Public Meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, 104106-104107 [2024-30398]

Download as PDF 104106 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 245 / Friday, December 20, 2024 / Notices events that could occur during the duration of the permit (i.e., through December 30, 2025). Dominion also requested several changes to the permit conditions based on anticipated operational changes at CPS (87 FR 47190; August 2, 2022). NMFS re-issued Permit No. 21516 with the modified permit conditions for operational changes only, because Atlantic sturgeon eggs were taken at CPS under normal river flow conditions after the close of the public comment period (88 FR 82324; November 24, 2023). Therefore, Dominion needed to reconsider its presumption that the entrainment of sturgeon eggs could only occur during high river flow conditions and revisit its estimated take of sturgeon eggs at CPS before NMFS could proceed with Dominion’s permit modification request to include take of eggs. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Background Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of Atlantic sturgeon belonging to the Chesapeake Bay DPS. The ESA defines ‘‘take’’ to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. However, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, we may issue permits to authorize incidental take. ‘‘Incidental take’’ is defined by the ESA as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing ITPs for threatened and endangered species are found at 50 CFR 222.307. Dominion is requesting authorization to allow for the incidental take of up to 36,726 Atlantic sturgeon eggs for the duration of the permit (i.e., through December 30, 2025), based on an average annual take of up to 18,363 Atlantic sturgeon eggs (95 percent CI = 4,567¥47,617). All eggs are expected to belong to the Chesapeake Bay DPS of Atlantic sturgeon, fall spawning population, based on the fidelity of adults to the spawning river and the spawning season. Conservation Plan Dominion is proposing to mitigate for the take of Atlantic sturgeon eggs with the same studies that serve as the mitigation for the take of Atlantic sturgeon larvae, ‘‘Sturgeon Research Movement’’ and ‘‘Digital Holography,’’ with revisions to the studies as needed. National Environmental Policy Act In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we analyzed the impacts of the proposed modifications of the ITP and the habitat conservation permit. We prepared a VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:12 Dec 19, 2024 Jkt 265001 draft Supplemental Information Report (SIR) that describes why there is no need to supplement the 2020 environmental assessment and finding of no significant impacts. We have made the draft SIR available for public inspection online (see ADDRESSES). We will also evaluate whether modification of the permit would comply with section 7 of the ESA by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis. If the requirements are met, we will issue the modified permit to the applicant. We will publish a record of our final action in the Federal Register. Authority: This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: December 16, 2024. Lisa Manning, Acting Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–30434 Filed 12–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Public Meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda for a meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). OEAB members will discuss and provide advice on the Federal ocean exploration program, with a particular emphasis on the topics identified in the section on Matters to Be Considered. DATES: The announced meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025 from 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m. (ET). ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held virtually. Information about how the public can observe virtually will be posted to the OEAB website at https:// oeab.noaa.gov/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Turner, Designated Federal Officer, Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 David.Turner@NOAA.gov or (859) 327– 9661. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA established the OEAB under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and legislation that gives the agency statutory authority to operate an ocean exploration program and to coordinate a national program of ocean exploration. The OEAB advises NOAA leadership on strategic planning, exploration priorities, competitive ocean exploration grant programs, and other matters as the NOAA Administrator requests. OEAB members represent government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and not-for-profit institutions involved in all facets of ocean exploration—from advanced technology to public engagement. In addition to advising NOAA leadership, NOAA expects the OEAB to help to define and develop a national program of ocean exploration—a network of stakeholders and partnerships advancing national priorities for ocean exploration. Matters To Be Considered: NOAA laboratory and program science reviews are conducted every five years to evaluate the quality, relevance, and performance of research conducted in NOAA OAR laboratories and programs. On October 9–10, 2024, the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board conducted a five-year program review of the NOAA Ocean Exploration program. Three focus areas were identified for the review: Ensuring a National Program of Ocean Exploration; Technological Innovation and Application; and, Public Engagement and Education. The Board will formally convene on January 10, 2025 to validate and vote on their findings, and upon approval, their Report of Findings and Recommendations will be transmitted to the NOAA Administrator and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The agenda and other meeting materials will be made available on the OEAB website at https://oeab.noaa .gov/. Status: The meeting will be held virtually and be open to the public via remote access. Information on how to access the meeting, the agenda, and the public comment period schedule will be viewable on the OEAB website. The OEAB expects that public statements at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to three minutes. The Designated Federal E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 245 / Friday, December 20, 2024 / Notices Officer must receive written comments by Jan. 3, 2025, to provide sufficient time for OEAB review. Written comments received after Jan. 3, 2025, will be distributed to the OEAB but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Comments should be submitted to Designated Federal Officer David.Turner@NOAA.gov. Special Accommodations: Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Designated Federal Officer by Jan. 3, 2025. David Holst, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2024–30398 Filed 12–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–KA–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XE505] Marine Mammals; File No. 28233 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 (Responsible Party: James Powell, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to import up to five adult male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Attica Zoological Park in Athina, Greece, to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for public display. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 3, 2025. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ permit-application-import-5-bottlenosedolphins-file-no-28233-clearwatermarine-aquarium. You may submit comments, identified by NOAA–NMFS–2024–0140, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov. To submit comments via the e-Rulemaking Portal, enter NOAA–NMFS–2024–0140 in the keyword search. Locate the document you wish to comment on from the resulting list and click on the ‘‘Comment Now’’ icon on the right of that line. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:12 Dec 19, 2024 Jkt 265001 • Mail: Comments on the application should be addressed to: Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; ATTN: Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division. Instructions: Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods. 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, etc.) submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division via one of the methods listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this amendment would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Courtney Smith, 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 applicant is proposing to import up to five adult male bottlenose dolphins from the Attica Zoological Park in Athina, Greece, to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for public display purposes. The subject dolphins are between the ages of 11 and 24 years and were all captive-born to individuals with multiple origins, including the southeastern United States, Cuba, the Russian Federation, and the Black Sea. The applicant has identified three of the animals as common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and two as Black Sea bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus ponticus). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 104107 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: December 16, 2024. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024–30378 Filed 12–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–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 deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. DATES: Date added to and deleted from the Procurement List: January 19, 2025. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 489–1322, or email CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Deletions On November 15, 2024 (89 FR 90270), the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice of proposed deletions from 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 relevant matter presented, the Committee has determined that the product(s) and service(s) listed below are no longer 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. E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 245 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 104106-104107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30398]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Public Meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board

AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce 
(DOC).

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda for a 
meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). OEAB members 
will discuss and provide advice on the Federal ocean exploration 
program, with a particular emphasis on the topics identified in the 
section on Matters to Be Considered.

DATES: The announced meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025 
from 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. (ET).

ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held virtually. Information about how 
the public can observe virtually will be posted to the OEAB website at 
https://oeab.noaa.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Turner, Designated Federal 
Officer, Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, [email protected] or (859) 327-9661.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA established the OEAB under the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and legislation that gives the agency 
statutory authority to operate an ocean exploration program and to 
coordinate a national program of ocean exploration. The OEAB advises 
NOAA leadership on strategic planning, exploration priorities, 
competitive ocean exploration grant programs, and other matters as the 
NOAA Administrator requests.
    OEAB members represent government agencies, the private sector, 
academic institutions, and not-for-profit institutions involved in all 
facets of ocean exploration--from advanced technology to public 
engagement.
    In addition to advising NOAA leadership, NOAA expects the OEAB to 
help to define and develop a national program of ocean exploration--a 
network of stakeholders and partnerships advancing national priorities 
for ocean exploration.
    Matters To Be Considered: NOAA laboratory and program science 
reviews are conducted every five years to evaluate the quality, 
relevance, and performance of research conducted in NOAA OAR 
laboratories and programs. On October 9-10, 2024, the Ocean Exploration 
Advisory Board conducted a five-year program review of the NOAA Ocean 
Exploration program. Three focus areas were identified for the review: 
Ensuring a National Program of Ocean Exploration; Technological 
Innovation and Application; and, Public Engagement and Education. The 
Board will formally convene on January 10, 2025 to validate and vote on 
their findings, and upon approval, their Report of Findings and 
Recommendations will be transmitted to the NOAA Administrator and Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
    The agenda and other meeting materials will be made available on 
the OEAB website at https://oeab.noaa.gov/.
    Status: The meeting will be held virtually and be open to the 
public via remote access. Information on how to access the meeting, the 
agenda, and the public comment period schedule will be viewable on the 
OEAB website.
    The OEAB expects that public statements at its meetings will not be 
repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In 
general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be 
limited to three minutes. The Designated Federal

[[Page 104107]]

Officer must receive written comments by Jan. 3, 2025, to provide 
sufficient time for OEAB review. Written comments received after Jan. 
3, 2025, will be distributed to the OEAB but may not be reviewed prior 
to the meeting date. Comments should be submitted to Designated Federal 
Officer [email protected].
    Special Accommodations: Requests for sign language interpretation 
or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Designated Federal 
Officer by Jan. 3, 2025.

David Holst,
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Office of Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2024-30398 Filed 12-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KA-P
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