Notice of Availability of a Final Management Plan and Final Environmental Assessment for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 14989-14991 [2023-04973]
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14989
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 47 / Friday, March 10, 2023 / Notices
likelihood that some individual marine
mammals may be taken on more than
one day (see 86 FR 5404, January 19,
2021). The output of this scaling, where
appropriate, is incorporated into
adjusted total take estimates that are the
basis for NMFS’ small numbers
determinations, as depicted in table 1.
This product is used by NMFS in
making the necessary small numbers
determinations through comparison
with the best available abundance
estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5391,
January 19, 2021). For this comparison,
NMFS’ approach is to use the maximum
theoretical population, determined
through review of current stock
assessment reports (SAR;
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/
marine-mammal-protection/marinemammal-stock-assessments) and modelpredicted abundance information
(https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/
Duke/GOM/). For the latter, for taxa
where a density surface model could be
produced, we use the maximum mean
seasonal (i.e., 3-month) abundance
prediction for purposes of comparison
as a precautionary smoothing of monthto-month fluctuations and in
consideration of a corresponding lack of
data in the literature regarding seasonal
distribution of marine mammals in the
GOM. Information supporting the small
numbers determinations is provided in
table 1.
TABLE 1—TAKE ANALYSIS
Authorized
take
Species
Rice’s whale 3 ...................................................................................................
Sperm whale ....................................................................................................
Kogia spp. ........................................................................................................
Beaked whales ................................................................................................
Rough-toothed dolphin ....................................................................................
Bottlenose dolphin ...........................................................................................
Clymene dolphin ..............................................................................................
Atlantic spotted dolphin ...................................................................................
Pantropical spotted dolphin .............................................................................
Spinner dolphin ................................................................................................
Striped dolphin .................................................................................................
Fraser’s dolphin ...............................................................................................
Risso’s dolphin .................................................................................................
Melon-headed whale .......................................................................................
Pygmy killer whale ...........................................................................................
False killer whale .............................................................................................
Killer whale ......................................................................................................
Short-finned pilot whale ...................................................................................
0
291
4 164
2,572
478
5 21
1,262
0
12,526
294
655
206
203
813
396
448
7
64
Scaled take 1
n/a
123.2
48.2
259.8
137.2
6.0
362.1
n/a
3,595.0
84.4
188.1
59.2
60.0
239.9
116.7
132.1
n/a
19.0
Abundance 2
Percent
abundance
51
2,207
4,373
3,768
4,853
176,108
11,895
74,785
102,361
25,114
5,229
1,665
3,764
7,003
2,126
3,204
267
1,981
n/a
5.6
1.4
6.9
2.8
0.0
3.0
n/a
3.5
0.3
3.6
3.6
1.6
3.4
5.5
4.1
2.6
1.0
1 Scalar ratios were applied to ‘‘Authorized Take’’ values as described at 86 FR 5322, 5404 (January 19, 2021) to derive scaled take numbers
shown here.
2 Best abundance estimate. For most taxa, the best abundance estimate for purposes of comparison with take estimates is considered here to
be the model-predicted abundance (Roberts et al., 2016). For those taxa where a density surface model predicting abundance by month was
produced, the maximum mean seasonal abundance was used. For those taxa where abundance is not predicted by month, only mean annual
abundance is available. For Rice’s whale and killer whale, the larger estimated SAR abundance estimate is used.
3 The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). These whales were subsequently described as a new species, Rice’s
whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021).
4 Includes 14 takes by Level A harassment and 150 takes by Level B harassment. Scalar ratio is applied to takes by Level B harassment only;
small numbers determination made on basis of scaled Level B harassment take plus authorized Level A harassment take.
5 Modeled take of 13 increased to account for potential encounter with group of average size (Maze-Foley and Mullin, 2006).
Based on the analysis contained
herein of Shell’s proposed survey
activity described in its LOA
application and the anticipated take of
marine mammals, NMFS finds that
small numbers of marine mammals will
be taken relative to the affected species
or stock sizes (i.e., less than one-third of
the best available abundance estimate)
and therefore the taking is of no more
than small numbers.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Authorization
NMFS has determined that the level
of taking for this LOA request is
consistent with the findings made for
the total taking allowable under the
incidental take regulations and that the
amount of take authorized under the
LOA is of no more than small numbers.
Accordingly, we have issued an LOA to
Shell authorizing the take of marine
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Mar 09, 2023
Jkt 259001
mammals incidental to its geophysical
survey activity, as described above.
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
Dated: March 7, 2023.
Kimberly Damon-Randall,
Director, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
ACTION:
[FR Doc. 2023–04949 Filed 3–9–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Notice of Availability of a Final
Management Plan and Final
Environmental Assessment for the
Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary
Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
AGENCY:
PO 00000
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Notice of availability.
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
has prepared a final management plan
(FMP) as part of the Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or
sanctuary) management plan review.
The FMP, which replaces a 2009
sanctuary management plan, addresses
current and emerging threats in CINMS
and reflects changes in new science and
technologies, how the public uses the
sanctuary, and community needs. The
FMP supports continued protection of
sanctuary resources through
enforcement of existing sanctuary
regulations, education and outreach
strategies that promote ocean
stewardship, and community-inclusive
involvement. Consistent with the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM
10MRN1
14990
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 47 / Friday, March 10, 2023 / Notices
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
information provided in the 2019 Notice
of Intent, and information gathered
through public scoping to prepare a
draft environmental assessment (DEA)
and draft management plan (DMP) for
the sanctuary, and public comments
received on the DMP, NOAA is not
making modifications to the sanctuary
regulations at this time, but may
consider regulatory changes in the
future. NOAA also prepared a final
environmental assessment (FEA) and a
finding of no significant impact (FONSI)
for this action.
DATES: The final management plan and
environmental assessment for Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary is
now available.
ADDRESSES: The FMP, FEA, and FONSI
are available at https://channelislands.
noaa.gov/manage/plan/. The DMP is
available at https://
nmschannelislands.blob.
core.windows.net/channelislands-prod/
media/docs/2021-cinms-draftmanagement-plan.pdf, and the DEA is
available at https://
nmschannelislands.blob.
core.windows.net/channelislands-prod/
media/docs/2021-cinms-draftenvironmental-assessment.pdf. All
comments on the DMP and DEA can be
viewed via the Federal eRulemaking
Portal: go to https://
www.regulations.gov and enter ‘‘NOAA–
NOS–2019–0110’’ in the Search box.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Murray, Deputy
Superintendent for Programs, Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary,
805–893–6418, cinmsmanagement
plan@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary surrounds five of the eight
Channel Islands: San Miguel, Santa
Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa
Barbara off the coast of California. The
sanctuary consists of an area of
approximately 1,110 square nautical
miles (nmi2) (3,807 square kilometers)
of coastal and ocean waters extending
an average distance of 6 nautical miles
(11.1 kilometers) from island shorelines,
and at its deepest point, reaches 5,597
feet (1,706 meters). The sanctuary is
home to numerous species of marine
mammals, seabirds, fishes,
invertebrates, and algae in a remarkably
productive coastal environment. Within
its boundary is a rich array of habitats,
from rugged rocky shores and lush kelp
forests to deep canyons and seagrass
beds. These habitats abound with life,
from tiny microscopic plants to
enormous blue whales. The islands and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Mar 09, 2023
Jkt 259001
surrounding sanctuary waters have
been, and remain, sacred to Indigenous
Chumash people. In addition, while the
offshore location of the sanctuary limits
human presence, the area supports a
variety of human uses, such as
recreation, tourism, commercial fishing,
research, and education.
II. Management Plan Review
The purpose of this management plan
review is to ensure the sanctuary is
fulfilling the purposes and policies
outlined in section 301(b) of the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act
(NMSA; 16 U.S.C. 1431(b)), and
effectively protecting and managing the
resources of the sanctuary. As required
by section 304(e) of the NMSA (16
U.S.C. 1434(e)), a management plan
review enables NOAA to evaluate the
substantive progress toward
implementing the sanctuary’s existing
management plan and the goals for the
sanctuary and to revise the sanctuary’s
management plan and regulations as
necessary to fulfill the purposes and
policies of the NMSA. A revised
sanctuary management plan enables
NOAA’s Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS) to adjust the
allocation of time and resources to focus
on new priority issues, partnerships,
technologies and opportunities that
have emerged since the existing
sanctuary management was published.
A revised management plan also
prioritizes use of collaborative and
community-based approaches to
pursuing sanctuary goals, supported by
a variety of partnerships with
government agencies, scientific entities,
tribal communities, non-governmental
organizations, and sanctuary volunteers
and advisory council members.
Updates to the CINMS management
plan are based on ONMS’s evaluation,
advisory council input on the 2009
management plan, analysis of comments
received on the 2019 Notice of Intent,
DMP, and DEA, and findings from the
latest CINMS condition report. While
the condition report, using quantitative
data gathered through 2016, found
overall that sanctuary resources were
doing well in comparison to many other
ocean areas, it also highlighted several
pressures and activities causing impacts
to the sanctuary, such as vessel traffic,
introduction of non-native species,
ocean noise, marine debris, harmful
algal blooms, and climate-driven
changes to ocean conditions. The
condition report’s ecosystem services
assessment also provided an important
reminder about the unique and
profound value of the sanctuary
environment to the Indigenous
Chumash people.
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NOAA received 36 comments (letters
and oral testimony) on the DMP and
DEA during the December 17, 2021,
through February 24, 2022, public
review period. Altogether, the
comments received contained 159
specific requests and suggestions for
consideration. NOAA hosted two virtual
public meetings on January 18, and
January 27, 2022.
III. Action Plans
The FMP includes 11 action plans
covering issue- and program-based
themes that are intended to guide
sanctuary staff over the coming five to
ten years. Across these action plans,
ONMS also emphasizes four important
cross-cutting themes and approaches:
addressing climate change, fostering
diversity and inclusion, relying on
partnerships and collaborations, and
supporting community-based
engagement. The following is a list of
the 11 action plans:
1. Climate Change: Sanctuary waters,
as well as surrounding coastal areas and
communities, are experiencing climaterelated stressors (e.g., ocean
acidification, thermal stress, and
hypoxia) that will increase in frequency
and intensity over the coming decades.
This action plan outlines strategies to
better understand and mitigate the
effects of climate change on sanctuary
resources through capacity building and
collaborative partnerships.
2. Marine Debris: This action plan
prioritizes the assessment of marine
debris within CINMS and the
development of a better understanding
of how marine debris affects sanctuary
resources. Strategies include sustaining
and expanding island shoreline cleanup
efforts, pursuing collaborative efforts
with the local fishing community, and
implementing education and outreach
initiatives with partners.
3. Vessel Traffic: A wide array of
public and private vessels carry visitors
and cargo while transiting through the
sanctuary year-round. This action plan
outlines strategies to facilitate vessel
activity while protecting sanctuary
resources. Some strategies include
engaging boaters and the shipping
industry, tracking and monitoring vessel
traffic, and enacting policies to foster
safe navigation and protect sanctuary
resources in coordination with other
agencies and partners.
4. Introduced Species: Introduced
species are an increasingly common
global threat, and the rate of invasion of
introduced species continues to
accelerate. The strategies in this action
plan outline efforts to reduce the
introduction, spread, and establishment
of introduced species, and to track,
E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM
10MRN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 47 / Friday, March 10, 2023 / Notices
study, and, where possible, control
populations of introduced species
already established in the sanctuary.
5. Zone Management: This action
plan focuses on implementing effective
management and enforcement strategies
of existing protective zones established
within the sanctuary, including the
Channel Islands network of marine
reserves and conservation areas
designated by NOAA and the State of
California.
6. Education and Outreach: This
action plan seeks to increase
appreciation and stewardship of
sanctuary resources by building greater
public understanding, engagement, and
awareness throughout our diverse
coastal communities. This action plan
also focuses on support for sanctuary
recreational activities and tourism.
7. Research and Monitoring: To
expand our understanding of the
sanctuary ecosystems, this action plan
outlines five strategies for research and
monitoring that are responsive to
existing resource protection and
management concerns, yet are also
forward-looking to support ecosystembased management decision making,
resource protection initiatives, and
education and outreach programs.
8. Resource Protection: This action
plan identifies five strategies to reduce
human impacts to marine wildlife and
other sanctuary resources. Through
collaborative management with local
stakeholders and in partnership and
consultation with relevant local, State,
and Federal government agencies, this
action plan seeks to protect the
biological, historical, and cultural
resources in the sanctuary from known,
emerging, and future unknown threats.
9. Cultural Heritage: To respectfully
honor, celebrate, and protect the unique
Indigenous cultural heritage resources
connected to the sanctuary, this action
plan features strategies and activities
that support meaningful Chumash
Community collaborations, engagement
with Chumash Community partners
revitalizing maritime traditions, and
appropriate integration of traditional
ecological knowledge.
10. Maritime Heritage: This action
plan describes strategies and activities
focused on the understanding,
protection, and interpretation of the
unique maritime heritage resources and
values connected to sanctuary waters.
11. Operations and Administration:
This action plan addresses the necessary
operational and administrative activities
required for implementing an effective
program, including staffing,
infrastructure needs, and operational
improvements.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Mar 09, 2023
Jkt 259001
IV. National Environmental Policy Act
Compliance
As required under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NOAA has
prepared an FEA to evaluate the
potential impacts on the human
environment of implementing NOAA’s
proposed action. With this action,
NOAA is updating its management
activities conducted within CINMS that
relate to research, monitoring,
education, outreach, community
engagement, and resource protection.
The management activities include the
revised sanctuary management plan and
implementing routine field activities
and existing sanctuary regulations. As
described in the FEA and FONSI, no
significant impacts to resources and the
human environment are expected to
result from this action. Accordingly,
under NEPA, an Environmental
Assessment is the appropriate document
to analyze the potential impacts of this
action. NOAA has also prepared, as an
appendix to the FEA, responses to
public comments on the draft
management plan and draft
environmental assessment.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
John Armor,
Director, Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023–04973 Filed 3–9–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM
PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR
SEVERELY DISABLED
Procurement List; Additions and
Deletions
Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled.
ACTION: Additions to and deletions from
the procurement list.
AGENCY:
This action adds product(s) to
the Procurement List that will be
furnished by nonprofit agencies
employing persons who are blind or
have other severe disabilities, and
deletes product(s) from the Procurement
List previously furnished by such
agencies.
DATES: Date added to and deleted from
the Procurement List: April 9, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase
From People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Suite 325,
Washington, DC 20024.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
14991
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703)
785–6404, or email CMTEFedReg@
AbilityOne.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Additions
On 12/3/2021, the Committee for
Purchase From People Who Are Blind
or Severely Disabled published notice of
proposed additions to the Procurement
List. This notice is published pursuant
to 41 U.S.C. 8503(a)(2) and 41 CFR 51–
2.3.
After consideration of the material
presented to it concerning capability of
qualified nonprofit agencies to provide
the product(s) and impact of the
additions on the current or most recent
contractors, the Committee has
determined that the product(s) listed
below are suitable for procurement by
the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C.
8501–8506 and 41 CFR 51–2.4.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
I certify that the following action will
not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The major factors considered for this
certification were:
1. The action will not result in any
additional reporting, recordkeeping or
other compliance requirements for small
entities other than the small
organizations that will furnish the
product(s) to the Government.
2. The action will result in
authorizing small entities to furnish the
product(s) to the Government.
3. There are no known regulatory
alternatives which would accomplish
the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501–8506) in
connection with the product(s)
proposed for addition to the
Procurement List.
End of Certification
Accordingly, the following product(s)
are added to the Procurement List:
Product(s)
NSN(s)—Product Name(s):
8925–01–E62–6898—Syrup, Maple,
Imitation, Thick
8925–01–E62–6897—Syrup, Maple,
Imitation
Designated Source of Supply: Golden Rule
Industries of Muskogee, Inc., Muskogee,
OK
Contracting Activity: DEFENSE LOGISTICS
AGENCY, DLA TROOP SUPPORT
Mandatory for: 100% of the requirement of
the Department of Defense
Deletions
On 12/23/2022 and 1/13/2023, the
Committee for Purchase From People
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 47 (Friday, March 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14989-14991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04973]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice of Availability of a Final Management Plan and Final
Environmental Assessment for the Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary
AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has
prepared a final management plan (FMP) as part of the Channel Islands
National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan review.
The FMP, which replaces a 2009 sanctuary management plan, addresses
current and emerging threats in CINMS and reflects changes in new
science and technologies, how the public uses the sanctuary, and
community needs. The FMP supports continued protection of sanctuary
resources through enforcement of existing sanctuary regulations,
education and outreach strategies that promote ocean stewardship, and
community-inclusive involvement. Consistent with the
[[Page 14990]]
information provided in the 2019 Notice of Intent, and information
gathered through public scoping to prepare a draft environmental
assessment (DEA) and draft management plan (DMP) for the sanctuary, and
public comments received on the DMP, NOAA is not making modifications
to the sanctuary regulations at this time, but may consider regulatory
changes in the future. NOAA also prepared a final environmental
assessment (FEA) and a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for
this action.
DATES: The final management plan and environmental assessment for
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is now available.
ADDRESSES: The FMP, FEA, and FONSI are available at https://channelislands.noaa.gov/manage/plan/. The DMP is available at https://nmschannelislands.blob.core.windows.net/channelislands-prod/media/docs/2021-cinms-draft-management-plan.pdf, and the DEA is available at
https://nmschannelislands.blob.core.windows.net/channelislands-prod/media/docs/2021-cinms-draft-environmental-assessment.pdf. All comments
on the DMP and DEA can be viewed via the Federal eRulemaking Portal: go
to https://www.regulations.gov and enter ``NOAA-NOS-2019-0110'' in the
Search box.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Murray, Deputy Superintendent
for Programs, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 805-893-6418,
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary surrounds five of the
eight Channel Islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and
Santa Barbara off the coast of California. The sanctuary consists of an
area of approximately 1,110 square nautical miles (nmi\2\) (3,807
square kilometers) of coastal and ocean waters extending an average
distance of 6 nautical miles (11.1 kilometers) from island shorelines,
and at its deepest point, reaches 5,597 feet (1,706 meters). The
sanctuary is home to numerous species of marine mammals, seabirds,
fishes, invertebrates, and algae in a remarkably productive coastal
environment. Within its boundary is a rich array of habitats, from
rugged rocky shores and lush kelp forests to deep canyons and seagrass
beds. These habitats abound with life, from tiny microscopic plants to
enormous blue whales. The islands and surrounding sanctuary waters have
been, and remain, sacred to Indigenous Chumash people. In addition,
while the offshore location of the sanctuary limits human presence, the
area supports a variety of human uses, such as recreation, tourism,
commercial fishing, research, and education.
II. Management Plan Review
The purpose of this management plan review is to ensure the
sanctuary is fulfilling the purposes and policies outlined in section
301(b) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA; 16 U.S.C.
1431(b)), and effectively protecting and managing the resources of the
sanctuary. As required by section 304(e) of the NMSA (16 U.S.C.
1434(e)), a management plan review enables NOAA to evaluate the
substantive progress toward implementing the sanctuary's existing
management plan and the goals for the sanctuary and to revise the
sanctuary's management plan and regulations as necessary to fulfill the
purposes and policies of the NMSA. A revised sanctuary management plan
enables NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) to adjust
the allocation of time and resources to focus on new priority issues,
partnerships, technologies and opportunities that have emerged since
the existing sanctuary management was published. A revised management
plan also prioritizes use of collaborative and community-based
approaches to pursuing sanctuary goals, supported by a variety of
partnerships with government agencies, scientific entities, tribal
communities, non-governmental organizations, and sanctuary volunteers
and advisory council members.
Updates to the CINMS management plan are based on ONMS's
evaluation, advisory council input on the 2009 management plan,
analysis of comments received on the 2019 Notice of Intent, DMP, and
DEA, and findings from the latest CINMS condition report. While the
condition report, using quantitative data gathered through 2016, found
overall that sanctuary resources were doing well in comparison to many
other ocean areas, it also highlighted several pressures and activities
causing impacts to the sanctuary, such as vessel traffic, introduction
of non-native species, ocean noise, marine debris, harmful algal
blooms, and climate-driven changes to ocean conditions. The condition
report's ecosystem services assessment also provided an important
reminder about the unique and profound value of the sanctuary
environment to the Indigenous Chumash people.
NOAA received 36 comments (letters and oral testimony) on the DMP
and DEA during the December 17, 2021, through February 24, 2022, public
review period. Altogether, the comments received contained 159 specific
requests and suggestions for consideration. NOAA hosted two virtual
public meetings on January 18, and January 27, 2022.
III. Action Plans
The FMP includes 11 action plans covering issue- and program-based
themes that are intended to guide sanctuary staff over the coming five
to ten years. Across these action plans, ONMS also emphasizes four
important cross-cutting themes and approaches: addressing climate
change, fostering diversity and inclusion, relying on partnerships and
collaborations, and supporting community-based engagement. The
following is a list of the 11 action plans:
1. Climate Change: Sanctuary waters, as well as surrounding coastal
areas and communities, are experiencing climate-related stressors
(e.g., ocean acidification, thermal stress, and hypoxia) that will
increase in frequency and intensity over the coming decades. This
action plan outlines strategies to better understand and mitigate the
effects of climate change on sanctuary resources through capacity
building and collaborative partnerships.
2. Marine Debris: This action plan prioritizes the assessment of
marine debris within CINMS and the development of a better
understanding of how marine debris affects sanctuary resources.
Strategies include sustaining and expanding island shoreline cleanup
efforts, pursuing collaborative efforts with the local fishing
community, and implementing education and outreach initiatives with
partners.
3. Vessel Traffic: A wide array of public and private vessels carry
visitors and cargo while transiting through the sanctuary year-round.
This action plan outlines strategies to facilitate vessel activity
while protecting sanctuary resources. Some strategies include engaging
boaters and the shipping industry, tracking and monitoring vessel
traffic, and enacting policies to foster safe navigation and protect
sanctuary resources in coordination with other agencies and partners.
4. Introduced Species: Introduced species are an increasingly
common global threat, and the rate of invasion of introduced species
continues to accelerate. The strategies in this action plan outline
efforts to reduce the introduction, spread, and establishment of
introduced species, and to track,
[[Page 14991]]
study, and, where possible, control populations of introduced species
already established in the sanctuary.
5. Zone Management: This action plan focuses on implementing
effective management and enforcement strategies of existing protective
zones established within the sanctuary, including the Channel Islands
network of marine reserves and conservation areas designated by NOAA
and the State of California.
6. Education and Outreach: This action plan seeks to increase
appreciation and stewardship of sanctuary resources by building greater
public understanding, engagement, and awareness throughout our diverse
coastal communities. This action plan also focuses on support for
sanctuary recreational activities and tourism.
7. Research and Monitoring: To expand our understanding of the
sanctuary ecosystems, this action plan outlines five strategies for
research and monitoring that are responsive to existing resource
protection and management concerns, yet are also forward-looking to
support ecosystem-based management decision making, resource protection
initiatives, and education and outreach programs.
8. Resource Protection: This action plan identifies five strategies
to reduce human impacts to marine wildlife and other sanctuary
resources. Through collaborative management with local stakeholders and
in partnership and consultation with relevant local, State, and Federal
government agencies, this action plan seeks to protect the biological,
historical, and cultural resources in the sanctuary from known,
emerging, and future unknown threats.
9. Cultural Heritage: To respectfully honor, celebrate, and protect
the unique Indigenous cultural heritage resources connected to the
sanctuary, this action plan features strategies and activities that
support meaningful Chumash Community collaborations, engagement with
Chumash Community partners revitalizing maritime traditions, and
appropriate integration of traditional ecological knowledge.
10. Maritime Heritage: This action plan describes strategies and
activities focused on the understanding, protection, and interpretation
of the unique maritime heritage resources and values connected to
sanctuary waters.
11. Operations and Administration: This action plan addresses the
necessary operational and administrative activities required for
implementing an effective program, including staffing, infrastructure
needs, and operational improvements.
IV. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
As required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NOAA has prepared an FEA to evaluate the
potential impacts on the human environment of implementing NOAA's
proposed action. With this action, NOAA is updating its management
activities conducted within CINMS that relate to research, monitoring,
education, outreach, community engagement, and resource protection. The
management activities include the revised sanctuary management plan and
implementing routine field activities and existing sanctuary
regulations. As described in the FEA and FONSI, no significant impacts
to resources and the human environment are expected to result from this
action. Accordingly, under NEPA, an Environmental Assessment is the
appropriate document to analyze the potential impacts of this action.
NOAA has also prepared, as an appendix to the FEA, responses to public
comments on the draft management plan and draft environmental
assessment.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
John Armor,
Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean
Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-04973 Filed 3-9-23; 8:45 am]
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