National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration November 17, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS proposes specifications for the 2006 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of the species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. This proposed rule also would make changes to the regulations regarding the commercial black sea bass fishery. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels and other measures to attain the target fishing mortality rates (F) or exploitation rates specified for these species in the FMP, to reduce bycatch, and to improve the efficiency of the commercial black sea bass fishery. NMFS has conditionally approved four research projects for the harvest of the portion of the quota that has been recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to be set aside for research purposes. In anticipation of receiving applications for Experimental Fishing Permits (EFPs) to conduct this research, the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFPs issued in response to the approved Research Set-Aside (RSA) projects would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue any EFP.

Notice is hereby given that Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, 418 North Pitt Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 [Kristi West, Ph.D., Principal Investigator], has applied in due form for a permit to import and export parts from all cetaceans and pinniped species (excluding walrus) for purposes of scientific research.