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

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program
Document Number: 06-7326
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this notice to inform the public about the Community Development Quota (CDQ) percentage allocations among the six CDQ managing entities (CDQ groups) that are in effect as a result of recent amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). On July 11, 2006, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 amended the Magnuson- Stevens Act to establish percentage allocations for groundfish, crab, and halibut allocated among the CDQ groups at those percentage allocations in effect on March 1, 2006. In addition, this notice provides information about the percentage allocations for prohibited species quota (PSQ) allocated among the CDQ groups that were not affected by the Magnuson-Stevens Act amendments, but continue in effect under an administrative determination issued by NMFS on August 8, 2005.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; U.S. Atlantic Swordfish Fishery Public Meetings
Document Number: 06-7325
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold five public meetings in September 2006 in order to obtain recommendations from swordfish fishery participants and other members of the public regarding potential management measures for the U.S. Atlantic swordfish fishery so as to fully harvest the quota allocated to the United States by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-7322
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 C season allowance of the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-7321
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 2400 hrs, Alaska local time, September 1, 2006. This adjustment is necessary to allow a 12-hour fishery for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery without exceeding the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2006 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Great South Channel Scallop Dredge Exemption Area
Document Number: 06-7270
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to modify the regulations implementing the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to allow vessels issued either a General Category Atlantic sea scallop permit or a limited access sea scallop permit, when not fishing under a scallop days-at-sea (DAS) limitation, to fish for scallops with small dredges (combined width not to exceed 10.5 ft (3.2 m)) within the Great South Channel Scallop Dredge Exemption Area. This final rule responds to a request from the fishing industry to add this area to the list of exempted fisheries. The intent of this action is to allow small scallop dredge vessels to harvest scallops in a manner that is consistent with the bycatch reduction objectives of the FMP.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: E6-14486
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the daily Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limits for the Atlantic tunas General category should be adjusted to allow for a reasonable opportunity to harvest the General category September time-period subquota. Therefore, NMFS increases the daily BFT retention limits to provide enhanced commercial General category fishing opportunities in all areas while minimizing the risk of an overharvest of the General category BFT quota.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: E6-14482
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of Florida is transferring commercial bluefish quota to the State of New York from its 2006 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for New York and Florida.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for Maine
Document Number: E6-14474
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the summer flounder commercial quota available to Maine has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in Maine for the remainder of calendar year 2006, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise Maine that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in Maine.
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-14461
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 3-day Council meeting to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-14460
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its Crustaceans Plan Team (CPT) meeting, in Honolulu, HI.
Announcement of Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Revised Management Plan
Document Number: E6-14430
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the revised management plan for the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve). The Reserve was designated in 1988 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461 and has been operating under the management plan approved in 2000. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), a state must revise its management plan every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the Reserve. The mission of the Reserve management plan is to improve the stewardship of the region's estuarine and coastal watershed ecosystems. The management plan identifies the following priority issues facing the Reserve: Water quality/eutrophication/watershed land-use; climate change/sea level rise/shoreline change; and assessment of ecosystem response to natural variability and human impacts. The management plan identifies five goals that are addressed through active management. The goals are (l) improve the understanding of coastal ecosystems and the human influences on them, (2) improve environmental literacy in communities to enable environmentally- sustainable decision-making, (3) demonstrate sustainable stewardship of the land and water ecosystems within the Reserve to serve as a model for community stewardship in the region, (4) foster dialogue and development of coastal ecosystem management solutions through sustained community engagement, (5) improve operations, infrastructure and stature of the Reserve. The Reserve's management plan addresses these goals with specific programs for resource management and protection and stewardship, research and monitoring, education and training, public access and visitor use, program administration, and partnerships and regional coordination.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: E6-14366
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Oregon Coastal Management Program. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluation will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR Part 923, Subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of a Coastal Management Program requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. The evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. Notice is hereby given of the date of the site visit for the listed evaluation, and the date, local time, and location of the public meeting during the site visit. Date and Time: The Oregon Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held October 2-6, 2006. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at the City of Newport Public Library, 35 NW Nye Street, Newport, Oregon. Copies of a state's most recent performance reports, as well as OCRM's evaluation notification and supplemental information request letters to the state, are available upon request from OCRM. Written comments from interested parties regarding this Program are encouraged and will be accepted until 15 days after the public meeting. Please direct written comments to Ralph Cantral, Chief, National Policy and Evaluation Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 10th Floor, N/ORM7, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. When the evaluation is completed, OCRM will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final Evaluation Findings.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: 06-7263
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty day public comment period on the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision which will begin on the day this announcement is published. Comments should be sent within the comment period in hard copy or e- mail to Patricia Delgado at Patricia.Delgado@noaa.gov or NOAA's Estuarine Reserves Division, 1305 East-West Highway, N/ORM5, 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve was designated in 1979 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The Reserve has been operating under a management plan approved in 1985. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise its management plan every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. This plan is a significant revision of the original management plan developed for the Reserve. For the revision, the Reserve used a collaborative approach, which focused on integrating the Reserve's programs in order to better achieve conservation success. The plan describes the Reserve's long-term conservation goals and details the process involved in identifying those goals. It also maps out the objectives and strategies that the Reserve will use over the next five years in order to move toward accomplishing its goals. The plan also provides an overview of the Reserve's research and monitoring, education, stewardship, coastal training, volunteer, and administration programs and describes the Reserve's plan for public access, acquisition, and facilities.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
Document Number: 06-7262
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a two-day Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in October 2006. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of HMS.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-7261
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the C season allowances of the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-14311
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument
Document Number: 06-7235
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
NOAA and the USFWS are issuing final regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. This action codifies the prohibitions and management measures set forth in Presidential Proclamation 8031 establishing the Monument. The rule is effective immediately.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-14227
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle, WA.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting/Workshop
Document Number: E6-14226
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries and The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a workshop to discuss the comparability of pre- recruit data collected from two existing west coast surveys and to evaluate methods for utilizing those data in groundfish assessments.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-14217
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of the South Atlantic Council and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils' King and Spanish Mackerel Committees. The Council will also hold a joint meeting of its Executive and Finance Committees, Personnel Committee (CLOSED SESSION), King and Spanish Mackerel Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee, Advisory Panel Selection Committee (CLOSED SESSION), and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will hold a public hearing on Amendment 14 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP), a public hearing regarding a regulatory amendment to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP, and a public input session.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 493-1848; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. MA130062
Document Number: 06-7196
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of the Interior, U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice is hereby given that the Darlene R. Ketten, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, MRF- Room 233, MS 50, Woods Hole, MA 02543 has applied in due form for a permit from NMFS and FWS to take parts from species of marine mammals for purposes of scientific research.
National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council; September 10-15, 2006 Council Meeting
Document Number: E6-14107
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Sea Turtle Conservation
Document Number: 06-7160
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to require sea turtle conservation measures for all sea scallop dredge vessels fishing south of 41[deg] 9.0' N. latitude from May 1 through November 30 each year. All vessels with a sea scallop dredge and that are required to have a Federal Atlantic sea scallop fishery permit, regardless of dredge size or vessel permit category, must modify their dredge(s) when fishing south of 41[deg] 9.0' N. latitude, from the shoreline to the outer boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This action is necessary to help reduce mortality and injury to endangered and threatened sea turtles in scallop dredge gear and to conserve sea turtles listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Any incidental take of threatened sea turtles in sea scallop dredge gear in compliance with this gear modification requirement and all other applicable requirements will be exempted on the ESA's prohibition against takes.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13992
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Salmon Advisory Subpanel (SAS) will hold a work session by telephone conference, which is open to the public, to develop recommendations for the September Council meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13991
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat/MPA/Ecosystem Committee Meeting in September, 2006 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13990
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Crab Plan Team will meet in Anchorage, AK.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-13989
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (NEFMC) Herring Oversight and Advisory Panel along with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Section and Advisory Panel will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13988
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee in September, 2006 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Central and Western Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-7123
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central and Western Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Central and Western Regulatory Areas of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 26
Document Number: 06-7122
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this proposed rule that would implement Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). Amendment 26 would establish an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial participants in the IFQ program would receive percentage shares of the commercial quota of red snapper based on specified historical landings criteria. The percentage shares of the commercial quota would equate to annual IFQ allocations. Both shares and IFQ allocations would be transferable. The intended effect of this rule is to manage the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery to preserve its long-term economic viability and to achieve optimum yield from the fishery.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seismic Surveys in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas off Alaska
Document Number: 06-7121
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical program, including deep seismic surveys, on oil and gas lease blocks located on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters in the mid- and eastern-Beaufort Sea and on pre-lease areas in the Northern Chukchi Sea has been issued to Shell Offshore, Inc. (Shell) and WesternGeco, Inc.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E6-13975
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability for public review of the draft updated Recovery Plan (Plan) for the U.S. Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). NMFS is soliciting review and comments from the public and all interested parties on the draft Plan, and will consider all substantive comments received during the review period before submitting the Plan for final approval.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction of the Knik Arm Bridge
Document Number: E6-13970
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) for an authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to construction of the Knik Arm Bridge at the Knik Arm Crossing in Alaska during the period 2007 through 2012. In order to promulgate regulations and issue annual Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to KABATA, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals and not have an unmitigable impact on subsistence uses of marine mammals. NMFS invites comment on the application and suggestions on the content of the regulations.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13930
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel (CPSAS) and Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team (CPSMT) will hold a joint work session via conference call, which is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-13929
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling public meetings of its Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) Committee in September, 2006 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seismic Surveys in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska
Document Number: 06-7097
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting marine geophysical seismic surveys, on oil and gas lease blocks located on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters in the Chukchi Sea. has been issued to GX Technology of Houston, Texas (GXT).
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2006 Georges Bank Fixed Gear Sector Operations Plan and Agreement and Allocation of Georges Bank Cod Total Allowable Catch
Document Number: E6-13867
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Framework Adjustment (FW) 42 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and FW 3 to the Monkfish FMP propose creation of the Georges Bank (GB) Cod Fixed Gear Sector (Fixed Gear Sector). If approved in FW 42/FW 3, the Fixed Gear Sector would be eligible for an annual allocation of up to 20 percent of the annual GB cod total allowable catch (TAC). Therefore, in accordance with the FMP, and pursuant to the anticipated approval of FW 42/FW 3, a representative of the Fixed Gear Sector submitted an Operations Plan, Sector Agreement (Contract), and Environmental Assessment (EA), and requested an allocation of GB cod to the Fixed Gear Sector for fishing year 2006 (FY 2006). The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that documents submitted by the Fixed Gear Sector comply with the procedural regulations regarding an annual Operations Plan and Sector Contract. This noticedocument provides interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed Sector Operations Plan and EA (prior to approval or disapproval of FW 42, which would authorize the formation of the Fixed Gear Sector), and prior to final approval or disapproval of the Sector Operations Plan and allocation of GB cod TAC to the Fixed Gear Sector for FY 2006. Comments regarding the formation of the Fixed Gear Sector (as opposed to the FY 2006 Operations Plan and Sector Contract, which are the subject of this proposed rule) should be submitted as described in the proposed rule for FW 42.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management Measures
Document Number: 06-7072
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action extends a temporary rule, now in effect, that establishes the 2006 optimum yield (OY) for darkblotched rockfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. This action, which is authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act), is intended to protect darkblotched rockfish, an overfished groundfish species.
List of Fisheries for 2006
Document Number: 06-7071
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is publishing its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2006, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2006 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E6-13790
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel with gears other than jig gear in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in these areas. NMFS is also announcing the opening and closing dates of the first and second directed fisheries within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Areas 542 and 543. These actions are necessary to prevent exceeding the HLA limits established for the Central (area 542) and Western (area 543) Aleutian Districts pursuant to the 2006 Atka mackerel TAC.
Endangered Species; Permit No. 1574
Document Number: E6-13784
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a scientific research permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) has been issued to Dr. Frank A. Chapman, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Amendment 11
Document Number: E6-13783
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice retracts the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze a range of alternatives for the annual allocation of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline proposed action published on July 19, 2004. Further scoping subsequent to the publication of the NOI revealed additional information indicating that it was unlikely the proposed action would result in significant environmental impacts. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed and a subsequent Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar
Document Number: E6-13782
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued two 1-year Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to take marine mammals by harassment incidental to the U.S. Navy's operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) sonar operations to the Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy, 2000 Navy Pentagon, Washington, D.C., and persons operating under his authority.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 18A; Correction
Document Number: E6-13781
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document contains a correction to the final regulations which were published Wednesday, August 9, 2006. Those regulations established a number of requirements to improve enforceability and monitoring in the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Document Number: 06-7052
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Community Development Quota (CDQ) and non-CDQ pollock from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea and Bering Sea subarea pollock from the incidental catch allowance to the directed fisheries. These actions are necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP).
National Sea Grant Review Panel
Document Number: E6-13696
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Sea Grant Review Panel. The meeting will have several purposes. Panel members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described below:
Pacific Albacore Tuna Fisheries; Updating Annual Vessel List
Document Number: E6-13693
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS revises the methodology to create a vessel list at the beginning of each calendar year of vessels eligible to fish for albacore tuna in Canadian waters. The vessel list reverts to zero vessels on December 31 of each year, unless NMFS receives a notice for a vessel to be added to the list for the upcoming year, with the requisite information. This notice clarifies NMFS' original intention that the vessel list remain valid for a single calendar year. Revising the way the list is created and updating the list every year is intended to facilitate the United States' obligation to annually provide Canada a current list of U. S. vessels that are likely to fish albacore off the coast of Canada.
Endangered Species; File No. 1572
Document Number: E6-13692
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Amanda Southwood, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Document Number: E6-13551
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow one or more vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the northeastern United States. The EFP would allow for exemptions from certain Atlantic sea scallop possession and landings restrictions.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Document Number: E6-13550
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) proposal contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP would allow for exemptions from Atlantic sea scallop open area days-at-sea (DAS), in the event that there is an insufficient number of trips in the scallop access area made available to compensate research authorized under the Sea Scallop Research Set-aside Program (RSA Program).
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