National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration August 8, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold a meeting, which is open to the public, on Monday, August 28, 2006. The HC will discuss items on the Council's September meeting agenda, plan for future work on ecosystem management and Klamath River habitat issues, and discuss other issues related to fish habitat.

NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of Pacific ocean perch in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area has been reached.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for both primary and alternate members of the following seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Business/Commerce, Citizen-At-Large, Commercial Shipping, Conservation, Ocean Recreation, Tourism, and Whale Watching. 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 2-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.