Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, propose to designate critical habitat for the Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei) by designating waters from the 100 meter (m) isobath to the 400 m isobath in the Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have considered economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designation. We are not excluding any particular area from the critical habitat designation. We seek comments on all aspects of the proposed critical habitat designation and will consider information received before issuing a final designation.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Parts 224 and 226 [Docket No. 230711-0164] RIN 0648-BL86 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments and notice of public hearing. SUMMARY: We, NMFS, propose to designate critical habitat for the Rice's whale ( Balaenoptera ricei ) by designating waters from the 100 meter (m) isobath to the 400 m isobath in the Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have considered economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designation. We are not excluding any particular area from the critical habitat designation. We seek comments on all aspects of the proposed critical habitat designation and will consider information received before issuing a final designation. DATES: Comments due: Written comments and information must be received by September 22, 2023. ( printed page 47454) Public hearings: Virtual public hearings will be held on August 24, 2023, and August 30, 2023. Requests for additional public hearings must be made in writing by September 7, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit data, information, or comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2023-0028, as well as the supporting documents, by the following methods: Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://…
Citation: 88 FR 47453
