National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 83 of 83
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock for American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessels in the Inshore Open Access Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock by American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher vessels participating in the inshore open access fishery in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 pollock total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to the inshore open access fishery in the BSAI.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold public informational meetings on potential management measures for non- commercial fishing in the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, Marianas Trench National Marine Monument, and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Trip Limit Reduction
NMFS reduces the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lb (227 kg) of king mackerel per day in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This trip limit reduction is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; Correction
This notice corrects an error contained in the notice published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2010. That notice announced the NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants competition and contained an incorrect date for postmark of hard copy applications.
Endangered Species; File No. 14754
Notice is hereby given that Isaac Wirgin, PhD, New York University School of Medicine, Department of Environmental Medicine, Tuxedo, NY 10987, has applied in due form for a permit to import and take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) early life stages (ELS) for purposes of scientific research.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the environmental impacts of issuing Incidental Take Authorizations (ITAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to the oil and gas industry for the taking of marine mammals incidental to offshore exploration activities (e.g., seismic surveys and exploratory drilling) in Federal and state waters of the U.S. Chukchi and Beaufort Seas off Alaska.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2010 A season allocation of Atka mackerel in these areas allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (CFMC) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a meeting. The meeting is open to the public, and will be conducted in English.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Coast Groundfish, Rationalization Sociocultural Study
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; Alaska Cooperatives in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Mr. Thomas Haugen. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to harvest legal- sized fish with unauthorized fishing gear under his commercial reef fish permit and individual fishing quota allocation for one year when testing his size-selective fishing gear called an excluding fishing device (EFD). This study is intended to provide detailed information and disposition of reef fish caught by Mr. Haugen's size-selective fishing device and its affect on minimizing bycatch.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper and Grouper Off the Southern Atlantic States
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicants, with certain conditions, to collect and retain limited numbers of specimens that would otherwise be prohibited from possession and retention. This study, to be conducted in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters, is intended to characterize catch and bycatch within the southeastern shrimp fishery.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
NMFS proposes to approve and implement changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC or Commission) regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California (Area 2A). NMFS proposes to implement the portions of the Plan and management measures that are not implemented through the IPHC. This includes tribal regulations and the sport fishery allocations and management measures for Area 2A. These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut, to provide greater angler opportunity where available, and to protect overfished groundfish species from being incidentally caught in the halibut fisheries.
NOAA Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Project Supplemental Funding
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes this notice to describe how it will administer the approximately 3 percent of funding that remains from the original allocation provided to NMFS under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These funds were set aside specifically to manage and mitigate risks to the original habitat restoration investments and ensure program goals are achieved. NMFS is only accepting requests for supplemental funding from existing ARRA grantees that were awarded funds as a result of the original competition. There is the possibility that NMFS may also fund additional projects selected from the ranked list of previously reviewed proposals that was provided to the Selecting Official as part of the original competition.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program
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; Papaha
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.
NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI To Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest, (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies, and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies
On November 13, 2009, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) published a notice of availability of funds to establish three new NOAA cooperative institutes (CIs): (1) A CI To Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest, (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies, and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies. OAR publishes this notice to announce an extension to the application solicitation period. The date when applications must be received at NOAA is being extended from February 10, 2010 until February 12, 2010.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Reporting Requirement for Midwater Trawl Vessels Fishing in Closed Area I
NMFS announces approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a collection-of-information requirement contained in Northeast (NE) Multispecies regulations for midwater trawl herring vessels that fish in groundfish Closed Area I (CA I). The intent of this final rule is to implement these additional reporting requirements.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Navy Training Activities Conducted in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to military readiness training activities to be conducted in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Temporary Maritime Activities Area (TMAA) for the period beginning December 2010 and ending December 2015. Pursuant to the implementing regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing our receipt of the Navy's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy's application and request.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2009 and 2010 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish; Correction
On February 17, 2009, NMFS published the final 2009 and 2010 harvest specifications for groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. Table 8c of that document contained the final 2009 and 2010 prohibited species bycatch allowances for the BSAI trawl limited access sector and non-trawl fisheries of the BSAI management area. That table contained an error that is corrected in this rule.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
This action implements 2010 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). Specifically, this action maintains quotas for Atlantic mackerel (mackerel), Illex squid (Illex), Loligo squid (Loligo), and butterfish at the same levels as 2009. This action also modifies accounting procedures for underages of Trimester 1 quotas in the Loligo fishery so that Trimester 1 quota underages that are greater than 25 percent of the Trimester 1 quota will be allocated equally to Trimesters 2 and 3, and underages that are less than 25 percent of the Trimester 1 quota will be allocated to Trimester 3. Additionally, this action will increase the minimum mesh size requirement for codend covers in the Loligo fishery from 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) to 5 inches (12.7 cm). These specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the MSB resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allocation of the 2010 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Fishing Vessels Operating in Internal Waters
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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
NMFS, Southeast Region, in collaboration with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) intends to prepare a DEIS to describe and analyze management alternatives to be included in an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). These alternatives will consider measures to end overfishing of gag; create a rebuilding plan for the gag stock that will restore the stock to its maximum sustainable yield level (MSY); adjust gag and red grouper annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and other management measures; and revise shallow-water grouper accountability measures (AMs). In addition, the DEIS will consider separating the recreational sector of the grouper component of the reef fish fishery, revising multi-use individual fishing quota (IFQ) shares, methods to reduce gag bycatch, and improving data collection and monitoring of the recreational sector. The purpose of this notice of intent (NOI) is to solicit public comments on the scope
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee; Public Meetings
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). This will be the first meeting to be held in the calendar year 2010. Agenda topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. All full Committee sessions will be open to the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by pot catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for pot catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Shrimp Review Panel via conference call.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
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 30th Space Wing, U.S. Air Force (USAF), to take four species of seals and sea lions incidental to rocket and missile launches on Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California, a military readiness activity.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST)
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a letter of authorization (LOA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to take marine mammals incidental to Navy training, maintenance, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities to be conducted within the Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST) Study Area, which extends east from the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. to 45[deg] W. long. and south from the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Coasts to approximately 23[deg] N. lat., but not encompassing the Bahamas (see Figure 1-1 in the Navy's Application), from January 22, 2010 through January 21, 2011.
Notice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Conduct Restoration Planning to Compensate for Injuries to Natural Resources in Portland Harbor, Oregon
NOAA, the Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon are collectively referred to as the ``Trustees'' for this case. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation, although a Trustee for Portland Harbor, has withdrawn from the Trustee Council and is no longer participating in the restoration planning efforts of the group of Trustees identified here. The Trustees for this case are providing notice of their efforts to plan restoration projects to compensate for injuries to natural resources in Portland Harbor in the Lower Willamette River. The Trustees seek damages from potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to restore, rehabilitate, replace or acquire the equivalent of natural resources and services injured by the release of hazardous substances. The Trustees will prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Air-to-Surface Gunnery Missions in the Gulf of Mexico
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 U.S. Air Force (USAF), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), 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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 44
NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Framework Adjustment 44 (FW 44) to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and specifications for the FMP for fishing years (FY) 2010- 2012. FW 44 measures and specifications, if approved, would be implemented in conjunction with approved measures in Amendment 16 to the FMP, as well as with approved sector operations plans authorized under the FMP. Specifically, FW 44 would modify the Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod and pollock trip limits proposed in Amendment 16; provide the Regional Administrator (RA) authority to implement inseason trip limits and/or differential day-at-sea (DAS) counting for any groundfish stock in order to prevent catch from exceeding the Annual Catch Limit (ACL); and specify Overfishing Levels (OFLs), Acceptable Biological Catch levels (ABCs), and ACLs for all 20 groundfish stocks in the FMP for fishing years 2010 through 2012, as well as the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for transboundary Georges Bank (GB) stocks. NMFS also proposes in this rule, pursuant to current Regional Administratory authority under the FMP, to allocate zero trips to the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder Special Access Program (SAP); limit the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP to the use of Category A DAS for common pool vessels; delay the opening of the Eastern U.S./Canada Management Area for trawl vessels; and implement a GB yellowtail flounder trip limit of 2,500 lb (1,125 kg). Finally, this rule would make technical corrections to proposed Amendment 16 regulations.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Public Hearing Notification
NMFS will hold two public hearings in Carlsbad, CA, and San Jose, CA, in February 2010 to answer questions and receive public comments on the proposed rule to revise the critical habitat designation for the endangered leatherback sea turtle, which was published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2010.
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