The Federal Register

Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final rule designating critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) distinct population segment (DPS). Three specific areas are designated, (1) the Summer Core Area in Haro Strait and waters around the San Juan Islands; (2) Puget Sound; and (3) the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which comprise approximately 2,560 square miles (6,630 sq km) of marine habitat. We considered the economic impacts and impacts to national security, and concluded the benefits of exclusion of 18 military sites, comprising approximately 112 square miles (291 sq km), outweighed the benefits of inclusion because of national security impacts.

We solicited comments from the public on all aspects of the proposed rule. An economic analysis, biological report, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) report were available for comment along with the proposed rule. The supporting documents have been finalized in support of the final critical habitat designa

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Emergency Rule

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

This rule continues management measures implemented by a June 16, 2006, emergency interim final rule that were set to expire on December 13, 2006. In the June 16, 2006, emergency action, NMFS implemented an observer service provider program for the Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) fishery including criteria for becoming an approved observer service provider, observer certification criteria, decertification criteria, and observer deployment logistics. Through the emergency rule, NMFS reactivated the industryfunded observer program implemented under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) through a scallop total allowable catch (TAC) and daysat sea (DAS) setaside program that helps vessel owners defray the cost of carrying observers. Under the emergency action, scallop vessel owners, operators, or vessel managers are required to procure certified fishery observers for specified scallop fishing trips from an approved observer service provider. The emergency rule maintains the existing

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2006

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces partial approval of an Operations Plan and Sector Contract titled ``GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector Operations Plan and Agreement'' (together referred to as the Sector Operations Plan), and the associated allocation of Georges Bank (GB) cod, consistent with regulations implementing Amendment 13, as modified by Framework Adjustment (FW) 42 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for fishing year (FY) 2006. The intent of this action is to allow regulated harvest of NE multispecies by the GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector (Fixed Gear Sector), consistent with the objectives of the FMP.

Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces changes to management measures in the commercial and recreational Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-year Review of the Caribbean Monk Seal

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 5year review of the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Caribbean monk seal was listed as endangered in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 (32 FR 4001) and then again in 1979 following its re assessment under the ESA (44 FR 21288). A 5year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A 5year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on the Caribbean monk seal that has become available since its last status review in 1984 (49 FR 44774). Based on the results of this 5year review, we will make the requisite findings under the ESA.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans; Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident Killer Whales

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce the availability for public review of the Proposed Recovery Plan (Plan) for Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca). NMFS is requesting review and comment on the Plan from the public and all interested parties.

Marine Mammals; File No. 1053-1825

Wed, Nov 29 2006 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that David Mann, Ph.D., College of Marine Science, The University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 Seventh Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 has been issued a permit to conduct research on certain cetacean species.