National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration March 23, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) announces its intention to prepare, in cooperation with NMFS, an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to assess potential effects on the human environment of alternative measures for managing the golden tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) fishery pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA). The Council intends to develop Amendment 1 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to address: The possible implementation of an individual fishing quota system; consideration of possible new methods to collect landings information for the commercial fishery; possible recreational management measures; possible establishment of required minimum hook size and/or hook configuration in the commercial tilefish fishery; and, methods to allow new entrants into the commercial fishery as the stock recovers. This notice announces a public process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues relating to management of tilefish. The intended effect of this notice is to alert the interested public of the scoping process, the development of the Draft EIS, and to provide for public participation.

This notice is a call for nominees for the U.S. Delegation to the June 2005 International Whaling Commission (IWC) annual meeting. The non-federal representative(s) selected as a result of this nomination process is(are) responsible for providing input and recommendations to the U.S. IWC Commissioner representing the positions of non-governmental organizations. Generally, only one non-governmental position is selected for the U.S. Delegation.

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received three scientific research permit applications and two modification requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts.

Notice is hereby given that Karen G. Holloway-Adkins, Executive Director of East Coast Biologists, Inc., Indialantic, FL 32903, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1409.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.