[Federal Register: March 17, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 52)]
[Notices]
[Page 14227-14228]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17mr08-30]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments
AGENCY: NOAA, Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice of availability and solicitation of public comments on
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas.
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SUMMARY: NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) jointly propose
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of
Marine Protected Areas (Revised Draft Framework), as required by
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This Revised
Draft Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts
among federal, state, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to
develop an effective National System of MPAs (National System) from
existing sites, build coordination and collaborative efforts, and
identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural
and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation's MPA
authorities. The document further provides the guiding principles, key
definitions, goals, and objectives for the National System, based on
the breadth of input received from MPA stakeholders and governmental
partners around the nation over the past several years. The intent of
this document is to summarize and respond to comments received on the
initial draft document during the September 2006 through February 2007
public comment period, and solicit additional public input on the
proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to develop a final document
that meets the nation's interests in the National System. The Revised
Draft Framework incorporates significant modifications based on due
consideration of all comments and recommendations received on the
initial draft document. At the end of the comment period on this
Revised Draft Framework, NOAA will publish the final Framework, again
with consideration of input received.
DATES: Comments must be received before 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2008.
ADDRESSES: All comments regarding the Revised Draft Framework should be
submitted to Joseph Uravitch, National MPA Center, N/ORM, NOAA, 1305
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Comments sent via e-
mail should be sent to mpa.comments@noaa.gov, and all comments sent by
fax should be sent to 301-713-3110. E-mail and fax comments should
state ``Revised Draft Framework Comments'' in the subject line.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all questions and
requests for additional information concerning the Revised Draft
Framework, as well as for paper copies of the document to: Lauren
Wenzel, NOAA, at 301-713-3100, or via e-mail at mpa.comments@noaa.gov.
E-mail requests should state either ``Question'' or ``Paper Copy
Request'' in the subject line. An electronic copy of the Revised Draft
Framework is available for download at http://www.mpa.gov/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA
Center), in cooperation with the Department of the Interior (DOI), has
developed this Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National
System of MPAs (Revised Draft Framework) to meet requirements under
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas. The purpose of this
notice is to solicit additional input and comments on the Revised Draft
Framework from governments and stakeholders in order to ensure that the
final document represents the diversity of the nation's interests in
the marine environment and MPAs. The Revised Draft Framework
incorporates significant modifications based on due consideration of
comments and recommendations received on the initial draft document
during the September 2006 through February 2007 public comment period.
Increasing impacts on the world's oceans from development,
overfishing, a changing climate, and natural events are straining the
health of coastal, Great Lakes, and marine ecosystems. Impacts to these
intricately balanced environments include declining fish populations,
degradation of coral reefs and other vital habitats, threats to rare or
endangered species, and loss of
[[Page 14228]]
artifacts and areas that represent the United States' (U.S.) diverse
cultural heritage. The effects of these losses are significant and
jeopardize the social and economic fabric of the nation.
In the U.S. and around the world, marine protected areas (MPA) are
increasingly recognized as an important and promising management tool
for mitigating or buffering these impacts. When used effectively and as
a part of a broader ecosystem-based approach to management, MPAs can
help to restore and maintain healthy Great Lakes and marine
environments by contributing to the overall protection of critical
marine habitats and resources. In this way, effective MPAs also can
offer social and economic opportunities for current and future
generations, such as tourism, biotechnology, fishing, education, and
scientific research.
There are nearly 2,000 existing MPAs in the U.S. that have been
established by federal, state, territorial, and local governments to
protect and conserve the nation's rich natural and cultural marine
heritage and sustainable production resources. These MPAs have been
designated to achieve a myriad of conservation objectives, ranging from
conservation of biodiversity hotspots, to preservation of sunken
historic vessels, to protection of spawning aggregations important to
commercial and recreational fisheries. Similarly, the level of
protection provided by these MPAs ranges from no-take marine reserves
to allowing multiple uses, including fishing.
Recognizing the significant role that U.S. MPAs play in conserving
marine heritage and sustainable use, and the lack of a national
framework for comprehensive MPA planning, coordination and support,
Presidential Executive Order 13158 (Order) calls for the development a
National System of Marine Protected Areas (national system). The Order
clearly calls for a national and not a federal system, and requires
collaboration with federal agencies, as well as coastal states and
territories, tribes, Federal Fishery Management Councils, and other
entities, as appropriate, including the MPA Federal Advisory Committee.
It further specifies that the national system be scientifically based,
comprehensive, and represent the nation's diverse marine ecosystems and
natural and cultural resources.
In order to provide a roadmap for building the national system, the
Order calls for the development of a framework for a national system of
MPAs and establishes the MPA Center within NOAA to lead its development
and implementation. This Revised Draft Framework is the second draft.
The first draft Framework has been revised with due consideration of
over 11,000 comments and recommendations received during its September
2006 to March 2007 public comment period.
The intent of this document is to summarize and respond to comments
received on the initial draft document during the September 2006
through February 2007 public comment period, and solicit additional
public input on the proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to
develop a final document that meets the nation's interests in the
National System. When submitting comments on the Revised Draft
Framework, please remember that comments submitted by e-mail are
preferred; however, those submitted by mail and fax will also be
accepted.
Classification
Regulatory Planning and Review
This action is not a regulatory action subject to E.O. 12866 (58 FR
51735, October 4, 1993).
Energy Effects
NOAA and DOI have determined that this action will have no effect
on energy supply, distribution, or use and is therefore not a
``significant energy action'' as defined by Executive Order 13211 (66
FR 28355, May 18, 2001). No Statement of Energy Effects is required and
therefore none has been prepared.
Government to Government Relationship With Tribes
E.O. 13175--Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments--outlines the responsibilities of the Federal Government
regarding its policies with tribal implications, i.e., regulations,
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government
and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes (65 FR 67249, November
9, 2000). Pursuant to E.O. 13175, we will consult with tribal
governments as the National System is developed.
Administrative Procedure Act
Pursuant to authority at 5 U.S.C. 533(b)(A), prior notice and an
opportunity for public comment are not required to be given, as this
document concerns agency procedure or practice. Nevertheless, NOAA and
DOI want the benefit of the public's comment and are hereby giving
prior notice and opportunity for public comment.
Dated: March 6, 2008.
John H. Dunnigan,
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-5311 Filed 3-14-08; 8:45 am]
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