National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration January 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 18
Document Number: E8-1042
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) intends to prepare a DEIS to assess impacts on the natural and human environment of management measures proposed in its draft Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region (FMP).
International Whaling Commission; Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the International Whaling Commission; Nominations
Document Number: E8-1036
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice calls for nominees for one non-federal position to the U.S. Delegation to the Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that will be held in March, 2008, in London, England. The non-federal representative selected as a result of this nomination process is responsible for providing input and recommendations to the U.S. IWC Commissioner representing the positions of non-governmental organizations.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 17
Document Number: E8-1029
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) intends to prepare a DEIS to assess the impacts on the natural and human environment of the management measures proposed in its draft Amendment 17 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP).
Extension of Application Period for Vacancies on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 08-201
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) is still seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Chumash Community member and alternate, and Tourism alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon: Their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, views regarding the protection and management of marine resources, and the length of residence in the communities located near the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve in a volunteer capacity for 2-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Availability of Seats for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 08-200
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS or sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (council): Higher Education, Recreation, Fishing (recreational, charter, and/or commercial), Business/Economic Development alternate, and Citizen-at-Large. 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 3-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment Considering the States of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington's Request for Lethal Removal Authority of California Sea Lions in Accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Document Number: E8-893
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NMFS is giving notice that we have prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that analyzes impacts on the environment from the potential authorization to the States of Oregon, Idaho, and Washington (states) to lethally removal certain California sea lions that are feeding on at-risk salmon and steelhead stocks below Bonneville dam on the Columbia River. This authorization would be pursuant to Section 120 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The states have requested authorization to lethally remove individually identifiable California sea lions having a significant negative impact on the decline or recovery of several populations of salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the draft EA for review and comment before NMFS makes a final decision on whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper Fishery Management Measures; Correction
Document Number: E8-791
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document contains a correction to the final rule to implement a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico that was published in the Federal Register Thursday, January 3, 2008.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel Lottery in Areas 542 and 543
Document Number: 08-152
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is notifying the owners and operators of registered vessels of their assignments for the 2008 A season Atka mackerel fishery in harvest limit area (HLA) 542 and/or 543 of the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the harvest of the 2008 A season HLA limits established for area 542 and area 543 pursuant to the 2007 and 2008 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI.
Science Advisory Board; The Preliminary Report of the NOAA Science Advisory Board, Extension, Outreach and Education Working Group
Document Number: E8-704
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Research (OAR) publishes this notice on behalf of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) to announce the availability of the preliminary report of the SAB Extension, Outreach, and Education Working Group's (here called the EOEWG) external review of NOAA's activities in extension, outreach and education activities for public comment. The preliminary report of the EOEWG has been prepared pursuant to the request initiated by the NOAA Science Advisory Board, and approved by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, for an external panel of experts to conduct a review of NOAA's extension, outreach and education programs and provide advice to NOAA on ways to strengthen, coordinate, organize and improve its extension, outreach and education activities to fully engage its constituents.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-688
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received two applications for scientific research permits from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), one from CDFG Region 1 and one from CDFG Region 3. The permits would affect federally threatened Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast coho salmon, endangered Central California Coast coho, threatened California Coastal Chinook salmon, threatened Northern California steelhead, threatened Central California Coast steelhead, threatened South-Central California Coast steelhead, and endangered Southern California steelhead. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment.
Notice of Public Hearings on the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Subsistence Harvest Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 08-121
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a two public hearings regarding the Cook Inlet beluga whale subsistence harvest Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS).
Marine Mammals; File No. 642-1536-03
Document Number: E8-556
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Joseph R. Mobley, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 404, Honolulu, HI 96822 has withdrawn his application for an amendment to his existing scientific research permit.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-553
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued Permit 10017 to California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) in Half Moon Bay, California.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-541
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a series of public scoping meetings regarding a proposed Comprehensive Allocation Amendment, Amendment 17 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the South Atlantic, Amendment 18 to the Snapper Grouper FMP for the South Atlantic, and commercial allocation of the South Atlantic king mackerel quota. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Endangered Species
Document Number: E8-495
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has completed a draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) on the Issuance of Endangered Species Act Permits for Scientific Research on Endangered and Threatened Sea Turtles in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: E8-422
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold public hearings to allow for input on Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Tilefish Fishery.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-373
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Mid-Atlantic Bycatch Committee, its Research Set-Aside Committee, its Ecosystems Committee, its Protected Resources Committee, its Executive Committee, and its Surfclam/Ocean Quahog Committee, will hold public meetings.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-372
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Joint Canada-U.S. Review Panel for Pacific hake/whiting will hold a work session which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); king mackerel.
Document Number: E8-371
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR assessments of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stocks of king mackerel will consist of a series of three workshops: a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. This is the sixteenth SEDAR. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Yellowtail Flounder Landing Limit for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: 08-91
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast (NE) Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), is decreasing the Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder trip limit to 1,500 lb (680 kg) for NE multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) vessels fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Area. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and is intended to prevent over-harvest of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for GB yellowtail flounder. This action is being taken under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act) to slow the catch rate of GB yellowtail flounder to provide opportunity for vessels to continue fishing while helping to ensure that the TAC will not be exceeded during the 2007 fishing year (May 1, 2007 - April 20, 2008).
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Final Revised Management Plan; Notice of Availability
Document Number: 08-79
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The final revised management plan for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) has been approved and is now available. The plan is the result of a multi-year management plan review at the FKNMS that included extensive public, as well as state, local and other federal agency involvement. The plan is available for download on the Web site: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov. For a hard copy or data CD of the plan contact the sanctuary office at the contact number identified below.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-336
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Black Abalone
Document Number: E8-335
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-01-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have completed a review of the status of black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). After reviewing the best scientific and commercial information available, evaluating threats facing the species, and considering efforts being made to protect black abalone, we have concluded that the species is in danger of extinction throughout all of its range and are proposing to list the species as endangered under the ESA. This proposal is based on information indicating that: the disease known as withering syndrome has spread to areas throughout the range of the species, has been responsible for the local extirpation of populations throughout a large part of the species' range, and threatens remaining black abalone populations; low adult densities below the critical threshold density required for successful fertilization exist throughout a large part of the species' range; and, a number of interacting factors (e.g., suboptimal water temperatures, reduced genetic diversity, and illegal harvest) may further hamper natural recovery of the species. A critical habitat designation is being considered and may be proposed in a subsequent Federal Register notice. If the proposed listing is finalized, a recovery plan will be prepared and implemented.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Document Number: E8-272
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program for FY 2008, and sets forth eligibility criteria and selection guidelines for the program. The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program was established through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447). This Scholarship Program will provide approximately 100 undergraduate applicants selected for the program with scholarships to participate in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education. There is no guarantee that funds will be available to make awards to all qualified applicants.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2008 Gulf of Alaska Pollock Total Allowable Catch Amount
Document Number: 08-63
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the GOA pollock TACs do not exceed the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for pollock in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska Area (FMP).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Chiniak Gully Research Area for Vessels Using Trawl Gear
Document Number: E8-172
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is rescinding the trawl closure in the Chiniak Gully Research Area. This action is necessary to allow vessels using trawl gear to participate in directed fishing for groundfish in the Chiniak Gully Research Area.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Fishing Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements
Document Number: E8-169
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; High Seas Fishing Vessel Identification Requirements
Document Number: E8-168
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; High Seas Fishing Vessel Reporting Requirements
Document Number: E8-167
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; High Seas Fishing Permit Application Information
Document Number: E8-166
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2008 Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amount
Document Number: 08-37
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Pacific cod fishery. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined this TAC is incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the GOA Pacific cod TAC does not exceed the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area (FMP).
Endangered and Threatened Species; “Not Warranted” Endangered Species Act Listing Determination for the Atlantic White Marlin
Document Number: E7-25643
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce our finding that listing the Atlantic white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is not warranted, and we announce the availability of the status review document.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2008 Bering Sea Pollock Total Allowable Catch Amount
Document Number: 07-6309
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the 2008 total allowable catch amount (TAC) for the Bering Sea pollock fishery. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined this TAC is incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the Bering Sea pollock TAC does not exceed the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for pollock in the Bering Sea subarea. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Final 2008-2010 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs
Document Number: 07-6307
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is specifying the final quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2008, 2009, and 2010. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to publish the final quota specifications for the 2008-2010 fishing years. The intent of this action is to implement final specifications for allowable harvest levels of Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper Fishery Management Measures
Document Number: E7-25584
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule reduces the minimum size limit for vermilion snapper to 10 inches (25.4 cm) total length (TL), eliminates the 10-fish recreational bag limit for vermilion snapper within the existing 20-fish aggregate reef fish bag limit, and eliminates the 40-day commercial closed season for vermilion snapper (from April 22 through May 31 each year). NMFS is also implementing through this rule clarifications for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, as well as non-substantive changes to codified text, including removing obsolete language regarding the use of fish traps in the Gulf of Mexico, removing outdated and redundant language, revising phone numbers and an outdated definition, and revising incorrect references. The intended effects of this final rule are to help achieve optimum yield (OY) by reducing vermilion snapper harvest limitations consistent with the findings of the recent stock assessment and to clarify and update existing regulations.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Atlantic Group Spanish Mackerel Commercial Trip Limit in the Southern Zone; Change in Start Date
Document Number: E7-25583
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-01-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the framework procedure for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP), NMFS proposes to change the start date for the commercial trip limit for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel in the southern zone to March 1. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to conform the trip limit to the beginning of the fishing year for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel.
Marine Mammals; File No. 782-1676
Document Number: E7-25582
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA, 98115 has been issued an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 782-1676-01, for research on marine mammals.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Total Allowable Catches for Eastern Georges Bank Cod, Eastern Georges Bank Haddock, and Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder in the U.S./Canada Management Area for Fishing Year 2008
Document Number: E7-25580
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-01-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2008 fishing year (FY) Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for Eastern Georges Bank (GB) cod, Eastern GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder in the U.S./Canada Management Area, as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). These TACs may be adjusted during FY 2008, if NMFS determines that the harvest of these stocks in FY 2007 exceeded the TACs specified for FY 2007. NMFS is also considering for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, postponing the FY 2008 opening until August 1, 2008, allowing longline gear vessels during the May through July period, and setting a cap on the cod caught by such vessels during this period at 5 percent of the cod TAC. The intent of this action is to provide for the conservation and management of those three stocks of fish.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Pelagic Longline Research
Document Number: 07-6290
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a final decision to issue an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct research in portions of the East Florida Coast (EFC) and Charleston Bump closed areas using a limited number of pelagic longline (PLL) vessels. Given the nearly rebuilt status of north Atlantic swordfish (B = 0.99BMSY) and bycatch reduction measures that were implemented throughout the U.S. PLL fishery in 2004, NMFS is authorizing the collection of baseline PLL fishery data in the closed areas to evaluate the effectiveness of existing bycatch reduction measures. The Final EA analyzes monthly and annual PLL logbook and pelagic observer program (POP) data on catch and bycatch rates of all species in the proposed research area from 1995- 2000 to determine potential impacts of the research programfishery on target and non-target species. The Final EA includes additional analyses of catch rates for all species based on 18/0 circle hooks. NMFS will require the use of 18/0 non-offset circle hooks in the research project to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality and 100 percent observer coverage to ensure scientific rigor.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 07-6289
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-01-03
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 2007 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
Document Number: E7-25535
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to approve and implement changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC or Commission) regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California (Area 2A). NMFS proposes to implement the portions of the Plan and management measures that are not implemented through the IPHC, which includes the sport fishery management measures for Area 2A. These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut, to provide greater angler opportunity where available, and to protect yelloweye rockfish and other overfished groundfish species from incidental catch in the halibut fisheries.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings; Correction
Document Number: E7-25476
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Ad Hoc Recreational Red Snapper Advisory Panel (AP).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings
Document Number: E7-25475
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-25474
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Trawl Rationalization Tracking and Monitoring Committee (TRTMC) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-25473
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a one-day Council meeting, on January 24, 2008, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-25472
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
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 January, 2008 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-25437
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings and Hearings
Document Number: E7-25436
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has begun its annual preseason management process for the 2008 ocean salmon fisheries. This document announces the availability of Council documents as well as the dates and locations of meetings and public hearings comprising a portion of the Council's schedule of events for determining the annual proposed and final modifications to ocean salmon fishery management measures. The dates and agendas for the March and April 2008 Council meetings, which are another component of the process, will be published in subsequent Federal Register documents prior to the actual meetings.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E7-25401
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-01-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability of the Proposed Columbia River Estuary Endangered Species Act (ESA) Recovery Plan Module for Salmon and Steelhead (Estuary Module) for public review and comment. The Estuary Module was developed to meet the estuary recovery needs of all ESA-listed salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. The Estuary Module will be incorporated by reference into all Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead recovery plans to guide salmon and steelhead recovery in the Columbia River estuary. The Estuary Module was prepared by the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, under contract to NMFS. At this time, NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the proposed Estuary Module.
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