National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Observer Program
Document Number: E9-23606
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes this rule to amend regulations supporting the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program). This action is necessary to improve the operational efficiency of the Observer Program, as well as improve the catch, bycatch, and biological data provided by observers for conservation and management of the North Pacific groundfish fisheries, including that provided through scientific research activities. The proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.
Endangered Species; File No. 10022
Document Number: E9-23605
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Raymond Carthy, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110485, Gainesville, Florida 23611-0450, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 10022.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E9-23604
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the adoption of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plan for the Middle Columbia River Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which spawns and rears in tributaries to the Columbia River in central and eastern Washington and Oregon. The Plan
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E9-23580
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-30
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 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E9-23578
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the C season allowance of the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-23512
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 102nd Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and 146th Council meetings to take recommendations and action on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; St. George Reef Light Station Restoration and Maintenance at Northwest Seal Rock, Del Norte County, California
Document Number: E9-23489
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, NMFS has received an application from the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society (SGRLPS), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by incidental harassment, incidental to conducting aircraft operations and restoration and maintenance work on the St. George Reef Light Station on Northwest Seal Rock (NWSR) in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as amended, NMFS requests comments on its proposal to authorize SGRLPS to incidentally take, by Level B harassment only, small numbers of marine mammals, incidental to conducting aircraft operations, and lighthouse renovation and light maintenance activities for one year. Since the proposed activities would occur in the vicinity of pinniped haul out sites, marine mammals could be disturbed as a result of helicopter landing/takeoff and human presence; therefore, SGRLPS has requested an IHA.
Endangered Species; File No. 14655
Document Number: E9-23471
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Jane Provancha, NASA, Ecological Program, Kennedy Space Center, FL, 32899, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1100-1849
Document Number: E9-23469
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Shane Moore, Moore & Moore Films, Box 2980, 1203 Melody Creek Lane, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, has applied for an amendment to Commercial Photography Permit No. 1100-1849.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: E9-23463
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline (HG) for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast. This HG is proposed according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast. The proposed total HG for the 2009-2010 fishing year is 10,000 metric tons (mt) and is proposed to be divided into a directed fishery HG of 8,000 mt and an incidental fishery of 2,000 mt.
Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas; Second Fall Meeting
Document Number: E9-23251
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In preparation for the 2009 ICCAT meeting, the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will convene its second and final fall meeting in October 2009.
Marine Mammals; File No. 358-1787
Document Number: E9-23249
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, AK 99802 (Principal Investigator: Robert Small, Ph.D.), has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 358-1787-01.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial Period 1 Quota Harvested
Document Number: E9-23215
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the spiny dogfish commercial quota available to the coastal states from Maine through Florida for the first semi-annual quota period, May 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009, has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, September 26, 2009, federally permitted spiny dogfish vessels may not fish for, possess, transfer, or land spiny dogfish until November 1, 2009, when the Period 2 quota becomes available. Regulations governing the spiny dogfish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the coastal states from Maine through Florida that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no Federal commercial quota is available for landing spiny dogfish in these states. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its Period 1 quota and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Catch Share Workshop; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-23210
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will hold a Catch Share Workshop for Council members, staff, its Advisory Panel Chairmen, the Science and Statistical Committee Chairman and Mid- Atlantic Council members. The intent of this meeting is to share information and concerns about the use of catch shares in NEFMC managed fisheries; help decision makers learn from successes, failures and challenges in other regions and place catch shares in context with what has already been approved in New England with an eye toward future direction and action.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch for Vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Trawl Limited Access Fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-23070
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch for vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI.
Marine Mammals; File No. 605-1904
Document Number: E9-23065
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Whale Center of New England (WCNE), [Mason Weinrich, Principal Investigator], P.O. Box 159, Gloucester, MA 01930, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 605-1904.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Document Number: E9-23064
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-24
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 the subject EFP application that was submitted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Marine Program (CCE) warrants further consideration and should be issued for public comment. The EFP would exempt participating vessels from summer flounder size restrictions and summer flounder mesh-size restrictions. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Modification to the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank Herring Midwater Trawl Gear Authorization Letter
Document Number: E9-23063
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS reopens for 6 days the comment period on the proposed rule to modify the requirements of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank (GOM/ GB) Herring Midwater Trawl Gear Letter of Authorization (LOA) for midwater trawl vessels issued All Areas and/or Areas 2 and 3 Atlantic herring limited access permits fishing in Northeast (NE) multispecies Closed Area I (CA I).
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-23054
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Executive Committee, its Law Enforcement Committee, its Protected Resources Committee, and its Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee will hold public meetings.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-23020
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-23019
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council(s (Council) Habitat Committee and Habitat Advisory Panel will hold meetings to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; 2009-10 Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Total Allowable Catch
Document Number: E9-22913
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS specifies a total allowable catch (TAC) of 254,050 lb (115,235 kg) of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) for the 2009-10 fishing year.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Closure
Document Number: E9-22910
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific sardine off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California. This action is necessary because the directed harvest allocation total for the third seasonal period (September 15- December 31) is projected to be reached by the effective date of the rule. From the effective date of this rule until December 31, 2009, Pacific sardine can only be harvested as part of the live bait fishery or incidental to other fisheries; the incidental harvest of Pacific sardine is limited to 20-percent by weight of all fish per trip. Fishing vessels must be at shore and in the process of offloading at 12:01 am Pacific Daylight Time on date of closure.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-22821
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating projected unused amounts of Pacific cod from catcher vessels using trawl gear, catcher vessels using pot gear, and vessels using jig gear to American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher processors, the Amendment 80 cooperative, catcher processors using pot gear, and catcher processors using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). These actions are necessary to allow the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E9-22655
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of the availability of a Routine Road Maintenance Program (RMP) that Clackamas County, Oregon, has submitted pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries promulgated a protective rule for 14 threatened salmon and steelhead Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). The RMP would affect four ESUs of threatened salmonids identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. The 4(d) rule provides for limits on ESA take prohibitions for the
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E9-22652
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received three 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. The applications may be viewed online at: https:/ /apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/previewopenforcomment.cfm.
Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-22644
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) will meet October 8, 2009.
Membership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Performance Review Board
Document Number: E9-22598
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4), NOAA announces the appointment of three new members to serve with the current membership on the NOAA Performance Review Board (PRB). The NOAA PRB is responsible for reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service and Senior Professional members and making written recommendations to the appointing authority on retention and compensation matters, including performance-based pay adjustments, awarding of bonuses and reviewing recommendations for potential Presidential Rank Award nominees. The appointment of members to the NOAA PRB will be for a period of 12 months.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of Anchorage Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project
Document Number: E9-22501
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Port of Anchorage (POA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MAARD), to take four species of marine mammals incidental to the POA's Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13430
Document Number: E9-22500
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
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 submitted a revised application for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-22491
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee along with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Herring Section will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-22490
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.
Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for Replacement of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center Located in La Jolla, California
Document Number: E9-22416
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA issues this notice to inform the public that an ROD has been approved for replacement of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) within the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) campus in La Jolla, California. NOAA signed the ROD on August 20, 2009.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1000-1617
Document Number: E9-22415
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Whitlow Au, PhD, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Marine Mammal Research Program, PO Box 1106, Kailua, Hawaii 96734, has withdrawn an application to amend Scientific Research Permit No. 1000-1617-04.
Public Meetings on Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act
Document Number: E9-22414
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are issuing this notice to advise the public that NMFS is adding an additional public meeting regarding proposed regulations under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit vessels from approaching killer whales within 200 yards and from parking in the path of whales for vessels in inland waters of Washington State. The proposed regulations would also prohibit vessels from entering a conservation area during a defined season. The proposed rule was published July 29, 2009, and includes information on two public meetings. We are issuing this notice to announce a third public meeting in Anacortes, WA that has been added in response to requests for additional public meetings to allow for greater public participation.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Boom Exercise Drills at Point Mugu, California
Document Number: E9-22329
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-16
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 Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to boom deployment exercises at Point Mugu, California.
Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Data Collection for the Trawl Rationalization Program
Document Number: E9-22325
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-09-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to collect data to support implementation of a future trawl rationalization program under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). NMFS proposes to collect ownership information from all potential participants in the trawl rationalization program. In addition, NMFS is notifying potential participants that the agency intends to use the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission's Pacific Fisheries Information Network (PacFIN) database and NMFS' Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Pacific whiting observer data from NORPAC (a database of North Pacific fisheries and Pacific whiting information) to determine initial allocation of quota share (QS) for the trawl rationalization program, if it is approved and implemented.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Charter Renewal
Document Number: E9-22324
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The charter for NOAA's Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a Federal Advisory Panel, has been renewed. The charter is available for review on the following Web site: https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ ocs/hsrp/charter.htm.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Document Number: E9-22269
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-16
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 the subject EFP application that was submitted by the University of Rhode Island (URI) warrants further consideration and should be issued for public comment. The EFP would exempt participating vessels from summer flounder size restrictions, scup size restrictions, scup possession restrictions, and possession restrictions for squid and butterfish. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP); and the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.
Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E9-22161
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following seats on The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Member and Alternate three-year terms for (1) Research; (1) Conservation; (1) Education; (1) Marine Transportation; (1) Recreational Fishing; (1) Mobile Gear Commercial Fishing; (1) At-Large, and (1) At-Large (Member only). Additionally seeking applications for two-year term (1) Education (Member) and (1) Conservation (Alternate) seats. 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 and three year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter. The Council consists also of three state and three Federal non voting ex-officio seats.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Compensation to Federal Commercial Bottomfish and Lobster Fishermen Due to Fishery Closures in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Document Number: E9-22181
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule describes how NMFS will compensate eligible and interested Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) commercial lobster permit holders who were, and commercial bottomfish permit holders who will be, displaced by fishery closures with the establishment of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Monument). Congress mandated that the compensation be based on the economic values of fishing permits. NMFS estimated the net present value of permits using a proxy based on a multiple of annual gross revenues. Permit holders who voluntarily accept compensation must immediately surrender their permits and leave the fisheries.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14535
Document Number: E9-22180
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Colleen Reichmuth, Ph.D., University of California at Santa Cruz, Long Marine Laboratory, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on captive pinnipeds.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Fisheries; Generic Amendment for Annual Catch Limits
Document Number: E9-22178
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS intend to prepare a DEIS to describe and analyze management alternatives to be included in a generic amendment to five of the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the Gulf of Mexico. These alternatives will consider measures to implement annual catch limits (ACLs), accountability measures (AMs), and record keeping and reporting requirements. This notice of intent solicits public comments on the
Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization; Amendment
Document Number: E9-22177
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, Agencies and Commissions
NOAA and NSF publish this notice to amend the Federal Funding Opportunity (NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2009-2001734) entitled ``Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization (CAMEO)'' which was originally announced in the Federal Register on July 7, 2009. This notice announces changes to the program priorities.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Scup Fishery; Adjustment to the 2009 Winter II Quota
Document Number: E9-22176
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS adjusts the 2009 Winter II commercial scup quota. This action complies with Framework Adjustment 3 (Framework 3) to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, which established a process to allow the rollover of unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I period to the Winter II period.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Gear Requirements for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: E9-22170
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action modifies the gear requirements for the U.S./Canada Management Area to prohibit all limited access Northeast (NE) multispecies vessels fishing on a NE multispecies day-at-sea (DAS) with trawl gear in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area from using flounder trawl nets. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and is intended to decrease the likelihood of exceeding the total allowable catch (TAC) for Eastern Georges Bank (GB) cod and GB yellowtail flounder during the 2009 fishing year (FY). This action is being taken to optimize the harvest of transboundary stocks of GB yellowtail flounder, haddock, and cod 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 Sea Scallop Fishery; Closure of the Limited Access General Category Scallop Fishery to Individual Fishing Quota Scallop Vessels
Document Number: E9-22169
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) scallop fishery will close to individual fishing quota (IFQ) scallop vessels (including vessels issued an IFQ letter of authorization (LOA) to fish under appeal), effective 0001 hours, September 15, 2009, until it re-opens on December 1, 2009, under current regulations. This action is based on the determination that the third quarter scallop total allowable catch (TAC) for LAGC IFQ scallop vessels is projected to be landed. This will prevent IFQ scallop vessels from exceeding the 2009 third quarter TAC, in accordance with the regulations implementing Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), enacted by Framework 19 to the FMP, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Sea Turtle Conservation
Document Number: E9-22039
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) currently requires the use of chain-mat modified dredge gear in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery south of 41[deg] 9.0' North latitude from May 1 through November 30 each year. This gear is necessary to help reduce mortality and injury to endangered and threatened sea turtles captured in this fishery and to conserve sea turtles listed under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS issues this final rule to make minor modifications to these chain-mat requirements. This final rule clarifies where on the dredge the chain mat must be hung, excludes the sweep from the requirement that the side of each opening in the chain mat be less than or equal to 14 inches (35.5 cm); and adds definitions of the sweep and the diamonds, which are terms used to describe parts of the scallop dredge gear. Any incidental take of threatened sea turtles in Atlantic sea scallop dredge gear in compliance with the gear modification requirements and all other applicable requirements will be exempted from the ESA prohibition against takes.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 774-1847 and 1032-1917
Document Number: E9-22037
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program (Michael Goebel, PhD, Principal Investigator), 3333 N Torrey Pines Ct, La Jolla CA, 92037 and Robert A. Garrott, Ph.D, Ecology Department, Montana State University, 310 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717 have been issued amendments to scientific research permits 774-1847-03 and 1032-1917, respectively.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E9-21981
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-14
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 the subject programmatic Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application for the Study Fleet Program contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. Study Fleet projects are managed by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST). The programmatic EFP would grant exemptions from minimum fish sizes, and possession and landing limits. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to issue a programmatic EFP that would allow seven vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States.
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