New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 15552-15553 [2024-04504]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 15552 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 43 / Monday, March 4, 2024 / Notices Pier 55 of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, at the closest pier of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to Castro Rocks. Pier 55 is approximately 21 meters from the nearest rock at Castro Rocks harbor seal colony. Caltrans shall submit a draft report to NMFS within 90 days of the completion of marine mammal monitoring, or 60 days prior to the issuance of any subsequent IHA for this project (if required), whichever comes first. The annual report will detail the monitoring protocol, summarize the data recorded during monitoring, and estimate the number of marine mammals that may have been harassed. If no comments are received from NMFS within 30 days, the draft final report will become final. If comments are received, a final report must be submitted up to 30 days after receipt of comments. All PSO datasheets and/or raw sighting data must be submitted with the draft marine mammal report. Reports shall contain the following information: • Dates and times (begin and end) of all marine mammal monitoring; • Construction activities occurring during each daily observation period including: (a) what type of restoration work is being completed, and (b) the total duration of work completed; • PSO locations during monitoring; and • Environmental conditions during monitoring periods (at beginning and end of PSO shift and whenever conditions change significantly), including sea state and any other relevant weather conditions including cloud cover, fog, sun glare, and overall visibility to the horizon, and estimated observable distance. Upon observation of a marine mammal, the following information must be reported: • Name of PSO who sighted the animal(s) and PSO location and activity at time of sighting; • Time of sighting; • Identification of the animal(s) (e.g., genus/species, lowest possible taxonomic level, or unidentified), and PSO confidence in identification; • Distance and location of each observed marine mammal relative to the bridge restoration work; • Estimated number of animals by species (min/max/best estimate); • Estimated number of animals by cohort (adults, pups, and group composition, etc.); • Description of any marine mammal behavioral observations (e.g., observed behaviors such as feeding or traveling), including an assessment of behavioral responses thought to have resulted from VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:45 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 the activity (e.g., no response or changes in behavioral state such flushing or head posturing); and • Detailed information about implementation of any mitigation measures, a description of specified actions that ensured, and resulting changes in behavior of the animal(s), if any. Comments and Responses As noted previously, NMFS published a notice of a proposed IHA (88 FR 41920, June 28, 2023) and solicited public comments on both our proposal to issue the initial IHA for the installation and removal of the debris containment system and on the potential for a renewal IHA, should certain requirements be met. All public comments were addressed in the notice announcing the issuance of the initial IHA (88 FR 51778, August 4, 2023) and none of the comments specifically pertained to the renewal of the 2023 IHA. Preliminary Determinations The activities conducted under this potential renewal would be a subset of the activities authorized under the initial IHA. Specifically, this renewal would authorize the removal of the debris containment system. Removal of the debris containment system is expected to take 10 days. This activity was originally authorized under the initial IHA but Caltrans could not complete the removal of the debris containment system before the initial IHA expired. In analyzing the effects of the activities for the initial IHA, NMFS determined that the Caltrans’ activities would have a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks and that the authorized take numbers of each species or stock were small relative to the relevant stocks (e.g., less than one-third of the abundance of all stocks). There is no new information that affects NMFS’ determinations supporting issuance initial IHA or this renewal. The mitigation measures and monitoring and reporting requirements as described above are identical to the initial IHA. NMFS has preliminarily concluded that there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change from those reached for the initial IHA. Based on the information and analysis contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) the required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; (4) Caltrans’ activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action; and (5) appropriate monitoring and reporting requirements are included. Endangered Species Act No incidental take of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species is authorized or expected to result from this activity. Therefore, NMFS has determined that formal consultation under section 7 of the ESA is not required for this action. Proposed Renewal IHA and Request for Public Comment As a result of these preliminary determinations, NMFS proposes to issue a renewal IHA to Caltrans for the removal of the debris containment system for Phase II of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Restoration Project in Richmond, California from the April 1, 2024, through March 30, 2025, provided the previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. A draft of the proposed and final initial IHA can be found at https://www.fisheries.noaa. gov/action/incidental-takeauthorization-california-departmenttransportations-richmond-san-rafael. We request comment on our analyses, the proposed renewal IHA, and any other aspect of this notice. Please include with your comments any supporting data or literature citations to help inform our final decision on the request for MMPA authorization. Dated: February 27, 2024. Kimberly Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–04400 Filed 3–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD755] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 43 / Monday, March 4, 2024 / Notices The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public hybrid meeting of its Groundfish Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This hybrid meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20, at 9 a.m. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: This meeting will be held at Hampton Hotel, 20 Hotel Drive, South Kingstown, RI 02879; telephone: (401) 788–3500. Webinar registration URL information: https://zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_EbmHRCiR2ymGtC40zwOoA. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: take final action to address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request. Agenda [RTID 0648–XD754] The Groundfish Committee will meet to receive recommendations from the Recreational Advisory Panel, Groundfish Advisory Panel, and Groundfish Plan Development Team. They will receive an update on a preliminary analysis of fishery data, draft ‘roadmap’ for changes to the fishery management plan, and overview of regional workshops; provide feedback on next steps. The Committee will also receive an update on a preliminary analysis to review the yellowtail flounder (Southern New England/MidAtlantic and Georges Bank) and windowpane flounder (northern and southern) sub-ACLs and AM triggers applied to the scallop fishery. They will review the current list of Council research priorities and suggest changes or additions to the list. Other business will be discussed as necessary. Although non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:45 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 15553 Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Special Accommodations Agenda This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 465–0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. The Groundfish Advisory Panel and Recreational Advisory Panel will meet jointly to receive an update on a preliminary analysis of fishery data, draft ‘roadmap’ for changes to the fishery management plan, and overview of regional workshops; provide feedback on next steps. They will receive an update on a preliminary analysis to review the yellowtail flounder (Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank) and windowpane flounder (northern and southern) subACLs and AM triggers applied to the scallop fishery. The panels will also review the current list of Council research priorities and suggest changes or additions to the list as well as make recommendations to the Groundfish Committee, as appropriate. Other business will be discussed as necessary. Dated: February 28, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–04504 Filed 3–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public hybrid meeting of its Joint Groundfish Advisory and Recreational Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This hybrid meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. SUMMARY: ADDRESSES: Meeting address: This meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn, 20 Hotel Drive, South Kingstown, RI; telephone: (401) 788–3500. Webinar registration URL information: https://zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_ g9LabwXzQFmDG4tZnd1Usg. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Although non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 465–0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 28, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–04507 Filed 3–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15552-15553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-04504]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD755]


New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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[[Page 15553]]

SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is 
scheduling a public hybrid meeting of its Groundfish Committee to 
consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive 
economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to 
the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.

DATES: This hybrid meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20, at 9 
a.m.

ADDRESSES: 
    Meeting address: This meeting will be held at Hampton Hotel, 20 
Hotel Drive, South Kingstown, RI 02879; telephone: (401) 788-3500.
    Webinar registration URL information: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-EbmHRCiR2ymGtC40zwOoA.
    Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water 
Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, New 
England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Agenda

    The Groundfish Committee will meet to receive recommendations from 
the Recreational Advisory Panel, Groundfish Advisory Panel, and 
Groundfish Plan Development Team. They will receive an update on a 
preliminary analysis of fishery data, draft `roadmap' for changes to 
the fishery management plan, and overview of regional workshops; 
provide feedback on next steps. The Committee will also receive an 
update on a preliminary analysis to review the yellowtail flounder 
(Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank) and windowpane 
flounder (northern and southern) sub-ACLs and AM triggers applied to 
the scallop fishery. They will review the current list of Council 
research priorities and suggest changes or additions to the list. Other 
business will be discussed as necessary.
    Although non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come 
before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject 
of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted 
to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues 
arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action 
under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public 
has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to 
address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting 
will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the 
recording is available upon request.

Special Accommodations

    This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. 
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids 
should be directed to Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 465-
0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: February 28, 2024.
Rey Israel Marquez,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-04504 Filed 3-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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