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

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery and Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 27/14; Correction
Document Number: E8-3840
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document contains a correction to the final rule to implement joint Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 27/14) that was published in the Federal Register Tuesday, January 29, 2008.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-896
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 24 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the A season allowance of the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-895
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-894
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2008 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 605-1904
Document Number: E8-3838
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Whale Center of New England (Mason Weinrich, Principal Investigator), P.O. Box 159, Gloucester, MA 01930 has been issued a permit to conduct research on humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and sei (Balaenoptera borealis) whales.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-3742
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Observer Advisory Committee (OAC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-3697
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) to establish Bering Sea habitat conservation measures. This amendment, if approved, would prohibit nonpelagic trawling in certain waters of the Bering Sea subarea to protect bottom habitat from the potential adverse effects of nonpelagic trawling. This amendment also would establish the Northern Bering Sea Research Area for studying the impacts of nonpelagic trawling on bottom habitat. This action is necessary to protect portions of the Bering Sea subarea bottom habitat from the potential adverse effects of nonpelagic trawling. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws. Comments from the public are welcome.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
Document Number: E8-3695
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a 3-day Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in April 2008. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2008 and 2009 Final Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: E8-3531
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces 2008 and 2009 final harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits and associated management measures for groundfish during the 2008 and 2009 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-3552
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a Reef Fish Advisory Panel (AP).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: E8-3512
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces final 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2008 and 2009 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the BSAI in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-851
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the A season allowance of the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure
Document Number: 08-835
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2008 Scup Specifications; Correction
Document Number: E8-3522
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On December 31, 2007, NMFS published in the Federal Register a final rule containing final specifications for the 2008 scup fishery. Inadvertently, table 3 of the final rule contained incorrect values for the 2008 Adjusted Quota Less Overages and Research Set-Aside (RSA) for the scup quota periods. This document corrects those values.
National Sea Grant Review Panel
Document Number: E8-3521
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
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. 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 in the Agenda below.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fisheries; 2008 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications
Document Number: E8-3514
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues final specifications for the 2008 Atlantic bluefish fishery, including state-by-state commercial quotas, a recreational harvest limit, and recreational possession limits for Atlantic bluefish off the east coast of the United States. The intent of these specifications is to establish the allowable 2008 harvest levels and possession limits to attain the target fishing mortality rate (F), consistent with the stock rebuilding program contained in Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as well as ensuring compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The final specifications are modified from those contained in the proposed rule as a result of more recent information on recreational harvests.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 4.1: “Coastal Elevation and Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise”
Document Number: E8-3513
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce a 45-day public comment period for the draft document titled, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.1: ``Coastal elevation and sensitivity to sea level rise.'' 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. Any public comments submitted in accordance with this notice will be considered when revising the document.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Commercial Operator's Annual Report (COAR)
Document Number: E8-3509
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
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; Fishery Capacity Reduction Program Buyback Requests
Document Number: E8-3508
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
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; Highly Migratory Species Vessel Logbooks and Cost-Earnings Data Reports
Document Number: E8-3507
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-3429
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
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 Anchorage, AK.
Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: E8-3348
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries Management Plan (Plan) in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). This action is intended to provide management flexibility in times of low Klamath River fall-run Chinook (KRFC) abundance, while preserving the long-term productive capacity of the stock and thereby ensuring it continues to contribute meaningfully to ocean and river fisheries in the future.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-3300
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-3299
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) will hold a Navassa Island Workshop.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-3298
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice advises the public that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene meetings of the Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel, Mariana Archipelago Plan Team and Mariana Archipelago Regional Ecosystem Advisory Panel in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands and in Guam.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: E8-3297
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene public hearings on Reef Fish Amendment 30B.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-808
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Science Advisory Board
Document Number: E8-3259
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated September 25, 1997, and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. SAB activities and advice provide necessary input to ensure that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) science programs are of the highest quality and provide optimal support to resource management. Time and Date: The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Thursday, March 13, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page: https:// www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/meetings.html for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held both days at the Hilton Washington DC/Silver Spring, 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov for confirmation of the venue. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 30- minute public comment period on March 12 (check Web site to confirm time). The SAB expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Written comments should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by March 7, 2008 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after March 7, 2008, will be distributed to the SAB, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting will include the following topics: (1) Draft Report from the Working Group to Examine Advisory Options for Improving Communications among NOAA's Partners (Partnerships WG or PWG); (2) Final Report from the Extension, Outreach & Education Working Group (EOEWG); (3) Report on the Final Results from the Ocean Exploration Advisory Working Group workshops; (4) NOAA Response to the SAB High-Performance Computing Recommendations and the Way Forward; (5) Discussion of a proposed SAB standing working group on ecosystems; (6) NOAA Monitoring Research Committee process updates and SAB Benchmark Review Discussion; (7) Discussion of SAB Strategic Planning; (8) the Census of Marine Life (CoML) Program; (9) the NOAA Hydrographic Services Review Panel; (10) results of the Review of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program; (11) Report on NOAA Activities in Support of the International Year of the Reef (IYR); (12) Report on NOAA Activities in Support of the International Polar Year (IPY); and (13) the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC).
Endangered Species; File No. 10115
Document Number: E8-3258
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Douglas Peterson, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forest Resources, Athens, GA 30602, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; An On-ice Marine Geophysical and Seismic Programs in the U.S. Beaufort Sea
Document Number: E8-3257
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) to take marine mammals, by Level-B harassment, incidental to conducting on-ice marine geophysical research and seismic surveys by CGGVeritas (Veritas) and Shell Offshore, Inc. (SOI) in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, have been issued for a period of one year from the IHAs effective date.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey off Central America, February-April 2008
Document Number: E8-3256
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO), a part of Columbia University, for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey off Central America during February-April, 2008.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; Tautog Fishery
Document Number: E8-3252
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that on February 7, 2008, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) found the State of New Jersey out of compliance with the Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog (ISFMP). Subsequently, the Commission referred the matter to NMFS, under delegation of authority from the Secretary of Commerce, for federal non-compliance review under the provisions of the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act (Atlantic Coastal Act). The Atlantic Coastal Act mandates that NMFS must review the Commission's non-compliance referral and make specific findings within thirty (30) days after receiving the referral. If NMFS determines that New Jersey failed to carry out its responsibilities under the Tautog ISFMP, and if the measures it failed to implement are necessary for conservation, then, according to the Atlantic Coastal Act, NMFS must declare a moratorium on fishing for tautog in New Jersey waters.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sablefish Managed Under the Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: 08-787
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish with fixed gear managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. The season will open 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 8, 2008, and will close 1200 hrs, A.l.t., November 15, 2008. This period is the same as the 2008 IFQ and Community Development Quota season for Pacific halibut adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). The IFQ halibut season is specified by a separate publication in the Federal Register of annual management measures.
Taking of Marine Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Power Plant Operations in Central and Southern California
Document Number: E8-3146
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received applications for take authorizations from 13 power generating stations located on the coast of central and southern California to take small numbers of marine mammals by Level A harassment and mortalities incidental to routine power plant operations for the duration of five years from the date when the authorizations are issued. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing our receipt of these requests for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on these applications.
2008 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program
Document Number: E8-3142
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS requests scallop research proposals to utilize total allowable catch (TAC) and Days-at-Sea (DAS) that have been set aside by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to fund scallop research endeavors under the 2008 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set- Aside Program (Scallop RSA Program). No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. Rather, the Scallop RSA Program funds scallop research and compensates participating vessels through the sale of scallops harvested under the research set-aside quota. Priority will be given to research proposals that address the following research priorities as identified by NMFS and the Council: Intensive industry- based access area surveys; Other surveys, including areas not surveyed by the annual NMFS survey; Scallop biology; Identification and evaluation of methods to reduce groundfish bycatch; Identification and evaluation of methods to reduce habitat impacts; Habitat characterization research; Sea turtle/scallop fishery interaction research; Scallop stock assessment and population dynamics research; Area management research; and Research that will facilitate the transition of the NFMS Northeast scallop dredge survey.
Availability of Seats for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 08-747
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (council): Citizen at LargeUpper Keys (alternate), Conservation and Environment [2 of 2] (member), FishingCharter Sports Fishing (alternate), and South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (member). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; residency in the Sanctuary area; and philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen for seats normally serve three- year terms, pursuant to the Council's charter.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction and Operation of a Liquefied Natural Gas Facility off Massachusetts
Document Number: E8-3021
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an application from Neptune LNG, L.L.C. (Neptune) for take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to construction and operation of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Massachusetts Bay. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Neptune to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of several species of marine mammals for a period of 1 year. NMFS is also requesting comments on its intent to promulgate regulations in 2008, governing the take of marine mammals over a 5-year period incidental to the same activities described herein.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-741
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing the opening and closing dates of the Atka mackerel directed fishery within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Area 542 for the vessel participating in the Amendment 80 cooperative. This action is necessary to fully use the 2008 A season HLA limit established for the vessel participating in the Amendment 80 cooperative.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish, Crab, Scallop, and Salmon Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-707
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule that implements Amendment 88 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. This amendment revises the Aleutian Islands Habitat Conservation Area (AIHCA) boundary to allow nonpelagic trawling in an area historically fished and to prohibit nonpelagic trawling in an area of known coral and sponge occurrence. This action is necessary to ensure the AIHCA protects areas of coral and sponge habitat from the potential effects of nonpelagic trawling and allows nonpelagic trawling in areas historically fished and with unknown occurrence of corals and sponges.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: E8-2932
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule to modify the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for the fixed-gear commercial Pacific halibut fishery and sablefish fishery by revising regulations governing the use of commercial halibut quota share (QS) and the processing of non-IFQ species when processed halibut is onboard a vessel. This action amends current regulations to allow persons holding category A halibut QS to process IFQ regardless of whether a QS holder with unused category B, C, or D halibut QS is onboard the vessel. This action also allows catcher/processor vessels to process non-IFQ species regardless of whether any processed IFQ species is onboard the vessel. This action is necessary to improve the efficiency of fishermen fishing on catcher/ processor vessels. The action is intended to allow halibut QS holders greater flexibility in using their QS, allow use of crew who hold unused category B, C, or D halibut QS while onboard a category A halibut QS vessel, and increase the product quality of non-IFQ species harvested incidentally to IFQ halibut.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program
Document Number: E8-2895
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations implementing Amendment 25 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP) and a provision of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Coast Guard Act). These proposed regulations would amend the Crab Rationalization Program. Amendment 25 to the FMP satisfies the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 requirement for the Secretary of Commerce to amend the FMP to authorize conversion of catcher vessel owner quota shares and processor quota shares to newly created converted catcher processor owner quota shares. The Secretary approved Amendment 25 on April 12, 2007. The Coast Guard Act mandates the Secretary to issue processing quota share to Blue Dutch, LLC, under specific conditions. This proposed action is necessary to implement Amendment 25 and the Coast Guard Act. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Coast Guard Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-2888
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Limited Access Privilege (LAP) Program Workgroup and Committee, LAP Program Committee, a joint meeting of its Executive Committee and Finance Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee, Law Enforcement Advisory Panel, a joint meeting of its Habitat Committee and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Spiny Lobster Committee, Shrimp Committee, Allocation Committee, Standard Operations, Policy and Procedures (SOPPs) Committee, Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Selection Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will also hold a public comment period on Amendment 15B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Redstone Consulting Group will provide a presentation on Limited Access Privilege Programs.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-2886
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-2876
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Crab Committee will meet.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA Using Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-706
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (< 18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of Pacific cod for catcher vessels < 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook- and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in the BSAI.
Federal Consistency Appeal by AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC and Mid-Atlantic Express, LLC
Document Number: E8-2814
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that the Secretary of Commerce has stayed, for a period of 60 days, closure of the decision record in an administrative appeal filed by AES Sparrows Point, LLC and Mid-Atlantic Express, LLC (AES Consistency Appeal).
Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping
Document Number: E8-2753
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping (IWG-OCM), established under the governance of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST), will host a workshop from Tuesday, February 26, 2008, until Thursday, February 28, 2008, to support the development of a National Ocean and Coastal Mapping Strategic Action Plan. Participation is by invitation only; however, plenary sessions will be open to the public. Dates and Times: The public plenary sessions will be on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Thursday, February 28, 2008, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Florida Atlantic University SeaTech Campus, Auditorium (Room 205), 101 North Beach Road, Dania Beach, Florida 33004.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Permit Family of Forms
Document Number: E8-2687
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-14
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; Southeast Region Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper IFQ Program
Document Number: E8-2683
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-14
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.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 08-683
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These regulations apply to lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 2,708 nm\2\ (9,288 km\2\) in February and 2,648 nm\2\ (9,082 km\2\) in March, southeast of Portland, Maine, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide protection to an aggregation of northern right whales (right whales).
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