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

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Atlantic Shark Management Measures; 2010 Research Fishery
Document Number: E9-26224
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its request for applications for the 2010 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, 2010, unless otherwise specified, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-26189
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 3-day Council meeting on November 17-19, 2009, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-26048
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Rural Community Outreach Committee will meet by teleconference, (907) 271-2896.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-26047
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-26046
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's GOA and BS/AI groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle, WA.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-26045
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-29
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 Thursday, November 12, 2009 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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Commercial Shark Management Measures
Document Number: E9-25989
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would adjust quotas and opening dates for the 2010 fishing season for sandbar sharks, non-sandbar large coastal sharks (LCS), small coastal sharks (SCS), and pelagic sharks based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during the 2008 and 2009 Atlantic commercial shark fishing seasons. The purpose of this proposed action is to provide advance notice of quotas and opening dates for the
Endangered Species; File No. 14249
Document Number: E9-25985
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Ronald Smolowitz, Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc., 277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536, has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
Document Number: E9-25984
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the commercial Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; Seismic Surveys in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska
Document Number: E9-25983
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On November 17, 2006, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NMFS and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced our intent to prepare a DPEIS that would describe and analyze the potential significant environmental impacts related to reasonably foreseeable proposed geophysical exploration using seismic surveys in the waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. A Notice of Availability (NOA) for the DPEIS and a schedule of public hearings was published on April 6, 2007. Since that date, new information has become available that may affect aspects of the analysis in the DPEIS and potentially the document's scope and range of alternatives. Therefore, NMFS and MMS are withdrawing the 2007 DPEIS and initiating a new NEPA process that will consider and incorporate this new information.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Fish and Seafood Promotion
Document Number: E9-25950
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-28
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; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Secretarial Final Interim Action; Rule Extension
Document Number: E9-25810
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS continues the management measures implemented by the April 13, 2009, interim rule (as modified by the July 8, 2009 interim rule), which is scheduled to expire on October 28, 2009. Specifically, this temporary rule maintains the current interim commercial and recreational management measures intended to reduce overfishing on certain stocks managed by the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), for the remainder of the 2009 fishing year (FY)(i.e., through April 30, 2010).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-25801
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch allocation specified for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-25800
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch allocation specified for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Central Aleutian District of the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-25782
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Atka mackerel allocation total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Western Aleutian District of the BSAI.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Open-water Marine Survey Program in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, During 2009-2010
Document Number: E9-25545
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-27
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 Shell Offshore Inc. and Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc., collectively known as Shell, to take, by harassment, small numbers of 12 species of marine mammals incidental to an open-water marine survey program, which includes shallow hazards and site clearance work and strudel scour surveys, in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, during the 2009/2010 Arctic open-water season.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish Fishery
Document Number: E9-25754
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is proposing a regulatory amendment to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to allow projects funded through the Monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program to carryover unused monkfish RSA days-at-sea (DAS) into the following fishing year. Given the most recent information on the status of monkfish stocks, the regulation that prohibits monkfish RSA DAS to be carried over to the next fishing year is no longer necessary. In addition, this action would provide researchers with flexibility to complete research funded through the Monkfish RSA Program.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Advisory Panel
Document Number: E9-25753
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS solicits nominations for the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP). NMFS consults with and considers the comments and views of the AP when preparing and implementing Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) or FMP amendments for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfish. Nominations are being sought to fill one-third (10) of the seats on the HMS AP for a 3-year appointment. Individuals with definable interests in the recreational and commercial fishing and related industries, environmental community, academia, and non-governmental organizations will be considered for membership in the AP.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-25717
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). This will be the second meeting to be held in the calendar year 2009. Agenda topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. All full Committee sessions will be open to the public.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14603
Document Number: E9-25715
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) [Responsible Party: Richard Delaney], 115 Bradford Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02657, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research directed at North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States
Document Number: E9-25713
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed regulatory amendment would authorize the NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator (RA), or the RA's designee, to issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to eligible researchers on board federally permitted fishing vessels that plan to temporarily possess fish in a manner not compliant with applicable fishing regulations, for the purpose of collecting scientific data on catch. Currently, federally permitted fishing vessels that carry research personnel during commercial fishing trips for the purpose of collecting catch data before discarding fish that otherwise could not be retained are required to obtain an exempted fishing permit (EFP) in order to conduct their sampling work, which is administratively burdensome and has resulted in the delay and lost opportunity to conduct important fishery research.
U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Public Meeting and Public Comment
Document Number: E9-25511
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a public meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The meeting will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This meeting, the 22nd biannual meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, provides a forum for coordinated planning and action among Federal agencies, State and territorial governments, and nongovernmental partners. Please register in advance by visiting the Web site listed below. This meeting has time allotted for public comment. All public comment must be submitted in written format. A written summary of the meeting will be posted on the Web site within two months of its occurrence.
Availability of Seats for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E9-25436
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or sanctuary) Advisory Council (council): Sport Diving. 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 three-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: E9-25434
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seat on the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: The Conservation/Environmental seat. ONMS is seeking both a primary member and an alternate for this seat. The selected applicants will serve out the remainder of the current terms which expire December 31, 2011. 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 3-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP)
Document Number: E9-25551
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-23
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 submitted by Wallace and Associates contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The proposed EFP would extend the previously authorized EFP for an additional year, to continue testing the safety and efficacy of harvesting surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog Georges Bank (GB) Closure Area using a harvesting protocol developed by state and Federal regulatory agencies and endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 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 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog regulations and Fishery Management Plan (FMP). 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 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 would allow for an exemption from the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog GB Closure Area. 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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Suspension of Minimum Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit for Fishing Year 2010
Document Number: E9-25547
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS suspends the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2010 fishing year. This action is taken under the authority of the implementing regulations for this fishery, which allow for the annual suspension of the minimum size limit based upon set criteria. The intended effect is to relieve the industry from a regulatory burden that is not necessary, as the majority of surfclams harvested are larger than the minimum size limit.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 16
Document Number: E9-25546
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amdnement 16 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its associated draft Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Secretarial review and is requesting comments from the public. Amendment 16 was developed by the Council as part of the biennial adjustment process in the FMP to update status determination criteria for all regulated NE multispecies or ocean pout stocks; to adopt rebuilding programs for NE multispecies stocks newly classified as being overfished and subject to overfishing; and to revise management measures, including significant revisions to the Sector management and allocation measures, necessary to end overfishing, rebuild overfished regulated NE multispecies or ocean pout stocks, and mitigate the adverse economic impacts of increased effort controls. Amendment 16 would also implement new requirements for establishing allowable biological catch (ABC), annual catch limits (ACLs), and accountability measures (AMs) for each stock managed by the FMP, pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Finally, this action would add Atlantic wolffish to the list of species managed by the FMP. This
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Notice that Vendor Will Provide Year 2010 Cage Tags
Document Number: E9-25468
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS informs surfclam and ocean quahog allocation owners that they will be required to purchase their year 2010 cage tags from the National Band and Tag Company. The intent of this notice is to comply with regulations for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries and to promote efficient distribution of cage tags.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; 2010 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs
Document Number: E9-25466
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2010 remain status quo. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public in the Federal Register of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure
Document Number: E9-25450
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the northern Florida west coast subzone of the Gulf of Mexico. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of the 2009 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fishery for Greater Amberjack
Document Number: E9-25449
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the recreational fishery for greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). During the closure, the bag and possession limit for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. In addition, a person aboard a vessel for which a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued must also abide by these closure provisions in state waters. NMFS has determined this action is necessary to prevent the recreational fishery for greater amberjack from exceeding its quota for the fishing year. This closure is necessary to prevent overfishing of Gulf greater amberjack.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic
Document Number: E9-25359
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule implements an area closure and associated gear restrictions applicable to the bottom longline component of the reef fish fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico to reduce incidental take and mortality of sea turtles. Specifically, this rule prohibits the use of bottom longline gear for the harvest of reef fish shoreward of a line approximating the 35-fathom depth contour in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and limits bottom longline vessels operating in the reef fish fishery east of longitude 85[deg]30'W to 1,000 hooks onboard, of which only 750 may be actively fished or rigged for fishing.
Endangered Species; File No. 14726
Document Number: E9-25349
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Blair Witherington, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 9700 South A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida, 32951, has applied in due form for a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 87-1851-02
Document Number: E9-25212
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Daniel P. Costa, Ph.D., University of California at Santa Cruz, Long Marine Laboratory, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 87-1851-01.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Threatened and Not Warranted Status for Distinct Population Segments of the Spotted Seal
Document Number: E9-25198
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review of the spotted seal (Phoca largha) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on the findings from the status review and consideration of the factors affecting this species, we conclude the spotted seal exists as three (3) distinct population segments (DPS) within the North Pacific Ocean. These are the southern, Okhotsk, and Bering DPSs. Based on consideration of information presented in the Status Review, an analysis of the extinction risk probabilities for each of these DPSs, and assessment of the factors in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA, we have determined the southern DPS is likely to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range in the foreseeable future, and should be listed as a threatened species. The Okhotsk and Bering Sea DPSs are not in danger of extinction nor likely to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, we are now issuing a proposed rule to list the southern DPS of the spotted seal as a threatened species. No listing action is proposed for the Okhotsk and Bering Sea DPSs. Because the southern DPS occurs outside the United States, no critical habitat can be designated. We request comments and information related to this proposed rule and finding.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: E9-25188
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the 25-mt quota available for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Longline category Northeast Distant gear restricted area (NED) fishery has been attained. NMFS announces that the Longline category incidental BFT retention limits will apply in the NED for the remainder of the fishing year. This action applies to Atlantic Tunas Longline category permitted vessels that fish in the NED.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Region Dealer Purchase Reports
Document Number: E9-25141
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
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; Processed Products Family of Forms
Document Number: E9-25134
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-25132
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Advisory Panel and Oversight Committee along with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Section will hold two meetings to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-25131
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-25130
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Salmon Amendment Committee (SAC) will hold a meeting to develop draft alternatives and plan analyses for an amendment to the Pacific Coast
Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-25129
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries Service's Southeast Fisheries Science Center are convening a workshop to develop a fishery independent monitoring program for the fisheries resources of the South Atlantic. The workshop will be held in Beaufort, NC.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Military Training Activities and Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Conducted Within the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC)
Document Number: E9-24837
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization for the Department of Defense (including the Navy, the U.S. Air Force (USAF), and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)) to take marine mammals incidental to training activities conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) study area for the period of March 2010 through February 2015 (amended from the initial request for January 2010 through December 2014). 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.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Fishing Restrictions in the Longline and Purse Seine Fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in 2009, 2010, and 2011
Document Number: E9-25064
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (Act) to implement a decision of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). That decision requires, among other things, that members of the IATTC, including the United States, ensure that catches in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) by longline vessels greater than 24 meters in length do not exceed specified levels in each of the years 2009, 2010, and 2011, and that purse seine vessels class sizes 4-6 do not fish in the EPO during an established closure period. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the 1949 Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna (Convention), to which it is a Contracting Party.
Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act
Document Number: E9-25063
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-10-19
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 extending the public comment period for 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, opening a 90-day public comment period and noticing two public meetings. In response to requests from the public, on September 17, 2009, we published a notice in the Federal Register announcing an additional public meeting. We are issuing this notice to announce an 80-day extension of the public comment period in response to requests to provide more time for the public to review the proposed regulation and provide comments.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14450
Document Number: E9-25062
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries Service's Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149 [Principal Investigator: Dr. Keith Mullin], has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-25025
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Texas Habitat Protection Advisory Panel (AP).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-25024
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Eight Regional Fishery Management Councils will convene a meeting of representatives of their respective Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSCs) at the Wyndam Sugar Bay Resort, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, November 10-13, 2009.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Air-to-Surface Gunnery Missions in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: E9-24842
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an application from the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), for renewal of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting air-to-surface (A-S) gunnery missions in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The USAF's activities are considered military readiness activities. Pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to Eglin AFB to take, by Level B harassment only, several species of marine mammal during the specified activity for a period of 1 year.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-24939
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a series of public hearings regarding Amendments 17A, 17B and 18 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the South Atlantic. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
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