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

Results 51 - 100 of 109
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-21465
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2008 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached.
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-21438
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene the 99th meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) in Honolulu, HI.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-21404
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice advises the public that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a meeting of its Social Science Research Planning Committee in Honolulu, HI.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-21402
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat/MPA/Ecosystem Committee, in October, 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-21401
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Crab Socioeconomic Data Collection Committee will meet in Anchorage, AK.
Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: E8-21414
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-12
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, ``we'') are extending the comment period for proposed regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13428
Document Number: E8-21349
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Niladri Basu, Ph.D., Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, has been issued a scientific research permit to import marine mammal specimens for scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13388
Document Number: E8-21348
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Sea World, Inc., 9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819 [Brad Andrews, Responsible Party] has been issued a permit to import one beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) for public display.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for the State of New York
Document Number: E8-21347
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the 2008 summer flounder commercial quota allocated to the State of New York has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in New York for the remainder of calendar year 2008, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer from another state. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise New York that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in New York.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Gulf of Alaska, September 2008
Document Number: E8-21346
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-12
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 in the Gulf of Alaska during September, 2008.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-21326
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 36 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Amendment 80 Vessels Subject to Sideboard Limits in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-21325
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit specified for the deep-water species fishery by Amendment 80 vessels subject to sideboard limits in the GOA has been reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources
Document Number: E8-21146
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization Program (Program) allocates BSAI crab resources among harvesters, processors, and coastal communities. Amendment 27 would amend the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP) and the Program to include the statutory requirements of section 122(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 and modify the methods used to determine individual processor quota share (IPQ) use caps when crab are processed under custom processing arrangements. Amendment 27 also would modify limits on the amount of Aleutian Islands golden and red king crab IPQ that could be processed at a facility. 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.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Guided Sport Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut
Document Number: E8-21131
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS withdraws regulations that placed limits on charter vessel anglers, including a one-halibut daily bag limit in International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 2C. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on June 10, 2008 (amended on June 13, 2008), and a Preliminary Injunction (PI) on June 20, 2008, enjoining and restraining NMFS from giving any effect to or otherwise taking any action to enforce the one- halibut daily bag limit restriction for charter vessel anglers. The TRO (as amended) and the PI direct that the daily bag limit should revert to the two-fish daily bag limit with one fish no more than 32 inches (81.3 cm) head-on length that was in place prior to the one-fish daily bag limit. This action ensures that regulatory text provides accurate information to the regulated public. The intended effect is to make regulatory requirements consistent with a duly issued court order.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 13583 and 13599
Document Number: E8-21124
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the following two entities have applied in due form for permits to conduct import marine mammal parts for scientific research purposes: National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML, Dr. John Bengtson, Responsible Party), 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 (File No. 13583) and National Ocean Service Marine Forensic Lab (NOS Lab, Julie Carter, Principal Investigator), 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 (File No. 13599).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Document Number: E8-21123
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-21122
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-11
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 and Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot 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.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-21096
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) advisory bodies will hold meetings, which are open to the public, on October 7-9, 2008. The primary purpose of the meetings is to review the current Pacific sardine stock assessment update and draft terms of reference for the 2009 CPS stock assessment review process.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-21095
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-21094
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Availability of Seats for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E8-21021
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (council): Conservation Primary; Conservation Alternate, and Community-at-Large Marin/Sonoma 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; 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 2-3 year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish Fishery; Framework Adjustment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: E8-21019
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS approves and implements new management measures for the monkfish fishery recommended in Framework Adjustment 6 (Framework 6) to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which has been submitted jointly by the New England (NEFMC) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). This action eliminates the backstop provision adopted in Framework Adjustment 4 (Framework 4) to the FMP, which was implemented in October 2007. This provision would have adjusted, and possibly closed, the directed monkfish fishery in fishing year (FY) 2009 if the landings in FY 2007 exceeded the target total allowable catch (TTAC) by more than 30 percent. Given that both stocks are rebuilt according to the most recent assessment, the backstop provision is no longer deemed necessary.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for Massachusetts
Document Number: E8-20996
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Atlantic bluefish commercial quota available to Massachusetts has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the Atlantic bluefish fishery may not land bluefish in Massachusetts for the remainder of calendar year 2008, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer. Regulations governing the Atlantic bluefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise Massachusetts that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing bluefish in Massachusetts.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-20994
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 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 620 in the GOA.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2009
Document Number: E8-20926
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, publishes this notice on the Modeling the Causes of Hypoxia component of the Northern Gulf of Mexico program to provide clarification regarding funding availability.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Nomenclature Change to Rename the “Haddock Rope Trawl” the “Ruhle Trawl”; Final Rule
Document Number: E8-20924
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS changes the name of a previously approved trawl gear referred to as the ``Haddock Rope trawl'' to the ``Ruhle Trawl.'' The intent of this action is to recognize the effort of Captain Phil Ruhle, Sr., who was instrumental in the development of this gear.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-20897
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 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 610 in the GOA.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Protocol for Access to Tissue Specimen Samples from the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank
Document Number: E8-20792
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-09
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; Report of Whaling Operations
Document Number: E8-20791
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-09
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.
Federal Register Notice Calling for Nominations to Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee
Document Number: E8-20790
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The Advisory Committee was established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior in implementing Section 4 of Executive Order 13158, specifically on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-Federal scientists, resource managers, and people representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation including in the Great Lakes. Fifteen members of the Committee have terms that expire October 31, 2009, and nominations are sought to fill these vacancies. Individuals seeking membership on the Advisory Committee should possess demonstrable expertise in a related field or represent a stakeholder interest affected by MPAs. Nominees also will be evaluated based on the following factors: Marine policy experience, leadership and organization skills, region of country represented, and diversity characteristics. The membership reflects the Department's commitment to attaining balance and diversity. The full text of the Advisory Committee Charter and its current membership can be viewed at the Agency's Web page at https://mpa.gov.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; Management Measures for the Northern Mariana Islands
Document Number: E8-20774
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would establish Federal permitting and reporting requirements for all commercial bottomfish vessels fishing in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The proposed rule would also close certain EEZ waters around the CNMI to bottomfish fishing by vessels over 40 ft (12.2 m) long. Vessel monitoring system units would be installed on these vessels, and the operators of these vessels would be required to submit Federal sales reports in addition to catch reports. This proposed rule is intended to ensure adequate collection of information about the CNMI commercial bottomfish fishery, provide for sustained community participation, and maintain a consistent supply of locally-caught bottomfish to CNMI markets and seafood consumers. Combined, these measures are intended to prevent the depletion of bottomfish stocks in the CNMI, and to sustain the fisheries that depend on them.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13430
Document Number: E8-20773
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, (Responsible Party: Dr. John Bengtson, Director), Seattle, WA, has applied for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-20679
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Council's (MAFMC) Dogfish Monitoring Committee will hold a public meeting.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Proposed Rulemaking To Designate Critical Habitat for the Threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon
Document Number: E8-20632
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to designate critical habitat for the threatened Southern distinct population segment of North American green sturgeon (Southern DPS of green sturgeon) pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specific areas proposed for designation include: coastal U.S. marine waters within 110 meters (m) depth from Monterey Bay, California (including Monterey Bay), north to Cape Flattery, Washington, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington, to its United States boundary; the Sacramento River, lower Feather River, and lower Yuba River in California; the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun, San Pablo, and San Francisco bays in California; the lower Columbia River estuary; and certain coastal bays and estuaries in California (Humboldt Bay), Oregon (Coos Bay, Winchester Bay, and Yaquina Bay), and Washington (Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor). The areas proposed for designation comprise approximately 325 miles (524 km) of freshwater river habitat, 1,058 square miles (2,739 sq km) of estuarine habitat, 11,927 square miles (30,890 sq km) of marine habitat, and 136 square miles (352 sq km) of habitat within the Yolo and Sutter bypasses (Sacramento River, CA). We propose to exclude the following areas from designation because the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion and exclusion will not result in the extinction of the species: coastal U.S. marine waters within 110 m depth from the California/Mexico border north to Monterey Bay, CA, and from the Alaska/Canada border northwest to the Bering Strait; and certain coastal bays and estuaries in California (Tomales Bay, Elkhorn Slough, Noyo Harbor, and the estuaries to the head of the tide in the Eel and Klamath/Trinity rivers), Oregon (Tillamook Bay and the estuaries to the head of the tide in the Rogue, Siuslaw, and Alsea rivers), and Washington (Puget Sound). The areas excluded from the proposed designation comprise approximately 1,057 square miles (2,738 sq km) of estuarine habitat and 396,917 square miles (1,028,015 sq km) of marine habitat. We acknowledge that there may be costs incurred by those planning to undertake activities in certain areas, in particular Coo Bay, OR, or other areas along the lower Columbia River estuary, as a result of this proposed critical habitat designation for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon that were not captured in our draft economic report. These activities include, but are not limited to, liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, hydropower activities, and alternative energy projects. We solicit comment on what these additional costs might be and will consider any additional information received in developing our final determination to designate or exclude areas from critical habitat for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-20605
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Council's Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee will hold a public meeting on Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan and if time allows, also on Amendment 11.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-20604
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings, September 29 - October 7, 2008 at Sheraton Hotel, 401 East 6th Avenue, Anchorage, AK.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Critical Habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon
Document Number: E8-20603
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to designate critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (GOM DPS) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We previously determined that naturally spawned and several hatchery populations of Atlantic salmon which constituted the GOM DPS warrant listing as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are required to designate critical habitat for the GOM DPS as a result of this listing. We propose to designate as critical habitat 45 specific areas occupied by Atlantic salmon at the time of listing that comprise approximately 203,781 km of perennial river, stream, and estuary habitat and 868 square km of lake habitat within the range of the GOM DPS and on which are found those physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species. The entire occupied range of the GOM DPS in which critical habitat is being proposed is within the State of Maine. We propose to exclude approximately 1,463 km of river, stream, and estuary habitat and 115 square km of lake habitat from critical habitat pursuant to section 4(b)(2) of the ESA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Directed Butterfish Fishery
Document Number: E8-20600
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the directed fishery for butterfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be closed effective 0001 hours, September 5, 2008. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest butterfish may not retain or land more than 250 lb (0.11-mt) of butterfish per trip for the remainder of the year (through December 31, 2008). This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its domestic annual harvest (DAH) of 500 mt and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Notice of 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Three Ice Seal Species as a Threatened or Endangered Species
Document Number: E8-20544
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list three ice seal species, [ringed (Phoca hispida), bearded (Erignathus barbatus), and spotted (Phoca largha)] as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although the petition identifies ringed seals as Pusa hispida, at this time we believe that the ringed seal is more properly identified as Phoca hispida. We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action of listing the ice seals may be warranted. Therefore, we have initiated status reviews of the ice seals to determine if listing under the ESA is warranted. To ensure these status reviews are comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding all of these ice seal species.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Referendum Procedures for a Potential Gulf of Mexico Grouper and Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: E8-20543
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this proposed rule to provide potential participants information concerning a referendum for an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) commercial grouper and tilefish fisheries. This rule informs the potential participants of the procedures, schedule, and eligibility requirements that NMFS would use in conducting the referendum. If the IFQ program, as developed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), is approved through the referendum process, the Council may choose to submit the IFQ program to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for review, approval, and implementation. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to implement the referendum consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-20512
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-04
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). This action is necessary to fully use the C season allowance of the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-20509
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached.
Endangered Species; File No. 13573
Document Number: E8-20428
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Michael Salmon, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Science Advisory Board
Document Number: E8-20425
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the NOAA Science Advisory Board. The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined in the agenda below.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: E8-20422
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in October, November, and December 2008. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet new regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. Also, the Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be held in 2009 and announced in the Federal Register.
Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team Meeting
Document Number: E8-20419
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is convening a meeting of the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team (PLTRT). The PLTRT will discuss the proposed Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (RIN 0648-AV65) and provide updates to team members on recent research and actions.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Region Coral Reef Ecosystems Logbook and Reporting
Document Number: E8-20416
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
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; International Dolphin Conservation Program
Document Number: E8-20415
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Endangered Status for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon
Document Number: E8-20412
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
We (NMFS and USFWS) have determined that naturally spawned and conservation hatchery populations of Atlantic salmon within the range of the Gulf of Maine (GOM) distinct population segment (DPS), including those that were already listed in November 2000, constitute a new GOM DPS and hence a ``species'' for listing as endangered or threatened consideration under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This also constitutes a 12-month finding on a petition to list Atlantic salmon in the Kennebec River as endangered. We will propose to designate critical habitat for the GOM DPS in a subsequent Federal Register notice.
Permanent Advisory Committee to the U.S. National Section to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC); Meeting Announcement
Document Number: E8-20407
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee to the U.S. National Section to the WCPFC from 17-19 September, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Meeting topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
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