Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for the Bryde's Whale (Gulf of Mexico Subspecies), 47022-47024 [2021-17985]

Download as PDF 47022 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (f)—Continued Prioritization schedule Priority 3 Any remaining approved applicants determined to be eligible for reimbursement under the Program. * * * * * (i) * * * (1) * * * (i) on or after publication of the Report and Order; or (ii) in the case of any covered communications equipment that only became covered pursuant to the Designation Orders, June 30, 2020; or * * * * * (q) Provider of Advanced Communications Services. For purposes of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, the term ‘‘provider of advanced communications services’’ is defined as: (1) A person who provides advanced communications service to United States customers; and includes: (A) Accredited public or private noncommercial educational institutions, providing their own facilities-based educational broadband service, as defined in 47 CFR part 27, subpart M, or any successor regulation; and (B) Health care providers and libraries providing advanced communications service. (2) [Reserved]. PART 54—UNIVERSAL SERVICE Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 155, 201, 205, 214, 219, 220, 229, 254, 303(r), 403, 1004, 1302, and 1601–1609, unless otherwise noted. 4. Section 54.11 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) to read as follows: * * * * * (b) For the purposes of this section, covered communications equipment or services means any communications equipment or service that is on the Covered List maintained pursuant to § 1.50002 of this chapter, and: (1) As defined in the Report and Order of the Commission in the matter of Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs (FCC 19– 121; WC Docket No. 18–89; adopted November 22, 2019 (in this section referred to as the ‘Report and Order’); or (2) as determined to be covered by both the process of the Report and Order and the Designation Orders of the Commission on June 30, 2020 (DA 20– jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 [FR Doc. 2021–17279 Filed 8–20–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 3. The authority citation for part 54 continues to read as follows: ■ ■ 690; PS Docket No. 19–351; adopted June 30, 2020) (DA 20–691; PS Docket No. 19–352; adopted June 30, 2020) (in this section collectively referred to as the ‘Designation Orders’). (c) The certification referenced in paragraph (a) of this section is required starting one year after the date the Commission releases a Public Notice announcing that applications are accepted for filing in the corresponding filing window of the Reimbursement Program per § 1.50004(b) for the removal, replacement, and disposal of associated covered communications equipment and services. (d) Reimbursement Program recipients, as defined in § 1.50001(h) of this chapter, are not subject to paragraph (a) of this section until after the expiration of their corresponding removal, replacement, and disposal term per § 1.50004(h) of this chapter for associated covered communications equipment and services. * * * * * National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Parts 224 [Docket No. 210817–0163; RTID 0648– XR117] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for the Bryde’s Whale (Gulf of Mexico Subspecies) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Direct final rule. AGENCY: We, the NMFS, announce the revised taxonomy and common name of Balaenoptera edeni (unnamed subspecies; Bryde’s Whale—Gulf of Mexico subspecies) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are revising the Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species for Bryde’s Whale—Gulf of Mexico subspecies, to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of this species. We revise the common name to Rice’s whale, the scientific name to Balaenoptera ricei, and the description of the listed entity to entire species. The changes to the taxonomic classification and nomenclature do not affect the species’ listing status under the ESA or any protections and requirements arising from its listing. DATES: This rule is effective October 22, 2021 without further action, unless significant adverse comment is received by September 22, 2021. If significant adverse comments are received, the NMFS will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, information, or data on this document, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2021–0078, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA–NMFS–2021–0078 in the Search box. Click on the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Marine Mammal Branch Chief, Protected Resources Division, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS Protected Resources Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period may not be considered by us. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted 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 will be publicly accessible. We will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous), although submitting comments anonymously will prevent us from contacting you if we have difficulty retrieving your submission. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM 23AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Barb Zoodsma, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, (727) 824–5312; or Lisa Manning, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources (301) 427–8466. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES Purpose of This Rule The purpose of this direct final rule is to notify the public that we are revising the Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species (50 CFR 224.101(h)) to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of one mammal species listed under section 4 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the mammal currently enumerated as Bryde’s whale (Gulf of Mexico subspecies). The changes reflect the most recently accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 224.101(e). We are publishing this rule as a direct final rule because this is a noncontroversial action that reflects decisions already taken in the scientific community, such that prior notice and an opportunity to comment is unnecessary. This rule does not change the listing status of the species under the ESA and does not alter any protections afforded the species or any other legal requirements arising from the species’ listing under the ESA. This change should be undertaken in as timely a manner as possible. This rule will be effective, as published in this document on the effective date specified in DATES, unless we receive significant adverse comments on or before the comment due date specified in DATES. Significant adverse comments are comments that provide strong scientific justification as to why the taxonomic and nomenclature changes to the enumeration of the listed entity should not be adopted or why the rule should be changed. Please include sufficient scientific information with your comments that will allow us to verify the basis for any significant adverse comments. If we receive significant adverse comments, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule before the effective date, and we will engage in notice and comment rulemaking under the applicable requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act to promulgate these changes to 50 CFR 224.101(h). Background Under 50 CFR 224.101(e), we use the most recently accepted scientific name of any species that we have determined to be endangered or threatened under the ESA. The ESA likewise requires that listing decisions be based solely on the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 best scientific and commercial data available. 16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)(A). Using the best available scientific information, our direct final rule documents a change to the taxonomy and nomenclature of the Bryde’s whale (Gulf of Mexico subspecies). These changes are supported by a study published in a peer-reviewed journal and independent acceptance by the Society for Marine Mammalogy Committee on Taxonomy. We revise the common name, scientific name, and description of the species listed under section 4 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as follows: Common name is Rice’s whale, scientific name is Balaenoptera ricei, and description of the listed entity is the entire species. We make these changes to the Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species (50 CFR 224.101(h)) to reflect the most recently accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 224.101(e). Taxonomy Classification Balaenoptera ricei The scientific name change to Balaenoptera ricei (Rice’s whale) from Balaenoptera edeni is supported by genetic and morphological evidence (Rosel et al., 2021), which indicate that the Bryde’s whale (Gulf of Mexico subspecies; referred to as Bryde’s-like whales by Rosel et al., 2021) are a previously unnamed species. Rosel et al. (2021) used molecular data from Bryde’s-like whales in the Gulf of Mexico to better describe the relationship of this species to other whales in the genus Balaenoptera. Phylogenetic analysis identifies Bryde’slike whales from the Gulf of Mexico as a unique lineage separated from Bryde’s whales (including subspecies thereof that are recognized by some researchers) and from the sei whale and Omura’s whale (Rosel et al., 2021). Following a stranding of an individual in 2019, Rosel et al. (2021) performed the first morphological examination of an intact specimen of Bryde’s-like whale from the Gulf of Mexico. This morphological analysis revealed distinctions in bone form and structure between Bryde’s-like whales from the Gulf of Mexico and other whales in the genus Balaenoptera. The morphological distinctions and degree of genetic divergence described are equivalent to or greater than levels of molecular and morphological divergence between other, sister Balaenoptera genera, and support divergence at the species level (Rosel et al., 2021). A workshop on the taxonomy of cetaceans concluded that a single line of evidence (e.g., genetic data or morphological data) was sufficient to PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 47023 delimit cetacean subspecies while two independent lines of evidence were necessary for delimiting species (Reeves et al., 2004). Rosel et al. (2021) presented multiple lines of evidence (genetic data and morphological data) that indicate that the Bryde’s-like whales in the Gulf of Mexico are a previously unnamed species. The Society for Marine Mammalogy’s Taxonomy Committee evaluated the Rosel et al. (2021) paper and agreed with the findings. As a result, the Committee now recognizes the Bryde’s whales in the Gulf of Mexico as a different species, Rice’s whale, Balaenoptera ricei. The taxonomic change for Rice’s whale is catalogued in ZooBank, the official register for the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, and has been added to the official list of marine mammal species and subspecies maintained bythe Society for Marine Mammalogy. NMFS recognizes the taxonomic change and therefore is making technical revisions to 50 CFR 224.101(h) to reflect the best available scientific information about the listed species. Once the changes to 50 CFR 224.101(h) take effect, the taxonomic and nomenclature changes will be incorporated into all new NMFS publications pertaining to the species. This species will continue to be listed as endangered and is subject to the same protections as existed prior to these changes. No other aspect of the entry for this species in 50 CFR 224.101(h) will change as a result of this rule. Required Determinations The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries finds that good cause exists to waive the requirement for prior notice and opportunity for public comment, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Such procedures would be unnecessary as the taxonomic change made in this rule are technical and reflect decisions already taken in the scientific community. This rule does not change the listing status of the Rice’s whale under the ESA, and therefore does not alter the legal protections afforded to the species or any other requirements arising from its listing under the ESA, or add any new requirements. This action is not subject to review under Executive Order 12866. Because a general notice of proposed rulemaking is not required, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., are inapplicable. This final rule does not contain policies with federalism implications under Executive Order (E.O.) 13132. Policies that have federalism E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM 23AUR1 47024 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations implications refers to regulations, legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. This final rule does not have federalism implications; therefore, the agency did not follow the additional consultation procedures outlined in E.O. 13132. This rule does not contain any collections of information that require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This rule will not impose recordkeeping or reporting requirements on State or local governments, individuals, businesses, or organizations. E.O. 12898 requires that Federal actions address environmental justice in the decision-making process. In particular, the environmental effects of the actions should not have a disproportionate effect on minority and low-income communities. This rule is not expected to have a disproportionate effect on minority populations or lowincome populations. This final rule makes taxonomic changes relative to a previous listing determination under the ESA to reflect the best available scientific information about the species’ taxonomy and nomenclature. NMFS has concluded that National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) does not apply to ESA listing actions, and we conclude that NEPA does not apply to this correction to the description and identification of the listed species to reflect the best available scientific information. (See NOAA Administrative Order 216–6A and the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216–6A, regarding Policy and Procedures for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related Authorities). Dated: August 18, 2021. Kelly Denit, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. References Cited ■ Rosel, P.E., Wilcox, L.A., Yamada, T.K., Mullin, K.D. (2021). A new species of baleen whale (Balaenoptera) from the Gulf of Mexico, with a review of its geographic distribution. Marine Mammal Science, 1–34. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 224 Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and Recordkeeping requirements, Transportation. For the reasons set out in the preamble, we amend part 224, subchapter C of chapter II, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below: PART 224—ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES 1. The authority citation for part 224 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531–1543 and 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. 2. In § 224.101, in paragraph (h), under ‘‘Marine Mammals,’’ remove the entry for ‘‘Whale, Bryde’s (Gulf of Mexico subspecies)’’ and add an entry for ‘‘Whale, Rice’s’’ in alphabetical order. The addition reads as follows: § 224.101 Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous species. * * * (h) * * * * * Species 1 Common name Description of listed entity Scientific name Citation(s) for listing determination(s) Critical habitat * 84 FR 15446, April 15, 2019. * NA .................. ESA rules Marine Mammals * Whale, Rice’s ................... * * * Balaenoptera ricei ........... * * Entire Species ................ * * * * 1 Species * NA. * includes taxonomic species, subspecies, distinct population segments (DPSs) (for a policy statement, see 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996), and evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) (for a policy statement, see 56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991). [FR Doc. 2021–17985 Filed 8–20–21; 8:45 am] jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM 23AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 160 (Monday, August 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47022-47024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17985]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 224

[Docket No. 210817-0163; RTID 0648-XR117]

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical
Corrections for the Bryde's Whale (Gulf of Mexico Subspecies)

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

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We, the NMFS, announce the revised taxonomy and common name of
Balaenoptera edeni (unnamed subspecies; Bryde's Whale--Gulf of Mexico
subspecies) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA).
We are revising the Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous
species for Bryde's Whale--Gulf of Mexico subspecies, to reflect the
scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of this species. We
revise the common name to Rice's whale, the scientific name to
Balaenoptera ricei, and the description of the listed entity to entire
species. The changes to the taxonomic classification and nomenclature
do not affect the species' listing status under the ESA or any
protections and requirements arising from its listing.

DATES: This rule is effective October 22, 2021 without further action,
unless significant adverse comment is received by September 22, 2021.
If significant adverse comments are received, the NMFS will publish a
timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, information, or data on this
document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2021-0078, by any of the following
methods:
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA-NMFS-2021-0078 in the Search box.
Click on the ``Comment'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Marine Mammal Branch
Chief, Protected Resources Division, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS
Protected Resources Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL
33701.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period
may not be considered by us. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted 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 will be publicly accessible. We will accept anonymous
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous), although submitting comments anonymously will prevent us
from contacting you if we have difficulty retrieving your submission.
Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word,
Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

[[Page 47023]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barb Zoodsma, NMFS, Southeast Regional
Office, (727) 824-5312; or Lisa Manning, NMFS, Office of Protected
Resources (301) 427-8466.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose of This Rule

The purpose of this direct final rule is to notify the public that
we are revising the Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous
species (50 CFR 224.101(h)) to reflect the scientifically accepted
taxonomy and nomenclature of one mammal species listed under section 4
of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the mammal currently enumerated as
Bryde's whale (Gulf of Mexico subspecies). The changes reflect the most
recently accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 224.101(e).
We are publishing this rule as a direct final rule because this is
a noncontroversial action that reflects decisions already taken in the
scientific community, such that prior notice and an opportunity to
comment is unnecessary. This rule does not change the listing status of
the species under the ESA and does not alter any protections afforded
the species or any other legal requirements arising from the species'
listing under the ESA. This change should be undertaken in as timely a
manner as possible. This rule will be effective, as published in this
document on the effective date specified in DATES, unless we receive
significant adverse comments on or before the comment due date
specified in DATES. Significant adverse comments are comments that
provide strong scientific justification as to why the taxonomic and
nomenclature changes to the enumeration of the listed entity should not
be adopted or why the rule should be changed. Please include sufficient
scientific information with your comments that will allow us to verify
the basis for any significant adverse comments.
If we receive significant adverse comments, we will publish a
notice in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule before the
effective date, and we will engage in notice and comment rulemaking
under the applicable requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act
to promulgate these changes to 50 CFR 224.101(h).

Background

Under 50 CFR 224.101(e), we use the most recently accepted
scientific name of any species that we have determined to be endangered
or threatened under the ESA. The ESA likewise requires that listing
decisions be based solely on the best scientific and commercial data
available. 16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)(A). Using the best available scientific
information, our direct final rule documents a change to the taxonomy
and nomenclature of the Bryde's whale (Gulf of Mexico subspecies).
These changes are supported by a study published in a peer-reviewed
journal and independent acceptance by the Society for Marine Mammalogy
Committee on Taxonomy. We revise the common name, scientific name, and
description of the species listed under section 4 of the ESA (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) as follows: Common name is Rice's whale, scientific name
is Balaenoptera ricei, and description of the listed entity is the
entire species. We make these changes to the Enumeration of endangered
marine and anadromous species (50 CFR 224.101(h)) to reflect the most
recently accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 224.101(e).

Taxonomy Classification

Balaenoptera ricei

The scientific name change to Balaenoptera ricei (Rice's whale)
from Balaenoptera edeni is supported by genetic and morphological
evidence (Rosel et al., 2021), which indicate that the Bryde's whale
(Gulf of Mexico subspecies; referred to as Bryde's-like whales by Rosel
et al., 2021) are a previously unnamed species. Rosel et al. (2021)
used molecular data from Bryde's-like whales in the Gulf of Mexico to
better describe the relationship of this species to other whales in the
genus Balaenoptera. Phylogenetic analysis identifies Bryde's-like
whales from the Gulf of Mexico as a unique lineage separated from
Bryde's whales (including subspecies thereof that are recognized by
some researchers) and from the sei whale and Omura's whale (Rosel et
al., 2021). Following a stranding of an individual in 2019, Rosel et
al. (2021) performed the first morphological examination of an intact
specimen of Bryde's-like whale from the Gulf of Mexico. This
morphological analysis revealed distinctions in bone form and structure
between Bryde's-like whales from the Gulf of Mexico and other whales in
the genus Balaenoptera. The morphological distinctions and degree of
genetic divergence described are equivalent to or greater than levels
of molecular and morphological divergence between other, sister
Balaenoptera genera, and support divergence at the species level (Rosel
et al., 2021). A workshop on the taxonomy of cetaceans concluded that a
single line of evidence (e.g., genetic data or morphological data) was
sufficient to delimit cetacean subspecies while two independent lines
of evidence were necessary for delimiting species (Reeves et al.,
2004). Rosel et al. (2021) presented multiple lines of evidence
(genetic data and morphological data) that indicate that the Bryde's-
like whales in the Gulf of Mexico are a previously unnamed species. The
Society for Marine Mammalogy's Taxonomy Committee evaluated the Rosel
et al. (2021) paper and agreed with the findings. As a result, the
Committee now recognizes the Bryde's whales in the Gulf of Mexico as a
different species, Rice's whale, Balaenoptera ricei. The taxonomic
change for Rice's whale is catalogued in ZooBank, the official register
for the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, and has
been added to the official list of marine mammal species and subspecies
maintained bythe Society for Marine Mammalogy.
NMFS recognizes the taxonomic change and therefore is making
technical revisions to 50 CFR 224.101(h) to reflect the best available
scientific information about the listed species. Once the changes to 50
CFR 224.101(h) take effect, the taxonomic and nomenclature changes will
be incorporated into all new NMFS publications pertaining to the
species. This species will continue to be listed as endangered and is
subject to the same protections as existed prior to these changes. No
other aspect of the entry for this species in 50 CFR 224.101(h) will
change as a result of this rule.

Required Determinations

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries finds that good cause
exists to waive the requirement for prior notice and opportunity for
public comment, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Such procedures would
be unnecessary as the taxonomic change made in this rule are technical
and reflect decisions already taken in the scientific community. This
rule does not change the listing status of the Rice's whale under the
ESA, and therefore does not alter the legal protections afforded to the
species or any other requirements arising from its listing under the
ESA, or add any new requirements.
This action is not subject to review under Executive Order 12866.
Because a general notice of proposed rulemaking is not required, the
analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
601, et seq., are inapplicable.
This final rule does not contain policies with federalism
implications under Executive Order (E.O.) 13132. Policies that have
federalism

[[Page 47024]]

implications refers to regulations, legislative comments or proposed
legislation, and other policy statements or actions that have
substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. This final
rule does not have federalism implications; therefore, the agency did
not follow the additional consultation procedures outlined in E.O.
13132.
This rule does not contain any collections of information that
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.). This rule will not impose recordkeeping or reporting
requirements on State or local governments, individuals, businesses, or
organizations.
E.O. 12898 requires that Federal actions address environmental
justice in the decision-making process. In particular, the
environmental effects of the actions should not have a disproportionate
effect on minority and low-income communities. This rule is not
expected to have a disproportionate effect on minority populations or
low-income populations.
This final rule makes taxonomic changes relative to a previous
listing determination under the ESA to reflect the best available
scientific information about the species' taxonomy and nomenclature.
NMFS has concluded that National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) does
not apply to ESA listing actions, and we conclude that NEPA does not
apply to this correction to the description and identification of the
listed species to reflect the best available scientific information.
(See NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A and the Companion Manual for NOAA
Administrative Order 216-6A, regarding Policy and Procedures for
Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related
Authorities).

References Cited

Rosel, P.E., Wilcox, L.A., Yamada, T.K., Mullin, K.D. (2021). A new
species of baleen whale (Balaenoptera) from the Gulf of Mexico, with
a review of its geographic distribution. Marine Mammal Science, 1-
34.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 224

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
Recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Dated: August 18, 2021.
Kelly Denit,
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National
Marine Fisheries Service.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, we amend part 224,
subchapter C of chapter II, title 50 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 224--ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 224 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1543 and 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

0
2. In Sec. 224.101, in paragraph (h), under ``Marine Mammals,'' remove
the entry for ``Whale, Bryde's (Gulf of Mexico subspecies)'' and add an
entry for ``Whale, Rice's'' in alphabetical order.
The addition reads as follows:

Sec. 224.101 Enumeration of endangered marine and anadromous
species.

* * * * *
(h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species \1\
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citation(s) for
Description of listing Critical habitat ESA rules
Common name Scientific name listed entity determination(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marine Mammals

* * * * * * *
Whale, Rice's..................... Balaenoptera ricei... Entire Species...... 84 FR 15446, April NA..................... NA.
15, 2019.

* * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Species includes taxonomic species, subspecies, distinct population segments (DPSs) (for a policy statement, see 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996), and
evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) (for a policy statement, see 56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991).

[FR Doc. 2021-17985 Filed 8-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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