National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to the construction of four ferry berth facilities in Tongass Narrows in Ketchikan, Alaska: The Gravina Airport Ferry Layup Facility, the Gravina Freight Facility, the Revilla New Ferry Berth, and the Gravina Island Shuttle Ferry Berth Facility. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting comments from the public regarding a proposed revision of the management plan for the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. A management plan provides a framework for the direction and timing of a reserve's programs; allows reserve managers to assess a reserve's success in meeting its goals and to identify any necessary changes in direction; and is used to guide programmatic evaluations of the reserve. Plan revisions are required of each reserve in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System at least every five years. This revised plan is intended to replace the plan approved in 2018.

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Archipelagic Plan Team (APT) by web conference to discuss fishery management issues and develop recommendations for future management of fisheries in the Western Pacific Region.

Notice is hereby given that Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc., 277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536 (Responsible Party: Ronald Smolowitz) has withdrawn its application for a permit to conduct research on leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and unidentified sea turtles.