National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 50 of 444
Draft Updated Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing-Underwater and In-Air Criteria for Onset of Auditory Injury and Temporary Threshold Shifts (Version 3.0)
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announces the availability of our draft Update to: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 3.0): Underwater and In-Air Criteria for Onset of Auditory Injury and Temporary Threshold Shifts (draft Updated Technical Guidance) for public comment. The draft Updated Technical Guidance assesses the effects of anthropogenic sound on marine mammal species under NMFS's jurisdiction. The draft Updated Technical Guidance provides updated received levels and auditory weighting functions, or acoustic criteria, above which individual marine mammals, in-air and underwater, are predicted to experience changes in their hearing sensitivity (auditory injury or temporary threshold shift) for all anthropogenic sound sources. Once finalized, the Updated Technical Guidance will replace NMFS's current 2018 Revisions to: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (Version 2.0): Underwater Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold Shifts (2018 Revised Technical Guidance).
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Skagway Ore Terminal Redevelopment Project in Skagway, Alaska
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a modified incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Municipality of Skagway (MOS) to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction associated with the Ore Terminal redevelopment project in Skagway, Alaska.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Gear Considerations
NMFS announces the availability of a scoping document to consider changes to gear regulations and requirements in fisheries targeting Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS). While management measures implemented since 1999 have helped achieve fishery management and conservation goals, the combination of over two decades of gear- specific measures may have had unanticipated consequences. Changes in species distribution, fishing gears, fishing techniques, market conditions, and fishing interests may warrant a reexamination of some gear-specific management measures to see if they are still meeting applicable goals. NMFS requests comments on the options presented in the scoping document as well as additional ideas that may warrant consideration.
Marine Mammals; File No. 27597
Notice is hereby given that the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML), 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 (Responsible Party: John Bengston, Ph.D.) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ecosystem Advisory Subpanel (EAS) is holding an online meeting, which is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) staff will provide an online briefing on the Executive Director's recommendations on Pacific Council operations and priorities. This online briefing is open to the public.
Marine Mammals; File No. 27514-01
Notice is hereby given that Heather E. Liwanag, Ph.D., California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0401, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 27514.
Schedule for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Outreach Workshops; Correction
NMFS has rescheduled the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Outreach Workshop originally scheduled for May 2, 2024 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. This workshop was announced in the Federal Register on April 29, 2024. NMFS has rescheduled the HMS Outreach Workshop for May 2, 2024 at a new time and location in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for Commercial Fisheries Authorization Under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 66
This action approves and implements Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This rule sets catch limits for 8 of the 20 multispecies stocks, modifies the accountability measure (AM) implementation catch threshold for Atlantic halibut, and makes a temporary modification to the AM implementation catch threshold for the scallop fishery for Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan. The measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Citizen Science Operations Committee via webinar May 22, 2024.
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) for activities conducted under the General Authorization for scientific research on marine mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and addresses of recipients.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) renewal application from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the applicant. Regulations under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Proposed Rule To Modify the Duration of Certain Permits and Letters of Confirmation Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
NMFS proposes to modify the regulations for Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) section 104 permits, including scientific research, enhancement, photography, and public display permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs). The modification would remove the 5- year regulatory limitation on the duration of section 104 permits and LOCs. This would give NMFS the discretion to issue these permits for longer than 5 years where such a duration would be appropriate. This proposed rule would apply only to permits and authorizations issued under section 104 of the MMPA.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a webinar meeting of its Groundfish Management Team (GMT) and its Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP). The GAP and the GMT will discuss items on the Pacific Council's June 2024 meeting agenda. These meetings are open to the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Trawl Sablefish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea subarea and the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2024 sablefish total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea subarea and the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI.
Pacific Islands Pelagic Fisheries; American Samoa Longline Limited Entry Program
NMFS announces that 34 American Samoa pelagic longline limited entry permits in two permit size classes are available for 2024. NMFS is accepting applications for these available permits.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 96 assessment for SE yellowtail snapper will consist of a series of webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 87 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico white, pink, and brown shrimp will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2024 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the red grouper recreational sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2024 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has projected that the 2024 recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red grouper will have been reached by July 1, 2024. Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational sector for Gulf red grouper on July 1, 2024, and it will remain closed through the end of the fishing year on December 31, 2024. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf red grouper resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Federal Salmon Regulations for Overfished Species Rebuilding Plans
NMFS is revising regulations that implement the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This final action removes the rebuilding plan for Snohomish River coho salmon from regulation, as this stock has been rebuilt and is no longer required to be managed under a rebuilding plan.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet Salmon; Amendment 16
NMFS issues this final rule to implement amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Salmon Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Off Alaska (Salmon FMP). Amendment 16 and this final rule establish Federal fishery management for all salmon fishing that occurs in the Cook Inlet EEZ, which includes commercial drift gillnet and recreational salmon fishery sectors. This action is necessary to comply with rulings from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, and to ensure the Salmon FMP is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Salmon FMP, and other applicable laws.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Marine Sanctuary Nominations
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. This notice pertains to a requested renewal of the approved collection of information for national marine sanctuary nominations. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Cook Inlet Salmon; Public Outreach Meetings
NMFS will hold two in person public meetings and one webinar regarding Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Off Alaska (Salmon FMP). Amendment 16 establishes Federal management for the salmon fishery in the Federal (i.e., EEZ) waters of upper Cook Inlet.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), notification is hereby given that NMFS has modified the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to WesternGeco for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the GOM.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting, and 2024 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation
NMFS issues this proposed rule for the 2024 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 (Whiting Act), and other applicable laws. This proposed rule would establish the domestic 2024 harvest specifications for Pacific whiting including the 2024 tribal allocation for the Pacific whiting fishery, the non-tribal sector allocations, and set-asides for incidental mortality in research activities and non-groundfish fisheries. The proposed measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, achieve optimum yield, ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available, and provide for the implementation of tribal treaty fishing rights.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council's is convening its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) via webinar to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public webinar of its Risk Policy Working Group to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This meeting will be held in-person with a webinar option. Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John; Framework Amendment 2
NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in Framework Amendment 2 to each of the Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). This final rule modifies annual catch limits (ACLs) for spiny lobster in the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John. The purpose of this final rule is to update management reference points for spiny lobster under the FMPs, consistent with the best scientific information available to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield (OY).
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The MAFMC will hold a public meeting (webinar) of its Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda details.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee meeting will be held on May 17, 2024.
Council Coordination Committee Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) will host a meeting of the Council Coordination Committee (CCC) consisting of eight Regional Fishery Management Council (RFMC) chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors and its subcommittees from May 21 to May 23, 2024. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the Councils and NMFS, including issues related to the implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSA), other topics of concern to the RFMC, and decisions and follow-up activities.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coral Reef Conservation Program
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. This notice pertains to a revision and extension of the approved collection of information for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Solicitation of Membership Nominations for the Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space (ACES)
NOAA is seeking up to 25 individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space (ACES), a Federal advisory committee. Members of the committee will evaluate economic, technological, and institutional developments relating to nongovernmental space activities and submit advice and recommendations on promising new ideas and approaches for Federal policies and programs. The ACES membership should consist of a variety of space policy, engineering, technical, science, legal, and finance professionals with significant experience in the commercial space industry.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2024 and 2025 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish; 2024 Rockfish Program Cooperative Allocations
NMFS is providing notification for the Rockfish Program cooperative allocations as described in the final rule that published on March 4, 2024, implementing the final 2024 and 2025 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). These allocations are necessary to provide the Rockfish Program cooperative amounts for 2024, thus allowing commercial fishermen to maximize their economic opportunities in this fishery. This notification comports with the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the GOA (GOA FMP).
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Archipelagic Plan Team (APT) and Pelagic Plan Team (PPT) to discuss fishery management issues and develop recommendations for future management of fisheries in the Western Pacific Region.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC) will meet May 13, 2024 through May 14, 2024.
Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center; Correction
NMFS is correcting the link that was in the ADDRESSES of the Notice of Availability to the "Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center." This notice provides a correction to that website address; all other information is unchanged. The correct weblink is https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/draft- supplemental-programmatic-environmental-assessment-fisheries- research- conducted-and-0.
Schedule for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Outreach Workshops
Five free Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Outreach Workshops will be held from April 29, 2024 through May 3, 2024 in locations across Puerto Rico. These workshops are being offered to be responsive to stakeholder requests for additional outreach in Puerto Rico and U.S. Caribbean communities. The objectives of the HMS Outreach Workshops are to educate fishers, dealers, and the general public on HMS regulations, distribute outreach materials, and assist fishers in applying for HMS permits.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2024 and 2025 Summer Flounder and Scup, and 2024 Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures
NMFS announces Federal management measures for the 2024 and 2025 summer flounder fishery and the 2024 black sea bass recreational fishery. The implementing regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to publish recreational measures for each fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to set management measures that allow the recreational fisheries to achieve, but not exceed, the recreational harvest targets and thereby prevent overfishing.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Crab Plan Team (BSAI CPT) will meet May 14, 2024 to May 16, 2024.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold four port meetings gathering input on Atlantic king mackerel and Atlantic Spanish mackerel as managed by the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a Seminar Series presentation on Electronic Self-Reporting Programs in Recreational Fisheries via webinar on May 14, 2024.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 79 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic mutton snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Permanent Advisory Committee To Advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission; Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a public meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee (PAC) to advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC) on May 13, 2024. Meeting topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Safe Handling and Release Practices for Sharks on Longline Vessels and Revision to Vessel Monitoring System Requirements in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
NMFS is proposing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, as amended, to implement Resolutions C-23-07 (Conservation Measures for the Protection and Sustainable Management of Sharks) and C-23-11 (On the Establishment of a Vessel Monitoring System) adopted by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) at its meeting in August 2023 in Victoria, Canada. This proposed rule would implement provisions of these Resolutions and would require U.S. longline vessels fishing for tuna or tuna-like species in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) that have incidental shark catch to release sharks by leaving them in the water and cutting the branchline so that less than 1 meter remains on each animal. The proposed rule would also require large vessels fishing for tuna or tuna-like species in the EPO to make manual reports every six hours in the event of a malfunctioning vessel monitoring system (VMS) unit. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
