[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 52 (Monday, March 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14227-14228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5311]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)


Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of 
Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments

AGENCY: NOAA, Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice of availability and solicitation of public comments on 
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of 
Marine Protected Areas.

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SUMMARY: NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) jointly propose 
the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of 
Marine Protected Areas (Revised Draft Framework), as required by 
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This Revised 
Draft Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts 
among federal, state, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to 
develop an effective National System of MPAs (National System) from 
existing sites, build coordination and collaborative efforts, and 
identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural 
and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation's MPA 
authorities. The document further provides the guiding principles, key 
definitions, goals, and objectives for the National System, based on 
the breadth of input received from MPA stakeholders and governmental 
partners around the nation over the past several years. The intent of 
this document is to summarize and respond to comments received on the 
initial draft document during the September 2006 through February 2007 
public comment period, and solicit additional public input on the 
proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to develop a final document 
that meets the nation's interests in the National System. The Revised 
Draft Framework incorporates significant modifications based on due 
consideration of all comments and recommendations received on the 
initial draft document. At the end of the comment period on this 
Revised Draft Framework, NOAA will publish the final Framework, again 
with consideration of input received.

DATES: Comments must be received before 11:59 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2008.

ADDRESSES: All comments regarding the Revised Draft Framework should be 
submitted to Joseph Uravitch, National MPA Center, N/ORM, NOAA, 1305 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Comments sent via e-
mail should be sent to [email protected], and all comments sent by 
fax should be sent to 301-713-3110. E-mail and fax comments should 
state ``Revised Draft Framework Comments'' in the subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all questions and 
requests for additional information concerning the Revised Draft 
Framework, as well as for paper copies of the document to: Lauren 
Wenzel, NOAA, at 301-713-3100, or via e-mail at [email protected]. 
E-mail requests should state either ``Question'' or ``Paper Copy 
Request'' in the subject line. An electronic copy of the Revised Draft 
Framework is available for download at http://www.mpa.gov/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Protected Areas Center (MPA 
Center), in cooperation with the Department of the Interior (DOI), has 
developed this Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National 
System of MPAs (Revised Draft Framework) to meet requirements under 
Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas. The purpose of this 
notice is to solicit additional input and comments on the Revised Draft 
Framework from governments and stakeholders in order to ensure that the 
final document represents the diversity of the nation's interests in 
the marine environment and MPAs. The Revised Draft Framework 
incorporates significant modifications based on due consideration of 
comments and recommendations received on the initial draft document 
during the September 2006 through February 2007 public comment period.
    Increasing impacts on the world's oceans from development, 
overfishing, a changing climate, and natural events are straining the 
health of coastal, Great Lakes, and marine ecosystems. Impacts to these 
intricately balanced environments include declining fish populations, 
degradation of coral reefs and other vital habitats, threats to rare or 
endangered species, and loss of

[[Page 14228]]

artifacts and areas that represent the United States' (U.S.) diverse 
cultural heritage. The effects of these losses are significant and 
jeopardize the social and economic fabric of the nation.
    In the U.S. and around the world, marine protected areas (MPA) are 
increasingly recognized as an important and promising management tool 
for mitigating or buffering these impacts. When used effectively and as 
a part of a broader ecosystem-based approach to management, MPAs can 
help to restore and maintain healthy Great Lakes and marine 
environments by contributing to the overall protection of critical 
marine habitats and resources. In this way, effective MPAs also can 
offer social and economic opportunities for current and future 
generations, such as tourism, biotechnology, fishing, education, and 
scientific research.
    There are nearly 2,000 existing MPAs in the U.S. that have been 
established by federal, state, territorial, and local governments to 
protect and conserve the nation's rich natural and cultural marine 
heritage and sustainable production resources. These MPAs have been 
designated to achieve a myriad of conservation objectives, ranging from 
conservation of biodiversity hotspots, to preservation of sunken 
historic vessels, to protection of spawning aggregations important to 
commercial and recreational fisheries. Similarly, the level of 
protection provided by these MPAs ranges from no-take marine reserves 
to allowing multiple uses, including fishing.
    Recognizing the significant role that U.S. MPAs play in conserving 
marine heritage and sustainable use, and the lack of a national 
framework for comprehensive MPA planning, coordination and support, 
Presidential Executive Order 13158 (Order) calls for the development a 
National System of Marine Protected Areas (national system). The Order 
clearly calls for a national and not a federal system, and requires 
collaboration with federal agencies, as well as coastal states and 
territories, tribes, Federal Fishery Management Councils, and other 
entities, as appropriate, including the MPA Federal Advisory Committee. 
It further specifies that the national system be scientifically based, 
comprehensive, and represent the nation's diverse marine ecosystems and 
natural and cultural resources.
    In order to provide a roadmap for building the national system, the 
Order calls for the development of a framework for a national system of 
MPAs and establishes the MPA Center within NOAA to lead its development 
and implementation. This Revised Draft Framework is the second draft. 
The first draft Framework has been revised with due consideration of 
over 11,000 comments and recommendations received during its September 
2006 to March 2007 public comment period.
    The intent of this document is to summarize and respond to comments 
received on the initial draft document during the September 2006 
through February 2007 public comment period, and solicit additional 
public input on the proposed Revised Draft Framework in order to 
develop a final document that meets the nation's interests in the 
National System. When submitting comments on the Revised Draft 
Framework, please remember that comments submitted by e-mail are 
preferred; however, those submitted by mail and fax will also be 
accepted.

Classification

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This action is not a regulatory action subject to E.O. 12866 (58 FR 
51735, October 4, 1993).

Energy Effects

    NOAA and DOI have determined that this action will have no effect 
on energy supply, distribution, or use and is therefore not a 
``significant energy action'' as defined by Executive Order 13211 (66 
FR 28355, May 18, 2001). No Statement of Energy Effects is required and 
therefore none has been prepared.

Government to Government Relationship With Tribes

    E.O. 13175--Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments--outlines the responsibilities of the Federal Government 
regarding its policies with tribal implications, i.e., regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes (65 FR 67249, November 
9, 2000). Pursuant to E.O. 13175, we will consult with tribal 
governments as the National System is developed.

Administrative Procedure Act

    Pursuant to authority at 5 U.S.C. 533(b)(A), prior notice and an 
opportunity for public comment are not required to be given, as this 
document concerns agency procedure or practice. Nevertheless, NOAA and 
DOI want the benefit of the public's comment and are hereby giving 
prior notice and opportunity for public comment.

    Dated: March 6, 2008.
John H. Dunnigan,
Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-5311 Filed 3-14-08; 8:45 am]
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