National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 14, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule implements 2011 specifications and management measures for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB) fisheries. Specifically, this action sets quotas for the MSB fisheries, modifies the measure that transfers Loligo squid (Loligo) quota underages from Trimester I to Trimesters II and III by limiting the Trimester II quota increase to no more than 50 percent, and revises the 72-hr pre-trip observer notification requirement for the Loligo fishery to accommodate vessels departing for multiple day trips in a week. These specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the MSB resource.

NMFS announces the adoption of the Columbia River Estuary Endangered Species Act (ESA) Recovery Plan Module for Salmon and Steelhead (Estuary Module). The Estuary Module addresses the estuary recovery needs of all ESA-listed salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. All Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead ESA recovery plans will incorporate the Estuary Module by reference.