National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Federal Consistency Appeal by Pan American Grain Co.
Document Number: 2010-4076
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that Pan American Grain Co., has filed an administrative appeal with the Department of Commerce (Department), requesting that the Secretary override an objection by the Puerto Rico Planning Board (Board) to the proposed improvement of port facilities located in San Juan Bay, Puerto Rico.
Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2010-4074
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued one-year Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2010-4018
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by pot catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2010 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for pot catcher/processors in the BSAI.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-4017
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the New England Fishery Management Council's Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee will hold a public meeting.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2010-4015
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Reopening of the Gulf Group King Mackerel East Coast Subzone
Document Number: 2010-4014
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS reopens the commercial fishery for Gulf group king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the east coast subzone. NMFS previously determined the quota for this commercial fishery would be reached by February 4, 2010. The latest estimates for landings indicate the quota was not reached by that date. Consequently, NMFS will reopen this fishery for 5 days. The purpose of this action is to allow the fishery to maximize harvest benefits and at the same time protect the king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2010-4013
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore 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 offshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 feet (18.3 m) Length Overall Using Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2010-4011
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 ft LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in the BSAI.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
Document Number: 2010-3892
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the commercial, recreational and tribal 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.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seabird and Pinniped Research Activities in Central California
Document Number: 2010-3893
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO), to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, four species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2010-3890
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
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 Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's (NEFSC) Study Fleet Program contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would exempt fishing vessels from minimum fish sizes and possession and landing limits for the purpose of collecting fishery dependent catch data and biological samples.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, April to June 2010
Document Number: 2010-3869
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO), a part of Columbia University, for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) during April to June 2010. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS requests comments on its proposal to authorize L-DEO to incidentally take, by Level B harassment only, small numbers of marine mammals during the aforementioned activity.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2010-3867
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing the opening and closing dates of the Atka mackerel directed fisheries within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Area 542 (area 542) and Statistical Area 543 (area 543). This action is necessary to fully use the 2010 A season HLA limits of Atka mackerel in areas 542 and 543 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-3806
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold the following meetings in the Mariana islands: Rota Community Meeting; Tinian Community Meeting, Saipan Community Meeting, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Student Symposium, Mariana Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team (PT) Meeting, CNMI Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC), Guam REAC, Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel (AP) Meeting, Guam Student Symposium, 103rd Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and 147th Council meetings to take recommendations and action on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2010-3805
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will conduct an educational workshop on catch shares in cooperation with the Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum (FLSF), the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The intent of this workshop is to share information and concerns about the use of catch shares by the MAFMC in managing fisheries within its jurisdiction and help decision makers learn from catch share management successes, failures, and challenges in other regions.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: 2010-3793
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces a rescheduled site visit and time for a public meeting previously included in an announcement of intent to evaluate the performance of the Rhode Island Coastal Management Program. Notice was previously given in the Federal Register on Monday, December 7, 2009, of the date of the site visit for the evaluation of the Rhode Island Coastal Management Program and the date, local time, and location of the public meeting. Notice is hereby given of the rescheduled date for the site visit and local time of the public meeting during the site visit.
Notice of Public Scoping Meetings for the Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean
Document Number: 2010-3750
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold five public scoping meetings in March 2010 to receive public comments on NMFS' intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the effects of oil and gas activities (e.g., seismic surveys and exploratory drilling) in the Arctic Ocean (U.S. Chukchi and Beaufort Seas).
Taking of Threatened or Endangered Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Proposed Permit
Document Number: 2010-3746
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to issue a permit for a period of three years to authorize the incidental, but not intentional, taking of individuals from the Central North Pacific (CNP) stock of endangered humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) by the Hawaii-based longline fisheries (deep-set and shallow-set). In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has made a preliminary determination that incidental taking from commercial fishing will have a negligible impact on CNP humpback whales; a recovery plan was completed in 1991; and vessels have been registered, a monitoring plan is in place, and a NMFS has insufficient funds to develop a Take Reduction Plan (TRP) at this
Marine Mammals; File No. 13430
Document Number: 2010-3742
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, (Responsible Party: Dr. John Bengtson, Director), Seattle, WA, has been issued a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops; Correction
Document Number: 2010-3733
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Due to an unanticipated temporary closure of the Princess Bayside Hotel in Ocean City, MD, NMFS is changing the location of its March 24, 2010, Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop that was announced in the Federal Register on December 8, 2009. The locations of the remaining workshops in February and March 2010 remain unchanged. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be held in 2010 and announced in the Federal Register.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod for American Fisheries Act Catcher-Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2010-3569
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher-processors 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 AFA trawl catcher-processors in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2010-3568
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western 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 Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 13545
Document Number: 2010-3364
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Ocean Alliance, Inc. (Responsible Party: Iain Kerr), 191 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, has been issued a permit to conduct research on and import specimens of marine mammals.
International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Initial Implementation of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention; Correction
Document Number: 2010-3277
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects the effective date of final regulations published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2010, from February 22, 2010, to April 21, 2010. The rule establishes regulations needed to carry out the obligations of the United States under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention). The regulations include requirements related to permitting, vessel monitoring systems, vessel observers, vessel markings, reporting and recordkeeping, at-sea transshipment, and boarding and inspection on the high seas, among others. The rule will have the effect of requiring that all relevant U.S. fishing vessels are operated in conformance with the provisions of the Convention.
Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Program
Document Number: 2010-3276
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service publishes this notice to solicit proposals for the Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Program. The principal objective of the Program is to support recovery efforts that directly benefit threatened or endangered species, recently de- listed species, or candidate species. Recovery efforts may involve management, research, monitoring, and outreach activities or any combination thereof. For FY 2010, NOAA anticipates that approximately $1 million will be available for distribution under this program. Only federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply under this solicitation.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Rule to Revise the Critical Habitat Designation for the Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle; Extension of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2010-3275
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On January 5, 2010, NMFS proposed regulations to revise the critical habitat designation for the endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) by designating additional areas within the Pacific Ocean. Specific areas proposed for designation include two adjacent marine areas totaling approximately 46,100 square miles (119,400 square km) stretching along the California coast from Point Arena to Point Vincente; and one 24,500 square mile (63,455 square km) marine area stretching from Cape Flattery, WA, to the Umpqua River (Winchester Bay), OR, east of a line approximating the 2,000 meter depth contour. The areas proposed for designation comprise approximately 70,600 square miles (182,854 square km) of marine habitat. NMFS is extending the comment period on the proposed regulations until April 23, 2010.
Endangered Species; File No. 14381
Document Number: 2010-3274
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Pacific Islands Region, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Regulations
Document Number: 2010-3273
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to amend the regulations
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fisheries; 2010 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications
Document Number: 2010-3270
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2010 specifications for the Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, including a target total allowable catch (TAC) and a fleet-wide days-at-sea (DAS) allocation. The implementing regulations for the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for up to a period of 3 years and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this rulemaking is to specify the target TAC and other management measures in order to manage the red crab resource for fishing year (FY) 2010.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-3210
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its American Samoa and Hawaii Archipelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Plan Teams to discuss potential management measures for non-commercial fishing in the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, respectively.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-3209
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-3198
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2010-3197
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a web based meeting of the ABC Control Rule Working Group (Group).
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2010-3194
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a half day meeting of its Pelagics Plan Team (PPT) in Honolulu, HI to discuss fishery issues and develop recommendations for future management.
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: 2010-3092
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Trawl Limited Access Fishery in the C. opilio
Document Number: 2010-3090
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access fisheries, except American Fisheries Act (AFA) vessels using pelagic trawl gear for walleye pollock, in the C. opilio bycatch limitation zone (COBLZ) of the BSAI management area. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2010 COBLZ bycatch allowance of C. opilio specified for the BSAI trawl limited access fishery in the BSAI management area.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2010-3083
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher/processors using hook-and- line gear in the BSAI.
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear
Document Number: 2010-2808
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing a final rule to prohibit the use of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or sanctuary). Possession of spearfishing gear is also prohibited except for vessels passing through the sanctuary without interruption, and only when the gear is stowed and not available for immediate use. Spearfishing can selectively target larger fish, and can significantly reduce abundance and alter the relative size structure of target species toward smaller fish. In addition, spearfishing can impact ecosystem health by altering the composition of the overall natural communities of species. The largest fish are important as predators in maintaining a balanced and complete ecosystem; their selective removal may cause ecological imbalance. Therefore, the prohibition provides protection to the fishes and natural live-bottom community for which the sanctuary was designated. The final rule also facilitates enforcement of an existing prohibition against the use of powerheads within the sanctuary. An environmental assessment has been prepared for this proposed action.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2010-3193
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Scallop Plan Team will meet March 3 and 4th, 2010 in Juneau, AK.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)
Document Number: 2010-3150
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This EFP application, submitted by the Pemaquid Fishermen's Cooperative Association (PFC), is intended to assist NMFS and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT) in their efforts to
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Chinook Salmon Bycatch Management Measures for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Amendment 91
Document Number: 2010-3115
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 91 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) to NMFS for review. If approved, Amendment 91 would be a novel approach to managing Chinook salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery that combines a limit on the amount of Chinook salmon that may be caught incidentally with an incentive plan agreement and performance standard designed to minimize bycatch to the extent practicable in all years and prevent bycatch from reaching the limit in most years. This action is necessary to minimize Chinook salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery to the extent practicable while maximizing the potential for the full harvest of the pollock total allowable catch within specified prohibited species catch limits. Amendment 91 is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2010-3112
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Information and Education Advisory Panel, a Catch Shares Workshop, Catch Shares Committee, Mackerel Committee, Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee, Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, joint Shrimp Committee and Shrimp and Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panels, joint Executive and Finance Committees, Advisory Panel Selection Committee (Closed Session), Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Selection Committee (Closed Session), Information and Education Committee, joint Law Enforcement Committee and Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. The Council will also hold an informal public question and answer session, and a public comment session regarding agenda items. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional details.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program; Emergency Rule
Document Number: 2010-3111
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is exempting, through this emergency rule, individual fishing quota (IFQ) issued for the Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab fishery from the West regional designation and individual processing quota (IPQ) issued for this fishery from the West regional designation. Under the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program, golden king crab harvested with IFQ with a West regional designation must be delivered to a processor with West designated IPQ in the West region of the Aleutian Islands. An emergency exists, because Federal regulations require that a portion of crab taken in this fishery be delivered and processed in the West region, but due to a recent unforeseen event, no processing facility is open in the West region. This emergency rule is necessary to relieve a restriction and allow fishermen to deliver crab harvested with West designated IFQ to processors outside the West region and allow processors with West designated IPQ to process that crab outside the West region. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs, and other applicable law.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2010-3082
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
International Whaling Commission; 2010 Intersessional Meetings; Nominations
Document Number: 2010-3081
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice is a call for nominees for the U.S. Delegation to the March 2010 Small Working Group and intersessional meetings of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The non-federal representative(s) selected as a result of this nomination process is(are) responsible for providing input and recommendations to the U.S. IWC Commissioner representing the positions of non-governmental organizations. Generally, only one non- governmental position is selected for the U.S. Delegation, but as these meetings may be quite technical in nature, an additional representative may be chosen as a technical advisor.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Vessel Identification Requirements; Correction
Document Number: 2010-3074
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects the effective date of final regulations published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2010, from February 22, 2010, to April 21, 2010. The rule revises identification requirements for U.S. vessels that fish for pelagic management unit species in the western and central Pacific Ocean. Each vessel is required to display its International Telecommunication Union Radio Call Sign (IRCS) or, if an IRCS has not been assigned, its official number preceded by the characters ``USA-''. The rule makes Federal vessel identification requirements consistent with international requirements.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United; Black Sea Bass Fishery; 2010 Black Sea Bass Specifications; Emergency Rule
Document Number: 2010-2941
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through this emergency rule NMFS is implementing increases to the 2010 black sea bass specifications (i.e., commercial fishing quota, recreational harvest limit (RHL), and research set-aside (RSA)). This action is necessary to mitigate potential foregone economic yield associated with the current lower specifications and to ensure the specifications are consistent with the best available scientific information. This action is also necessary to increase specifications consistent with the recently revised catch level recommendation from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and its scientific advisors, the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).
National Sea Grant Advisory Board
Document Number: 2010-2940
Type: Notice
Date: 2010-02-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board). Board members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the Agenda below.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Notice of 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 83 Species of Corals as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Document Number: 2010-2939
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2010-02-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list 83 species of corals as threatened or endangered under the ESA. We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted for 82 species; we find that the petition fails to present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for Oculina varicosa. Therefore, we initiate status reviews of 82 species of corals to determine if listing under the ESA is warranted. To ensure these status reviews are comprehensive, we solicit scientific and commercial information regarding these coral species.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2010-2937
Type: Rule
Date: 2010-02-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2010 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.