogrammetry, photo-
identification, biological sampling (exhaled air, feces, blubber and 
skin, sloughed skin, eDNA, and prey remains), invasive and non-invasive 
tagging, and active acoustics. Biological samples collected on the high 
seas would be imported to the United States. Up to nine species of 
pinnipeds could be unintentionally harassed during surveys. See the 
take tables for specific numbers and life stages requested for each 
species. The permit would be valid for five 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.


[[Page 43529]]


    Dated: August 3, 2021.
Amy Sloan,
Acting Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16931 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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