[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 149 (Monday, August 4, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 41951] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-20484] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 071497C] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife: Draft Recovery Plan for Shortnose Sturgeon AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is announcing the availability of the draft recovery plan for shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum). NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public on the draft plan, and will consider these comments in the approval of a final recovery plan. DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or before September 3, 1997. ADDRESSES: Request a copy of the draft recovery plan from Mary Colligan, Habitat and Protected Resources Division, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Written comments and materials regarding the plan should also be directed to Mary Colligan at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Colligan at 508-281-9116. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, is an endangered fish species that occurs in large coastal rivers of eastern North America. It inhabits 18 rivers ranging from the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Canada to the St. Johns River, Fl. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires NMFS to develop and implement recovery plans for most species that are listed under the ESA as threatened or endangered and that are under the jurisdiction of NMFS. In May 1997, the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery Team submitted its final draft of the recovery plan to NMFS. The draft recovery plan includes a synopsis of the biology and distribution of shortnose sturgeon, a description of factors affecting species recovery, an outline of actions needed to recover the species and an implmentation schedule for completing specific recovery tasks. Public Comments Solicited NMFS intends that the final recovery plan will take advantage of information and recommendations from all interested parties. Therefore, comments and suggestions are solicited from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, and any other person concerned with the draft recovery plan. Dated: July 30, 1997. Patricia A. Montanio, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 97-20484 Filed 8-1-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-F