National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration January 30, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS received an application under Section 120 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) from the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho requesting authorization to intentionally take, by lethal methods, individually identifiable California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) that prey on Pacific salmon and steelhead (Onchorhynchus spp.) listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. This authorization is requested as part of a larger effort to protect and recover listed salmonid stocks in the river. NMFS has determined that the application contains sufficient information to warrant convening a Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force (Task Force), which will be established after the close of the public comment period. NMFS solicits public comments on the application, other information related to pinniped predation on salmonids at Bonneville Dam, and nominations for potential members of the Task Force.

This proposed rule would enhance the safety of observers and the efficiency of their deployment. The proposed rule would clarify prohibited actions regarding observers, reinforce that an observer may not be deployed or stay aboard an unsafe vessel, clarify when a fishing vessel is inadequate for observer deployment and how an owner or operator can resolve discrepancies, improve communications between observer programs and fishing vessel owners and operators, and provide for an alternate safety equipment examination of certain small fishing vessels. This proposed rule is necessary to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of fishing vessel observers in carrying out their duties as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the fishery management plans and regulations adopted under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Bycatch/Limited Access Privilege Program (LAPP) Committee, its Ecosystem Committee, its Tilefish Committee, its Executive Committee, and its Law Enforcement Committee will hold public meetings.