Marine Mammals; File No. 27272, 9870-9871 [2023-03132]

Download as PDF 9870 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2023 / Notices will receive public comment before addressing any items under Other Business. —Meeting Adjourns The meeting will also be broadcast via webinar. You may register for the webinar by visiting www.gulfcouncil.org and clicking on the SSC meeting on the calendar. The Agenda is subject to change, and the latest version along with other meeting materials will be posted on www.gulfcouncil.org as they become available. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the Scientific and Statistical Committees for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions of the Scientific and Statistical Committee will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda 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 Council’s intent to take-action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to Kathy Pereira, (813) 348–1630, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 9, 2023. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03145 Filed 2–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC765] ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (Council) SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:16 Feb 14, 2023 Jkt 259001 Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a meeting. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, starting at 9 a.m. and continue through 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda details. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place over webinar using the Webex platform with a telephone-only connection option. Details on how to connect to the webinar by computer and by telephone will be available at: www.mafmc.org/ ssc. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674–2331; website: www.mafmc.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, telephone: (302) 526–5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During this meeting, the SSC will review and possibly modify the 2023 acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendation and develop 2024–25 ABC recommendations for Illex squid based on updated analysis and work products developed to evaluate recent changes to the fishery and stock dynamics. The SSC will also review and provide feedback on the most recent MidAtlantic State of the Ecosystem report and the work plan/products of the SSC’s Ecosystem Work Group. The SSC will review and provide feedback on the utility and potential application of the work products developed as part of a research project on short-term forecasts of species distributions. The SSC will also receive a presentation on the Council supported Ocean City, MD recreational video project and on the results and findings of the Council’s recently completed management strategy evaluation on the recreational summer flounder fishery. In addition, the SSC will receive an update on the activities and future products of the Economic Work Group, OFL CV subgroup, and the constant/average ABC sub-group. The SSC may take up any other business as necessary. A detailed agenda and background documents will be made available on the Council’s website (www.mafmc.org) prior to the meeting. Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Shelley Spedden, (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 9, 2023. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03146 Filed 2–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC768] Marine Mammals; File No. 27272 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, MA 02066 (Responsible Party: David Wiley, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on seven species of cetaceans. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before March 17, 2023. 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. 27272 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. 27272 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: Sara Young 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2023 / Notices part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The applicant proposes to study seven cetacean species in the waters of the northeastern United States as well as Antarctica. The purpose of the research is to investigate the foraging ecology, habitat use, physiology, and acoustic and social behavior of these species to support ecosystem-based management and mitigate anthropogenic harm. Research would be conducted from boats and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Animals would be studied using photo-ID, photogrammetry, behavioral observations, collection of fecal samples, skin and blubber biopsy sampling, and suction cup tagging by a pole or UAS. Threatened and endangered species that would be studied if encountered are: fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), and North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). The permit would be valid 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 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: February 9, 2023. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03132 Filed 2–14–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC408] Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has SUMMARY: 9871 made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow commercial fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of research conducted by the applicant. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 2, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Email: nmfs.gar.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘HighVolume Intelligent Discard Chute EM EFP.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samantha Tolken, Fishery Management Specialist, Samantha.Tolken@noaa.gov, 978–675–2176. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant submitted a complete application for an EFP to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. This EFP would exempt the participating vessels from the following Federal regulations: TABLE 1—REQUESTED EXEMPTIONS Citation Regulation Need for exemption 50 CFR 648.80(a)(3)(i) .. Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area Minimum Mesh Size and Gear Restrictions. 50 CFR 648.80(a)(4)(i) .. Georges Bank Regulated Mesh Area Minimum Size and Gear Restrictions. 50 CFR 648.81(a)(5) ..... Closed Area II Closure Area ............................ Conduct fishing with the use of 4.5-inch (11.4-cm) diamond mesh intended to facilitate the catch of redfish and 5.1-inch (13-cm) square mesh intended to facilitate the catch of haddock, in order to expand the predictive capabilities of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) program under varying catch compositions. Conduct fishing with the use of 4.5-inch (11.4-cm) diamond mesh intended to facilitate the catch of redfish and 5.1-inch (13-cm) square mesh intended to facilitate the catch of haddock, in order to expand the predictive capabilities of the AI program under varying catch compositions. Conduct fishing in the non-habitat management area of Closed Area II Closure Area from April 16 through January 31 to vary the areas fished and catch compositions to expand the capability of the AI program and improve predictive power. TABLE 2—PROJECT SUMMARY ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES Project title ...................................... Applicant ......................................... Project objectives ............................ Application date .............................. Project period .................................. Project location ............................... Number of vessels .......................... Number of trips ............................... Trip duration (days) ......................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:16 Feb 14, 2023 High-Volume Audit (HVA) Electronic Monitoring (EM) for Groundfish Vessels Testing an Intelligent Discard Chute. A.I.S. Inc. To develop and pilot an innovative solution for electronic monitoring (EM) based on wireless video transfer, edge-based AI processing via intelligent discard chute, and web-based video review to incentivize fleet adoption for high-volume groundfish trawl vessels. 2/8/2023. 5/1/2023–4/30/2024. Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. 4. 130. 7–10 days. Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9870-9871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03132]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC768]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27272

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Stellwagen Bank National Marine 
Sanctuary, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, MA 02066 (Responsible 
Party: David Wiley, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to 
conduct research on seven species of cetaceans.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 17, 2023.

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. 27272 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. 27272 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: Sara Young 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

[[Page 9871]]

part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, 
importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 
parts 222-226).
    The applicant proposes to study seven cetacean species in the 
waters of the northeastern United States as well as Antarctica. The 
purpose of the research is to investigate the foraging ecology, habitat 
use, physiology, and acoustic and social behavior of these species to 
support ecosystem-based management and mitigate anthropogenic harm. 
Research would be conducted from boats and unmanned aircraft systems 
(UAS). Animals would be studied using photo-ID, photogrammetry, 
behavioral observations, collection of fecal samples, skin and blubber 
biopsy sampling, and suction cup tagging by a pole or UAS. Threatened 
and endangered species that would be studied if encountered are: fin 
whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), and North 
Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). The permit would be valid 
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 
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: February 9, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03132 Filed 2-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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