North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 4225-4226 [2022-01657]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2022 / Notices Small Numbers As noted above, only small numbers of incidental take may be authorized under sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA for specified activities other than military readiness activities. The MMPA does not define small numbers and so, in practice, where estimated numbers are available, NMFS compares the number of individuals taken to the most appropriate estimation of abundance of the relevant species or stock in our determination of whether an authorization is limited to small numbers of marine mammals. When the predicted number of individuals to be taken is less than one third of the species or stock abundance, the take is considered to be of small numbers. Additionally, other qualitative factors may be considered in the analysis, such as the temporal or spatial scale of the activities. NMFS proposes to authorize incidental take (by Level B harassment only) of 15 marine mammal species (with 16 managed stocks). The total amount of takes proposed for authorization relative to the best available population abundance is less than 6 percent for all stocks (Table 9). Therefore, NMFS preliminarily finds that small numbers of marine mammals may be taken relative to the estimated overall population abundances for those stocks. Based on the analysis contained herein of the proposed activity (including the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures) and the anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS preliminarily finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the population size of the affected species or stocks. Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine mammal stocks or species implicated by this action. Therefore, NMFS has determined that the total taking of affected species or stocks would not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for subsistence purposes. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jan 26, 2022 Jkt 256001 designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS Office of Protected Resources (OPR) consults internally whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species. NMFS OPR is proposing to authorize the incidental take of four species of marine mammals which are listed under the ESA, including the North Atlantic right, fin, sei, and sperm whale, and has determined that this activity falls within the scope of activities analyzed in NMFS GARFO’s programmatic consultation regarding geophysical surveys along the U.S. Atlantic coast in the three Atlantic Renewable Energy Regions (completed June 29, 2021; revised September 2021). NMFS GARFO concurred with this determination. Proposed Authorization As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to Atlantic Shores authorizing take, by Level B harassment incidental to conducting marine site characterization surveys off of New Jersey and New York from April 20, 2022 through April 19, 2023, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. A draft of the proposed IHA can be found at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ marine-mammal-protection/incidentaltake-authorizations-other-energyactivities-renewable. Request for Public Comments We request comment on our analyses, the proposed authorization, and any other aspect of this notice of proposed IHA for the proposed site characterization surveys. We also request at this time comment on the potential Renewal of this proposed IHA as described in the paragraph below. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform decisions on the request for this proposed IHA or a subsequent Renewal IHA. On a case-by-case basis, NMFS may issue a one-time, one-year Renewal IHA following notification to the public providing an additional 15 days for public comments when (1) up to another year of identical or nearly identical, or nearly identical, activities as described in the Description of Proposed Activities section of this notification is planned or (2) the activities as described in the Description of Proposed Activities section of this notification would not be completed by the time the IHA expires and a Renewal would allow for completion of the activities beyond that described in the PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4225 Dates and Duration section of this notification, provided all of the following conditions are met: • A request for Renewal is received no later than 60 days prior to the needed Renewal IHA effective date (recognizing that the Renewal IHA expiration date cannot extend beyond one year from expiration of the initial IHA); • The request for Renewal must include the following: (1) An explanation that the activities to be conducted under the requested Renewal IHA are identical to the activities analyzed under the initial IHA, are a subset of the activities, or include changes so minor (e.g., reduction in pile size) that the changes do not affect the previous analyses, mitigation and monitoring requirements, or take estimates (with the exception of reducing the type or amount of take); and (2) A preliminary monitoring report showing the results of the required monitoring to date and an explanation showing that the monitoring results do not indicate impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized. Upon review of the request for Renewal, the status of the affected species or stocks, and any other pertinent information, NMFS determines that there are no more than minor changes in the activities, the mitigation and monitoring measures will remain the same and appropriate, and the findings in the initial IHA remain valid. Dated: January 21, 2022. Kimberly Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01557 Filed 1–26–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB749] North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of web conference. AGENCY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Scallop Plan Team will meet February 16, 2022. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alaska Time. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 4226 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 18 / Thursday, January 27, 2022 / Notices The meeting will be a web conference. Join online through the link at https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/ Details/2755. Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1007 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501–2252; telephone: (907) 271–2809. Instructions for attending the meeting via video conference are given under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Rheinsmith, Council staff; phone: (907) 271–2809; email: sarah.rheinsmith@noaa.gov. For technical support, please contact our admin Council staff, email: npfmc.admin@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda Wednesday, February 16, 2022 The Council’s Scallop Plan Team will update the status of the Alaska weathervane scallop stocks and the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report, including OFL/ABC recommendations for the 2022 fishing year. Additionally, there will be discussion of 2021 survey results, stock assessment development, EFH updates, survey plans for 2022, a review of research priorities, and other business. The agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at https://meetings.npfmc.org/ Meeting/Details/2755 prior to the meeting, along with meeting materials. Connection Information You can attend the meeting online using a computer, tablet, or smart phone; or by phone only. Connection information will be posted online at: https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/ Details/2755. Public Comment lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Public comment letters will be accepted and should be submitted electronically to https:// meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/ 2755. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 24, 2022. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01657 Filed 1–26–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Jan 26, 2022 Jkt 256001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XB740] Marine Mammals; File No. 26285 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 924, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 (Jenny Atkinson, Responsible Party) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research or enhancement on marine mammals. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before February 28, 2022. 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. 26285 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. 26285 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 Courtney Smith, 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 conduct research for the Soundwatch Boater Education Program in the in-land waters SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of Washington State to evaluate vessel regulations and guidelines, characterize vessel trends, and prevent vessel disturbances to marine mammals. The primary target species are Southern Resident and transient killer whales (Orcinus orca), but additional species taken during research may include fin (Balaenoptera physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), and minke (B. acutorostrata) whales; Dall’s (Phocoenoides dalli) and harbor (Phocoena phocoena) porpoises. Up to 50 whales of each killer whale stock and 20 individuals of each of the other cetacean species may be taken annually during vessel surveys including photography, photo-identification, video recording, and behavioral observations. Five species of non-listed pinnipeds may be unintentionally harassed during research activities. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested by species. The permit is requested 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. Dated: January 24, 2022. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01600 Filed 1–26–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Proposal To Find That Louisiana Has Satisfied All Conditions of Approval Placed on Its Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4225-4226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01657]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB749]


North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of web conference.

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SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) 
Scallop Plan Team will meet February 16, 2022.

DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 9 
a.m. to 5 p.m., Alaska Time.

[[Page 4226]]


ADDRESSES: The meeting will be a web conference. Join online through 
the link at https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/2755.
    Council address: North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1007 W 
3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501-2252; telephone: (907) 271-2809. 
Instructions for attending the meeting via video conference are given 
under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Rheinsmith, Council staff; 
phone: (907) 271-2809; email: [email protected]. For technical 
support, please contact our admin Council staff, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Agenda

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

    The Council's Scallop Plan Team will update the status of the 
Alaska weathervane scallop stocks and the Stock Assessment and Fishery 
Evaluation (SAFE) report, including OFL/ABC recommendations for the 
2022 fishing year. Additionally, there will be discussion of 2021 
survey results, stock assessment development, EFH updates, survey plans 
for 2022, a review of research priorities, and other business. The 
agenda is subject to change, and the latest version will be posted at 
https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/2755 prior to the meeting, 
along with meeting materials.

Connection Information

    You can attend the meeting online using a computer, tablet, or 
smart phone; or by phone only. Connection information will be posted 
online at: https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/2755.

Public Comment

    Public comment letters will be accepted and should be submitted 
electronically to https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/2755.
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: January 24, 2022.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01657 Filed 1-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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