Draft Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan), 38010-38011 [2023-12388]

Download as PDF 38010 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2023 / Proposed Rules National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan) (Conservation Plan). The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop a northern fur seal conservation plan for the purpose of conserving and restoring the species or stock to its optimum sustainable population. Accordingly, NMFS published its first conservation plan for the Pribilof Islands population in 1993 and a revised version in 2007. This current revision is required to include the latest research and management changes for the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals (formerly the Pribilof Islands population). DATES: Comments and information must be received by August 11, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2023–0024, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA–NMFS–2023–0024 in the Search box. Click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, 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). Electronic copies of the draft Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan) are available at: https:// www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAANMFS-2023-0024, can be sent via email, or the NMFS Alaska Region website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/ northern-fur-seal#conservationmanagement. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Williams, NMFS Alaska Region, 907–271–5117, michael.williams@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability for public comment the draft Background The Eastern Pacific (formerly Pribilof) stock of northern fur seals was listed as the outside of the digital storage media clearly that it does not contain CBI and note the docket ID. Information not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and the EPA’s electronic public docket without prior notice. Information marked as CBI will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 2. Our preferred method to receive CBI is for it to be transmitted electronically using email attachments, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or other online file sharing services (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive). Electronic submissions must be transmitted directly to the OAQPS CBI Office at the email address oaqpscbi@epa.gov, and as described above, should include clear CBI markings and note the docket ID. If assistance is needed with submitting large electronic files that exceed the file size limit for email attachments, and if you do not have your own file sharing service, please email oaqpscbi@epa.gov to request a file transfer link. If sending CBI information through the postal service, please send it to the following address: OAQPS Document Control Officer (C404–02), OAQPS, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, Attention Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OAR–2016–0243. The mailed CBI material should be double wrapped and clearly marked. Any CBI markings should not show through the outer envelope. Penny Lassiter, Director, Sector Policies and Programs Division. [FR Doc. 2023–12407 Filed 6–9–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 216 [RTID 0648–XC749] ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Draft Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan) AGENCY: SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:28 Jun 09, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 depleted under the MMPA on June 17, 1988, because the population had declined by over 50 percent from the highest population levels estimated in the 1940s and early 1950s (53 FR 17888, May 18, 1988). NMFS developed a Conservation Plan to conserve and restore the stock to its optimum sustainable population (OSP), which is defined as a population size within a range of population sizes from the largest supportable within the ecosystem (i.e., carrying capacity) to a level that results in maximum net productivity (50 CFR 216.3). The first Conservation Plan was published in 1993 and a revised version was published in 2007. Overall, the stock has continued to decline at about 2 percent per year since the depleted listing, and differences exist in trends in abundance and ecology among St. Paul, St. George, and Bogoslof islands and rookery complexes. Preliminary estimates of age class survival rates since 2010 are similar for both St. Paul and St. George islands; however, since trends in abundance are significantly different (i.e., declining on St. Paul and increasing on St. George) our assumptions regarding site fidelity, emigration, and detection are biased and we are investigating corrections. Mapping fur seal use of Bering Sea marine foraging areas, characterizing diving, and estimating diet are new additions to the draft Conservation Plan. Improved estimates of fur seal consumption of commercially important prey like pollock, age-specific growth, and bioenergetics have increased the accuracy of ecosystem models to characterize fur seal and prey population dynamics. These new model results have the opportunity to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management to include fur seals where appropriate. Based on these recent model results, it is estimated that the northern fur seal population is one of the top four natural predators of pollock biomass, and consumes both 0–2 year old and 3+ year old pollock. The extent of competition with the pollock fisheries is uncertain due to the spatial segregation of foraging fur seals among the islands, rookery complexes, and in-season changes in the distribution of various segments of the commercial pollock fleet. Another notable revision to this draft Conservation Plan is the reflection of recent subsistence use regulation changes and the evolution of tribal comanagement relationships. The Conservation Plan revision includes valuable input and contributions from the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island and the Traditional Council of St. E:\FR\FM\12JNP1.SGM 12JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 112 / Monday, June 12, 2023 / Proposed Rules ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 George Island, and recognizes Unangan contributions to management and research. As fur seal subsistence use is paramount to the cultural identity of Pribilovians, NMFS used Unangam tunuu (i.e., Aleut language) words where appropriate. The primary goal of the draft Conservation Plan is to facilitate recovery of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals to OSP and work towards re-designation as a nondepleted stock. Four objectives are proposed to achieve this goal: (1) Identify and reduce human caused mortality of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals, (2) Assess and avoid or mitigate adverse effects of human related activities on or near the Pribilof Islands and other habitat essential to the survival and recovery of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals, (3) Continue and, as necessary, expand research and management programs to monitor trends and detect natural or human-related causes of change in the northern fur seal stock and habitats essential to its survival and recovery, and (4) Coordinate and assess the implementation of the Conservation Plan. The revised Conservation Plan includes updated knowledge of threats, possible causes of decline, critical information gaps, conservation actions and initiatives completed, and research and management actions intended to promote conservation and recovery of the population. The shared resources and cooperative involvement of Federal, state, and tribal governments, Alaska Natives and Alaska Native Organizations, industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders will be required throughout the recovery period. NMFS is seeking public comment on the draft Conservation Plan, as well as available information on northern fur seal ecology and behavior, threats, gaps in information, and potential research and management actions to promote conservation and recovery. Dated: June 5, 2023. Catherine G. Marzin, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–12388 Filed 6–9–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:28 Jun 09, 2023 Jkt 259001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 RIN 0648–BM27 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Amendment 53 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Announcement of availability of fishery management plan amendment; request for comments. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) submitted Amendment 53 to the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 53 would modify management of South Atlantic gag and black grouper. For gag, Amendment 53 would establish a rebuilding plan, revise the overfishing limits, acceptable biological catch (ABC), annual optimum yield (OY), annual catch limits (ACLs), sector allocations, commercial trip limits, recreational bag, vessel, and possession limits, and recreational accountability measures (AMs). For black grouper, Amendment 53 would modify the recreational bag, vessel, and possession limits. The purpose of Amendment 53 is to end overfishing of gag, rebuild the stock, and achieve OY while minimizing, to the extent practicable, adverse social and economic effects. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before August 11, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on Amendment 53, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2023–0045,’’ by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov and enter ‘‘NOAA– NMFS–2023–0045’’ in the Search box. Click the ‘‘Comment’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 38011 considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, 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). Electronic copies of Amendment 53, which includes a fishery impact statement and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ amendment-53-rebuilding-plan-gagand-management-gag-and-blackgrouper/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Helies, telephone: 727–824–5305, or email: frank.helies@noaa.gov. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires each regional fishery management council to submit any fishery management plan or amendment to such a plan to the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) for review and approval, partial approval, or disapproval. The Magnuson-Stevens Act also requires that NMFS, upon receiving a fishery management plan or amendment to such a plan, publish an announcement in the Federal Register notifying the public that the plan or amendment is available for review and comment. The Council prepared the FMP that is being revised by Amendment 53. If approved, Amendment 53 would be implemented by NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Council manages the snappergrouper fishery, including gag and black grouper, in Federal waters from North Carolina south to the Florida Keys in the South Atlantic under the FMP. The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY from federally managed fish stocks. These mandates are intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and recreational opportunities, and protecting marine ecosystems. E:\FR\FM\12JNP1.SGM 12JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 112 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38010-38011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12388]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 216

[RTID 0648-XC749]


Draft Conservation Plan for the Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern 
Fur Seal (Laaqudan)

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

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the 
availability for public comment the draft Conservation Plan for the 
Eastern Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan) (Conservation 
Plan). The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires the Secretary 
of Commerce to develop a northern fur seal conservation plan for the 
purpose of conserving and restoring the species or stock to its optimum 
sustainable population. Accordingly, NMFS published its first 
conservation plan for the Pribilof Islands population in 1993 and a 
revised version in 2007. This current revision is required to include 
the latest research and management changes for the Eastern Pacific 
stock of northern fur seals (formerly the Pribilof Islands population).

DATES: Comments and information must be received by August 11, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2023-0024, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA-NMFS-2023-0024 in the Search box. 
Click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and 
enter or attach your comments.
     Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any 
other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment 
period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part 
of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, 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).
    Electronic copies of the draft Conservation Plan for the Eastern 
Pacific Stock of Northern Fur Seal (Laaqudan) are available at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2023-0024, can be sent via email, 
or the NMFS Alaska Region website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/northern-fur-seal#conservation-management.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Williams, NMFS Alaska Region, 
907-271-5117, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Eastern Pacific (formerly Pribilof) stock of northern fur seals 
was listed as depleted under the MMPA on June 17, 1988, because the 
population had declined by over 50 percent from the highest population 
levels estimated in the 1940s and early 1950s (53 FR 17888, May 18, 
1988). NMFS developed a Conservation Plan to conserve and restore the 
stock to its optimum sustainable population (OSP), which is defined as 
a population size within a range of population sizes from the largest 
supportable within the ecosystem (i.e., carrying capacity) to a level 
that results in maximum net productivity (50 CFR 216.3). The first 
Conservation Plan was published in 1993 and a revised version was 
published in 2007.
    Overall, the stock has continued to decline at about 2 percent per 
year since the depleted listing, and differences exist in trends in 
abundance and ecology among St. Paul, St. George, and Bogoslof islands 
and rookery complexes. Preliminary estimates of age class survival 
rates since 2010 are similar for both St. Paul and St. George islands; 
however, since trends in abundance are significantly different (i.e., 
declining on St. Paul and increasing on St. George) our assumptions 
regarding site fidelity, emigration, and detection are biased and we 
are investigating corrections.
    Mapping fur seal use of Bering Sea marine foraging areas, 
characterizing diving, and estimating diet are new additions to the 
draft Conservation Plan. Improved estimates of fur seal consumption of 
commercially important prey like pollock, age-specific growth, and 
bioenergetics have increased the accuracy of ecosystem models to 
characterize fur seal and prey population dynamics. These new model 
results have the opportunity to advance ecosystem-based fisheries 
management to include fur seals where appropriate. Based on these 
recent model results, it is estimated that the northern fur seal 
population is one of the top four natural predators of pollock biomass, 
and consumes both 0-2 year old and 3+ year old pollock. The extent of 
competition with the pollock fisheries is uncertain due to the spatial 
segregation of foraging fur seals among the islands, rookery complexes, 
and in-season changes in the distribution of various segments of the 
commercial pollock fleet.
    Another notable revision to this draft Conservation Plan is the 
reflection of recent subsistence use regulation changes and the 
evolution of tribal co-management relationships. The Conservation Plan 
revision includes valuable input and contributions from the Aleut 
Community of St. Paul Island and the Traditional Council of St.

[[Page 38011]]

George Island, and recognizes Unangan contributions to management and 
research. As fur seal subsistence use is paramount to the cultural 
identity of Pribilovians, NMFS used Unangam tunuu (i.e., Aleut 
language) words where appropriate.
    The primary goal of the draft Conservation Plan is to facilitate 
recovery of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals to OSP and 
work towards re-designation as a non-depleted stock. Four objectives 
are proposed to achieve this goal: (1) Identify and reduce human caused 
mortality of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern fur seals, (2) 
Assess and avoid or mitigate adverse effects of human related 
activities on or near the Pribilof Islands and other habitat essential 
to the survival and recovery of the Eastern Pacific stock of northern 
fur seals, (3) Continue and, as necessary, expand research and 
management programs to monitor trends and detect natural or human-
related causes of change in the northern fur seal stock and habitats 
essential to its survival and recovery, and (4) Coordinate and assess 
the implementation of the Conservation Plan. The revised Conservation 
Plan includes updated knowledge of threats, possible causes of decline, 
critical information gaps, conservation actions and initiatives 
completed, and research and management actions intended to promote 
conservation and recovery of the population. The shared resources and 
cooperative involvement of Federal, state, and tribal governments, 
Alaska Natives and Alaska Native Organizations, industry, academia, 
non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders will be required 
throughout the recovery period. NMFS is seeking public comment on the 
draft Conservation Plan, as well as available information on northern 
fur seal ecology and behavior, threats, gaps in information, and 
potential research and management actions to promote conservation and 
recovery.

    Dated: June 5, 2023.
Catherine G. Marzin,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-12388 Filed 6-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.