Marine Mammals; File No. 27099, 10294-10295 [2023-03365]

Download as PDF lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 10294 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2023 / Notices This project would use one federally permitted lobster vessel to pilot test the use of four EBP lobster traps in Lobster Management Area 3 (Statistical Areas 561, 562, and 522). The EBP traps are 80-cm square traps based on a modified crawfish trap. They have four square openings, measuring less than two inches (5.08 cm), which lead to ramps that drop the lobsters into a baited kitchen. Inside the traps, there are additional ramps that lead the lobsters to four cylindrical parlors with vertical openings. The traps are attached to cement runners that provide weight and maintain proper orientation. The participants would place two EBP traps each on two of their existing trawls and haul them twice per trip during the course of the vessel’s normal fishing activity. The vessel would take between 9 and 13 experimental trips, lasting from 7 to 12 days, between May 15 and November 15, 2023. The crew would rig the EBP traps within Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plancompliant commercial trawls, resulting in no additional end lines. The vessel would fish one trap above its 2023 allocation, but would remain within the universal Area 3 trap cap. Researchers would allow up to 144 total hauls, but expect 72 to 104 hauls. At each haul, the crew would record, and immediately release, all bycatch and measure, sex, and release all lobsters from the EBP trap. They would also sample catch in two standard traps per trawl (four total) as control data. They would land and sell the legal catch from the standard traps. The goal of this project is to test the selectivity of the EBP trap (versus ventless traps that often catch eel and crab) and the scalability of its use. If successful, EBP traps could be used in lobster surveys to provide information about larval-settlement patterns and juvenile nursery grounds. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Feb 16, 2023 Jkt 259001 Dated: February 13, 2023. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03321 Filed 2–16–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC782] Marine Mammals; File No. 27099 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the Pacific Whale Foundation (Responsible Party: Jens Curie), 300 Ma’alaea Rd. Ste. 211, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 22 species of cetaceans within waters of the Hawaiian Islands. DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before March 20, 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. 27099 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. 27099 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: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., or Erin Markin, 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 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 harass up to 1200 of the following cetaceans species, annually, during vessel, underwater, and Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) surveys within waters of the Main Hawaiian Islands: Blainville’s beaked (Mesoplodon densirostris), Bryde’s (Balaenoptera brydei), Cuvier’s beaked (Ziphius cavirostris), dwarf sperm (Kogia sima), false killer (Pseudorca crassidens; including the endangered Main Hawaiian Islands insular Distinct Population Segment), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), killer (Orcinus orca), melon-headed (Peponocephala electra), minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pygmy killer (Feresa attenuata), pygmy sperm (Kogia breviceps), short-finned pilot (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales; and common bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), Fraser’s (Lagenodelphis hosei), pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), Risso’s (Grampus griseus), rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis), short-beaked common (Delphinus delphis), spinner (Stenella longistrostris longirostris), and striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) dolphins. The objective of research is to assess the human impacts on, and the distribution, abundance, social organization, population structure, population size, foraging, diet, reproduction, movements, habitat use, body condition, health, and behavior of Hawaiian cetaceans. Proposed research procedures include photo-ID, photogrammetry, underwater filming, suction-cup tagging, biopsy collection, fecal sampling, sloughed skin collection, and exhaled air sample collection. Up to 10 suction-cup tags and up to 40 biopsy samples may be taken from the above listed species. The permit would be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. 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\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2023 / Notices Dated: February 13, 2023. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–03365 Filed 2–16–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XC771] Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of receipt of application; 7 permit renewals, 1 permit modification, and 9 new permits. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received 17 scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, rockfish, and eulachon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/ preview_open_for_comment.cfm. DATES: Comments or requests for a public hearing on the applications must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m. Pacific standard time on March 20, 2023. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the applications should be sent to the Protected Resources Division, NMFS, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232–1274. Comments may also be sent via fax to 503–230– 5441 or by email to nmfs.wcr-apps@ noaa.gov (include the permit number in the subject line of the fax or email). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shivonne Nesbit, Portland, OR (ph.: 541–805–5320), email: Shivonne.Nesbit@noaa.gov). Permit application instructions are available from the address above, or online at https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: Species Covered in This Notice The following listed species are covered in this notice: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Threatened Lower VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Feb 16, 2023 Jkt 259001 Columbia River (LCR); threatened Puget Sound (PS); threatened Snake River (SnkR) spring/summer-run; threatened SnkR fall-run; endangered Upper Columbia River (UCR) spring-run; threatened Upper Willamette River (UWR), threatened Central Valley spring-run (CVS); endangered Sacramento River (SacR) winter-run; threatened California Coastal (CC). Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened LCR; threatened Middle Columbia River (MCR); threatened PS; threatened SnkR; threatened UCR; threatened UWR; threatened Northern California (NC); threatened Central California Coast (CCC); threatened California Central Valley (CCV); threatened South-Central California Coast (S–CCC); endangered Southern California (SC). Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened Hood Canal Summer-run (HCS), threatened Columbia River (CR). Coho salmon (O. kisutch): Threatened LCR; threatened Oregon Coast (OC) coho; threatened Southern Oregon/ Northern California Coast (SONCC), endangered Central California Coast (CCC). Sockeye salmon (O. nerka): Endangered SnkR; Threatened Ozette Lake (OL). Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus): Threatened southern Distinct Population Segment (SDPS). Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris): Threatened southern Distinct Population Segment (SDPS). Rockfish (Sebastes spp.): Endangered Puget Sound/Georgia Basin (PS/GB) DPS bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis); threatened PS/GB DPS yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus). Authority Scientific research permits are issued in accordance with section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq) and regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR 222–226). NMFS issues permits based on findings that such permits: (1) are applied for in good faith; (2) if granted and exercised, would not operate to the disadvantage of the listed species that are the subject of the permit; and (3) are consistent with the purposes and policy of section 2 of the ESA. The authority to take listed species is subject to conditions set forth in the permits. Anyone requesting a hearing on an application listed in this notice should set out the specific reasons why a hearing on that application would be appropriate (see ADDRESSES). Such hearings are held at the discretion of the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10295 Applications Received Permit 1134–8R The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) is seeking to renew for 5 years a permit under which they have been conducting research for more than 20 years. The permit would continue covering three study projects that, among them, would annually take adult and juvenile SnkR steelhead and spring/summer-run Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin. There have been some significant changes in the research over the last ten years, nonetheless, the projects proposed are essentially continuations of ongoing research. They are: Project 1—Cryopreservation of Spring/summer Chinook Salmon and Summer Steelhead Gametes; Project 2— Snorkel, Seine, fyke net, Minnow Trap, and Electrofishing Surveys and Collection of Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead; and Project 3—Juvenile Anadromous Salmonid Emigration Studies Using Rotary Screw Traps. Under these tasks, listed adult and juvenile salmon would be variously (1) observed/harassed during fish population and production monitoring surveys; (2) captured (using dip nets, seines, trawls, traps, hook-and-line angling equipment, and electrofishing equipment) and anesthetized; (3) sampled for biological information and tissue samples; (4) tagged with passive integrated transponders (PIT-tags) or tagged with other identifiers, and (5) released. It should be noted that in the past, this permit covered five projects instead of three and authorized a great deal more adult and juvenile take of both species than it would under this proposed action. The research has many purposes and would benefit listed salmon and steelhead in different ways. In general, the studies are part of ongoing efforts to monitor the status of listed species in the Snake River basin and to use those data to inform decisions about land- and fisheries management actions and to help prioritize and plan listed species recovery measures. Under the proposal, the studies would continue to benefit listed species by generating population abundance estimates; providing information on adult and juvenile salmon and steelhead life histories in the in the Snake, Salmon, Clearwater, Grande Ronde, and Imnaha River subbasins; and helping preserve listed salmon and steelhead genetic diversity. The CRITFC researchers do not intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a small percentage may die as a result of the research activities. E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10294-10295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03365]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC782]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27099

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 Pacific Whale Foundation 
(Responsible Party: Jens Curie), 300 Ma'alaea Rd. Ste. 211, Wailuku, 
Hawaii 96793, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research 
on 22 species of cetaceans within waters of the Hawaiian Islands.

DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or 
before March 20, 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. 27099 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. 27099 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: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., or Erin Markin, 
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.), and the 
regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of 
endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
    The applicant proposes to harass up to 1200 of the following 
cetaceans species, annually, during vessel, underwater, and Unoccupied 
Aerial Systems (UAS) surveys within waters of the Main Hawaiian 
Islands: Blainville's beaked (Mesoplodon densirostris), Bryde's 
(Balaenoptera brydei), Cuvier's beaked (Ziphius cavirostris), dwarf 
sperm (Kogia sima), false killer (Pseudorca crassidens; including the 
endangered Main Hawaiian Islands insular Distinct Population Segment), 
fin (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), killer 
(Orcinus orca), melon-headed (Peponocephala electra), minke 
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pygmy killer (Feresa attenuata), pygmy 
sperm (Kogia breviceps), short-finned pilot (Globicephala 
macrorhynchus), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales; and common 
bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), Fraser's (Lagenodelphis hosei), 
pantropical spotted (Stenella attenuata), Risso's (Grampus griseus), 
rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis), short-beaked common (Delphinus 
delphis), spinner (Stenella longistrostris longirostris), and striped 
(Stenella coeruleoalba) dolphins. The objective of research is to 
assess the human impacts on, and the distribution, abundance, social 
organization, population structure, population size, foraging, diet, 
reproduction, movements, habitat use, body condition, health, and 
behavior of Hawaiian cetaceans. Proposed research procedures include 
photo-ID, photogrammetry, underwater filming, suction-cup tagging, 
biopsy collection, fecal sampling, sloughed skin collection, and 
exhaled air sample collection. Up to 10 suction-cup tags and up to 40 
biopsy samples may be taken from the above listed species. The permit 
would be valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
    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 10295]]


    Dated: February 13, 2023.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03365 Filed 2-16-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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