National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 17, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS has received a request from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, WA. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

We, NMFS, announce updates to the descriptions of Pacific salmon and steelhead (Oncorhynchus spp.) species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Updates include the addition or removal of specific hatchery programs, as well as clarifying changes to the names of specific hatchery programs included as part of the listings of certain Pacific salmon and steelhead species. These changes are informed by our most recent ESA 5-year reviews, which were completed in 2016. We are not changing the ESA-listing status of any species under NMFS's jurisdiction, or modifying any critical habitat designation. The updates also include minor changes in terminology to standardize species descriptions.