[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 98 (Monday, May 24, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27834-27835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10814]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XB100]


Marianas Trench Marine National Monument; Monument Management 
Plan; Extension of Public Comment Period

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

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The FWS and NOAA are extending by 60 days the comment period 
for 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: The public comment period is extended by 60 days to July 26, 
2021. Comments must be received by July 26 2021, as specified under 
ADDRESSES. Comments received after this date may not be accepted.

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 http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=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/

[[Page 27835]]

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: On February 24, 2021, NMFS published a 
notice of availability of a draft MMP for the Monument (86 FR 11238). 
Presidential Proclamation 8335 (January 12, 2009, 74 FR 1557) 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.
    The 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 NMFS policies. The draft MMP 
includes an environmental assessment to evaluate the potential 
environmental impacts of implementing the MMP. The FWS and NMFS 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 NMFS seek comments on the draft MMP and EA. We will 
consider comments received when deciding whether to approve or modify 
the MMP. The original public comment period for the notice of 
availability of the MMP was scheduled to close on May 25, 2021. In 
response to a request from Mr. Ralph D.L.G. Torres, Governor of the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the FWS and NMFS are 
extending the comment period for 60 days, and are accepting public 
comments through July 26, 2021. The public may submit comments as 
described under ADDRESSES.

    Dated: May 18, 2021.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10814 Filed 5-21-21; 8:45 am]
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