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

Results 601 - 650 of 1,232
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures
Document Number: E8-15053
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS previously published, on May 7, 2008, a notice of intent (NOI) to initiate an amendment to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP), including an Environmental Impact Statement. NMFS now announces the availability of an issues and options presentation describing potential measures for inclusion in Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and provides details for four scoping meetings to discuss and collect comments on these issues. Comments received by NMFS on the NOI and issues and options presentation as well as in the scoping meetings will be used in the development of Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Coastal Commercial Fireworks Displays at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CA
Document Number: E8-15051
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a 1-year Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) to incidentally take, by Level B harassment only, California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) incidental to professional fireworks displays within the MBNMS in California waters.
Marine Mammals; File No. 545-1761
Document Number: E8-15050
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the North Gulf Oceanic Society (Craig O. Matkin, Principal Investigator), 2030 Mary Allen Avenue, Homer, AK 99603 has withdrawn its application for an amendment to Permit No. 545-1761-00 for use of a mini-helicopter during killer whale (Orcinus orca) research.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E8-14943
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies and Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. This EFP, which would enable researchers to study the effects of a spiny dogfish excluder grate within a raised footrope whiting trawl, would grant exemptions from the NE multispecies regulations as follows: Gear restrictions while fishing in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Regulated Mesh Area (RMA), Northeast (NE) multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) effort control measures, and NE multispecies minimum fish sizes for sampling purposes only. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14936
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
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 the Hawaii Archipelago Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC) in Honolulu, HI.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Aleutian Islands Pollock Fishery Requirements
Document Number: E8-14935
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
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; NMFS Alaska Region Observer Providers
Document Number: E8-14933
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
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; U.S. Fishermen Fishing in Russian Waters
Document Number: E8-14932
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 9
Document Number: E8-14937
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-07-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing approved measures contained in Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 9 was developed by the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to remedy deficiencies in the FMP and to address other issues that have arisen since Amendment 8 to the FMP became effective in 1999. Amendment 9 establishes multi-year specifications for all four species managed under the FMP (mackerel, butterfish, Illex squid (Illex), and Loligo squid (Loligo)) for up to 3 years; extends the moratorium on entry into the Illex fishery, without a sunset provision; adopts biological reference points recommended by the Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) for Loligo; designates essential fish habitat (EFH) for Loligo eggs based on best available scientific information; and prohibits bottom trawling by MSB-permitted vessels in Lydonia and Oceanographer Canyons.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E8-14834
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP, which would enable the applicants to investigate the bycatch variability of different groundfish trawl codend configurations with a small mesh cover, would allow for exemptions for one vessel from the Northeast (NE) Multispecies and Monkfish Fishery Management Programs, as follows: NE multispecies Gulf of Maine (GOM) minimum mesh size. The EFP would also allow temporary exemptions from the following regulations, per the stipulations detailed in this document: NE multispecies minimum fish sizes; NE multispecies possession restrictions; monkfish minimum fish sizes; and monkfish possession restrictions. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Announcement of Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve Revised Management Plan Including a Boundary Expansion
Document Number: E8-14818
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the revised management plan, which includes an expansion of the boundary of the reserve, for the Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve has three sites: Monie Bay, Jug Bay, and Otter Point Creek. Monie Bay was designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1985 and Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek were designated in 1990 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating under a management plan approved in 1990. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan brings the reserve into compliance and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. A boundary expansion, new facilities, and updated programmatic objectives are notable revisions to the 1990 approved management plan. The revised management plan outlines the administrative structure; the education, stewardship, and research goals of the reserve; and the plans for future land acquisition and facility development to support reserve operations. Since 1990, the reserve has added a coastal training program that delivers science-based information to key decision makers in the Chesapeake Bay. The reserve has realized many aspects of the 1990 plan, including the completion of the Anita C. Leight Center in Harford County. This facility provides classrooms, lab space, exhibit space and office space and has allowed the implementation of research, education and volunteer activity at the Otter Point Creek component of the reserve. This management plan calls for a boundary expansion at two reserve sites: 1,345 acres are incorporated into the Jug Bay component site and approximately 32 acres will be incorporated into the Otter Point Creek site. The Otter Point Creek component will expand its land area from 443 to 475 acres. The land increase consists of two forested parcels adjacent to the current boundary that will serve as a buffer for core estuarine habitat and will also provide an important access point for monitoring and education programming. The expansion at Jug Bay includes land on both sides of the Patuxent River, increasing the acreage of this site from 491 to 1,836. The original boundary for this component site included a portion of the county-owned parks. This expansion incorporates a larger portion of those parks to become designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserves. West of the Patuxent River, the reserve will add 455 acres of wetlands and buffer lands that will enhance the protection of core reserve lands and will enhance the research and monitoring. East of the Patuxent River, the reserve will be expanded by 890 acres to increase the level of protection surrounding the river and expand the area available for reserve programming.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14809
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold a work session, which is open to the public.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14808
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to convene its Spiny Lobster Advisory Panel (AP) via conference call.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-14807
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Ad Hoc Scientific and Statistical Committee will hold a public meeting.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: E8-14806
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-30
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 29, Spiny Lobster and Aquaculture Amendment.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Trawl Catcher Processors in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-1397
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by trawl catcher processors participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 Pacific cod allowable catch (TAC) specified for trawl catcher processors participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the BSAI.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-14648
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for scientific research from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in Lodi, CA. The permit would affect the federally threatened Central Valley steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), as identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Marine Debris Survey in the Coastal North Carolina Region
Document Number: E8-14592
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-27
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.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Annual Catch Limits; National Standard 1 Guidelines; Meeting Announcements
Document Number: E8-14517
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces three public meetings to solicit comments on the proposed revisions to the guidelines for National Standard 1 (NS1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by American Fisheries Act Catcher Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-1390
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for AFA trawl catcher processors in the BSAI.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 1127-1921 and 10018
Document Number: E8-14415
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium, P.O. Box 6107, Kamuela, HI 96743 [File No. 1127-1921] and Dr. Rachel Cartwright, 5277 West Wooley Rd., Oxnard, CA 93035 [File No. 10018] have each been issued a permit to conduct scientific research on several species of cetaceans found in Hawaiian waters.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seismic Surveys in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas
Document Number: E8-14393
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from Shell Offshore, Inc. (SOI) and its contractor WesternGeco for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting marine geophysical programs, including deep seismic surveys, on oil and gas lease blocks located on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SOI and WesternGeco to incidentally take, by Level B harassment, small numbers of several species of marine mammals during the Arctic Ocean open-water seasons between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009, incidental to conducting these seismic surveys.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14280
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-25
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).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Prohibited Species Donation Program
Document Number: E8-14275
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the renewal of permits to SeaShare (formerly Northwest Food Strategies) authorizing this organization to distribute Pacific salmon and Pacific halibut to economically disadvantaged individuals under the prohibited species donation (PSD) program. Salmon and halibut are caught incidentally during directed fishing for groundfish with trawl gear off Alaska. This action is necessary to comply with provisions of the PSD program and is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: E8-14274
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the initial determination that the pelagic longline fishery has a high level of mortality and serious injury across a number of marine mammal stocks, and proposes regulations to implement the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP) to reduce serious injuries and mortalities of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. The PLTRP is based on consensus recommendations submitted by the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team (PLTRT). This action is necessary because current serious injury and mortality rates of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins incidental to the Atlantic pelagic longline component of a Category I fishery are above insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate (zero mortality rate goal, or ZMRG), and therefore, inconsistent with the long-term goal of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The PLTRP is intended to meet the statutory mandates and requirements of the MMPA through both regulatory and non-regulatory measures, including a special research area, gear modifications, outreach material, observer coverage, and captains' communications.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 10074; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. PRT-165304
Document Number: E8-14260
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of the Interior, U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice is hereby given that Michael Etnier, Ph.D., Box 353100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98227 has been issued a permit to import marine mammal specimens for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-14259
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received two 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: E8-13961
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements the management measures described in Final Amendment 2 to the Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP). These management measures are designed to rebuild overfished species and prevent overfishing of Atlantic sharks. These measures include, but are not limited to, reductions in the commercial quotas, adjustments to commercial retention limits, establishment of a shark research fishery, a requirement for commercial vessels to maintain all fins on the shark carcasses through offloading, the establishment of two regional quotas for non-sandbar large coastal sharks (LCS), the establishment of one annual season for commercial shark fishing instead of trimesters, changes in reporting requirements for dealers (including swordfish and tuna dealers), the establishment of additional time/area closures for bottom longline (BLL) fisheries, and changes to the authorized species for recreational fisheries. This rule also establishes the 2008 commercial quota for all Atlantic shark species groups. These changes affect all commercial and recreational shark fishermen and shark dealers on the Atlantic Coast.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures; Research Fishery
Document Number: E8-13960
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its request for applications for the 2008 shark research fishery from commercial shark fishermen. The shark research fishery will allow for the collection of fishery-dependent data for future stock assessments while also allowing NMFS and commercial fishermen to conduct cooperative research to meet the shark research objectives for the Agency. Only commercial vessels participating in the shark research fishery would be able to land sandbar sharks. These vessels would also land non-sandbar large coastal sharks (LCS), small coastal sharks (SCS), and pelagic sharks. Commercial vessels not participating in the shark research fishery may only land non-sandbar LCS, SCS, and pelagic sharks. Commercial shark fishermen who are interested in participating in the shark research fishery need to submit a completed Shark Research Fishery Permit Application in order to be considered. Generally, these permits will be valid through December 31, 2008, unless otherwise specified, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14071
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Allocation Committee in North Charleston, SC.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14070
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
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 July, 2008, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14069
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee on July 10, 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.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-14068
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to convene its Ad Hoc Grouper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Advisory Panel (AHGIFQAP) via conference call.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14067
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
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 the Mariana Archipelago Plan Team in Mangilao, Guam.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-14066
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee, in July, 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.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Hawaii Range Complex
Document Number: 08-1371
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to training activities conducted within the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) for the period of December 2008 through December 2013. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take and requesting information, suggestions, and comments on these proposed regulations.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program
Document Number: E8-14012
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations implementing Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). These regulations amend the Crab Rationalization Program. Amendment 26 amends the FMP to exempt permanently quota share issued to crew members, and the annual harvest privileges derived from that quota share, from requirements for delivery to specific processors, delivery within specific geographic regions, and participation in an arbitration system to resolve price disputes. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the FMP, and other applicable law.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Sea Turtles
Document Number: E8-13986
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Parties to the InterAmerican Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC) agreed at the October 2007 Extraordinary Meeting of Parties to a procedure and terms of reference to select the Head of the Secretariat. Therefore, in accordance with that resolution, the United States Government is seeking nominations for the position of the Head of the Secretariat. The United States Government will nominate a candidate to the position. At the November 2008 Conference of Parties, the Parties will choose from all the nominations a Head of the Secretariat.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Closure of the Elephant Trunk Scallop Access Area to General Category Scallop Vessels
Document Number: 08-1372
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Elephant Trunk Scallop Access Area (ETAA) will close to general category scallop vessels until it re-opens on March 1, 2009, under current regulations. This action is based on the determination that 1,671 general category scallop trips into the ETAA are projected to be taken as of 1200 hr (noon) local time, June 18, 2008. This action is being taken to prevent the allocation of general category trips in the ETAA from being exceeded during the 2008 fishing year, in accordance with the regulations implementing Framework 18 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Definition of Marine Debris for Purposes of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Pollution Act
Document Number: Z8-11700
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-06-19
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: E8-13898
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, upon application from the Minerals Management Service (MMS), is issuing regulations to govern the unintentional takings of small numbers of marine mammals incidental to explosive severance activities at offshore oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Issuance of regulations, and Letters of Authorization (LOAs) under those regulations, governing the unintentional incidental takes of marine mammals in connection with particular activities is required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) when the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), after notice and opportunity for comment, finds, as here, that such takes will have a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on their availability for taking for subsistence uses, and if the Secretary sets forth the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on affected marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, and on the availability of such species or stocks for subsistence uses. These regulations do not authorize offshore structure removal activities as such authorization is not within the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Rather, NMFS' regulations together with LOAs authorize the unintentional incidental take of marine mammals in connection with this activity.
Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E8-13803
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): At-Large (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 two-to-three-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Science Advisory Board (SAB)
Document Number: E8-13793
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
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, July 16, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, July 17, 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 Kalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov for confirmation of the venue and for directions. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 30- minute public comment period on July 17 (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 July 11, 2008 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after July 11, 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) Final Report from the Working Group to Examine Advisory Options for Improving Communications among NOAA's Partners (Partnerships WG or PWG); (2) Preliminary Draft Report from the Fire Weather Research Working Group (FWRWG); (3) National Climate Service; (4) Climate Working Group Update on Climate Services; (5) Climate Working Group Review on Research and Modeling Review; (6) Oceans and Human Health; (7) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in NOAA; (8) NOAA Transition to the Next Administration; (9) SAB Benchmark Review Discussion; (10) SAB Strategic Planning Discussion; and (11) a series of brief presentations on NOAA activities in the Great Lakes.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Rat Population Eradication at Rat Island, AK
Document Number: E8-13786
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the eradication of rat populations at Rat Island, AK. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposed IHA for these activities.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: E8-13747
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Hawaii Coastal Management Program, the Minnesota Coastal Management Program, the San Francisco (California) Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the California State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, Subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Management Programs requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluations, and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meetings during the site visits. Dates and Times: The Hawaii Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held July 25-August 4, 2008. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Hilo State Office Building, Conference Rooms A, B, and C, 75 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii. Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program evaluation site visit will be held August 4-8, 2008. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Monday, August 4, 2008, at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Community Center, 3026 Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, Minnesota. The joint San Francisco (California) Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the California State Coastal Conservancy evaluation site visit will be held September 22-26, 2008. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, McAteer-Petris Conference Room, 50 California Street, San Francisco, California.
National Sea Grant Review Panel
Document Number: E8-13745
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
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. The meeting will have several purposes. Panel members will discuss and provide advice to the National Sea Grant College Program in fisheries extension enhancement, the November Panel Meeting in Baton Rouge and Sea Grant re-authorization.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Halibut Managers Workgroup (HMW)
Document Number: E8-13717
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The HMW is not a committee of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), however, the Council has expressed interest in having a report from the HMW, and has offered to provide meeting space. The meeting is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-13695
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Allocation Committee (GAC) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seismic Survey in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, Summer 2008
Document Number: E8-13650
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from PGS Onshore, Inc. (PGS) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to an exploratory three-dimensional (3D) marine seismic survey in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, utilizing an ocean bottom cable/ transition zone (OBC/TZ) technique in summer 2008. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to PGS to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of several species of marine mammals between July and September, 2008, during the aforementioned activity.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs
Document Number: E8-13529
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the approval of Amendment 24 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). Amendment 24 specifies a five-tier system for determining the status of the crab stocks managed under the FMP, establishes a process for annually assigning each crab stock to a tier and for setting the overfishing and overfished levels, and reduces the number of crab stocks managed under the FMP. Amendment 24 is necessary to establish new overfishing definitions that contain objective and measurable criteria for determining whether each managed stock is overfished or whether overfishing is occurring and to remove from the FMP several crab stocks managed by the State of Alaska. 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.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.