National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration January 12, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS will accept applications from persons applying to receive a charter halibut permit under the Limited Access System for Guided Sport Charter Vessels in Alaska. Potential eligible applicants are notified of the one-time opportunity to apply for a charter halibut permit for the 60-day period from February 4, 2010, through April 5, 2010. Any applications received by NMFS after the ending date will be considered untimely and will be denied.

We, NMFS, are extending the date by which public comments are due concerning the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We published a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for this species in the Federal Register of December 2, 2009. The original due date for receipt of public comments was scheduled to end on February 1, 2010, and today we extend the public comment period to March 3, 2010.