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

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: E8-20181
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the Atlantic tunas General category daily Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limit should be adjusted for the September, October-November, and December time periods of the 2008 fishing year, based on consideration of the determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments.
Endangered Species; File No. 10115
Document Number: E8-20163
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Douglas Peterson, Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Improved Retention/Improved Utilization
Document Number: E8-20162
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the approval of Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. Amendment 72 amends the FMP to state that the Council will annually review information on the discard of shallow-water flatfish in Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries. After review of this annual information, the Council may recommend revisions to retention and utilization requirements if the discard rate for shallow-water flatfish falls above or below a specified threshold. This action is necessary to support the Council's initiatives to monitor and reduce bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resource in the Gulf of Alaska in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-20156
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the C season allowance of the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-20068
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee (PNCIAC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-20067
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold scoping meetings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the local agencies representatives on the Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands Concerning Bajo de Sico Seasonal Closure including a Regulatory Impact Review and an Environmental Assessment.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-20066
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Advisory Panel and Recreational Advisory Panel will hold two meetings to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Low-Energy Marine Seismic Surveys in the Santa Barbara Channel, November 2008
Document Number: E8-20014
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a seismic survey within the Santa Barbara Channel, California. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS requests comments on its proposal to authorize SIO to take, by Level B harassment only, small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey in November, 2008.
Marine Mammal Authorization Program Integration of Registration for Selected West Coast Fisheries
Document Number: E8-20006
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is providing notice that it is increasing the number of fisheries for which the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) registration is integrated with existing state and Federal fishery licensing and permitting programs, beginning with the 2009 List of Fisheries (LOF). NMFS is integrating MMAP registration at this time only for specific Category I or II fisheries regulated under fishery management plans (FMPs) administered by the Southwest Regional Office, or fisheries under permits issued by the state of California. Fishermen who participate in a Category I or II fishery for which registration is not integrated with existing state or Federal permitting programs must continue to register directly with NMFS through the MMAP.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Squid Jig Fisheries
Document Number: E8-20004
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would include three species of pelagic squid under Federal management, and establish permitting and reporting requirements for squid jig fishing vessels over 50 ft (15.4 m) in length. These vessels would also be required to carry Federal observers if requested by NMFS. This proposed rule is intended to improve monitoring and management of U.S. domestic pelagic squid fisheries in the western Pacific.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-19972
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Executive and Finance Committees, a meeting of its Standard Operating, Policy and Procedure (SOPPs) Committee, Advisory Panel Selection Committee (Closed Session), Joint Ecosystem- based Management and Habitat Committees, Shrimp Committee, Spiny Lobster Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Committee, Allocation Committee, Limited Access Privilege (LAP) Program Committee, Dolphin Wahoo Committee, a joint meeting of its Golden Crab Advisory Panel and Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel, and a meeting of the full Council. The Council will also hold a public comment session regarding: Amendment 7 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan (FMP) addressing rock shrimp endorsements and economic reporting for the shrimp fishery; a Generic Import Amendment for the Spiny Lobster FMP addressing requirements for imported spiny lobster; Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper FMP addressing measures to end overfishing for gag grouper and vermilion snapper and interim allocations of these two species for commercial and recreational fisheries; and Interim Rule measures to address overfishing of red snapper and other snapper grouper complex species. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional details.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-19954
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle, WA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19953
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Crab Plan Team (CPT) will meet in Seattle, WA.
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research NOAA Science Advisory Board's Climate Working Group
Document Number: E8-19879
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere requested the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) to establish a standing working group to provide scientific advice and broad direction NOAA's climate program in the context of both national and international activities. The Climate Working Group (CWG) focuses on the broad research and operational components of the climate program as well as on the underlying observations and data management issues. The CWG assists NOAA's climate programs in establishing plans, reviewing progress, and setting priorities on a continuing basis. As the terms of current members end, additional members are needed and the SAB is soliciting nominations for four vacancies.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; National Standard Guidelines
Document Number: E8-19874
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS withdraws a proposed rule for revisions to National Standard 1 (NS1) guidelines, which was published on June 22, 2005. Instead of going forward with a final rule directly resulting from the 2005 proposed rule, NMFS published a new proposed rule for the NS1 guidelines in the Federal Register on June 9, 2008, to address new provisions enacted in 2007 in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA). Because of new requirements for annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs), among other things, NMFS decided that it was better to proceed with a new proposed rule rather than try to revise a 3-year old action that preceded the MSRA. The new proposed rule provides guidance on ACLs and AMs and other requirements related to overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks in the National Standard 1 (NS1) guidelines.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish; Delay of Fishery Opening
Document Number: E8-19870
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is delaying until November 15, 2008, the opening of the commercial and non-commercial fisheries in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) for seven deepwater bottomfish species (``Deep 7'' bottomfish). This emergency rule to delay the fishery opening is necessary to prevent overfishing and ensure that regulations specifying the total allowable catch (TAC) are based on the best available scientific information. This emergency rule is also necessary to complement State of Hawaii regulations that will delay the opening of the fishery in State waters, thereby preventing confusion by the public caused by conflicting Federal and State regulations, and minimizing any resulting enforcement difficulties for the State.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19788
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Joint Protocol Committee of the Alaska Board of Fisheries and Council will meet in Anchorage, AK.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-19787
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Aleutian Islands Ecosystem Team will meet in Seattle, WA.
Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing; Meeting
Document Number: E8-19738
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) will meet October 7, 2008.
Conducting Consultations Pursuant to Section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act
Document Number: E8-19662
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA solicits public comment on whether development of regulations implementing certain aspects of the consultation provisions of section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act is appropriate and, if so, what such regulations should contain to ensure the efficient application and implementation of, and compliance with, this statutory requirement.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency
Document Number: E8-19667
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-25
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 Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and its Board of Directors (TCA).
Fisheries of the Northeast Region; Fisheries of the Southeast Region; Highly Migratory Species
Document Number: E8-19666
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has determined that northeast smooth skate, South Atlantic red snapper, and Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish are overfished and that northeast thorny skate is subject to overfishing. NMFS notified the respective regional fishery management councils (Councils) responsible for these fisheries of its determination. The Councils are required to take action within 1 year following notification by NMFS that overfishing is occurring, a stock is approaching overfishing, a stock is overfished, a stock is approaching an overfished condition, or existing remedial action taken to end overfishing or rebuild an overfished stock has not resulted in adequate progress. In addition, the Secretary has determined that the highly migratory species blacknose shark is overfished and overfishing is occurring.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-19665
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the Commerce Secretary's approval of Amendment 79 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). Amendment 79 amends the FMP and requires the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to recommend an aggregate overfishing level and acceptable biological catch for the ``other species'' category in the Gulf of Alaska as part of the annual groundfish harvest specifications process. The ``other species'' category in the Gulf of Alaska consists of sharks, sculpins, squid, and octopus. Amendment 79 is necessary to allow the Council and NMFS to incorporate the best and most recent scientific and socioeconomic information for the specification of the ``other species'' total allowable catch, acceptable biological catch, and overfishing level. 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.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-19578
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet ([gteqt] 18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear to the B season allocation for vessels using jig gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-19576
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI has been reached.
Marine Mammals; Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals; Harvest Estimates
Document Number: E8-19584
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of northern fur seals, NMFS is publishing the annual fur seal subsistence harvests on St. George and St. Paul Islands (the Pribilof Islands) for 2005 to 2007, and the annual estimates for the fur seal subsistence needs for 2008 through 2010. NMFS estimates the annual subsistence needs are 1,645-2,000 seals on St. Paul and 300-500 seals on St. George.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Harbor Activities Related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
Document Number: E8-19582
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to United Launch Alliance (ULA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to harbor activities related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) at south Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA (VAFB).
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: E8-19580
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to amend the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan's (BDTRP) implementing regulations by extending, for an additional three years, fishing restrictions expiring on May 26, 2009. This action will continue, without modification, current nighttime fishing restrictions of medium mesh gillnets operating in the North Carolina portion of the Winter- Mixed Management Unit during the winter. Members of the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team (BDTRT) recommended these regulations be extended for an additional three years to ensure continued conservation of the Western North Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphin stock, should a directed spiny dogfish fishery reemerge in North Carolina.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Crustacean Fisheries; Deepwater Shrimp
Document Number: E8-19579
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would designate deepwater shrimp of the genus Heterocarpus as management unit species (MUS), and require Federal permits and data reporting for deepwater shrimp fishing in Federal waters of the western Pacific. The proposed rule is intended to improve information on deepwater shrimp fisheries and their ecosystem impacts, and to provide a basis for future management of the fisheries, if needed.
Marine Mammals; File No. 774-1847-03
Document Number: E8-19577
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program (Rennie Holt, Ph.D., Principal Investigator), 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 has been issued an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 774- 1847-02.
Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Habitat Conservation Plan, and Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permits
Document Number: E8-19575
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), has submitted applications to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for incidental take permits (Permit(s)) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). As required by the ESA, ODF has also prepared a Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) designed to minimize and mitigate any such take of endangered or threatened species. The Permit applications are related to forest management and timber harvest activities on the Elliott State Forest in Coos and Douglas Counties, Oregon. The FWS and NMFS (together, the Services) are co-lead agencies in this effort. The Permit applications include the proposed Plan and a draft Implementation Agreement (IA). The Services also announce the availability of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed action. The Services are requesting comments from the public on the Permit applications, the Plan, the IA, and DEIS, all of which are available for review. The Services are furnishing this notice to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on these documents. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review pursuant to the ESA. For locations to review the documents, please see the \SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION\ section below. A 90-day comment period, rather then a standard 60-day comment period, is being provided to allow the public sufficient time to comment on the draft documents.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial Period 1 Quota Harvested
Document Number: E8-19426
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the spiny dogfish commercial quota available to the coastal states from Maine through Florida for the semi-annual quota period, May 1, 2008 - October 31, 2008, has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, August 20, 2008, federally permitted spiny dofish vessels may not fish for, possess, transfer, or land spiny dogfish until November 1, 2008, when the Period 2 quota becomes available. Regulations governing the spiny dogfish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the coastal states from Maine through Florida that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no Federal commercial quota is available for landing spiny dogfish in these states. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its Period 1 quota and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Shallow Hazard and Site Clearance Surveys in the Chukchi Sea in 2008
Document Number: E8-19424
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-21
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 an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting open water shallow hazard and site clearance surveys by ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. (CPAI) in the Chukchi Sea has been issued.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar
Document Number: E8-19417
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-21
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, DC, and persons operating under his authority.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; Management Measures for the Northern Mariana Islands
Document Number: E8-19337
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) proposes to amend the Fishery Management Plan for the Bottomfish & Seamount Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, Amendment 10 would establish Federal permitting and reporting requirements for all commercial bottomfish fishing in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The amendment would also close waters within 50 nm (80.5 km) of the southern CNMI and within 10 nm (18.5 km) of the northern island of Alamagan to bottomfish fishing by vessels over 40 ft (12.2 m) in length, which also would be required to carry and operate shipboard vessel monitoring system units, and whose operators would be required to submit bottomfish sales reports in addition to catch reports. The proposed amendment would ensure adequate collection of information about the CNMI bottomfish fishery, provide for sustained community participation in the CNMI bottomfish fishery, and encourage consistent availability of locally-caught bottomfish to CNMI consumers. Combined, these measures are intended to prevent the depletion of bottomfish stocks in the CNMI, and sustain the fisheries that depend on them.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13545
Document Number: E8-19313
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Ocean Alliance, Inc. (Responsible Party: Iain Kerr), 191 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde's (B. edeni), dwarf sperm (Kogia sima), false killer (Pseudorca crassidens), fin (B. physalus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), killer (Orcinus orca), minke (B. acutorostrata), pilot (Globicephala spp.), pygmy sperm (K. breviceps), sei (B. borealis), southern right (Eubalaena australis), northern right (E. glacialis), Cuvier's beaked (Ziphius cavirostris), and other beaked (Mesoplodon spp.) whales, common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), as well as elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) coral, and import specimens from these species for scientific research.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: E8-19309
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline (HG) for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. This HG has been calculated according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19291
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19288
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a two-day Council meeting on September 3-4, 2008 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19287
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a two-day Council meeting on September 3-4, 2008 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-19280
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Greenland turbot in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 Greenland turbot total allowable catch (TAC) in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-19232
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting a South Atlantic Habitat and Ecosystem IMS Refinement Workshop in St. Petersburg, FL.
Science Advisory Board; Preliminary Report of the NOAA Science Advisory Board Fire Weather Research Working Group
Document Number: E8-19210
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-20
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 draft report of the SAB Fire Weather Research Working Group's (here called the FWRWG) for public comment. The preliminary draft report of the FWRWG has been prepared pursuant to the request initiated from NOAA for an external panel of experts to carry out an independent review of current fire weather research being conducted by NOAA and other federal agencies, and in universities and elsewhere, and examine how the results of that research are being further developed and transitioned to operations by NOAA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: E8-19190
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring commercial bluefish quota to the State of New York from its 2008 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Availability of Seats for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E8-19027
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary advisory council (council): Fishing Seat. 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 2-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-18945
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received six scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures
Document Number: E8-18944
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of collection-of-information requirements contained in regulations implementing Amendment 2 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This final rule sets forth the effective date of the collection-of- information requirements.
Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: E8-18938
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, ``Services'' or ``we'') propose to amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Services are proposing these changes to clarify several definitions, to clarify when the section 7 regulations are applicable and the correct standards for effects analysis, and to establish time frames for the informal consultation process.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Closure of the 2008 Commercial Fishery for Golden Tilefish in the South Atlantic
Document Number: E8-18937
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for golden tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS has determined that the quota for the commercial fishery for golden tilefish will have been reached by August 17, 2008. This closure is necessary to protect the golden tilefish resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel Lottery in Areas 542 and 543
Document Number: E8-18935
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
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 B 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 B season HLA limits established for area 542 and area 543 pursuant to the 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI.
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