National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NOAA Recreational Fisheries Action Team Public Meeting
Document Number: 05-12934
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is hosting a public meeting in July 2005, in Santa Ana, California. The purpose of the meeting is to identify programs and projects to be implemented as part of the NOAA Recreational Fisheries Strategic Plan 2005-2010, and to gather input from the public.
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006
Document Number: 05-12927
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2006. The purpose of this notice is to provide the general public with a single source of program and application information related to the Agency's competitive grant offerings, and it contains the information about those programs required to be published in the Federal Register. This omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted that additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the publication of this notice may be announced through both subsequent Federal Register notices and the NOAA Web site. These announcements will also be available through Grants.gov.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States and Coral and Coral Reefs Fishery in the South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E5-3396
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from David R. Griffin on behalf of The North Carolina Aquariums. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect up to 50 red porgy and up to 500 lb (227 kg) of live rock. Specimens would be collected from Federal waters off the coast of North Carolina during 2005 and 2006, and displayed at three North Carolina Aquarium facilities located on Roanoke Island, near Morehead City, and south of Wilmington, North Carolina.
U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Public Meeting and Public Comment
Document Number: 05-12774
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a public meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The meeting will be held in Koror, Palau. This meeting, the 14th bi-annual meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, provides a forum for coordinated planning and action among federal agencies, state and territorial governments, and nongovernmental partners. Held in Koror, Palau, this is the first Coral Reef Task Force meeting to be held outside the United States states, territories, or commonwealths and provides an opportunity to learn about coral reef science and management strategies in the Freely Associated States. This meeting has time allotted for public comment and provides exhibit space. All public comment must be submitted in written format at the meeting if able to attend or prior to the meeting if unable to attend. If you plan to attend, please register in advance by visiting the Web site listed below. Registration for public comment and exhibit space is also available at this site. Those who wish to attend but cannot due to travel and other considerations can find background materials at the Web site listed below and may submit written statements to the e-mail, fax, or mailing address listed below. A written summary of the meeting will be posted on the Web site within two months of its occurrence.
Availability of Seats for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-12773
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Recreational Diving, Diving Operations, Oil and Gas Industry, Recreational Fishing, Commercial Fishing, Research, Education, and 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-3363
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council)/Board of Fisheries (BOF) Interim Joint Protocol committee will meet on July 14, 2005, at Anchorage at the Hilton Hotel.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-3345
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-3344
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene will hold a series of public workshops to provide information about, and seek input on, ecosystem objectives for fisheries management.
Marine Mammals; Files No. 369-1757-00 and 522-1785-00
Document Number: 05-12756
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Bruce R. Mate, Ph.D., Holder/ Principal Investigator, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, and Randall S. Wells, Ph.D., Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, have each been issued a permit to take marine mammals for scientific research.
Endangered Species; Permits
Document Number: 05-12755
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that on June 9, 2005, as authorized by the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, NMFS issued a permit (PRT-1488) to the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Eureka, California subject to certain conditions set forth therein. The permit was granted only after NMFS determined that it was applied for in good faith, that granting the permit will not be to the disadvantage of the threatened species, and that it will be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in the Endangered Species Act, as amended.
Notice of Availability of Draft Stock Assessment Reports
Document Number: 05-12754
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS reviewed the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regional marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). SARs for marine mammals in the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regions were revised according to new information. NMFS solicits public comments on draft 2005 SARs.
Marine Mammals; File No. 358-1787 and Permit No. 821-1588-02
Document Number: 05-12753
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have applied in due form for a permit or permit amendment to conduct research on marine mammals: File No. 358-1787: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, D ivision of Wildlife Conservation, 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, AK 99802 (Principal Investigator: Robert Smalls, Ph.D.); and Permit No. 821-1588-02: Texas A&M University, Department of Marine Biology, 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551 (Principal Investigator: Randall Davis, Ph.D.).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2005 Trip Authorization for Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder Special Access Program
Document Number: 05-12746
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that no trips are authorized into the Closed Area (CA) II Yellowtail Flounder Special Access Program (SAP) for the 2005 fishing year. The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has determined that the available catch of Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder is insufficient to support a minimum level of fishing activity within the CA II Yellowtail Flounder SAP for the 2005 fishing year. This action is intended to help achieve optimum yield (OY) in the fishery by allowing Northeast (NE) multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) vessels to achieve, but not exceed, the GB yellowtail flounder total allowable catch (TAC) specified for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area throughout the 2005 fishing year, in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery; Quota Harvested for Full-time Tier 2 Category
Document Number: 05-12745
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the percentage of the tilefish annual total allowable landings (TAL) available to the Full-time Tier 2 permit category for the 2005 fishing year has been harvested. In response, commercial vessels fishing under the Full-time Tier 2 tilefish category may not harvest tilefish from within the Golden Tilefish Management Unit for the remainder of the 2005 fishing year (through October 31, 2005). Regulations governing the tilefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1073-1777
Document Number: 05-12744
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Kathy Carlstead, Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, has been issued a permit to import marine mammal specimens for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Adjustment of the Quarter III Quota Allocation for Loligo Squid
Document Number: 05-12743
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that it has adjusted the commercial quota allocation for the Quarter III fishery for Loligo squid in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The regulations for the Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish fisheries require this adjustment to be made if landings in the Quarter I fishery exceed the commercial quota allocated to that period. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding the annual commercial quota and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Final Listing Determinations for 16 ESUs of West Coast Salmon, and Final 4(d) Protective Regulations for Threatened Salmonid ESUs
Document Number: 05-12351
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), are issuing final determinations to list 16 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast salmon (chum, Oncorhynchus keta; coho, O. kisutch, sockeye, O. nerka; Chinook, O. tshawytscha; pink, O. gorbuscha) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. We have concluded that four ESUs are endangered, and twelve ESUs are threatened, in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Fifteen of these ESUs were previously listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA, and one ESU was previously designated as a candidate species. With respect to the Oregon Coast coho ESU and ten O. mykiss ESUs, we have found that substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the relevant data precludes making final listing determinations at this time, and accordingly we are extending the deadline for making our final determinations for these 11 ESUs for an additional 6 months. The findings regarding the extension of the final listing determination for the Oregon Coast coho ESU and for the ten O. mykiss ESUs appear in the Proposed Rules section in today's Federal Register issue. The ten O. mykiss ESUs were previously listed and remain listed pending final agency action. Also in this notice, we are finalizing amendments to the ESA 4(d) protective regulations for threatened salmonid ESUs. As part of the proposed listing determinations in June 2004, we proposed changes to these protective regulations to provide the necessary flexibility to ensure that fisheries and artificial propagation programs are managed consistently with the conservation needs of ESA-listed ESUs, and to clarify the existing regulations so that they can be more efficiently and effectively interpreted and followed by all affected parties. Finally, we are soliciting biological and economic information relevant to designating critical habitat for the Lower Columbia River coho salmon ESU.
Endangered and Threatened Species: 6-month Extension of the Final Listing Determination for the Oregon Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon
Document Number: 05-12350
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In June 2004, we (NMFS) proposed that the Oregon Coast coho Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) (Oncorhynchus kisutch) be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In March 2005, the State of Oregon released a draft Oregon Coastal Coho Assessment (draft assessment) of the viability of the Oregon Coast coho ESU and the contributions of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) to conserving the Oregon Coast coho ESU. The draft assessment concluded that the Oregon Coast coho ESU is viable. On February 9, 2005, we announced in a Federal Register notice that we would consider the information presented by Oregon in determining the final listing status for the ESU, and we solicited public comment on the draft assessment. The comments received by NMFS and Oregon raised a number of concerns regarding the sufficiency and adequacy of the data and analyses used in the draft assessment. On May 6, 2005, Oregon released a final Oregon Coastal Coho Assessment (final assessment) that incorporates and responds to the comments received and includes several substantive changes in response, regarding the sufficiency and adequacy of the draft assessment. We are extending the deadline for the final listing determination for the Oregon Coast coho ESU by 6 months to analyze Oregon's final assessment in light of the comments received on the draft assessment. This extension will enable NMFS to make a final listing determination based upon the best available scientific information. Additionally, we are soliciting additional information regarding the sufficiency and adequacy of the final assessment.
Policy on the Consideration of Hatchery-Origin Fish in Endangered Species Act Listing Determinations for Pacific Salmon and Steelhead
Document Number: 05-12349
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a final policy addressing the role of artificially propagated (hatchery produced) Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, O. keta, O. kisutch, O. nerka, O. tshawytscha) and steelhead (O. mykiss) in listing determinations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. This final policy supersedes the Interim Policy on Artificial Propagation of Pacific Salmon under the Endangered Species Act, published in the Federal Register on April 5, 1993. The Interim Policy is being revised in light of a 2001 United States District Court ruling that NMFS improperly listed only the naturally spawning component of Oregon Coast coho salmon under the ESA, excluding hatchery stocks that the agency had determined were part of the same ``distinct population segment'' (DPS) as the listed natural populations. The Court's ruling invalidated the practice described in the Interim Policy of generally excluding hatchery stocks in a DPS from listing unless it was determined that they contained a substantial proportion of the DPS's remaining genetic diversity and were ``essential for recovery.'' Under this new policy, hatchery stocks determined to be part of a DPS will be considered in determining whether a DPS is threatened or endangered under the ESA, and will be included in any listing of the DPS. This policy applies only to Pacific salmon and steelhead and only in the context of making ESA listing determinations.
Endangered and Threatened Species: 6-month Extension of the Final Listing Determinations for Ten Evolutionarily Significant Units of West Coast Oncorhynchus mykiss
Document Number: 05-12348
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In June 2004, we (NMFS) proposed that ten Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast Oncorhynchus mykiss (O. mykiss, which includes anadromous steelhead and resident rainbow trout) be listed as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In April-May 2005, we received three independent scientific reports containing information on the relationship of anadromous and resident O. mykiss and on the viability of ESUs containing a diversity of types of populations. In June 2005, we received a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), stating its concerns about the basis for final listing determinations for the ten O. mykiss ESUs and specifying three issues regarding the relationship between anadromous and resident O. mykiss, over which there is substantial disagreement about the underlying data. We are extending the deadline for final listing determinations for the ten O. mykiss ESUs for 6 months to analyze the three reports, to work with FWS to resolve the disagreements about the data relevant to its issues of concern, and to solicit additional information from scientific studies and other newly available data. Additionally, we are soliciting comments and information from the public regarding the reports, the issues raised by FWS, and about resident and anadromous O. mykiss generally. This extension will enable us to make a final listing determination based upon the best available scientific information.
Marine Protected Areas Center Gulf of Mexico Region Public Dialogue Meeting
Document Number: 05-12652
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announcement of the Marine Protected Areas Center Gulf of Mexico Region Public Dialogue Meeting appeared in the Federal Register dated June 17, 2005 (70 FR 116), pages 35227-35228. The document was incorrectly titled as, ``Marine Protected Areas Center New England Region Public Dialogue Meeting.'' All other information regarding the Gulf of Mexico Public Dialogue Meeting in the document is correct.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed Approval of Amendments to the Alaska Coastal Management Program
Document Number: 05-12630
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces its intention to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for the proposed approval of amendments submitted by the State of Alaska to its Coastal Management Program. The State has adopted regulatory changes to its Process for Consistency Review (11 AAC 150), Standards for the Alaska Coastal Management Program (11 AAC 180), and Guidelines of the Alaska Coastal Management Program (11 AAC 185).
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Oregon Sport Fisheries
Document Number: 05-12585
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces changes to the regulations for the Area 2A sport halibut fisheries off the central coast of Oregon. This action would clarify the halibut regulations for the central Oregon coast sport fishery sub-area to specify that halibut may be onboard recreational fishing vessels trolling for salmon within the Oregon yelloweye rockfish conservation area (YRCA). The purpose of this action is to allow recreational salmon vessels to retain halibut caught legally outside of the YRCA while those vessels are legally fishing for salmon within the YRCA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Public Workshop
Document Number: 05-12584
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will present a workshop on proposed catch-monitoring standards for the non-American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher/ processor sector. These standards are necessary to support proposed groundfish and prohibited species allocations to this sector that are under consideration by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: 05-12367
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast for the fishing season January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005. This action adopts a harvest guideline and initial subarea allocations for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast that have been calculated according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit Related to Horseshoe Crabs
Document Number: 05-12353
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, is considering issuing an Exempted Fishing Permit to Limuli Laboratories of Cape May Court House, NJ, to conduct the fifth year of an exempted fishing operation otherwise restricted by regulations prohibiting the harvest of horseshoe crabs in the Carl N. Schuster Jr. Horseshoe Crab Reserve (Reserve) located 3 nautical miles (nm) seaward from the mouth of the Delaware Bay. If granted, the EFP would allow the harvest of 10,000 horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes and require, as a condition of the EFP, the collection of data related to the status of horseshoe crabs within the Reserve. This notice also invites comments on the issuance of the EFP to Limuli Laboratories.
Endangered Fish and Wildlife; National Environmental Policy Act; Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Strategy Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Conduct Public Scoping
Document Number: 05-12352
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential impacts of implementing the operational measures in NOAA's Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Strategy (Strategy). This notice describes the proposed action and possible alternatives intended to reduce the likelihood and threat of right whale deaths as a result of collisions with vessels.
Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team Meeting
Document Number: 05-12342
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is establishing a Take Reduction Team (TRT) and convening a TRT meeting to address the incidental mortality and serious injury of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in the Atlantic region of the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. The TRT will develop a Take Reduction Plan (TRP) as required in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS will seek input from the Atlantic Pelagic Longline TRT on all scientific data related to stock structure, abundance, and human- caused mortality and serious injury of pilot whales. The TRT will focus on developing a plan to reduce incidental catch of pilot whales in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery to a level approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate within 5 years of implementation of the plan.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Haddock Bycatch Notification of Landing
Document Number: 05-12263
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Report of Whaling Operations.
Document Number: 05-12262
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Application and Reports for Scientific Research and Enhancement Permits Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 05-12261
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; National Standard Guidelines
Document Number: 05-11978
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes revisions to the guidelines for National Standard 1 (NS1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This action is necessary to clarify, amplify, and simplify the guidelines so that the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) and the public can have a better understanding of how to establish status determination criteria (SDC) for stocks that vary in quality of available data, and how to construct and revise rebuilding plans. The intent of this action is to facilitate compliance with requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-3207
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a joint meeting of the Standing, Special Mackerel, Special Reef Fish and Special Spiny Lobster Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock from the Aleutian Islands Subarea to the Bering Sea Subarea
Document Number: 05-12205
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Community Development Quota (CDQ), incidental catch allowance (ICA) and non-CDQ pollock from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. These actions are necessary to allow the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in the Aleutian Islands subarea to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 05-12204
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that it has approved the request of the State of Rhode Island to transfer 50,186 lb (22,764 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the States of Maine, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, and Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Addendum XV to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). In addition, NMFS is revising commercial summer flounder quota numbers for the States of North Carolina and Maryland from those published in a previous Addendum XV transfer. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations
Document Number: 05-11847
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP), to revise the management measures for reducing the incidental mortality and serious injury to the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in commercial fisheries to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NMFS proposes additional regulations for the fisheries currently covered by the ALWTRP, which include the Northeast sink gillnet, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot, U.S. Mid-Atlantic coastal gillnet, Southeast Atlantic gillnet, and Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet fisheries. NMFS also proposes to regulate the following fisheries from the MMPA's List of Fisheries for the first time under the ALWTRP: Northeast anchored float gillnet, Northeast drift gillnet, Atlantic blue crab, and Atlantic mixed species trap/pot fisheries targeting crab (red, Jonah, and rock), hagfish, finfish (black sea bass, scup, tautog, cod, haddock, pollock, redfish (ocean perch), and white hake), conch/whelk, and shrimp.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 1008-1637; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. MA100875
Document Number: 05-12107
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Notice is hereby given that John Wise, Ph.D., Maine Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, University of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104, has applied in due form for an amendment to Permit No. 1008-1637-01.
Notice of Availability of Final Stock Assessment Reports
Document Number: 05-12106
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) and the guidelines for preparing marine mammal stock assessment reports. The 2004 final SARs and the revised guidelines are now complete and available to the public.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Notification of Public Hearing on Proposed Listing Determination for the Southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of North American Green Sturgeon as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Document Number: 05-12105
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On April 6, 2005, NMFS proposed threatened status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris; hereafter ``green sturgeon'') under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. In this notice, NMFS is announcing that a public hearing has been scheduled at one location in Sacramento, CA, in July 2005 to provide additional opportunities for the public and other interested parties to comment on the subject proposal.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Fisheries Management in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 05-12104
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the approval of Amendment 83 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) and Amendment 75 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The amendments make housekeeping revisions to the FMPs. The revisions update harvest, ecosystem, and socioeconomic information, consolidate text, and reorganize the documents. The intent of this action is to update information in the FMPs and to make them easier to read. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMPs, and other applicable laws.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Monitoring of Fish Trap Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 05-12031
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals
Document Number: 05-12022
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant Administrator) has renewed the affirmative finding for the Government of Mexico under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This affirmative finding will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Mexican-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Mexican jurisdiction to be imported into the United States. The affirmative finding was based on review of documentary evidence submitted by the Government of Mexico and obtained from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the U.S. Department of State.
National Marine Fisheries Service National Gravel Extraction Guidance
Document Number: 05-12021
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces the availability of NMFS' final National Gravel Extraction Guidance (Gravel Guidance). In March 2004, NMFS released the draft Gravel Guidance for public comment. Nine comment letters were received from industry groups, state agencies, and unaffiliated citizens. Final revisions to the Gravel Guidance included consideration of these public comments.
Office of Ocean.US Director Solicitation
Document Number: 05-11980
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Applications for the position of Director, Ocean.US are invited. Ocean.US was created by the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) to coordinate the development of an operational integrated and sustained ocean observing system (IOOS). Information from the IOOS system will serve national needs for detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability, facilitating safe and efficient marine operations, ensuring national security, managing resources for sustainable use, preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems, mitigating natural hazards, and ensuring public health. The Director will coordinate with vested interest groups on collaborative activities that accomplish Ocean.US goals to integrate ocean observing activities. These groups include Federal agencies, universities, private industry, state and local governments, and non- governmental organizations. The Director will develop and oversee broad-scale cooperative efforts and strategies of a national scope associated with coastal and ocean stewardship. The successful candidate will have high-level management experience and the ability to work with a wide range of people and interests to further the goals of Ocean.US and the IOOS. He or she should have demonstrated experience in administration, legislative and public processes, policy development, and constituent affairs. The Director is expected to lead a nation-wide, interagency effort to build coalitions, and should have experience managing staff and negotiating across organizational levels and boundaries. He or she should also have some familiarity with elements of the IOOS, such as Data Management and Communication, Modeling and Analysis, Research, and Education and Outreach. The successful candidate ideally will have a science background, familiarity with the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS), the NOPP process, and the Federal spending process, including spending in a legislated, but unappropriated enterprise. He or she must also be able to obtain a security clearance. Applications, which should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least three references, should be sent to: Ocean.US, 2300 Claredon Blvd Suite 1350, Arlington, VA 22201-3667, Attn: Ms. Nicole Larrain. Review of the applications will begin on June 30, 2005, with a start date of October 1, 2005. The mode of employment will be negotiated, depending on the current employment status of the applicant. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee Request for Nominations
Document Number: 05-11937
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee. The Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee was established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior in implementing Section 4 of Executive Order 13158, and specifically on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-federal scientists, resource managers, and persons representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation. Individuals seeking membership on the Advisory Committee should possess demonstrable expertise in a related field or represent a stakeholder interest affected by MPAs. Nominees will also be evaluated based on the following factors: marine policy experience, leadership and organization skills, region of country represented, and diversity characteristics. The membership reflects the Department's commitment to attaining balance and diversity. The full text of the Committee charter and its current membership can be viewed on the Agency's Web page at https://mpa.gov/fac.html. Vacancies on the Committee occur from time to time and additional information on specific qualifications being sought will be posted on the Web site.
Marine Protected Areas Center New England Region Public Dialogue Meeting
Document Number: 05-11936
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a public meeting concerning the development of a national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) pursuant to Executive Order 13158 (May 26, 2000). The Gulf of Mexico Region Public Dialogue will be held July 18, 2005, 6:30-9 p.m. in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the third in a series of regional dialogues to be held around the United States to solicit input from the public concerning their views on a national system of MPAs. Additional meetings will be announced and scheduled pending available resources. Refer to the Web page listed below for background information concerning the development of the national system of MPAs. Meeting room capacity is limited to 75 people, and as such interested participants are required to RSVP via the e-mail address (preferable), fax number, or phone number listed below, by no later than 5 p.m. e.d.t. on July 8, 2005. Attendance will be available to the first 75 people who respond. Those who wish to attend but cannot due to space or schedule limitations can find background materials at the Web page listed below and may submit written statements to the e-mail, fax, or mailing address below. A written summary of the meeting will be posted on the Web site within one month of its occurrence.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Emergency Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin that Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
Document Number: 05-12030
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is promulgating emergency regulations, at the request of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to close portions of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England to the harvest of shellfish (bivalves), with the exception of sea scallop adductor muscles harvested and shucked at sea, due to the presence in those waters of the toxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The concentrations of the toxin in the Federal waters is great enough to warrant a public health emergency. The closure will remain in effect until September 30, 2005, with the possibility of a reduction or an extension of the closure based upon FDA's determination that the concentration of the toxin in shellfish is at a level that is safe or unsafe, respectively, for human consumption.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Retention Standard
Document Number: 05-11918
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement Amendment 79 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). This action is necessary to reduce bycatch and improve utilization of groundfish harvested by catcher/ processor trawl vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Island management area (BSAI) that are not listed American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher/processors referred to throughout this proposed rule as non-AFA catcher/processors. This action is intended to promote the management objectives of the Improved Retention/Improved Utilization (IRIU) program, the FMP, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Comprehensive Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the U.S. Caribbean
Document Number: 05-11917
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted a comprehensive amendment to its Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch, Reef Fish, and Coral Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. The amendment proposes to: establish management strategies to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks; require standardized collection of bycatch data; minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable; designate essential fish habitat (EFH) and EFH habitat areas of particular concern (EFH-HAPCs) for managed stocks; and minimize, to the extent practicable, adverse effects on such habitat caused by fishing. The Council is proposing these actions to support the objectives of the Council's Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch, Reef Fish, and Coral FMPs. The intended effect of these proposed actions is to achieve optimum yield in the fisheries and provide social and economic benefits associated with maintaining healthy fishery stocks.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 782-1768, 358-1769, 715-1784, 434-1669, 1010-1641, and 881-1668
Document Number: 05-11838
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the following individuals and institutions have been issued a permit or permit amendment to conduct research on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus): the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA (NMML: File No. 782-1768); the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, AK (ADF&G: File No. 358-1769); the North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. (NPUMMRC: File No. 715-1784); the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Corvallis, OR (ODFW; File No. 434-1669); the Aleutians East Borough, Juneau, AK (AEB: File No. 1010-1641); and the Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK (ASLC: File No. 881-1668).
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