Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 25, 2023 / Notices 73323 

mammals in an LOA if it will exceed 

‘‘small numbers.’’ In short, when an 

acceptable estimate of the individual 

marine mammals taken is available, if 

the estimated number of individual 

animals taken is up to, but not greater 

than, one-third of the best available 

abundance estimate, NMFS will 

determine that the numbers of marine 

mammals taken of a species or stock are 

small. For more information please see 

NMFS’ discussion of the MMPA’s small 

numbers requirement provided in the 

final rule (86 FR 5322, 5438, January 19, 

2021). 

The take numbers for authorization, 

which are determined as described 

above, are used by NMFS in making the 

necessary small numbers 

determinations, through comparison 

with the best available abundance 

estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5322, 

5391, January 19, 2021). For this 

comparison, NMFS’ approach is to use 

the maximum theoretical population, 

determined through review of current 

stock assessment reports (SAR; https:// 

www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ 

marine-mammal-protection/marinemammal-stock-assessments) and modelpredicted abundance information 

(https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/ 

Duke/GOM/). For the latter, for taxa 

where a density surface model could be 

produced, we use the maximum mean 

seasonal (i.e., 3-month) abundance 

prediction for purposes of comparison 

as a precautionary smoothing of monthto-month fluctuations and in 

consideration of a corresponding lack of 

data in the literature regarding seasonal 

distribution of marine mammals in the 

GOM. Information supporting the small 

numbers determinations is provided in 

Table 1. 

TABLE 1—TAKE ANALYSIS

Species Authorized 

take 1 Abundance 2 Percent 

abundance 

Rice’s whale 3 .............................................................................................................................. 0 51 n/a 

Sperm whale ................................................................................................................................ 0 2,207 n/a 

Kogia spp. .................................................................................................................................... 0 4,373 n/a 

Beaked whales ............................................................................................................................ 0 3,768 n/a 

Rough-toothed dolphin ................................................................................................................ 4 0 4,853 n/a 

Bottlenose dolphin ....................................................................................................................... 62 176,108 0.0 

Clymene dolphin .......................................................................................................................... 0 11,895 n/a 

Atlantic spotted dolphin ............................................................................................................... 5 26 74,785 0.0 

Pantropical spotted dolphin ......................................................................................................... 0 102,361 n/a 

Spinner dolphin ............................................................................................................................ 0 25,114 n/a 

Striped dolphin ............................................................................................................................. 0 5,229 n/a 

Fraser’s dolphin ........................................................................................................................... 0 1,665 n/a 

Risso’s dolphin ............................................................................................................................. 0 3,764 n/a 

Melon-headed whale ................................................................................................................... 0 7,003 n/a 

Pygmy killer whale ....................................................................................................................... 0 2,126 n/a 

False killer whale ......................................................................................................................... 0 3,204 n/a 

Killer whale .................................................................................................................................. 0 267 n/a 

Short-finned pilot whale ............................................................................................................... 0 1,981 n/a 

1Scalar ratios were not applied in this case due to brief survey duration. 

2Best abundance estimate. For most taxa, the best abundance estimate for purposes of comparison with take estimates is considered here to 

be the model-predicted abundance (Roberts et al., 2016). For those taxa where a density surface model predicting abundance by month was 

produced, the maximum mean seasonal abundance was used. For those taxa where abundance is not predicted by month, only mean annual 

abundance is available. For the killer whale, the larger estimated SAR abundance estimate is used. 3The final rule refers to the GOM Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). These whales were subsequently described as a new species, Rice’s 

whale (Balaenoptera ricei) (Rosel et al., 2021). 4 Modeled take of one decreased to zero. For rough-toothed dolphin, use of the exposure modeling produces results that are smaller than the 

average GOM group size (i.e., estimated exposure value of 1, relative to assumed average group size of 14) (Maze-Foley and Mullin, 2006). 

NMFS’ typical practice is to increase exposure estimates to the assumed average group size for a species in order to ensure that, if the species 

is encountered, exposures will not exceed the authorized take number. However, given the very short survey duration and small estimated exposure value NMFS has determined that is unlikely the species would be encountered at all. As a result, in this case NMFS has not authorized 

take for this species. 5 Modeled take of 21 increased to account for potential encounter with group of average size (Maze-Foley and Mullin, 2006). 

Based on the analysis contained 

herein of Echo’s proposed survey 

activity described in its LOA 

application and the anticipated take of 

marine mammals, NMFS finds that 

small numbers of marine mammals will 

be taken relative to the affected species 

or stock sizes (i.e., less than one-third of 

the best available abundance estimate) 

and therefore the taking is of no more 

than small numbers. 

Authorization 

NMFS has determined that the level 

of taking for this LOA request is 

consistent with the findings made for 

the total taking allowable under the 

incidental take regulations and that the 

amount of take authorized under the 

LOA is of no more than small numbers. 

Accordingly, we have issued an LOA to 

Echo authorizing the take of marine 

mammals incidental to its geophysical 

survey activity, as described above. 

Dated: October 19, 2023. 

Kimberly Damon-Randall, 

Director, Office of Protected Resources, 

National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 2023–23570 Filed 10–24–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

[RTID 0648–XD446] 

New England Fishery Management 

Council; Public Meeting; Correction 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Notice of correction of a public 

meeting. 

SUMMARY: The New England Fishery 

Management Council (Council) is 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
73324 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 25, 2023 / Notices 

scheduling a public meeting of its Joint 

Groundfish Committee, Advisory Panel 

and Recreational Advisory Panel via 

webinar to consider actions affecting 

New England fisheries in the exclusive 

economic zone (EEZ). 

Recommendations from this group will 

be brought to the full Council for formal 

consideration and action, if appropriate. 

DATES: This webinar will be held on 

Monday, November 13, 2023, at 9:30 

a.m. 

ADDRESSES: Webinar registration URL 

information: https://

attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/ 

4122443360576842070. 

Council address: New England 

Fishery Management Council, 50 Water 

Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cate 

O’Keefe, Executive Director, New 

England Fishery Management Council; 

telephone: (978) 465–0492. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 

original notice published in the Federal 

Register on October 5, 2023 (88 FR 

69158). This republishes the notice in 

its entirety due to the meeting now 

being a joint committee meeting. 

Agenda 

The Groundfish Committee, Advisory 

Panel and Recreational Advisory Panel 

will meet to review draft alternatives 

and draft impacts analysis and 

recommend preferred alternatives in 

Framework Adjustment 66/ 

Specifications and Management 

Measures to the Committee/Council. 

They will possibly recommend 2024 

Council priorities to the Committee/ 

Council as well as receive an update on 

Framework Adjustment 68/Acceptable 

Biological Catches (ABC) Control Rules 

and the Atlantic Cod Transition Plan. 

Other business will be discussed if 

necessary. 

Although non-emergency issues not 

contained on the agenda may come 

before this Council for discussion, those 

issues may not be the subject of formal 

action during this meeting. Council 

action will be restricted to those issues 

specifically listed in this notice and any 

issues arising after publication of this 

notice that require emergency action 

under section 305(c) of the MagnusonStevens Act, provided the public has 

been notified of the Council’s intent to 

take final action to address the 

emergency. The public also should be 

aware that the meeting will be recorded. 

Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy 

of the recording is available upon 

request. 

Special Accommodations 

This meeting is physically accessible 

to people with disabilities. Requests for 

sign language interpretation or other 

auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate 

O’Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 

465–0492, at least 5 days prior to the 

meeting date. 

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 

Dated: October 19, 2023. 

Rey Israel Marquez, 

Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable 

Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 2023–23488 Filed 10–24–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Department of the Army 

[Docket ID: USA–2023–HQ–0015] 

Privacy Act of 1974; System of 

Records 

AGENCY: Department of the Army, 

Department of Defense (DoD). 

ACTION: Notice of a new system of 

records. 

SUMMARY: In accordance with the 

Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of 

the Army proposes to establish a new 

system of records titled, Army Safety 

Management Program Records 

(ASMPR)–A0385–1 DAS. It supports the 

management and prevention of workrelated illnesses and injuries by 

individuals engaged in DoD workrelated activities while on or off the 

worksite. The system automates 

accidents, mishaps, safety inspections, 

and workplace hazard investigation data 

collection, identifies causal factors and 

potentially unsafe practices or 

conditions, and makes 

recommendations for corrective actions 

to prevent recurrence and reduce 

hazardous conditions. Additionally, 

DoD is issuing a Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking, which proposes to exempt 

this system of records from certain 

provisions of the Privacy Act, elsewhere 

in today’s issue of the Federal Register. 

DATES: This system of records is 

effective upon publication; however, 

comments on the Routine Uses will be 

accepted on or before November 24, 

2023. The Routine Uses are effective at 

the close of the comment period. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, 

identified by docket number and title, 

by any of the following methods: 

* Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// 

www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

* Mail: Department of Defense, Office 

of the Assistant to the Secretary of 

Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and 

Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 

4800 Mark Center Drive, Attn: Mailbox 

24, Suite 08D09, Alexandria, VA 22350– 

1700. 

Instructions: All submissions received 

must include the agency name and 

docket number for this Federal Register 

document. The general policy for 

comments and other submissions from 

members of the public is to make these 

submissions available for public 

viewing on the internet at https://

www.regulations.gov as they are 

received without change, including any 

personal identifiers or contact 

information. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Joyce Luton, Department of the Army, 

Records Management Directorate, 

Attention: Army Privacy and Civil 

Liberties Office, 9301 Chapek Road 

(Building 1458), Fort Belvoir, VA 

22060–5605, or by calling (571) 515– 

0213. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background 

The Army Safety Management 

Information Program Records (ASMPR) 

documents safety mishaps and 

occupational incidents that require a 

safety investigation or an occupational 

health report as mandated by Federal 

law or DoD and Army policies. The 

system of records supports the operation 

of the Army’s safety and occupational 

health program, which seeks to protect 

personnel from accidental death, injury, 

or occupational illness and apply risk 

management strategies to eliminate 

occupational injury or illness and loss 

of mission capability and resources, 

both on and off duty. This system of 

records describes Army’s collection, 

use, and maintenance of records about 

an individual associated with accidents, 

mishaps, safety inspections, workplace 

hazards, and general risk management. 

DoD SORNs have been published in 

the Federal Register and are available 

from the address in FOR FURTHER

INFORMATION CONTACT or at the Defense 

Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Freedom of 

Information Directorate website at 

https://dpcld.defense.gov. 

II. Privacy Act 

Under the Privacy Act, a ‘‘system of 

records’’ is a group of records under the 

control of an agency from which 

information is retrieved by the name of 

an individual or by some identifying 

number, symbol, or other identifying 

particular assigned to the individual. In 

the Privacy Act, an individual is defined 

as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent 

resident. 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1