National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 11, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice is hereby given that Dr. Douglas Peterson, Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research on the Ogeechee River, GA.

This final rule implements Framework Adjustment 1 (FW 1) to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (FMP). FW 1 management measures were developed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and implements a vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for vessels participating in the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. The VMS requirement replaces the current telephone- based notification requirement necessary prior to departure on a surfclam or ocean quahog fishing trip and facilitates monitoring of closed areas and state/Federal jurisdictional boundaries. The intent of this action is to implement management measures that will improve the management and enforcement of regulations governing the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fishery in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce a 45-day public comment period for the draft report titled, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.3: ``The effects of climate change on agriculture, land resources, water resources, and biodiversity.'' This draft document is being released solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by NOAA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. After consideration of comments received on the draft report, a revised version along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has modified its meeting agenda for its September 17-21, 2007 meeting to be held in N. Myrtle Beach, SC.

NMFS is opening directed fishing for 12 hours for shallow- water species by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA to resume.