Marine Mammals; File No. 27921, 18906-18907 [2024-05557]

Download as PDF 18906 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 52 / Friday, March 15, 2024 / Notices HMSMT to discuss and draft the contents of a report with its recommendations for the Council Operations and Priorities agenda item that the Pacific Council will discuss at its April 2024 meeting. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document 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 intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov; (503) 820–2412) at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq. Dated: March 12, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05563 Filed 3–14–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD804] Marine Mammals; File No. 27548 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Lars Bejder, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, 46–007 Lilipuna Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on cetaceans. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 15, 2024. 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 home page, https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 27548 from the list of available applications. These documents are also khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:17 Mar 14, 2024 Jkt 262001 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. 27548 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: Shasta McClenahan, 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 requests a 5-year research permit to study cetaceans including fundamental biology, ecology, habitat use, social structure, behavior, energetics, and impacts of human activities. Up to 31 species of marine mammals may be targeted including the following ESA-listed species: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), false killer (Pseudorca crassidens; Hawaiian insular distinct population segment [DPS]), gray (Eschrichtius robustus; Western North Pacific DPS), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae; Western North Pacific and Mexico DPSs), sei (Balaenoptera. borealis), and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus) whales. Research may occur year-round in U.S. and international waters of the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories. Research may be conducted from a vessel or unmanned aircraft system for counts, photography and video recording (above and underwater), photogrammetry, passive acoustics, tracking, biological sampling (skin and blubber biopsy, sloughed skin, exhaled air, and feces), and suction-cup tagging. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested by species, age-class, and procedure. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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: March 12, 2024. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05596 Filed 3–14–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD805] Marine Mammals; File No. 27921 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Joshua Schiffman, M.D., University of Utah, 2000 Circle Of Hope Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, has applied in due form for a permit to import marine mammal parts for scientific research. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 15, 2024. 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 home page, https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 27921 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. 27921 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: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., or Malcolm Mohead, (301) 427–8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15MRN1.SGM 15MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 52 / Friday, March 15, 2024 / Notices 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 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226), and the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.). The applicant proposes to import and receive biological samples from up to 100 cetaceans and 100 pinnipeds, excluding walrus, annually to study the mechanisms of cancer resistance in marine mammals. The requested duration of the permit is 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: March 12, 2024. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05557 Filed 3–14–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD799] 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 will hold a public webinar to collect input on the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. EDT. For agenda details, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held via webinar. Connection information will be posted prior to the meeting at www.mafmc.org. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:17 Mar 14, 2024 Jkt 262001 Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674–2331; 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: The MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a webinar to collect public input on draft alternatives for a framework action/addendum to consider revisions to two exemptions to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements, including: (1) the Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP), and (2) the flynet exemption. This action was initiated in response to a Fall 2023 review of summer flounder commercial mesh regulations, and is being developed jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board (Board). Under the SMEP vessels landing more than 200 pounds of summer flounder east of longitude 72°30.0′ W, from November 1 through April 30, and using mesh smaller than 5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square are required to obtain a SMEP permit from NMFS. Based on suggestions made by fishing industry representatives during the Fall 2023 review of this exemption, the Council and Board are considering modifications to the exempted area associated with this exemption. The Council and Board are also considering modifications to the regulatory definition of a flynet as it relates to the flynet exemption to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size. Under the flynet exemption, vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl flynet with a specific mesh configuration are also exempt from the minimum mesh size requirements. The definition of an exempted flynet is being reconsidered in light of changes in the use and configuration of commercial trawl gear since this exemption was put in place in the 1990s. The overarching aim of these considerations is to modernize these requirements, taking into account current fishing industry gear usage and practices. The Council seeks to provide additional flexibility to fishery participants while ensuring continued adherence to the conservation objectives outlined in the Fishery Management Plan. The primary target audience for this webinar includes: (a) any commercial PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18907 industry participant using trawl gear to fish for summer flounder, (b) commercial fishing industry participants utilizing either of the summer flounder mesh size exemptions while targeting any species, (c) any stakeholder with knowledge of these gear types and their use, and (d) any member of the public who wishes to provide comments or recommendations on these regulations. Additional information including background documents, can be found on the Council’s website at: https:// www.mafmc.org/. Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to Shelley Spedden, (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 11, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–05513 Filed 3–14–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office [Docket No.: PTO–C–2024–0004] Request for Comments: Unlocking the Full Potential of Intellectual Property by Translating More Innovation to the Marketplace United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Request for comments. AGENCY: American innovation is a cornerstone of our strong, vibrant economy, with robust development of emerging and early-stage innovation spurring entrepreneurship and other economic activity. Intellectual property (IP) forms the bridge that moves innovation to impact for the benefit of society. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO, or the Agency) is committed to supporting translation of innovations to the marketplace through commercialization and is seeking public comment on how the agency can build on current initiatives to advance this commitment. The USPTO, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the National Science Foundation (NSF), seeks input on new SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15MRN1.SGM 15MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 52 (Friday, March 15, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18906-18907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-05557]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XD805]


Marine Mammals; File No. 27921

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

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Joshua Schiffman, M.D., University 
of Utah, 2000 Circle Of Hope Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, has 
applied in due form for a permit to import marine mammal parts for 
scientific research.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 15, 2024.

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 
home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 
27921 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. 27921 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: Shasta McClenahan, Ph.D., or Malcolm 
Mohead, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    The subject permit is requested under the authority of the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16

[[Page 18907]]

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 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the regulations 
governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and 
threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226), and the Fur Seal Act of 
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.).
    The applicant proposes to import and receive biological samples 
from up to 100 cetaceans and 100 pinnipeds, excluding walrus, annually 
to study the mechanisms of cancer resistance in marine mammals. The 
requested duration of the permit is 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: March 12, 2024.
Julia M. Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-05557 Filed 3-14-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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