National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2025 Recreational Fishing Season Announcement and Closure for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
Document Number: 2025-08723
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the 2025 recreational fishing season for blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Announcing the length of the recreational fishing season is the accountability measure (AM) for the recreational sector. NMFS estimates that recreational landings of blueline tilefish will reach the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) during the 2025 fishing year. NMFS announces the season length and closure date for the recreational harvest of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic to allow recreational fishermen to maximize their opportunities while NMFS manages recreational harvest to protect the blueline tilefish resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2025 Specifications and Management Measures
Document Number: 2025-08741
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through this final rule, NMFS establishes fishery management measures for the ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California for the season beginning May 16, 2025, and ending May 15, 2026 (the 2025 ocean salmon fishing season), under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The fishery management measures include fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, harvest guidelines, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Washington, Oregon, and California. These measures are intended to prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from the fishery, to provide for the exercise of federally recognized fishing rights by West Coast Indian Tribes, to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement, and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among non-Indian commercial and recreational fisheries.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ice Road and Ice Trail Construction, Operation, and Maintenance Activities on Alaska's North Slope
Document Number: 2025-08762
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to ice road and trail construction, operation, and maintenance activities along the Beaufort Sea coast, Alaska, for a period of 5 years (2025-2030). Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of Hilcorp's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on Hilcorp's application and request.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Narwhal, LLC Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in West Harrison Bay, Alaska
Document Number: 2025-08672
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Narwhal, LLC (Narwhal) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and gas exploration activities in west Harrison Bay, Alaska. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Fisheries Research
Document Number: 2025-08349
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS' Office of Protected Resources (OPR), upon request from NMFS' Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), hereby issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to fisheries research conducted in multiple specified geographical regions over the course of 5 years. These regulations, which allow for the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and specified timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Upon publication of this final rule, NMFS will issue an LOA to PIFSC for the effective period of the final rule.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28847
Document Number: 2025-08625
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Allyson Hindle, Ph.D., University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, MS 4004, Las Vegas, NV 89154, has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export parts from marine mammals for scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2025-08619
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application 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 New England Marine Monitoring. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and 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.
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Letters of Confirmation
Document Number: 2025-08515
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28860
Document Number: 2025-08520
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Natural History and Factual Productions Ltd. and BBC Studios Americas Inc., (Responsible Party: Sarah Conner), Bridgewater House, Counterslip, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6BX, United Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on pinnipeds.
Spring Meeting of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
Document Number: 2025-08421
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) announces its annual spring meeting, to be held in a hybrid format June 2-3, 2025.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2025-08373
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its Social Science Planning Committee (SSPC), American Samoa Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Advisory Panel (AP), Mariana Archipelago FEP Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) AP, Hawaii Archipelago and Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIA) FEP AP, Mariana Archipelago FEP Guam AP, and Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) to discuss and make recommendations on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2025-2026 Specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2025-08368
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2025-2026 specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This action proposes new 2025 and projected 2026 butterfish fishery specifications, and reaffirmed 2025 chub mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications. The proposed specifications are intended to establish allowable harvest levels that will prevent overfishing, consistent with the most recent scientific information. This action would also adjust the minimum square mesh size for directed butterfish trawl trips; account for a 2024 Atlantic mackerel annual catch limit overage (if applicable); and correct existing regulations.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Pile Driving Training Exercises at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme
Document Number: 2025-08357
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the United States Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with pile driving training exercises at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme (NBVC). The Navy's activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08402
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will hold an online meeting of its Ad Hoc Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries Innovation Workgroup (FIW) to discuss procedures to facilitate the development of new HMS gears and achieve the goals of the HMS Roadmap. This meeting is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08396
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold an online public meeting.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08395
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad- Hoc Klamath River Fall Chinook Workgroup (KRWG) will hold an online meeting.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2025-08392
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08383
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee (PNCIAC) will meet on May 27, 2025.
Marine Mammals; File No. 26663
Document Number: 2025-08380
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Alaska Whale Foundation, P.O. Box 1927, Petersburg, AK 99833 (Responsible Party: Andy Szabo, Ph.D.), has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 26663-01.
Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08377
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a two- day meeting to consider actions affecting the Gulf of America fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The meeting is open to the public offering both in-person (limited seating) and virtual options for participation.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan, Oregon and Washington
Document Number: 2025-08231
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to implementation of the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan in Oregon and Washington over 5 years (2027-2032). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities and timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2025-08306
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received plans for twelve hatchery programs rearing and releasing Chinook salmon in the Nooksack River basin and Strait of Georgia. The plans describe hatchery programs operated by the Lummi Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in collaboration with the Nooksack Indian Tribe as co- managers. This document serves to notify the public of the availability and opportunity to comment on a Proposed Evaluation and Determination Documents (PEPD) on the proposed hatchery programs.
2025 Gulf Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Fishing Season
Document Number: 2025-08228
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the 2025 recreational fishing season for the Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf through this temporary rule. The red snapper recreational for-hire component in the Gulf EEZ opens on June 1, 2025, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 16, 2025. This closure is necessary to prevent the Federal for-hire component from exceeding its quota and to prevent overfishing of the Gulf red snapper resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery; 2025 Specifications
Document Number: 2025-08268
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing specifications for the 2025 Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels for the Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery to prevent overfishing while enabling optimum yield, using the best scientific information available.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23922
Document Number: 2025-08284
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the University of California, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94131, (Responsible Party: Alexander Pollen, Ph.D.) has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 23922.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area
Document Number: 2025-07780
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2025-05-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Department of the Navy (including the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps (Navy)) and on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard; hereafter, Navy and Coast Guard are collectively referred to as Action Proponents) for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and three associated Letters of Authorization (LOAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to training and testing activities conducted in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area over the course of seven years from November 2025 through November 2032. NMFS requests comments on this proposed rule. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOAs; agency responses to public comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued. The Action Proponents' activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-08176
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene an online meeting of its Ecosystem Workgroup (EWG), which is open to the public.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2025-07912
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have provided Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Pacific salmon and steelhead under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HGMPs include the Big Creek Chum, Washougal winter steelhead (Skamania stock), Grays River Tule conservation, and the Abernathy Tule conservation programs. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of these HGMPs for comment prior to a decision by NMFS on whether to approve the proposed hatchery programs.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2025-07969
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) on May 28, 2025. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Abalone
Document Number: 2025-07903
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a request to renew an existing scientific research and enhancement permit for white abalone. The proposed work is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management, conservation, and recovery efforts. The application may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/ preview_open_for_comment.cfm.
Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-07895
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 87 assessment process of Gulf brown, pink, and white shrimp will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
2025 Red Snapper Private Angling Component Accountability Measure in Federal Waters Off Louisiana
Document Number: 2025-07884
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Based on information provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), NMFS has determined that reported landings from Louisiana exceeded the state's 2024 regional management area private angling component annual catch limit (ACL) for Gulf red snapper. Therefore, NMFS reduces the Louisiana 2025 private angling component ACL. This reduction will remain in effect through the remainder of the current fishing year on December 31, 2025.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-07857
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a joint session webinar meeting of its Groundfish Management Team (GMT) and Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP). This meeting will discuss items on the Pacific Council's June 2025 meeting agenda and is open to the public.
Applications for Membership to the American Fisheries Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2025-07840
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Applications are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for 7 membership positions to serve on the 22- member American Fisheries Advisory Committee (AFAC or Committee). Individuals selected to serve on the Committee will serve a term of three years, unless otherwise stipulated.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2025-2026 Commercial Fishing Restrictions for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 2025-07797
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, as amended, to implement Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Resolution C-24-02 (Measures for the Conservation and Management of Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean) adopted by the IATTC in September 2024. This rule implements annual catch and trip limits on United States commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis; PBF) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) for 2025- 2026. This action is necessary to conserve PBF and for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC. NMFS prepared an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for this action.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category and Harpoon Category Retention Limit Adjustments
Document Number: 2025-07490
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the daily retention limits for the bluefin tuna (BFT) General and Harpoon categories. Specific to the General category, NMFS is adjusting the daily retention limit for the month of June from the default of three large medium or giant BFT to one large medium or giant BFT. This daily retention limit applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT. This daily retention limit will be effective for the month of June or until further modified. Specific to the Harpoon category, NMFS is modifying the daily retention limit from the default of no more than 10 large medium and giant BFT to 5 large medium or giant BFT. The incidental catch limit of two large medium BFT per vessel per day/trip remains unchanged. These retention limits apply to Atlantic Tunas Harpoon category permitted vessels for the remainder of the 2025 Harpoon category fishing season, which concludes on November 15, 2025, or until further modified.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2025-07720
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Cook Inlet Salmon Stock Assessment Modeling Workshop will be held in-person and online over two days.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey Off Western Mexico in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 2025-07613
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to a marine geophysical survey off Western Mexico in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Fishing Year 2025 Measures
Document Number: 2025-07635
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This temporary rule implements emergency measures under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) to revise portions of the fishing year 2025 provisions in the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action is necessary to address an emergency presented by a gap of approved specifications and other measures for fishing year 2025, based on the most recent fisheries data and scientific information, during consideration of two actions to the amend the FMP that would transition conservation and management of Atlantic cod from two biological stock units to four biological stock units. This temporary rule is intended to mitigate economic harm to the Northeast multispecies fishery participants by establishing fish stock quotas and related measures that allow the fishery to operate while preventing overfishing.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2025-07623
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and 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.
The 50th Meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
Document Number: 2025-07327
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-05-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA and the Department of Interior (DOI) will hold the 50th meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). NOAA and DOI will be accepting oral comments during the meeting; written comments may be submitted in advance.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico)
Document Number: 2025-07442
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 America, originally published as "Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico," notification is hereby given that NMFS has modified the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to WesternGeco for the taking of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of America (GOA).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Final 2025 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area to the Limited Access General Category Fishery
Document Number: 2025-07399
Type: Rule
Date: 2025-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for the remainder of the 2025 fishing year. Regulations require this action once the Northern Gulf of Maine Set- Aside has been reached. Subject to specific enumerated exceptions, possession, retention, or landing of scallops is prohibited in the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area once the Regional Administrator publishes a notice in the Federal Register that the Northern Gulf of Maine Set-Aside has been reached. This action is intended to prevent the overharvest of the 2025 Northern Gulf of Maine Set-Aside.
Endangered Species; File No. 27918
Document Number: 2025-07461
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Kristen Hart, Ph.D., U.S. Geological Survey, Wetlands and Aquatic Research Center, 3321 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Lubec Harbor Project in Lubec, Maine
Document Number: 2025-07344
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Maine Department of Transportation (ME DOT) to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Lubec Harbor project in Lubec, Maine.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28712
Document Number: 2025-07330
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Kaitlin Allen, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, MS No. 50, Woods Hole, MA 02543, has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28850
Document Number: 2025-07329
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Cascadia Research Collective (Responsible Party: John Calambokidis), 218\1/2\ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct on marine mammals.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) Registration and Operation
Document Number: 2025-07238
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Emergency Beacon Registrations
Document Number: 2025-07237
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Dealer Reporting Family of Forms
Document Number: 2025-07236
Type: Notice
Date: 2025-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
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