[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 24, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11238-11239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03642]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XA804]


Marianas Trench Marine National Monument; Monument Management 
Plan

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Interior; National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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[[Page 11239]]

SUMMARY: The FWS and NOAA announce the availability of a draft monument 
management plan (MMP) for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument 
(Monument). The draft MMP describes proposed goals, objectives, and 
strategies for managing the Monument over a 15-year period.

DATES: We must receive comments by May 25, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2021-0003, by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2021-0003, click the ``Comment 
Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your 
comments.
     Mail: Send written comments to Superintendent, Marianas 
Trench Marine National Monument, P.O. Box 8134, MOU-3, Dededo, GU 
96912.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).
    The draft MMP includes an environmental assessment (EA) of the 
potential impacts of the MMP on the human environment. You may review 
the draft MMP and EA at www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Summers, FWS, (671) 355-5096, or 
Heidi Hirsh, NOAA, (808) 725-5016.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Monument was established by Presidential 
Proclamation 8335 (January 12, 2009, 74 FR 1557). The Secretaries of 
the Interior and Commerce share responsibility for managing the 
Monument, and the Proclamation requires the Secretaries of the Interior 
and Commerce to prepare management plans and promulgate implementing 
regulations that address specific actions necessary for the proper care 
and management of the Monument.
    This draft MMP includes elements similar to a National Wildlife 
Refuge System Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), and we are 
conducting the planning process for those elements in a manner similar 
to the CCP planning and public involvement process. The National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Refuge 
Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended by the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the FWS to 
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. This draft MMP would 
incorporate CCP requirements and would define each agency's management 
roles and responsibilities.
    The draft MMP lays out the goals, objectives, and proposed 
management activities for the next 15 years, consistent with sound 
principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal 
mandates, and consistent with FWS and NOAA policies. The draft MMP 
includes an environmental assessment to evaluate the potential 
environmental impacts of implementing the MMP. The FWS and NOAA would 
review and update the MMP at least every 15 years, in accordance with 
the Refuge Administration Act.
    More information about the Monument's history, wildlife, and 
habitats is available in a Notice of Intent published on April 5, 2011 
(76 FR 18773).
    The FWS and NOAA seek comments on the draft MMP and EA. We will 
consider comments received when deciding whether to approve or modify 
the MMP.

    Dated: February 18, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03642 Filed 2-23-21; 8:45 am]
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