Department of Commerce October 12, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 5-year review of Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on Johnson's seagrass that has become available since its original listing as a threatened species in 1998. Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the requisite findings under the ESA.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat/Marine Protected Area (MPA)/ Ecosystem Committee meeting in October, 2006, 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.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or sanctuary). The revised regulations prohibit anchoring in the sanctuary, restrict all fishing except that conducted by rod and reel, handline, or spearfishing gear without powerheads, and requires all other forms of fishing gear to be stowed and not available for immediate use when a vessel with such gear is in the sanctuary.

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Atka mackerel with gears other than jig in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2006 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) specified for gears other than jig in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.

The Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following three vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): University education, Living resources research, and Georgia conservation. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.