Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 77555-77556 [2022-27451]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICE Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2022 / Notices address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Wells, NMFS, 503–230–5437, Kathleen.Wells@noaa.gov. Shauna Everett, FWS, 503–231–6949, Shauna_ Everett@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations prohibit the taking of a species listed as endangered or threatened. The ESA defines ‘‘take’’ to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. NMFS and FWS may issue permits, under limited circumstances, to take listed species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA and implementing regulations (50 CFR 222.307 for NMFS and 50 CFR 17.22(b) and 17.32(b) for FWS) provide for authorizing incidental take of listed species. NMFS received an ITP application from ODSL on October 10, 2022, pursuant to the ESA. ODSL prepared the HCP in support of the ITP applications and is seeking authorization from NMFS for incidental take of the Oregon Coast Coho salmon (covered species). The ITP, if issued, would authorize take of the covered species that may occur incidental to ODSL’s research and forest management activities (the covered activities). The plan area includes a total of 93,432 acres, which includes School Lands and Board of Forestry Lands managed by ODSL and ODF. The covered activities include the foundational research design of the Elliott State Research Forest proposal including; forest research treatments; operation standards, by research treatment designation; projected harvest timing, amount, and amount of harvest types, and methods; supporting management activities; supporting infrastructure, including roads and facilities; potential research projects; and implementation of the HCP’s conservation strategy. NMFS is extending its public comment period on the proposed HCP to align with the extended comment period of FWS. NMFS will be taking public comment on the proposed HCP through January 10, 2023. Authority: Section 10(c) of the ESA and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 222.307, 17.22 and 17.32). VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:38 Dec 16, 2022 Jkt 259001 Dated: December 13, 2022. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2022–27395 Filed 12–16–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC517] Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of a draft supplemental programmatic environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS announces the availability of the ‘‘Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.’’ Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period for this SPEA. The purpose of this Draft SPEA is to evaluate potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of changes in research that were not analyzed in the 2018 Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), or new research activities along the U.S. West Coast, from California US-Mexico Border to Washington US-Canada Border. Select surveys in partnership with Department of Fisheries and Oceans-Canada extend this research area through British Columbia, Canada to Alaska. Where necessary, updates to certain information on species, stock status or other components of the affected environment that may result in different conclusions from the 2018 PEA are presented in this analysis. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than January 18, 2023. ADDRESSES: Comments on the Draft SPEA should be addressed to Larry Hufnagle, Environmental Compliance Coordinator, NOAA/NMFS/NWFSC, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E, Seattle, WA 98112. The mailbox address for providing email comments is: nmfs.nwfsc.spea@noaa.gov. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77555 NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size. A copy of the Draft SPEA may be obtained by writing to the address specified above, telephoning the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet at: https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ supplemental-programmaticenvironmental-assessment-fisheriesresearch-conducted-and-funded. Documents cited in this notice may also be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Hufnagle, email: lawrence.c.hufnagle@noaa.gov, phone: (206) 310–6817. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NWFSC is the research arm of NMFS in the Northwest Region. The purpose of NWFSC fisheries research is to produce scientific information necessary for the management and conservation of living marine resources along the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Federal waters from the California USMexico Border to the Washington USCanada Border. NWFSC’s research is needed to promote both the long-term sustainability of the resource and the recovery of certain species, while generating social and economic opportunities and benefits from their use. Primary research activities include: seasonal bottom trawl surveys to support assessments of ground fish; seasonal acoustic mid-water pelagic surveys to support the assessment of Pacific Hake and semi-pelagic fish species; salmon surveys; marine mammal research and surveys; Uncrewed Systems research and surveys; and rockfish hook and line surveys in the EEZ. NMFS has prepared the Draft SPEA under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate two alternatives for conducting and funding fisheries and ecosystem research activities as the primary Federal action. Additionally in the Draft SPEA, NMFS evaluates a related action, also called a ‘‘connected action’’ under 40 CFR 1508.25 of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), which is the proposed promulgation of regulations and authorization of the take of marine mammals incidental to the fisheries research under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 tkelley on DSK125TN23PROD with NOTICE 77556 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 242 / Monday, December 19, 2022 / Notices Additionally, because the proposed research activities occur in areas inhabited by species of marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and fish listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened or endangered, this Draft SPEA evaluates activities that could result in unintentional takes of ESA-listed marine species. The following two alternatives are currently evaluated in the Draft SPEA: • Alternative 1—Continue current fisheries and ecosystem research (Status Quo/no action) as described in the 2018 NWFSC PEA. • Alternative 2—Conduct current research with some modifications, as well as new research activities that are planned for the future (i.e., 2023–2028). New future research proposed under Alternative 2 was not previously analyzed in the 2018 PEA. The alternatives include a program of fisheries and ecosystem research projects conducted or funded by the NWFSC as the primary Federal action. Because this primary action is connected to a secondary Federal action, to consider authorizing incidental take of marine mammals under the MMPA, NMFS must identify as part of this evaluation ‘‘(t)he means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species or stock and its habitat’’ (Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)). NMFS must therefore identify and evaluate a reasonable range of mitigation measures to minimize impacts to protected species that occur in NWFSC research areas. These mitigation measures are considered as part of the identified alternatives in order to evaluate their effectiveness to minimize potential adverse environmental impacts. The two action alternatives also include mitigation measures intended to minimize potentially adverse interaction with other protected species that occur within the action area. Protected species include all marine mammals, which are covered under the MMPA, all species listed under the ESA, and bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Potential direct and indirect effects on the environment are evaluated under each alternative in the Draft SPEA. The environmental effects on the following resources are considered: physical environment, special resource areas, fish, marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, invertebrates, and the social and economic environment. Cumulative effects of external actions and the contribution of fisheries research activities to the overall cumulative impact on the aforementioned resources is also evaluated in the Draft SPEA for VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:38 Dec 16, 2022 Jkt 259001 the geographic regions in which NWFSC surveys are conducted. NMFS requests comments on the Draft SPEA for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Please include, with your comments, any supporting data or literature citations that may be informative in substantiating your comment. Dated: December 13, 2022. Kevin Werner, Science and Research Director, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2022–27451 Filed 12–16–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals With Disabilities Program—National Center on Technology Systems in Local Educational Agencies Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for a National Center on Technology Systems in Local Educational Agencies, Assistance Listing Number 84.327T. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1820–0028. DATES: Applications Available: December 19, 2022. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 6, 2023. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: May 3, 2023. Pre-Application Webinar Information: No later than December 27, 2022, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will post details on pre-recorded informational webinars designed to provide technical assistance (TA) to interested applicants. Links to the webinars may be found at www2.ed.gov/ fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osepgrants.html. SUMMARY: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (87 FR 75045) and available at https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/ 2022/12/07/2022-26554/commoninstructions-for-applicants-todepartment-of-education-discretionarygrant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita Vermeer, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5076, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–5076. Telephone: (202) 987–0155. Email: Anita.Vermeer@ed.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7–1–1. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program (ETechM2 Program) is to improve results for children with disabilities by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) supporting educational media activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom for children with disabilities; (3) providing support for captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the classroom; and (4) providing accessible educational materials to children with disabilities in a timely manner.1 Priority: This competition includes one absolute priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), this priority is from allowable activities specified in sections 674(c)(1)(D) and 681(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); 20 U.S.C. 1474(b)(2)(B) and 1481(d). Absolute Priority: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this priority. 1 Applicants should note that other laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.; 28 CFR part 35) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794; 34 CFR part 104), may require that State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) provide captioning, video description, and other accessible educational materials to students with disabilities when these materials are necessary to provide equally integrated and equally effective access to the benefits of the educational program or activity, or as part of a ‘‘free appropriate public education’’ as defined in 34 CFR 104.33. E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77555-77556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-27451]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC517]


Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment for 
Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries 
Science Center

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

ACTION: Notice of availability of a draft supplemental programmatic 
environmental assessment; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Supplemental 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for Fisheries Research 
Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.'' 
Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period 
for this SPEA. The purpose of this Draft SPEA is to evaluate potential 
direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of changes in research that 
were not analyzed in the 2018 Northwest Fisheries Science Center 
(NWFSC) Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), or new research 
activities along the U.S. West Coast, from California US-Mexico Border 
to Washington US-Canada Border. Select surveys in partnership with 
Department of Fisheries and Oceans-Canada extend this research area 
through British Columbia, Canada to Alaska. Where necessary, updates to 
certain information on species, stock status or other components of the 
affected environment that may result in different conclusions from the 
2018 PEA are presented in this analysis.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than January 
18, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the Draft SPEA should be addressed to Larry 
Hufnagle, Environmental Compliance Coordinator, NOAA/NMFS/NWFSC, 2725 
Montlake Blvd. E, Seattle, WA 98112. The mailbox address for providing 
email comments is: [email protected].
    NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other 
than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all 
attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte file size. A copy of the 
Draft SPEA may be obtained by writing to the address specified above, 
telephoning the contact listed below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT), or visiting the internet at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/supplemental-programmatic-environmental-assessment-fisheries-research-conducted-and-funded. Documents cited in this notice may also 
be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours at the 
aforementioned address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Hufnagle, email: 
[email protected], phone: (206) 310-6817.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NWFSC is the research arm of NMFS in the 
Northwest Region. The purpose of NWFSC fisheries research is to produce 
scientific information necessary for the management and conservation of 
living marine resources along the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic 
Zone (EEZ) Federal waters from the California US-Mexico Border to the 
Washington US-Canada Border. NWFSC's research is needed to promote both 
the long-term sustainability of the resource and the recovery of 
certain species, while generating social and economic opportunities and 
benefits from their use. Primary research activities include: seasonal 
bottom trawl surveys to support assessments of ground fish; seasonal 
acoustic mid-water pelagic surveys to support the assessment of Pacific 
Hake and semi-pelagic fish species; salmon surveys; marine mammal 
research and surveys; Uncrewed Systems research and surveys; and 
rockfish hook and line surveys in the EEZ.
    NMFS has prepared the Draft SPEA under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate two alternatives for conducting and 
funding fisheries and ecosystem research activities as the primary 
Federal action. Additionally in the Draft SPEA, NMFS evaluates a 
related action, also called a ``connected action'' under 40 CFR 1508.25 
of the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing 
the procedural provisions of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), which is 
the proposed promulgation of regulations and authorization of the take 
of marine mammals incidental to the fisheries research under the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

[[Page 77556]]

Additionally, because the proposed research activities occur in areas 
inhabited by species of marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and fish 
listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened or 
endangered, this Draft SPEA evaluates activities that could result in 
unintentional takes of ESA-listed marine species.
    The following two alternatives are currently evaluated in the Draft 
SPEA:
     Alternative 1--Continue current fisheries and ecosystem 
research (Status Quo/no action) as described in the 2018 NWFSC PEA.
     Alternative 2--Conduct current research with some 
modifications, as well as new research activities that are planned for 
the future (i.e., 2023-2028). New future research proposed under 
Alternative 2 was not previously analyzed in the 2018 PEA.
    The alternatives include a program of fisheries and ecosystem 
research projects conducted or funded by the NWFSC as the primary 
Federal action. Because this primary action is connected to a secondary 
Federal action, to consider authorizing incidental take of marine 
mammals under the MMPA, NMFS must identify as part of this evaluation 
``(t)he means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the 
species or stock and its habitat'' (Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA 
(16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)). NMFS must therefore identify and evaluate a 
reasonable range of mitigation measures to minimize impacts to 
protected species that occur in NWFSC research areas. These mitigation 
measures are considered as part of the identified alternatives in order 
to evaluate their effectiveness to minimize potential adverse 
environmental impacts. The two action alternatives also include 
mitigation measures intended to minimize potentially adverse 
interaction with other protected species that occur within the action 
area. Protected species include all marine mammals, which are covered 
under the MMPA, all species listed under the ESA, and bird species 
protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
    Potential direct and indirect effects on the environment are 
evaluated under each alternative in the Draft SPEA. The environmental 
effects on the following resources are considered: physical 
environment, special resource areas, fish, marine mammals, birds, sea 
turtles, invertebrates, and the social and economic environment. 
Cumulative effects of external actions and the contribution of 
fisheries research activities to the overall cumulative impact on the 
aforementioned resources is also evaluated in the Draft SPEA for the 
geographic regions in which NWFSC surveys are conducted.
    NMFS requests comments on the Draft SPEA for Fisheries Research 
Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, 
Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Please include, with your comments, 
any supporting data or literature citations that may be informative in 
substantiating your comment.

    Dated: December 13, 2022.
Kevin Werner,
Science and Research Director, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-27451 Filed 12-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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