Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 221 / Friday, November 16, 2007 / Notices 64585 

96814–4700; phone (808)973–2935; fax 

(808)973–2941. 

Written comments or requests for a 

public hearing on this application 

should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, 

Conservation and Education Division, 

F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, 

NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 

13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those 

individuals requesting a hearing should 

set forth the specific reasons why a 

hearing on this particular request would 

be appropriate. 

Comments may also be submitted by 

facsimile at (301)427–2521, provided 

the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy 

submitted by mail and postmarked no 

later than the closing date of the 

comment period. 

Comments may also be submitted by 

e-mail. The mailbox address for 

providing e-mail comments is 

NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include 

in the subject line of the e-mail 

comment the following document 

identifier: File No. 10027. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Patrick Opay or Amy Hapeman, 

(301)713–2289. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 

subject permit is requested under the 

authority of the Endangered Species Act 

of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 

1531 et seq.) and the regulations 

governing the taking, importing, and 

exporting of endangered and threatened 

species (50 CFR 222–226). 

The applicant proposes to study the 

population biology and connectivity of 

green and hawksbill sea turtles focusing 

on distribution and abundance, ecology, 

health, and threats to sea turtles at the 

Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. 

Researchers would also consider 

management and conservation 

applications of their research. Up to 300 

green and 100 hawkbill sea turtles 

would be captured by hand or net, 

examined, measured, photographed, 

flipper and Passive Integrated 

Transponder tagged, blood sampled, 

carapace sampled, shell etched and 

painted, fecal sampled, have their 

temperature measured, and released. Up 

to 75 of the green and 25 of the 

hawksbill sea turtles would also be 

gastric lavaged before release. Up to 15 

of the green and 5 of the hawksbill sea 

turtles would have transmitters affixed 

to their carapace before release. 

Additionally, researchers would 

examine, measure, tissue sample, 

stomach sample, humerus sample, and 

photograph up to 30 green and 10 

hawksbill sea turtle carcasses that they 

may encounter. The permit would be 

valid for 5 years and the research would 

occur. 

Dated: November 9, 2007. 

P. Michael Payne, 

Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education 

Division, Office of Protected Resources, 

National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. E7–22450 Filed 11–15–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–S 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

[Docket No. 071017603–7604–01] 

RIN 0648–XD12 

Listing Endangered and Threatened 

Wildlife and Designating Critical 

Habitat; 90–day Finding for a Petition 

to Reclassify the Loggerhead Turtle in 

the North Pacific Ocean as a Distinct 

Population Segment with Endangered 

Status and to Designate Critical 

Habitat 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Notice of petition finding; 

request for information and comments. 

SUMMARY: The National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS), National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA), Department of 

Commerce, announces the 90–day 

finding for a petition to reclassify 

loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in 

the North Pacific Ocean as a Distinct 

Population Segment (DPS) with 

endangered status and designate critical 

habitat under the Endangered Species 

Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The 

loggerhead is currently listed as 

threatened throughout its range. We find 

that the petition presents substantial 

scientific information indicating that the 

petitioned action may be warranted. 

We are initiating a review of the status 

of the species to determine whether the 

petitioned action is warranted and to 

determine whether any additional 

changes to the current listing of the 

loggerhead turtle are warranted. To 

ensure a comprehensive review, we are 

soliciting information and comments 

pertaining to this species from any 

interested party. 

DATES: Written comments and 

information related to this petition 

finding must be received [see 

ADDRESSES] by January 15, 2008. 

ADDRESSES: Written comments and 

information should be addressed to the 

Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle 

Conservation Division, Office of 

Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 

20910. Comments may also be sent via 

fax to 301–427–2522, or by e-mail to: 

northpacific.loggerhead@noaa.gov. The 

petition is available for download and 

review at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/ 

pdfs/fr/petitionlnorthlpacificllogger 

head.pdf 

Comments received will be available for 

public inspection, by appointment, 

during normal business hours by calling 

301–713–2322. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Barbara Schroeder by phone 301–713–

2322, fax 301–427–2522, or e-mail 

barbara.schroeder@noaa.gov; Christina 

Fahy by phone 562–980–4023, fax 562–

980–4027, or e-mail 

christina.fahy@noaa.gov). 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA (16 

U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires us to make 

a finding as to whether a petition to list, 

delist, or reclassify a species presents 

substantial scientific or commercial 

information indicating that the 

petitioned action may be warranted. Our 

implementing regulations (50 CFR 

424.14) define ‘‘substantial information’’

as the amount of information that would 

lead a reasonable person to believe that 

the measure proposed in the petition 

may be warranted. In determining 

whether substantial information exists, 

we take into account several factors, 

including information submitted with, 

and referenced in, the petition and all 

other information readily available in 

our files. To the maximum extent 

practicable, this finding is to be made 

within 90 days of the receipt of the 

petition, and the finding is to be 

published promptly in the Federal 

Register. If we find that a petition 

presents substantial information 

indicating that the requested action may 

be warranted, we are also required to 

conduct a status review of the species. 

The determination of whether or not the 

petitioned action is warranted must be 

made within one year of the receipt of 

the petition. 

Analysis of Petition 

On July 16, 2007, we received a 

petition from the Center for Biological 

Diversity and the Turtle Island 

Restoration Network requesting that 

loggerhead turtles in the North Pacific 

Ocean be reclassified as a DPS (see 

Petition Finding for discussion on 

Distinct Population Segments) with 

endangered status and that critical 

habitat be designated. 

The petition contains a detailed 

description of the species’ natural 

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64586 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 221 / Friday, November 16, 2007 / Notices 

history and status, including 

information on distribution and 

movements, population structure, 

behavior, population status and trends, 

and factors contributing to the current 

status of the species in the North Pacific 

Ocean. The petitioners assert that the 

North Pacific loggerhead is discrete 

from loggerhead populations found 

elsewhere due to physical, genetic, 

physiological, ecological, and 

behavioral factors, and they provide 

information they believe supports this 

assertion. The petitioners further assert 

that the North Pacific loggerhead 

population is both biologically and 

ecologically significant relative to the 

species. The petitioners maintain that 

the North Pacific loggerhead nesting 

population has undergone a marked 

decline in recent decades, and cite 

coastal development, bycatch in 

fisheries, marine pollution, illegal take, 

and global warming as primary threats 

to the population. The petitioners 

provide information on the North 

Pacific loggerhead relative to the ESA 

section 4(a)(1) factors and assert that the 

North Pacific loggerhead population 

warrants an endangered listing. 

Finally, the petitioners request that if 

the North Pacific loggerhead is not 

determined to meet the DPS criteria, 

that loggerheads throughout the Pacific 

Ocean be designated as a DPS and listed 

as endangered. 

Petition Finding 

Based on the above information and 

criteria specified in 50 CFR 424.14(b)(2), 

we find the petitioners present 

substantial scientific and commercial 

information indicating that a 

reclassification of the loggerhead in the 

North Pacific Ocean as a DPS and listing 

of that DPS with endangered status may 

be warranted. The ESA defines a 

‘‘species’’ as ‘‘...any subspecies of fish or 

wildlife or plants and any distinct 

population segment of any species of 

vertebrate fish or wildlife which 

interbreeds when mature.’’ NMFS and 

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(USFWS) published a joint policy 

defining the phrase ‘‘distinct population 

segment’’ on February 7, 1996 (61 FR 

4722). Three elements are considered in 

a decision regarding the listing, 

delisting, or reclassification of a DPS as 

endangered or threatened under the 

ESA: discreteness of the population 

segment in relation to the remainder of 

the species, significance of the 

population segment to the species, and 

conservation status. Under section 

4(b)(3) of the ESA, an affirmative 90–

day finding requires that we commence 

a status review on the loggerhead turtle. 

NMFS and the USFWS recently 

completed a 5–year review of the 

loggerhead turtle, as required under 

Section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered 

Species Act of 1973, as amended (NMFS 

and USFWS 2007). This review 

recommended that a full status review 

of the loggerhead be conducted in 

accordance with the DPS policy. We are 

initiating this review and, once it has 

been completed, a finding will be made 

as to whether reclassification of the 

loggerhead in the North Pacific Ocean, 

with endangered status, is warranted, 

warranted but precluded by higher 

priority listing actions, or not 

warranted, as required by section 

4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA. The review will 

also consider whether any additional 

changes to the current threatened listing 

for the loggerhead are warranted. 

There is no critical habitat designated 

for the loggerhead turtle. The ESA 

currently requires us to make a critical 

habitat determination concurrent with 

listing determinations. The ESA defines 

‘‘critical habitat’’ as ‘‘...the specific areas within the 

geographical area occupied by the species, at 

the time it is listed... on which are found 

those physical or biological features (I) 

essential to the conservation of the species 

and (II) which may require special 

management considerations or protection; 

and...specific areas outside the geographical 

area occupied by the species at the time it is 

listed... upon a determination...that such 

areas are essential for the conservation of the 

species.’’

Section 4(a)(1) Factors and Basis for 

Determination 

Under section 4(a)(1) of the ESA and 

the implementing regulations at 50 CFR 

424.11(c), a species shall be reclassified, 

if the Secretary of Commerce 

determines, based on the best scientific 

and commercial data available after 

conducting a review of the species’

status, that the species is threatened or 

endangered because of one or a 

combination of the following: (1) 

present or threatened destruction, 

modification, or curtailment of its 

habitat or range; (2) overutilization for 

commercial, recreational, scientific, or 

educational purposes; (3) disease or 

predation; (4) inadequacy of existing 

regulatory mechanisms; or (5) other 

natural or manmade factors affecting its 

continued existence. 

Information Solicited 

To ensure that the status review is 

complete and based on the best 

available data, we are soliciting 

information and comments on whether 

loggerhead turtles in the North Pacific 

Ocean, or any other area, qualify as a 

DPS and, if so, whether it should be 

classified as threatened or endangered 

based on the above ESA section 4(a)(1) 

factors. Specifically, we are soliciting 

information in the following areas 

relative to loggerheads in the North 

Pacific and elsewhere: (1) historical and 

current population status and trends; (2) 

historical and current distribution; (3) 

migratory movements and behavior; (4) 

genetic population structure; (5) current 

or planned activities that may adversely 

impact loggerheads; and (6) ongoing 

efforts to protect loggerheads. We 

request that all data, information, and 

comments be accompanied by 

supporting documentation such as 

maps, bibliographic references, or 

reprints of pertinent publications. 

All submissions must contain the 

submitter’s name, address, and any 

association, institution, or business that 

the person represents. Comments and 

materials received will be available for 

public inspection, by appointment, 

during normal business hours at the 

above address (see ADDRESSES). 

Critical Habitat 

We are also requesting information on 

areas within U.S. jurisdiction that may 

qualify as critical habitat for loggerhead 

turtles, both in the North Pacific Ocean 

and elsewhere within the species’ range. 

Areas that include the physical and 

biological features essential to the 

conservation of the species should be 

identified. Areas outside the present 

range should also be identified if such 

areas are essential to the conservation of 

the species. Essential features include, 

but are not limited to: (1) space for 

individual growth and for normal 

behavior; (2) food, water, air, light, 

minerals, or other nutritional or 

physiological requirements; (3) cover or 

shelter; (4) sites for reproduction and 

development of offspring; and (5) 

habitats that are protected from 

disturbance or are representative of the 

historical, geographical and ecological 

distributions of the species (50 CFR 

424.12). 

Peer Review 

For listings, delistings, and 

reclassifications under the ESA, NMFS 

and USFWS have a joint policy for peer 

review of the scientific data (59 FR 

34270, July 1, 1994). The intent of the 

peer review policy is to ensure that 

listings are based on the best scientific 

and commercial data available. We are 

soliciting the names of recognized 

experts in the field that could serve as 

peer reviewers for the loggerhead status 

review. Independent peer reviewers will 

be selected from the academic and 

scientific community, applicable tribal 

and other Native American groups, 

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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 221 / Friday, November 16, 2007 / Notices 64587 

Federal and state agencies, the private 

sector, and public interest groups. 

References Cited 

National Marine Fisheries Service and 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. 

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) 

5–year review: summary and evaluation. 

65 pp. 

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 

Dated: November 9, 2007. 

Samuel D. Rauch III, 

Deputy Assistant Administrator for 

Regulatory Programs, National Marine 

Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 07–5710 Filed 11–13–07; 1:20 pm] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–S 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

RIN: 0648–XD27 

South Atlantic Fishery Management 

Council; Public Hearings 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Addendum to Earlier Notice - 

‘‘Notice of Public Hearings for 

Amendments 15A and 15B to the 

Snapper Grouper Fishery Management 

Plan for the South Atlantic Region’’. 

SUMMARY: The start time for the public 

hearing scheduled for Atlantic Beach, 

NC on December 3, 2007 regarding 

Amendment 15A and Amendment 15B 

to the Snapper Grouper Fishery 

Management Plan has been changed 

from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

DATES: The change applies to the public 

hearing scheduled for December 3, 

2007. 

ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be 

held at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach, 

2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic 

Beach, NC 28512; telephone: (252) 240–

1155 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Richard DeVictor, South Atlantic 

Fishery Management Council, 4055 

Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North 

Charleston, SC 29405; telephone: (843) 

571–4366; fax: (843) 769–4520; email 

address: Richard.devictor@safmc.net. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 

original notice published in the Federal 

Register on October 19, 2007 (72 FR 

59257). This notice serves as an 

addendum to change the start time of 

the December 3 public hearing. All 

other previously-published information 

remains unchanged. 

Dated: November 13, 2007. 

Tracey L. Thompson, 

Acting Director, Office of Sustainable 

Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. E7–22404 Filed 11–15–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–S 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

GENERAL SERVICES 

ADMINISTRATION 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND 

SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

[OMB Control No. 9000–0018] 

Federal Acquisition Regulation; 

Information Collection; Certification of 

Independent Price Determination and 

Parent Company and Identifying Data 

AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), 

General Services Administration (GSA), 

and National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA). 

ACTION: Notice of request for public 

comments regarding an extension to an 

existing OMB clearance. 

SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 

U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal 

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 

Secretariat will be submitting to the 

Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) a request to review and approve 

an extension of a currently approved 

information collection requirement 

concerning certification of independent 

price determination and parent 

company and identifying data. The 

clearance currently expires on January 

31, 2008. 

Public comments are particularly 

invited on: Whether this collection of 

information is necessary for the proper 

performance of functions of the FAR, 

and whether it will have practical 

utility; whether our estimate of the 

public burden of this collection of 

information is accurate, and based on 

valid assumptions and methodology; 

ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 

clarity of the information to be 

collected; and ways in which we can 

minimize the burden of the collection of 

information on those who are to 

respond, through the use of appropriate 

technological collection techniques or 

other forms of information technology. 

DATES: Submit comments on or before 

January 15, 2008. 

ADDRESSES: Submit comments regarding 

this burden estimate or any other aspect 

of this collection of information, 

including suggestions for reducing this 

burden to the General Services 

Administration, FAR Secretariat (VIR), 

1800 F Street, NW., Room 4035, 

Washington, DC 20405. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Ernest Woodson, Contract Policy 

Division, GSA (202) 501–3775. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Purpose 

Agencies are required to report under 

41 U.S.C. 252(d) and 10 U.S.C. 2305(d) 

suspected violations of the antitrust 

laws (e.g., collusive bidding, identical 

bids, uniform estimating systems, etc.) 

to the Attorney General. 

As a first step in assuring that 

Government contracts are not awarded 

to firms violating such laws, offerors on 

Government contracts must complete 

the certificate of independent price 

determination. An offer will not be 

considered for award where the 

certificate has been deleted or modified. 

Deletions or modifications of the 

certificate and suspected false 

certificates are reported to the Attorney 

General. 

B. Annual Reporting Burden 

Respondents: 64,250. 

Responses Per Respondent: 20. 

Total Responses: 1,285,000. 

Hours Per Response: .01. 

Total Burden hours: 12,850. 

OBTAINING COPIES OF 

PROPOSALS: Requesters may obtain a 

copy of the information collection 

documents from the General Services 

Administration, FAR Secretariat (VIR), 

Room 4035, 1800 F Street, NW., 

Washington, DC 20405, telephone (202) 

501–4755. Please cite OMB Control No. 

9000–0018, Certification of Independent 

Price Determination and Parent 

Company and Identifying Data, in all 

correspondence. 

Dated: November 8, 2007. 

Al Matera, 

Director, Office of Acquisition Policy. 

[FR Doc. 07–5711 Filed 11–15–07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6820–EP–S 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Department of the Army; Corps of 

Engineers 

Availability of the Final Supplemental 

Environmental Impact Statement for 

the Rueter-Hess Reservoir Expansion 

Project, Parker, CO 

AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, DoD. 

ACTION: Notice of availability. 

SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers (Corps) Omaha District has 

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