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

Results 151 - 200 of 1,232
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Total Allowable Catch Harvested for Management Area 1A
Document Number: E8-27217
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that, effective 0001 hours, November 14, 2008, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring in or from Management Area 1A (Area 1A) per trip or calendar day until January 1, 2009, when the 2009 TAC becomes available, except for transiting purposes as described in this notice. This action is based on the determination that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to Area 1A for 2008 is projected to be harvested. Regulations governing the Atlantic herring fishery require publication of this notification to advise vessel and dealer permit holders that no TAC is available for the directed fishery for Atlantic herring harvested from Area 1A.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing, Scientific Research, Display, and Chartering Permits; Letters of Acknowledgment
Document Number: E8-27135
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to issue Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs), Scientific Research Permits (SRPs), Display Permits, Letters of Acknowledgment (LOAs), and Chartering Permits for the collection of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) in 2009. In general, EFPs and related permits would authorize collections of a limited number of tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico for the purposes of scientific data collection and public display. Chartering permits allow the collection of HMS in the high seas or in the Exclusive Economic Zone of other nations. Generally, these permits will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2009, unless otherwise specified, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-27031
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Florida/Alabama Habitat Protection Advisory Panel (AP).
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-27030
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee, Law Enforcement Advisory Panel, Limited Access Privilege Program (LAPP) Committee, Personnel Committee (Closed Session), Advisory Panel Selection Committee (Closed Session), a meeting of its Standard Operating, Policy and Procedure (SOPPs) Committee, Joint Executive and Finance Committees, Spiny Lobster Committee, Mackerel Committee, Ecosystem-based Management Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Steering Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. The Council will also hold a an informal public question and answer session and may hold a public comment session regarding Interim Rule measures to address overfishing of red snapper if the Council considers an Interim Rule request. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional details.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Fishermen's Comment Card
Document Number: E8-26872
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-13
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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
Document Number: E8-26854
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a 2-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in February 2009. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public.
Initiation of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review: Notice of Public Scoping Meetings
Document Number: E8-26792
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), NOAA is holding scoping meetings to: 1. Solicit public comments and identify issues on the continued management of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary; and 2. Help determine the scope of issues to be addressed in the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), if warranted.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Essential Fish Habitat
Document Number: E8-26852
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In order to provide additional opportunities for the public, the Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Councils, the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions, and other interested parties to comment on the Essential Fish Habitat Draft Amendment 1 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP), NMFS is extending the comment period for this action. On September 19, 2008, NMFS published a Notice of Availability (NOA) of a draft environmental impact statement and a fishery management plan amendment. Based on the September 19, 2008, notice, the comment period was scheduled to conclude on November 18, 2008. NMFS is now extending the comment period until December 12, 2008. Comments received by NMFS on the Draft Amendment will be used in the development of Final Amendment 1 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements
Document Number: E8-26850
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-11-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule for a period of 30 days, to allow shrimp fishermen to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in state waters off of Texas (extending offshore 9 nautical miles from the Texas/Louisiana boundary southward to the boundary shared by Matagorda and Brazoria Counties; approximately 95[deg] 32' W. long.). The previous 30-day variance of the TED requirements was from October 8 through November 7, 2008. This action is necessary because environmental conditions resulting from Hurricane Ike persist on the fishing grounds, preventing some fishermen from using TEDs effectively.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-26847
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-11-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processors using hook-and-line gear 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) allocated to catcher processors using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI.
Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-26811
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee) in Monterey, California.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Low-Energy Marine Geophysical Survey in the Santa Barbara Channel, November 2008
Document Number: E8-26721
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-10
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 the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO), for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, during November 2008.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-26701
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-11-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), except for directed fishing for pollock by vessels using pelagic trawl gear in those portions of the GOA open to directed fishing for pollock. This closure also does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Pilot Program for the Central GOA. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit specified for vessels using trawl gear in the GOA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-26576
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Outreach group will meet in Anchorage at the North Pacific Research Board office.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Status Review of Southeast Alaska Population of Pacific Herring; Request for Information
Document Number: E8-26543
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, request information, data, and comments pertinent to a risk assessment as part of a status review of the Southeast Alaska population of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi). On April 11, 2008, we initiated a status review of this herring stock under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In conducting this status review, we now seek information regarding the stock's population structure and trends, current conditions of its habitat, known and anticipated threats to the viability of the population, and efforts being made to protect the species.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Vessel Monitoring System for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Document Number: E8-26490
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seismic Surveys in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas
Document Number: E8-26269
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical program, including deep seismic surveys, on oil and gas lease blocks located on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters in the mid- and eastern-Beaufort Sea and in the Northern Chukchi Sea has been issued to Shell Offshore, Inc. (SOI) and WesternGeco.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: E8-26338
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-05
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 is announcing a thirty day public comment period on the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision. Four sites along the York River comprise the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve; Sweet Hall Marsh, Taskinas Creek, the Catlett Islands, and the Goodwin Islands. The fours sites were designated as the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1991 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science under a management plan approved in 1991. Pursuant to 15 CFR section 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. A boundary expansion, a revised geographic vision for the reserve, new facilities, and updated programmatic objectives are notable revisions to the 1991 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. This management plan describes how the strengths of the reserve will focus on four areas relevant to the Chesapeake Bay: functions and linkages of land-margin ecosystems; ecosystem vulnerability to climate and human-induced stressors; water quality and aquatic stressors; and integrated ocean observing systems. Since 1991, the reserve has added a coastal training program that delivers science-based information to key decision makers in the Chesapeake Bay; has completed a site profile that characterizes the reserve; and has expanded the monitoring, stewardship and education programs significantly. A new administrative building (2003) and a new science and education lab (2005) have been built to support the growth of reserve programs. With the approval of this management plan, the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve will change their total acreage from 2,849 acres to a new total of 2,705 acres. This change is attributable to boundary modifications at two of the reserve sites. At Sweet Hall Marsh, 189 acres of reserve property are being removed from the reserve boundary due to a change in ownership. At the Taskinas Creek site, 44.5 acres are being added to the reserve boundary to provide a deciduous and hardwood forest buffer to protect the estuarine areas used for research and education. The 1991 Management Plan proposed a multi-phased expansion of the reserve that started with the four sites on the York River and planned to incorporate over 20 sites throughout Virginia to ensure adequate representation of Virginian estuarine areas important to the Chesapeake Bay. This expansion has not occurred since 1991. Due to the anticipated logistical, economic, and programmatic difficulties of having over 20 sites administered as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve, the 2008 Management Plan focuses on the York River for the next five years.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and Its Board of Directors
Document Number: E8-26280
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that the decision record has been closed for an administrative appeal filed with the Department of Commerce by Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and its Board of Directors (collectively, TCA).
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements
Document Number: E8-26159
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-11-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule for a period of 30 days, to allow shrimp fishermen to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in state and Federal waters off Louisiana from the western end of Timbalier Island (approximately 90[deg] 33' W. long.) eastward to the Plaquemines/Jefferson Parish line (approximately 89[deg] 54' W. long.), and extending offshore 15 nautical miles. The previous 30-day exemption from TED requirements was effective September 26 through October 26, 2008. This action is necessary because environmental conditions resulting from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike persist on the fishing grounds, preventing some fishermen from using TEDs effectively.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures; Research Fishery
Document Number: E8-26156
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its request for applications for the 2009 shark research fishery from commercial shark fishermen with a directed or incidental permit. The shark research fishery allows 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. The only commercial vessels authorized to land sandbar sharks are those participating in the shark research fishery. Shark research fishery permittees may 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, 2009, unless otherwise specified, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
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: E8-26155
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-11-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice extends for 45 days the public comment period on a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon, as published on September 8, 2008, and corrected on October 7, 2008.
Notification of U.S. Fish Quotas and an Effort Allocation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area
Document Number: E8-26154
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-11-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that fish quotas and an effort allocation are available for harvest by U.S. fishermen in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. This action is necessary to make available to U.S. fishermen a fishing privilege on an equitable basis.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-25996
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a three-day Council meeting on November 18-20, 2008, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-25995
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-31
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 November 17-18, 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: E8-25994
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), is scheduling a meeting of its Joint Dogfish Committee, on November 17, 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 Meetings
Document Number: E8-25993
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) Groundfish Plan Teams will meet in Seattle, WA.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting
Document Number: E8-25963
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) was established by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, its amendments, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. Date and Time: HSRP public meeting will be held November 19-20, 2008. Open public time is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 19th and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 20th. Location: Westin Harbour Island, Tampa, Florida. 725 S. Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602; Tel: (813) 229-5000. The times and agenda topics are subject to change. Refer to the HSRP Web site listed below for the most current meeting agenda.
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: E8-25938
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to provide information concerning the procedures, schedule, and eligibility requirements NMFS will use in conducting a referendum for an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) commercial grouper and tilefish fisheries. 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 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 South Atlantic; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Atlantic red drum; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-25906
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR assessments of the Atlantic stock of red drum will consist of a series of three workshops: a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. This is the eighteenth SEDAR. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures
Document Number: E8-25830
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In order to provide additional opportunities for the public, the Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Councils, the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions, and other interested parties to comment on the Notice of Intent (NOI) and issues and options scoping presentation for Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP), NMFS is extending the scoping comment period for this action. On May 7, 2008, NMFS published an NOI to initiate an amendment to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, including an Environmental Impact Statement. On July 2, 2008, NMFS published a notice that announced the availability of an issues and options scoping presentation describing potential measures for inclusion in Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and provided details for four scoping meetings to discuss and collect comments on these issues. Based on the July 2, 2008, notice, the comment period was scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2008. NMFS is now extending the comment period until November 14, 2008. Comments received by NMFS on the NOI and issues and options scoping presentation as well as in the scoping meetings will be used in the development of Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendments to the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plans for the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
Document Number: E8-25823
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this proposed rule that would implement Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Caribbean FMP) prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Caribbean Council) and Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (Gulf and South Atlantic FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Gulf and South Atlantic Councils). This proposed rule would establish two minimum size restrictions for importation of spiny lobster into the United States -one applicable to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a more restrictive minimum size limit that applies to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, this proposed rule would prohibit importation of egg-bearing spiny lobsters and importation of spiny lobster tail meat that is not in whole tail form with the exoskeleton attached. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to enhance the conservation of the spiny lobster resource and improve effectiveness of law enforcement related to such conservation.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Conservation of Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals
Document Number: E8-25820
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), publish this final rule to apply all the prohibitions enumerated in section 9(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals, with limited exceptions for two specified classes of activities that contribute to the conservation of the listed corals. We have determined that extending these prohibitions with two exceptions is necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the species.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 30B
Document Number: E8-25711
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 30B to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. The amendment proposes actions to end overfishing of gag, revise red grouper management measures as a result of changes in the stock condition, establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for gag and red grouper, manage shallow-water grouper (SWG) to achieve optimum yield (OY), and improve the effectiveness of Federal management measures.
Availability of Diving Operations, Recreational Fishing, Research, Conservation, and Education Seats for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E8-25708
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the of Diving Operations, Recreational Fishing, Research, Conservation and Education seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council). 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. The Applicant chosen as a member should expect to serve a 3- year term, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2009 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications; 2009 Research Set-Aside Projects
Document Number: E8-25707
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes specifications for the 2009 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries and provides notice of three conditionally approved projects that will be requesting Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) as part of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Research Set-Aside (RSA) program. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of these species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. Furthermore, regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act) require a notice to be published to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for EFPs. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels that assure that the target fishing mortality rates (F) or exploitation rates specified for these species in the FMP are not exceeded and to allow for rebuilding of the stocks as well as to provide notice of EFP requests, all in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements; Public Workshops
Document Number: E8-25706
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, Alaska Region, and the U.S. Coast Guard, North Pacific Fisheries Training Center, will present workshops on eLandings, a consolidated electronic means of reporting production of commercial groundfish to multiple management agencies for Federal and State fisheries off the coast of Alaska, and 2009 recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the Alaska groundfish fisheries and Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) fisheries.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Final Rule to Remove the Caribbean Monk Seal From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: E8-25704
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), publish this final rule to remove the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) from the list of endangered marine and anadromous species at 50 CFR 224.101 due to extinction of the species. We have reviewed the status of this species and determined that removal of the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the Caribbean monk seal is warranted. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concurred with our recommendation to delist this species in a letter dated October 17, 2008.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-25699
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Summer Flounder Monitoring Committee, Scup Monitoring Committee, Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee, and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council's and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisors will hold public meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-25647
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
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 November, 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.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR)
Document Number: E8-25607
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The dates for the SEDAR Catchability Procedural Workshop, originally scheduled for November 17 20, 2008, have been changed to February 9-12, 2009. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Announcement of Notice To Re-Solicit Proposals for the National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology Program (NCERT)
Document Number: E8-25578
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publishes this notice to re-solicit proposals for the National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology Program (NCERT). This notice provides further information regarding the Summary Description, Program Priorities, Funding Availability, and the Review and Selection Process for the program. Any proposals that were submitted to the initial solicitation must be re-submitted by the new deadline to be considered for an award. New proposals are also eligible for funding.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Yellowtail Flounder Landing Limit for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: E8-25593
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action decreases the Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder trip limit to 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) for NE multispecies days-at- sea (DAS) vessels fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Area. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and is intended to prevent over-harvesting of the total allowable catch (TAC) for GB yellowtail flounder during the 2008 fishing year. This action is being taken to maintain opportunities for vessels to fully harvest the TACs for transboundary stocks of GB cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; 2009 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs
Document Number: E8-25585
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2009 remain status quo. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Federal Register if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged.
Marine Mammals; File No. 10080
Document Number: E8-25560
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Kathryn A. Ono, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 10080-02.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Commercial Shark Management Measures
Document Number: E8-25557
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would adjust quotas for the 2009 fishing season for sandbar sharks, non-sandbar large coastal sharks (LCS), small coastal sharks (SCS), and pelagic sharks managed under Amendment 2 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during the 2008 Atlantic commercial shark fishing season. The purpose of this proposed action is to provide advance notice of quotas for the Atlantic commercial shark fishery and address any over- and/or underharvests that may have occurred in the Atlantic shark fishery during the 2008 fishing season.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Beach Boulevard AICWW Bridge Blasting Project, Duval County, FL
Document Number: E8-25414
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the removal and replacement of support structures for the Beach Boulevard Bridge over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICWW) in Duval County, FL. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposed IHA for these activities.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: E8-25413
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, the Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA) has determined that catastrophic conditions still exist in certain parts of Louisiana and Texas, specifically from Cameron, Louisiana southwest to Galveston Island, Texas, as a result of recent hurricanes. The RA, therefore, is extending authorization for the use of paper-based forms for basic required IFQ administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions, through December 31, 2008. Although electronic transactions are to be used if power to the affected area has been restored, paper-based forms will be authorized in the areas from Cameron, Louisiana southwest to Galveston Island, Texas. The determination of catastrophic conditions and allowance of alternative methods for completing required IFQ administrative functions is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.
National Sea Grant Review Panel
Document Number: E8-25370
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Sea Grant Review Panel. Panel members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the Agenda below.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Yellowfin Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E8-25332
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of the 2008 yellowfin sole total allowable catch (TAC) assigned to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands trawl limited access sector to the Amendment 80 cooperative in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2008 total allowable catch of yellowfin sole to be fully harvested.
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