Notices. Notice

10,692 words·~49 min read·/register/2007/10/15/07-5064·

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BILLING CODE 3510-JT-M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-580-816] Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Republic of Korea: Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On September 10, 2007, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published its preliminary results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products

(CORE)from the Republic of Korea (Korea) for the period from August 1, 2005, through July 31, 2006. *See Certain Corrosion Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Republic of Korea: Notice of Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 72 FR 51584 (September 10, 2007) (Preliminary Results). We are rescinding the review with respect to the Pohang Iron & Steel Company, Ltd. (POSCO) and Pohang Coated Steel Co., Ltd. (POCOS) (collectively, the POSCO Group). EFFECTIVE DATE: October 15, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victoria Cho at

(202)482-5075 or James Terpstra at

(202)482-3965, AD/CVD Operations, Office 3, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the *Preliminary Results* , the Department inadvertently indicated that it planned to rescind the request for review of the antidumping order for the POSCO Group in the Final Results. On December 28, 2006, the petitioners 1 timely withdrew their request for an administrative review of the POSCO Group. It is the Department's practice to rescind an administrative review in a timely manner, in whole or part, if no other interested party submitted comments regarding the petitioners' timely withdrawal of their request for a review. *See Notice of Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Tenth Administrative Review of the Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Pasta from Italy* , 72 FR 38060 (July 12, 2007), and *also see Certain Pasta From Turkey: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review* , 69 FR 60356 (October 8, 2004). To facilitate the timely implementation of customs instructions, we are rescinding the review of the antidumping order for the POSCO Group. 1 Petitioners are the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and Mittal Steel USA ISG, Inc. (Mittal Steel USA). Final Rescission of Administrative Review for the POSCO Group As provided in 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), “{t}he Secretary will rescind an administrative review under this section, in whole or in part, if a party that requested a review withdraws the request within 90 days of the date of publication of notice of initiation of the requested review.” The petitioners withdrew their request for an administrative review within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the instant administrative review and no other party requested an administrative review of the POSCO Group. No party commented on the petitioners' withdrawal. Therefore, the Department is rescinding the administrative review with respect to the POSCO Group. Dated: October 2, 2007. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E7-20261 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Northwestern University, et al., Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications, for Duty-Free Entry of Electron Microscopes This is a decision consolidated pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Materials Importation Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-651, as amended by Pub. L. 106-36, 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR part 301). Related records can be viewed between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. in Room 2104, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue., NW, Washington, D.C. *Docket Number: 07-059* . Applicant: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Company, Czech Republic. Intended Use: See notice at 72 FR 53538, September 19, 2007. *Docket Number: 07-061* . Applicant: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Instrument: Electron Microscope, Model JEM-1011. Manufacturer: JEOL, Ltd., Japan. Intended Use: See notice at 72 FR 53538, September 19, 2007. *Comments* : None received. Decision: Approved. No instrument of equivalent scientific value to the foreign instrument, for such purposes as these instruments are intended to be used, was being manufactured in the United States at the time the instruments were ordered. Reasons: Each foreign instrument is an electron microscope and is intended for research or scientific educational uses requiring an electron microscope. We know of no electron microscope, or any other instrument suited to these purposes, which was being manufactured in the United States at the time of order of each instrument. Dated: October 9, 2007. Faye Robinson, Director, Statutory Import Programs Staff, Import Administration. [FR Doc. E7-20262 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments Pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials Importation Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-651, as amended by Pub. L. 106-36; 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR part 301), we invite comments on the question of whether instruments of equivalent scientific value, for the purposes for which the instruments shown below are intended to be used, are being manufactured in the United States. Comments must comply with 15 CFR 301.5(a)(3) and

(4)of the regulations and be postmarked on or before November 5, 2007. Address written comments to Statutory Import Programs Staff, Room 2104, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230. Applications may be examined between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Room 2104. *Docket Number: 07-055* . Applicant: University of Oklahoma, Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, 100 E. Boyd Street, Suite T-301, Norman, OK 73019. Instrument: Electron Microscope, Quanta 200. Manufacturer: FEI Company, Czech Republic. Intended Use: The instrument is intended to be used for teaching several undergraduate and graduate courses/laboratories in the Petroleum Engineering Department. Students will use the environmental scanning electron microscope to study rocks mineral composition, cementation, microstructure, pore size distribution etc. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: September 14, 2007. *Docket Number: 07-057* . Applicant: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720-7th Avenue South - SC 501, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017. Instrument: Electron Microscope, Model H-7650-II. Manufacturer: Hitachi High-Technologies Corp., Japan. Intended Use: The instrument is intended to be used to study the ultrastructure of brain tissue from experimental animals and postmortem human samples. The objectives are to describe normal human brain ultrastructure, ultrastructural abnormalities in the postmortem brains of subjects with brain disease and normal and abnormal ultrastructure in experimental animals. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: September 14, 2007. *Docket Number: 07-064* . Applicant: Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 901 Volker Blvd., Kansas City, MO.64110. Instrument: Electron Microscope, Model Tecnai G2. Manufacturer: FEI Company, Czech Republic. Intended Use: The instrument is intended to be used to obtain high resolution and high contrast images of various cellular structures from research models. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: September 7, 2007. *Docket Number: 07-065* . Applicant: State University of New York at Binghamton, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902. Instrument: Electron Microscope, Model Nova 600 NanoLab, FEI Company, Netherlands. Intended Use: The instrument is to be used to provide a single chamber to image, analyze and cross section devices, layers, and interfaces. Application accepted by Commissioner of Customs: September 25, 2007. Dated: Ocotober 9, 2007. Faye Robinson, Director, Statutory Import Programs Staff. [FR Doc. E7-20263 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration U.S. Electronic Education Fairs for China and India: Video Contest AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Chinese and Indian nationals studying at U.S. accredited colleges and universities are invited to submit short videos highlighting their experiences with U.S. higher education. DATES: Contest submissions will be accepted from the date of this Notice until 3 p.m. EDT November 9, 2007. Winners will be posted on [or before] November 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: Mail Submissions to Joshua Wu, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 1202, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230, Tel:

(202)482-2289. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joshua Wu, U.S. Department of Commerce. Tel:

(202)482-2289; Jennifer Moll, U.S. Department of Commerce, Tel:

(248)508-8404; Keith Roth, U.S. Department of Commerce, Rm. 1104. Tel:

(202)482-5012. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Electronic Education Fairs for China and India are part of a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State. The purpose of the initiative is to inform Chinese and Indian students who are interested in studying outside of their home countries about the breadth and depth of the higher education opportunities available in the United States. To continue the success of LiuXueUSA (“Study Abroad USA”), a U.S. initiative launched in 2006 to promote U.S. higher education in China, and to promote a similar initiative that will be launched in India later this year, the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State are holding a video contest. The contest aims to find the most compelling stories of Chinese and Indian students studying at U.S. colleges and universities by inviting them to create videos up to 3 minutes about their experiences as international students and the impact that studying in the United States has had on their lives. The winning videos will be featured on either the LiuXueUSA or the upcoming India Web site. A DVD release will also follow, sharing these incredible stories with viewers across the globe, and encouraging the next generation of international students to come and experience the opportunities and benefits associated with studying in the United States. *Program Details and Rules:* • The contest will be open to all Chinese and Indian Nationals studying at U.S. institutions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. • American students may also participate in the filming and editing process. • Videos should be no more than 3 minutes long. • Videos should be submitted either on DVD via mail (see address above) or via email with a link to a site from which the video can be downloaded by November 19, 2007. • Videos should be submitted in Adobe Flash format. • A panel of U.S. Government

(USG)officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, and Education will select the winning videos. • Videos should cater to relevant audiences in China or India, including teachers, students, parents and counselors. • All videos should have English subtitles. • The USG will not alter or edit the submitted content in any way, and the students will retain the copyrights of the videos; the USG will be granted rights to use the videos for the purposes of this initiative. • Only amateur submissions will be accepted and considered. • No explicit content (sexual or other) will be accepted. *Themes:* The videos should address one of the following topics: • What makes U.S. education special for international students? • What has been the most unique experience you have had as a foreign student? • Studies aside, what is your favorite extracurricular activity? • What have been your best and worst food experiences? • How would you characterize your dorm/living experiences in the United States? • How are you paying for your studies? Winners Winners will have their videos featured on one of the above-mentioned Web sites and released on DVD. Other potential opportunities for exposure may also be possible. Contest submissions by Chinese and Indian students will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Dated: October 5, 2007. David Long, Director, Office of Service Industries, International Trade Administration. [FR Doc. E7-20265 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 0648-XD23 Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of permits. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have been issued Letters of Confirmation for activities conducted under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and address of recipients. ADDRESSES: The Letters of Confirmation and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office: Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713-2289; fax (301)427-2521. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Protected Resources, Permits Division, (301)713-2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requested Letters of Confirmation have been issued under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). The General Authorization allows for bona fide scientific research that may result only in taking by level B harassment of marine mammals. The following Letters of Confirmation were issued in Fiscal Year 2007. *File No. 572-1869:* Issued to Daniel K. Odell, Ph.D., Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 6295 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 on November 14, 2006, for vessel surveys to conduct photo-identification, behavioral observations, passive acoustic recordings, and videography of bottlenose dolphins ( *Tursiops truncatus* ) in the Indian River Lagoon on the east-central coast of Florida; in the Key West (Monroe County, FL) area; and in the coastal waters of Georgia, primarily in the vicinity of Sapelo Sound and St. Catherine's Island. In addition, aerial surveys of bottlenose dolphins will be conducted over the Indian River Lagoon. These activities may be conducted through November 14, 2011. *File No. 699-1891:* Issued to Kathryn A. Ono, Ph.D., University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005 on January 11, 2007, for a study to determine the diet of seals off the coast of Maine and to use fecal DNA to determine if hard part analysis is an accurate representation of the occurrence of certain prey species in pinniped diets. This study will result in harassment of gray seals ( *Halichoerus grypus* ), harbor seals ( *Phoca vitulina* ), hooded seals ( *Cystophora cristata* ), and harp seals ( *Pagophilus groenlandicus* ) in coastal Maine through December 1, 2011. *File No. 809-1902:* Issued to Susan G. Barco, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 on February 21, 2007, for vessel surveys for photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins throughout the coastal and offshore waters geographically contiguous with the Commonwealth of Virginia (including Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Assateague Island to Ocean City, and waters off northeastern North Carolina) through February 28, 2012. *File No. 1094-1836-02:* Issued to Peggy Stap, 1479 W. Dowling Rd., Dowling, MI 49050-9718, on March 7, 2007, for conducting small vessel surveys to collect photo-identification and behavioral data using photography, video, and hydrophone recordings to study the foraging strategies of transient and offshore killer whales ( *Orcinus orca* ) as well as investigate the abundance, distribution, movement, and frequency of occurrence of other cetacean species in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This study will result in takes of 17 species of cetaceans through April 30, 2011. This study was modified to add harassment of California sea lions ( *Zalophus californianus* ), northern elephant seals ( *Mirounga angustirostris* ), northern fur seals ( *Callorhinus ursinus* ), and harbor seals. This amended GA LOC supercedes version 1094-1836-01, issued on June 30, 2006. *File No. 717-1909:* Issued to Jan Ostman-Lind, Ph.D., Kula Nai'a Wild Dolphin Research Foundation, P.O. Box 6870, Kamuela, HI 96743 on March 29, 2007, for vessel surveys to conduct photo-identification, focal follows, and passive acoustic recordings of spinner dolphins ( *Stenella longirostris* ) in coastal waters off the Island of Hawai'i and in waters up to 25 nautical miles offshore through March 31, 2012. *File No. 819-1800-01:* Issued to John G. Morris, Ph.D., Florida Institute of Technology, Biology Department, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901 on April 9, 2007, for photo-identification, behavioral observations, and passive acoustic recordings of bottlenose dolphins, via vessel surveys in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida between Eau Gallie and Sebastian Inlet through August 31, 2008. This study was modified to extend the duration from August 31, 2007 to August 31, 2008. This amended GA LOC supercedes version 819-1800, issued on July 27, 2005. *File No. 881-1918:* Issued to Anne Hoover-Miller, Alaska SeaLife Center, 301 Railway Avenue, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664 on May 9, 2007, for aerial and vessel surveys and remote video monitoring of harbor seals in Alaska through May 15, 2012. *File No. 699-1891-01:* Issued to Kathryn A. Ono, Ph.D., University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005 on June 8, 2007, for a study to determine the diet of seals off the coast of Maine and to use fecal DNA to determine if hard part analysis is an accurate representation of the occurrence of certain prey species in pinniped diets. This study, which will result in harassment of gray, harbor, harp, and hooded seals in coastal Maine through December 1, 2011, was modified to include collection of harbor seal scat and additional harassment of harbor seals. This amended GA LOC supercedes version 699-1891, issued on January 11, 2007. *File No. 481-1795-01:* Issued to Tamara McGuire, Ph.D., LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., 1101 East 76th Avenue, Suite B, Anchorage, AK 99516 on August 21, 2007, for aerial, vessel, and land-based surveys of belugas ( *Delphinapterus leucas* ) in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska. The study, which includes acoustic monitoring and incidental harassment during prey studies of belugas, is authorized until May 30, 2010. This study was modified to change the Principal Investigator from Dr. Tim Markowitz to Dr. McGuire. This amended GA LOC supercedes version 481-1795, issued on May 20, 2005. *File No. 10036:* Issued to Brent S. Stewart, Ph.D., J.D., Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109, on August 21, 2007, for studies of the breeding and vocal behavior of four species of seals in the Antarctic pack ice and fast ice of western Amundsen, Bellingshausen, and eastern Ross seas between September 1, and November 2, 2007. This study will result in takes of Ross seals ( *Ommatophoca rossii* ), crabeater seals ( *Lobodon carcinophaga* ), Weddell seals ( *Leptonychotes weddellii* ), and leopard seals ( *Hydrurga leptonyx* ). *File No. 699-1891-02:* Issued to Kathryn A. Ono, Ph.D., University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005 on August 24, 2007, for a study to determine the diet of seals off the coast of Maine and to use fecal DNA to determine if hard part analysis is an accurate representation of the occurrence of certain prey species in pinniped diets. This study, which will result in harassment of gray seals, harbor, harp, and hooded seals in coastal Maine through December 1, 2011, was modified to allow harassment of additional harbor and gray seals during scat collections. This amended GA LOC supercedes version 699-1891-01, issued on June 8, 2007. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), a final determination has been made that the activities are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Dated: October 9, 2007. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20231 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 0648-XD34 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of two Letters of Authorization. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued two 1-year Letters of Authorization

(LOAs)to take marine mammals by harassment incidental to the U.S. Navy's operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) sonar operations to the Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy, 2000 Navy Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and persons operating under his authority. DATES: Effective from August 16, 2007, through August 15, 2008. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Navy's July 11, 2007, LOA application letter, the LOAs, the Navy's 2006-2007 annual LOA report and the Navy's 2007 Comprehensive Report are available by writing to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation, and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225, by telephoning the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ), or online at: *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications* Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Hollingshead, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,

(301)713-2289 (ext 128). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ) directs the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a military readiness activity if certain findings are made and regulations are issued. Authorization may be granted for periods of 5 years or less if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses. In addition, NMFS must prescribe regulations that include permissible methods of taking and other means effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the species and its habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance. The regulations also must include requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Regulations governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to the U.S. Navy's operation of SURTASS LFA sonar were published on August 21, 2007 (72 FR 46846), and remain in effect through August 15, 2012. For detailed information on this action, please refer to that document. These regulations include mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for the incidental taking of marine mammals by the SURTASS LFA sonar system. Summary of LOA Request NMFS received an application from the U.S. Navy for two LOAs, one covering the *R/V Cory Chouest* and one the USNS IMPECCABLE, under the regulations issued on August 21, 2007 (72 FR 46846). The Navy requested that the LOAs become effective on August 16, 2007. The application requested authorization, for a period not to exceed 1 year, to take, by harassment, marine mammals incidental to employment of the SURTASS LFA sonar system for training, testing and routine military operations on the aforementioned ships in areas of the North Pacific Ocean. Due to the critical naval warfare requirements, the U.S. Navy has identified the necessity for both SURTASS LFA sonar vessels to be stationed in the North Pacific Ocean during the period of these LOAs. Monitoring and Reporting In compliance with the 2002-2007 SURTASS LFA sonar regulations, the Navy submitted an annual report for operations during 2006. The Navy also submitted a comprehensive report on SURTASS LFA sonar operations and the mitigation and monitoring activities conducted under the LOAs issued during that time period. A copy of these reports can be viewed and/or downloaded at: *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications* . Authorization NMFS has issued two LOAs to the U.S. Navy, authorizing the incidental harassment of marine mammals incidental to operating the two SURTASS LFA sonar systems for training, testing and routine military operations. Issuance of these two LOAs is based on findings, described in the preamble to the final rule (August 21, 2007, 72 FR 46846)) and supported by information contained in the Navy's required annual report on SURTASS LFA sonar, that the activities described under these two LOAs will have no more than a negligible impact on marine mammal stocks and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the affected by marine mammal stocks for subsistence uses. These LOAs remain valid through August 15, 2008, provided the Navy remains in conformance with the conditions of the regulations and the LOAs, and the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements described in 50 CFR 216.184-216.186 (August 21, 2007, 72 FR 46846) and in the LOAs are undertaken. Dated: October 2, 2007. James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20227 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 0648-XB13] Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of an incidental harassment authorization. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act

(MMPA)regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization

(IHA)to Eglin Air Force Base

(EAFB)for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (NEODS) training operations at EAFB, Florida. DATES: Effective from October 5, 2007, through October 4, 2008. ADDRESSES: A copy of the IHA and the application are available by writing to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation, and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225, or by telephoning the contact listed here. A copy of the application containing a list of references used in this document may be obtained by writing to this address, by telephoning the contact listed here ( FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ) or online at: *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm* . Documents cited in this notice may be viewed, by appointment, during regular business hours, at the aforementioned address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Daly or Jolie Harrison, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS,

(301)713-2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and

(D)of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ) direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a military readiness activity if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. Authorization for incidental takings will be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking are set forth. NMFS has defined “negligible impact” in 50 CFR 216.103 as: an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival. Subsection 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA established an expedited process by which citizens of the United States can apply for an authorization to incidentally take marine mammals by harassment. With respect to miltary readiness activities, harassment is defined as follows:

(i)any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or

(ii)any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]. Section 101(a)(5)(D) establishes a 30-day public notice and comment period on any proposed IHA. Within 45 days of the close of the comment period, NMFS must either issue or deny issuance of the authorization. Summary of Request On June 7, 2007, NMFS received an application from EAFB requesting re-issuance of their IHA for the harassment, by Level B harassment only, of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins ( *Tursiops truncatus* ) and Atlantic spotted dolphins ( *Stenella frontalis* ) incidental to NEODS training operations at EAFB, Florida, in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Each of up to six missions per year would include up to five live detonations of approximately 10-lb (4.6-kg) net explosive weight charges to occur in approximately 60-ft (18.3-m) deep water from one to three nm (1.9 to 5.6 km) off shore. EAFB was granted an IHA in 2005 and 2006 for this activity. Because the relative low cost and ease of use of mines lends itself to use by an array of transnational, rogue, and subnational adversaries that now pose the most immediate threat to American interests and because NEODS supports the Naval Fleet by providing training to personnel from all four armed services, civil officials, and military students from over 70 countries, this activity constitutes a “military readiness activity,” as defined in Section 315(f) of Public Law 107-314 (16 U.S.C. 703 note). Specified Activities The mission of NEODS is to train personnel to detect, recover, identify, evaluate, render safe, and dispose of unexploded ordnance

(UXO)that constitutes a threat to people, material, installations, ships, aircraft, and operations. The NEODS plans to utilize three areas within the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR), consisting of approximately 86,000 mi 2 (222,739 km 2 ) within the GOM and the airspace above, for Mine Countermeasures

(MCM)detonations, which involve mine-hunting and mine-clearance operations. The detonation of small, live explosive charges disables the function of the mines, which are inert for training purposes. The training would occur approximately one to three nautical miles

(nm)(1.9 to 5.6 km) offshore of Santa Rosa Island

(SRI)six times annually, at varying times within the year. Each of the six training classes would include one or two “Live Demolition Days.” During each set of Live Demolition Days, five inert mines would be placed in a compact area on the sea floor in approximately 60 ft (18.3 m) of water. Divers would locate the mines by hand-held sonars. The AN/PQS-2A hand-held acoustic locator has a sound pressure level

(SPL)of 178.5 re 1 μPascal @ 1 meter and the Dukane Underwater Acoustic Locator has a SPL of 157-160.5 re 1 μPascal @ 1 meter. Because output from these hand-held sound sources would attenuate to below any current threshold for protected species within approximately 10-15 m, noise impacts are not anticipated and are not addressed further in this analysis. Five charges packed with five lbs (2.3 kg) of C-4 explosive material will be set up adjacent to each of the mines. No more than five charges will be detonated over the 2-day period. Detonation times will begin no earlier than 2 hours after sunrise and end no later than 2 hours before dusk and charges utilized within the same hour period will have a maximum separation time of 20 minutes. Mine shapes and debris will be recovered and removed from the water when training is completed. A more detailed description of the work is contained in the application which is available upon request (see ADDRESSES ). Marine Mammals and Habitat Affected by the Activity Marine mammal species that potentially occur within the EGTTR include several species of cetaceans and the West Indian manatee. While a few manatees may migrate as far north from southern Florida (where there are generally confined in the winter) as Louisiana in the summer, they primarily inhabit coastal and inshore waters and rarely venture offshore. NEODS missions are conducted one to three nm (5.6 km) from shore and effects on manatees are therefore considered very unlikely. Accordingly, EAFB did not seek an incidental take authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has jurisdiction over manatees. Cetacean abundance estimates for the project area are derived from GulfCet II aerial surveys conducted from 1996 to 1998 over a 70,470 km 2 area, including nearly the entire continental shelf region of the EGTTR, which extends approximately 9 nm (16.7 km) from shore. The dwarf and pygmy sperm whales are not included in this analysis because their potential for being found near the project site is remote. Although Atlantic spotted dolphins do not normally inhabit nearshore waters, NMFS has included them in the analysis to ensure conservative mitigation measures are applied. The two marine mammal species expected to be affected by these activities, whose status and distribution were discussed in the proposed IHA (71 FR 43470; August 1, 2006), are the bottlenose dolphin ( *Tursiops truncatus* ) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin ( *Stenella frontalis* ). Further descriptions of the biology and local distribution of these species can be found in the application (see ADDRESSES ); other sources such as Wursig *et al.* (2000), and the NMFS Stock Assessments, can be viewed at: *http://www.NMFS.noaa.gov/pr/PR2/Stock_Assessment_Program/sars.html* . Potential Effects of Activities on Marine Mammals The primary potential impact to Atlantic bottlenose and the Atlantic spotted dolphins occurring in the EGTTR from the planned detonations is Level B harassment from noise. In the absence of any mitigation or monitoring measures, there is a very small chance that a marine mammal could be injured or killed when exposed to the energy generated from an explosive force on the sea floor. However, NMFS believes the required mitigation measures will preclude this possibility in the case of this particular activity. Analysis of NEODS noise impacts to cetaceans was based on criteria and thresholds initially presented in U.S. Navy Environmental Impact Statements for ship shock trials of the SEAWOLF submarine and the WINSTON CHURCHILL vessel and subsequently adopted by NMFS. Non-lethal injurious impacts (Level A Harassment) are defined in EAFB's application and this document as tympanic membrane

(TM)rupture and the onset of slight lung injury. The threshold for Level A Harassment corresponds to a 50-percent rate of TM rupture, which can be stated in terms of an energy flux density

(EFD)value of 205 dB re 1 μPa 2 s. TM rupture is well-correlated with permanent hearing impairment (Ketten

(1998)indicates a 30-percent incidence of permanent threshold shift

(PTS)at the same threshold). The zone of influence

(ZOI)(farthest distance from the source at which an animal is exposed to the EFD level referred to) for the Level A Harassment threshold is 52 m (172 ft). Level B (non-injurious) Harassment includes temporary (auditory) threshold shift (TTS), a slight, recoverable loss of hearing sensitivity. One criterion used for TTS is 182 dB re 1 μPa 2 s maximum EFD level in any 1/3-octave band above 100 Hz for toothed whales (e.g., dolphins). The ZOI for this threshold is 230 m (754 ft). A second criterion, 23 psi, has recently been established by NMFS for TTS when the explosive or animal approaches the sea surface, in which case explosive energy is reduced, but the peak pressure is not. The ZOI for 23 psi is 222 m (728 ft). NMFS will apply the more conservative of these two. Level B Harassment also includes behavioral modifications resulting from repeated noise exposures (below TTS) to the same animals (usually resident) over a relatively short period of time. Threshold criteria for this particular type of harassment are currently still under debate. One recommendation is a level of 6 dB below TTS (see 69 FR 21816, April 22, 2004), which would be 176 dB re 1 μPa 2 s. However, due to the infrequency of the detonations, the potential variability in target locations, and the continuous movement of marine mammals off the northern Gulf, NMFS believes that behavioral modification from repeated exposures to the same animal is highly unlikely. Comments and Responses On July 12, 2007, NMFS published in the **Federal Register** a notice of a proposed IHA for EAFB's request to take marine mammals incidental to NEODS training exercises in the GOM, and requested comments regarding this request (See 72 FR 38061). During the 30-day public comment period, NMFS received comments from the Marine Mammal Commission (Commission). *Comment 1:* The Commission recommends NMFS grant the requested authorizations provided that Eglin AFB conduct all practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to afford the potentially affected marine mammal species adequate protection from serious and lethal injury. *Response:* NMFS believes that the IHA includes all practicable monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid serious or lethal injury of marine mammals, and we believe that they will be effective. The radius around the site of the explosion where the animals could potentially be injured is 52 m, and animals would have to be significantly closer than that for the potential for serious injury or death to occur. MMOs will be monitoring a 460-m radius area for the entire 15 minutes leading up to the detonation and the operation will be postponed if animals are seen within the 230-dB ZOI or if large schools of fish, which could attract the delphinids, are seen within the ZOI. *Comment 2:* The Commission recommends that NEODS training operations be suspended immediately if a seriously injured or dead marine mammal is found in the vicinity of the operations and the death or injury could be attributable to the NEODS activities. Further,the Commission recommends that any suspension should remain in place until NMFS has

(1)reviewed the situation and determined that further deaths or serious injuries are unlikely to occur or

(2)issued regulations authorizing such takes under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA. *Response:* NMFS concurs with the Commission's recommendation and will include this provision in the IHA. *Comment 3:* The Commission also resubmitted the identical comments it submitted on the 2005 and 2006 NEODS IHA. *Response:* NMFS stated the Commission's concerns and addressed them in the **Federal Register** notice announcing the issuance of the 2005 IHA (70 FR 51341; August 30, 2005), and they may be referenced there. Numbers of Marine Mammals Estimated to be Harassed Estimates of the potential number of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins to be harassed by the training were calculated using the number of distinct firing or test events (maximum 30 per year), the ZOI for noise exposure, and the density of animals that potentially occur in the ZOI. The take estimates provided here do not include mitigation measures, which are expected to further minimize impacts to protected species and make injury or death highly unlikely. The estimated number of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins potentially taken through exposure to the Level A Harassment threshold (205 dB re 1 μPa 2 s), are less than one (0.22 and 0.19, respectively) annually. For Level B Harassment, two separate criteria were established, one expressed in dB re 1 μPa 2 s maximum EFD level in any 1/3-octave band above 100 Hz, and one expressed in psi. The estimated numbers of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins potentially taken through exposure to 182 dB are 4 and 3 individuals, respectively. The estimated numbers potentially taken through exposure to 23 psi are also 4 and 3 individuals, respectively. Possible Effects of Activities on Marine Mammal Habitat NMFS anticipates no loss or modification to the habitat used by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or Atlantic spotted dolphins in the EGTTR. The primary source of marine mammal habitat impact resulting from the NEODS missions is noise, which is intermittent (maximum 30 times per year) and of limited duration. The effects of debris (which will be recovered following test activities), ordnance, fuel, and chemical residues were analyzed in the NEODS Biological Assessment and the Air Force concluded that marine mammal habitat would not be affected. Mitigation and Monitoring Mitigation will consist primarily of surveying and taking action to avoid detonating charges when protected species are within the ZOI. A trained, NMFS-approved observerwill be staged from the highest point possible on a support ship and have proper lines of communication to the Officer in Tactical Command. The survey area will be 460 m (1509 ft) in every direction from the target, which is twice the radius of the ZOI for Level B Harassment (230 m (755 ft)). To ensure visibility of marine mammals to observers, NEODS missions will be delayed if whitecaps cover more than 50 percent of the surface or if conditions exceed a Beaufort 3 sea state. Pre-mission monitoring will be used to evaluate the test site for environmental suitability of the mission. Visual surveys will be conducted two hours, one hour, and the entire 15 minutes prior to the mission to verify that the ZOI (230 m (755 ft)) is free of visually detectable marine mammals and large schools of fish, and that the weather is adequate to support visual surveys. The observer will plot and record sightings, bearing, and time for all marine mammals detected, which would allow the observer to determine if the animal is likely to enter the test area during detonation. If a marine mammal appears likely to enter the test area during detonation, if large schools of fish are present, or if the weather is inadequate to support monitoring, the observer will declare the range fouled and the tactical officer will implement a hold until monitoring indicates that the test area is and will remain clear of detectable marine mammals. Monitoring of the test area will continue throughout the mission until the last detonation is complete. The mission would be postponed if:

(1)Any marine mammal is visually detected within the ZOI (230 m (755 ft)). The delay would continue until the animal that caused the postponement is confirmed to be outside the ZOI (visually observed swimming out of the range).

(2)Any marine mammal is detected in the ZOI and subsequently is not seen again. The mission would not continue until the last verified location is outside of the ZOI and the animal is moving away from the mission area.

(3)Large schools of fish are observed in the water within of the ZOI. The delay would continue until large fish schools are confirmed to be outside the ZOI. In the event of a postponement, pre-mission monitoring would continue as long as weather and daylight hours allow. If a charge fails to explode, mitigation measures would continue while operations personnel attempt to recognize and solve the problem (e.g., detonate the charge). Post-mission monitoring is designed to determine the effectiveness of pre-mission mitigation by reporting any sightings of dead or injured marine mammals. Post-detonation monitoring, concentrating on the area down current of the test site, would commence immediately following each detonation and continue for at least two hours after the last detonation. The monitoring team would document and report to the appropriate marine animal stranding network any marine mammals killed or injured during the test and, if practicable, recover and examine any dead animals. The species, number, location, and behavior of any animals observed by the teams would be documented and reported to the Officer in Tactical Command. Additionally, in the unlikely event that a seriously injured or dead marine mammal is found in the vicinity of the operations and the death or injury could be attributable to the NEODS activities, training operations will be suspended and NMFS contacted immediately. This suspension would remain in place until the Service has

(1)reviewed the situation and determined that further deaths or serious injuries are unlikely to occur or

(2)issued regulations authorizing such takes under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA. Reporting The Air Force will notify NMFS 2 weeks prior to initiation of each training session. Any takes of marine mammals other than those authorized by the IHA, as well as any injuries or deaths of marine mammals, will be reported to the Southeast Regional Administrator, NMFS, within 24 hours. A summary of mission observations and test results, including dates and times of detonations as well as pre- and post-mission monitoring observations, will be submitted to the Southeast Regional Office

(NMFS)and to the Division of Permits, Conservation, and Education, Office of Protected Resources

(NMFS)within 90 days after the completion of the last training session. Endangered Species Act In a Biological Opinion issued on October 25, 2004, NMFS concluded that the NEODS training missions and their associated actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or endangered species under the jurisdiction of NMFS or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat that has been designated for those species. NMFS has issued an incidental take statement

(ITS)for NEODS for sea turtles pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The ITS contains reasonable and prudent measures with implementing terms and conditions to minimize the effects of this take. This IHA action is within the scope of the previously analyzed action and does not change the action in a manner that was not considered previously. National Environmental Policy Act In 2005, NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment

(EA)on the Issuance of Authorizations to Take Marine Mammals, by Harassment, Incidental to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and subsequently issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). This IHA action is within the scope of the previously analyzed action and does not change the action in a manner that was not considered previously. Therefore, preparation of an EIS on this action is not required by NEPA or its implementing regulations. However, in 2007, a supplemental EA was prepared to address new information on the effects to EFH and cumulative impacts to the physical and biological environment from other EAFB activities. Conclusions NMFS has issued an IHA to the Air Force for the NEODS training missions to take place at EAFB over a 1-year period. The issuance of this IHA is contingent upon adherence to the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. NMFS has determined that the NEODS training, which entails up to six missions per year, including up to five live detonations per mission of approximately 5-lb (2.3 kg) net explosive weight charges to occur in approximately 60-foot (18 m) deep water from one to three nm off shore, will result in the Level B harassment of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins (less than 0.0002 percent of the population for each species, and perhaps 1-2 percent of an inshore stock of bottlenose dolphin, if one of them were harassed) and will have a negligible impact on these marine mammal species and stocks. While behavioral modifications may be made by Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins to avoid the resultant acoustic stimuli, when the potential density of dolphins in the area and the required mitigation and monitoring are taken into consideration NMFS does expect any injury or mortality to result. The effects of the NEODS training are expected to be limited to short-term and localized TTS-related behavioral changes. No rookeries, mating grounds, areas of concentrated feeding, or other areas of special significance for marine mammals occur within or near the NEODS test sites. Authorization As a result of these determinations, NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to the Air Force for NEODS training operations at EAFB, Florida, provided the previously mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements are incorporated. Dated: October 9, 2007. James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20230 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648-XD29 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings. DATES: The meetings will be held October 29 - November 1, 2007. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the Beau Rivage, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530. *Council address* : Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne E. Swingle, Executive Director, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; telephone:

(813)348-1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Council Wednesday, October 31, 2007 *2 p.m.* - The Council meeting will begin with a review the agenda and minutes. *2:15 pm - 4:15 p.m.* - Public testimony on exempted fishing permits (EFPs), if any, and Reef Fish Amendment 30A will be received. *4:15 - 5:15 p.m.* - An Open Public Comment Period regarding any fishery issue of concern will be held. People wishing to speak before the Council should complete a public comment card prior to the comment period. *5:15 - 5:30 p.m.* - A CLOSED SESSION on Personnel will be held. Thursday, November 1, 2007 The Council will review and discuss reports from the previous two days' committee meetings as follows: *8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.* - Reef Fish Management; *10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.* - Joint Reef Fish/Mackerel/Red Drum; *10:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.* - Data Collection; *11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.* - Budget/Personnel; *11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.* - Spiny Lobster/Stone Crab Management; *1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.* - Red Drum Management; *1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.* - Shrimp Management; *2 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.* - Habitat Protection. *2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.* - The Council will discuss Other Business items. *3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.* - The Council will conclude its meeting with Elections of Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Committees Monday, October 29, 2007 *9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.* - Orientation Session for New Members. *1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.* - The Reef Fish Management Committee will meet to discuss the Scoping Document for Reef Fish Amendment 29 (Grouper IFQ), a Report on Marine Reserves, an Ecosystem Modeling Workshop Report, a Preliminary Public Hearing Draft of Reef Fish Amendment 30B, and a Draft Red Snapper Allocation Discussion Document. Tuesday, October 30, 2007 *8 a.m. - 12 p.m.* - The Reef Fish Management Committee will continue with a review of Reef Fish Amendment 30A for Gray Triggerfish/Greater Amberjack and a Goliath Grouper Cooperative Research Project. *1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.* - The Joint Reef Fish/Mackerel/Red Drum Management Committee will meet to discuss a Generic Amendment for Regulation of Offshore Aquaculture. *2 p.m. - 3 p.m.* - The Data Collection Committee will meet to discuss reports by the SSC Select Committee on Revision of Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey (MRFSS). *3 p.m. - 4 p.m* . - Budget/Personnel Committee will meet to review the Status of 2007 Funding, the 2008 Council Operational Budget and hold a CLOSED SESSION on Personnel. *4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.* - The Red Drum Management Committee will meet to discuss Recommendations for Long-term Research by the Ad Hoc Review Panel for Red Drum. Wednesday, October 31, 2007 *8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.* - The Shrimp Management Committee will hear reports on the Status of the Shrimp Stocks and review data on the 2007 permits and effort. *11 a.m. - 12 p.m.* - The Habitat Protection Committee will meet to discuss the Texas and Mississippi/Louisiana Habitat Protection AP's recommendations. *1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.* - The Spiny Lobster/Stone Crab Management Committee will meet to discuss the Draft Public Scoping Document for Spiny Lobster Imported Size Limit. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agendas may come before the Council and Committees for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the Council and Committees will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agendas and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency. The established times for addressing items on the agenda may be adjusted as necessary to accommodate the timely completion of discussion relevant to the agenda items. In order to further allow for such adjustments and completion of all items on the agenda, the meeting may be extended from, or completed prior to the date established in this notice. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina Trezza at the Council (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. Dated: October 9, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20168 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648-XD31 North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Halibut Charter Stakeholder Committee. SUMMARY: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council Charter Halibut Stakeholder Committee will meet in Anchorage, AK. DATES: The meetings will be held October 31 through November 2, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the North Pacific Research Board, 1007 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99501. *Council address* : North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501-2252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane DiCosimo, Council staff, telephone:

(907)271-2809. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee will review background documents and recommendations on permanent solution alternatives for analysis, as well as review actions taken by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council at its meeting on October 5, 2007. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Gail Bendixen at

(907)271-2809 at least 7 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: October 9, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20170 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648-XD30 Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Salmon Advisory Subpanel

(SAS)will hold a work session by telephone conference, which is open to the public, to develop recommendations for the November 2007 Council meeting. DATES: The telephone conference will be held Tuesday, October 30, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ADDRESSES: A listening station will be available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Small Conference Room, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220-1384; telephone:

(503)820-2280. *Council address* : Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220-1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Chuck Tracy, Salmon Manag ement Staff Officer, Pacific Fishery Management Council:

(503)820-2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the work session is to review information in the Council's November meeting briefing book related to salmon management, and to develop comments and recommendations for consideration at the September Council meeting. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may come before the SAS for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal SAS action during this meeting. SAS 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 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the SAS's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Carolyn Porter at

(503)820-2280 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: October 9, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20169 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN: 0648-XD28 Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a joint meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Habitat and Environmental Protection Advisory Panel and Coral Advisory Panel. SUMMARY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a joint meeting of its Habitat and Environmental Protection Advisory Panel and Coral Advisory Panel in Charleston, SC. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . DATES: The joint meeting will take place November 7-9, 2007. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION . ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Charleston Marriott Hotel, 170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC; telephone:

(800)968-3569 or

(843)723-3000; fax:

(843)723-0276. *Council address* : South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC, 29405 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer; telephone:

(843)571-4366 or toll free:

(866)SAFMC-10; fax:

(843)769-4520; email: *kim.iverson@safmc.net* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Members of the Habitat AP and Coral AP will meet from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on November 7, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on November 8, 2007, and from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on November 9, 2007. Items for discussion at the joint advisory panel meeting include discussion and recommendations on proposed actions under the Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment including: Establishment of Deepwater Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concerns (HAPCs), compliance with the Essential Fish Habitat

(EFH)Final Rule, Allowable Gear Areas for deepwater trawls, designation of areas within the proposed Coral HAPCs where golden crab traps can continue to be used, and discussion and recommendations on new EFH and EFH-HAPC designations. In addition, the advisory panels will review, to the extent possible, the material in the draft Fishery Ecosystem Plan and provide recommendations on EFH conservation and restoration and regional data needs. The advisory panels will also update the Council's Energy Policy to highlight environmental information needs for Alternative Energy development. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. equests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES ) 3 days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Dated: October 9, 2007. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E7-20167 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (hereinafter the “Corporation”), has submitted the following public information collection request

(ICR)to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of the ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Brooke Nicholas, 202-606-6627. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY-TDD) may call

(202)565-2799 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in this **Federal Register** :

(1)*By fax to:*

(202)395-6974, Attention: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; and

(2)*Electronically by e-mail to: Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov* . *Comments:* A 60-day public comment Notice was published in the **Federal Register** on August 2, 2007. The comment period for this notice has elapsed and no comments were received. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Description:* The Corporation is strongly committed to making its performance measurement and management systems more results oriented in order to strengthen the accountability and performance of its programs. As part of its effort to do so, there is a need to collect outcome information regarding the Corporation's AmeriCorps programs consisting of AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). Information on program performance will be informed by a series of surveys of a sample of AmeriCorps members and sub-grantee organizations that deliver services. The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Corporation, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. *Type of Review:* Renewal. *Agency:* Corporation for National and Community Service. *Title:* Performance Measurement in AmeriCorps. *OMB Number:* 3045-0094. *Frequency:* Annual. *Affected Public:* Individuals and households, community and faith-based organizations, non-profits, state and local government and education institutions. *Number of Respondents:* 10,000. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* Ten minutes *Total Burden Hours:* 1,667 hours. *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* None. *Total Annual Cost (operating/maintaining systems or purchasing services):* None. Dated: October 4, 2007. LaMonica Shelton, Associate Director for Policy and Communications, Department of Research and Policy Development. [FR Doc. E7-20085 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary of Defense Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Quarterly Meeting Notice AGENCY: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). ACTION: Quarterly meeting notice. SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended) and the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended) announcement of the following meeting: *Name of Committee:* Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. *Date of Meeting:* November 6, 2007. *Location:* Board of Regents Conference Room (D3001), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. *Times:* 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Open Session). 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed Session). *Proposed Agenda:* The actions that will take place include the approval of minutes from the Board of Regents Meeting held August 7, 2007; acceptance of administrative reports; approval of faculty appointments and promotions; and the awarding of post-baccalaureate degrees as follows: Masters of Science in Nursing, and masters and doctoral degrees in the biomedical sciences and public health. The President, USU; Dean, USU School of Medicine; Acting Dean, USU Graduate School of Nursing; Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute; and the Director, U.S. Military Cancer Institute will also present reports. These actions are necessary for the University to remain an accredited medical school and to pursue its mission, which is to provide outstanding health care practitioners and scientists to the uniformed services. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Federal statute and regulations (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165) and the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. Interested persons may submit a written statement for consideration by the Board of Regents. Individuals persons may submit a written statement for consideration by the Board of Regents. Individuals submitting a written statement must submit their statement to the Designated Federal Officer at the address detailed above. If such statement is not received at least 10 calendar days prior to the meeting, it may not be provided to or considered by the Board of Regents until its next open meeting. The Designated Federal Officer will review all timely submissions with the Board of Regents Chair and ensure such submissions are provided to Board of Regents Members before the meeting. After reviewing the written comments, submitters may be invited to orally present their issues during the open portion of the November 2007 meeting or at a future meeting. *For further Information and Base Access Procedures Contact:* Janet S. Taylor, Designated Federal Officer, 301.295.3066. Dated: October 9, 2007. L.M. Bynum, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, DoD. [FR Doc. 07-5064 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am]

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