National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration March 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 145
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Listing of Nine Distinct Population Segments of Loggerhead Sea Turtles as Endangered or Threatened
We (NMFS and USFWS; also collectively referred to as the Services) are extending the date by which a final determination will be made regarding the March 16, 2010, proposed rule to list nine Distinct Population Segments (DPS) of loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are taking this action because substantial disagreement exists regarding the interpretation of the existing data on status and trends and its relevance to the assessment of risk of extinction to the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of the loggerhead turtle. Additionally, considerable disagreement exists regarding the magnitude and immediacy of the fisheries bycatch threat and measures to reduce this threat to the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of the loggerhead turtle. We are soliciting new information or analyses that will help clarify these issues. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they already have been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rule. The Services believe that allowing an additional 6 months to evaluate and assess the best scientific and commercial data available would better inform our final determination on the listing status of the nine proposed DPSs of the loggerhead turtle.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a scientific research permit application request relating to salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of the species and to help guide management and conservation efforts. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment by contacting NMFS by phone (707) 575-6097 or fax (707) 578-3435.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska License Limitation Program
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 86 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This action adds a Pacific cod endorsement on licenses issued under the License Limitation Program (LLP) in specific management areas if those licenses have been used on vessels that met minimum recent landing requirements using non-trawl gear, commonly known as fixed gear. This action exempts vessels that use jig gear from the requirement to hold an LLP license, modifies the maximum length designation on a specific set of fixed gear licenses, and allows entities representing specific communities to receive a limited number of fixed-gear licenses with Pacific cod endorsements. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan, and other applicable law.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Notice of 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Caribbean Electric Ray as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Caribbean electric ray (Narcine bancroftii) as threatened or endangered under the ESA. We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric; Public Meeting
The NOAA Fisheries will hold a Workshop to discuss the data and models that will be used in the 2011 stock assessments for sablefish, petrale sole and Dover sole.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Golden Crab Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Control Date
NMFS announces that it is establishing a control date of December 7, 2010, to control future access to the golden crab fishery operating in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. If changes to the management regime are developed and implemented under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act), a control date could be used to limit the number of participants in the fishery. This announcement is intended, in part, to promote awareness of the potential eligibility criteria for future access so as to discourage speculative entry into the fishery while the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS consider whether and how access to the golden crab fishery should be controlled.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 16266 and 16291
Notice is hereby given that the Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA, 23602 [Chris Crippen, Responsible Party], and the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water Street, South Norwalk, CT, 06854 [Ellen Riker, Responsible Party], have applied in due form for permits to hold and transport shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for the purposes of enhancement.
Hawaii Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; Modification of Fishery Closures
This final rule changes the advance notification period for in-season closure of the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Deep-7 bottomfish fishery from 14 to 7 days. The intent of the change is to enhance administration of the fishery.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas and Atlantic Tuna Fisheries Management Measures; Correction
On March 14, 2011, NMFS published a proposed rule to modify Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) base quotas for all domestic fishing categories; establish BFT quota specifications for the 2011 fishing year; reinstate pelagic longline target catch requirements for retaining BFT in the Northeast Distant Gear Restricted Area (NED); amend the Atlantic tunas possession at sea and landing regulations to allow removal of Atlantic tunas tail lobes; and clarify the transfer at sea regulations for Atlantic tunas. This action is necessary to implement recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). In the proposed rule, NMFS announced the end of the comment period as April 14, 2011, which would allow an approximately 30-day comment period. In order to provide additional opportunities for the public and other interested parties to comment on the proposed rule, NMFS is extending the comment period for this action until April 28, 2011, allowing a 45-day comment period. Comments received by NMFS on the proposed rule will help NMFS determine whether and how to implement final management measures for the BFT and Atlantic tuna fisheries as described in the proposed action. In addition, NMFS has rescheduled the public hearing that was originally scheduled for March 21, 2011, 3 to 5 p.m., in Gloucester, MA. NMFS has rescheduled the public hearing to be held on April 1, 2011, 1 to 3 p.m. at the same location.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Council and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Threatened Status for Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal
On December 10, 2010, we, NMFS, published a proposed rule to list the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). As part of that proposal, we announced a public comment period to end on February 8, 2011, and then extended the comment period to March 25, 2011. NMFS has received requests for public hearings on this issue. In response, in a previous notice we announced public hearings to be held in Anchorage and Barrow, AK. In addition, in this notice NMFS is announcing a separate hearing that will be held in Nome, AK, to provide greater opportunity for public comment.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Threatened Status for Subspecies of the Ringed Seal
On December 10, 2010, we, NMFS, published a proposed rule to list the Arctic (Phoca hispida hispida), Okhotsk (Phoca hispida ochotensis), Baltic (Phoca hispida botnica), and Ladoga (Phoca hispida ladogensis) subspecies of the ringed seal as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). As part of that proposal, we announced a public comment period to end on February 8, 2011, and then extended the comment period to March 25, 2011. NMFS has received requests for public hearings on this issue. In response, in a previous notice we announced public hearings to be held in Anchorage and Barrow, AK. In addition, in this notice NMFS is announcing a separate hearing that will be held in Nome, AK, to provide greater opportunity for public comment.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. In support of research conducted by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc. (CFFI), this EFP would grant exemptions from the limited access scallop days-at-sea (DAS) program to allow CFFI to conduct tests with its low profile excluder dredge (CFFI dredge). In addition, limited access and limited access general category (LAGC) vessels would be authorized to temporarily retain fish that would otherwise be restricted by commercial fishing regulations. Such regulations include minimum fish sizes; fish possession limits; species quota closures; prohibited fish species, not including species protected under the Endangered Species Act; and gear-specific fish possession restrictions. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic sea scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. 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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received four scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmonids. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:/ /apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/previewopenforcomment.cfm
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Russian River Estuary Management Activities
NMFS has received an application from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Russian River estuary management activities. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SCWA to take, by Level B Harassment only, several species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Modification of the Retention of Incidentally-Caught Highly Migratory Species in Atlantic Trawl Fisheries
This proposed rule would modify the permitting and retention requirements for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) to address the incidental catch of North Atlantic swordfish in squid trawl fisheries, and the incidental catch of species in the smoothhound shark complex (which includes smooth dogfish and Florida smoothhound (genus Mustelus) in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. The action would reduce regulatory discards of incidentally-caught HMS in the Illex squid trawl fishery by establishing a new Incidental HMS Squid Trawl permit, and improve reporting and compliance with HMS regulations in Atlantic squid trawl fisheries. The proposed rule would also address regulatory discards of incidentally-caught species in the smoothhound shark complex by establishing a retention limit for smoothhound sharks in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. The proposed actions are necessary to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and to implement the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (Consolidated HMS FMP), including objectives in the FMP to monitor and control all components of fishing mortality, both directed and incidental, so as to ensure the long-term sustainability of HMS stocks, and to provide the data necessary for assessing HMS fish stocks and managing HMS, including addressing inadequacies in current data collection and the ongoing collection of economic and bycatch data in Atlantic HMS fisheries.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Proposed 2011 Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery
NMFS proposes specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2011 fishing year (FY) (May 1, 2011, through April 30, 2012). The implementing regulations for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for up to a period of 5 years, and to provide an opportunity for public comment on those specifications. The intent of this rulemaking is to specify the commercial quota and other management measures for FY 2011 only. Specifically, for FY 2011, NMFS proposes that the annual quota be set at 20 million lb (9,071.85 mt), and that the possession limit for dogfish remain 3,000 lb (1.36 mt). These proposed specifications and management measures are consistent with the FMP and promote the utilization and conservation of the spiny dogfish resource.
Endangered Species; Permit No. 13330-01
Notice is hereby given the following applicant has applied in due form for a modification to a permit (Permit No. 13330) taking smalltooth sawfish for purposes of scientific research: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center (SEFSC) Bonnie Ponwith, PhD, Responsible Party; 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following seats on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: (1) Research Member seat and (2) Conservation Alternate seats. 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. The Council consists also of three state and three federal non-voting ex-officio seats.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined in the agenda below.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Mechanism for Specifying Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
NMFS announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) proposes to amend its five fishery ecosystem plans (FEPs) to establish a mechanism for specifying annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs), adopt the ecosystem component species classification described in the NMFS advisory guidelines for National Standard 1, and identify management unit species that have statutory exceptions to the ACL and AM requirements. The intent of the amendment is end and prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and achieve optimum yield.
Listing Endangered and Threatened Species: Correction To Codify in the Code of Federal Regulations Endangered Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales
We, NMFS, announce a correcting amendment to the Code of Federal Regulations to identify the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) distinct population segment (DPS) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
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 B season allowance of the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA AA), on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes annual management measures promulgated as regulations by the IPHC and approved by the Secretary of State governing the Pacific halibut fishery. The AA also announces modifications to the Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for Area 2A (waters off the U.S. West Coast) and implementing regulations for 2011, and announces approval of the Area 2A CSP. These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut and further the goals and objectives of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) (Councils).
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its King and Spanish Mackerel Advisory Panel (Mackerel AP) in North Charleston, SC.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel (AP) in North Charleston, SC.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) River Herring and Shad Ad Hoc Committee will hold a webinar meeting.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel (AP) in Charleston, SC.
United States Integrated Ocean Observing System Advisory Committee
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has established and is soliciting applications for membership on the United States Integrated Ocean Observing System Advisory Committee (the Committee), a Federal advisory committee. The Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009 establishes a national integrated System of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observing systems, comprised of Federal and non-Federal components including in situ, remote, and other coastal and ocean observation, technologies, and data management and communication systems. The System is designed to address regional and national needs for ocean information; to gather specific data on key coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes variables; and to ensure timely and sustained dissemination and availability of these data to support a variety of societal benefits. These benefits include supporting national defense; marine commerce; navigation safety; weather, climate, and marine forecasting; energy siting and production; economic development; ecosystem-based management of marine and coastal areas; conservation of ocean and coastal resources; and public safety. The System is also designed to promote research to develop, test, and deploy innovations and improvements in coastal and ocean observation technologies and modeling systems. The ICOOS Act also requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish a System advisory committee to provide advice to the Under Secretary and to the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, which is responsible for planning for the integrated design, operation, maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of the System. NOAA will hereby accept applications for membership on the Committee through May 16, 2011. The ICOOS Act of 2009 states: ``Members shall be qualified by education, training, and experience to evaluate scientific and technical information related to the design, operation, maintenance, or use of the [Integrated Ocean Observing] System, or use of data products provided though the System.'' NOAA encourages individuals with expertise in oceanographic data, products, and services; coastal management; fisheries management; coastal and marine spatial planning; geodesy; water levels; and other science-related fields to submit applications for Committee membership. To apply for membership on the Committee, applicants should submit a resume as indicated in the ADDRESSES section. NOAA is an equal-opportunity employer.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the ACE Basin (South Carolina) National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Georgia Coastal Management Program. The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR part 921, subpart E and part 923, subpart L. Evaluation of a National Estuarine Research Reserve requires findings concerning the extent to which a State has met the national objectives, adhered to its Reserve final management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluation will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of States with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of a Coastal Management Program requires findings concerning the extent to which a State has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, State, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. When the evaluation is completed, OCRM will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final Evaluation Findings. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluations and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meetings during the site visits. Date and Time: The ACE Basin (South Carolina) National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation site visit will be held May 2-6, 2011. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. local time in the conference room at the Environmental Learning Center, Edisto Island State Park, Oyster Row Lane, Edisto Island, South Carolina. The Georgia Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held May 23-27, 2011. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. local time at the Shipman Environmental Center at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
The SEDAR assessments of the HMS stocks of sandbar, dusky, and blacknose sharks consists of a series of workshops and webinars: A Data Workshop, a series of Assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
The SEDAR assessments of the South Atlantic stock of black sea bass and golden tilefish will consist of a series of three workshops: A Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. The Review Workshop date, time, and location will publish in a subsequent issue in the Federal Register.
Gulf Spill Restoration Planning; Public Scoping Meetings for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; Correction
In a March 2, 2011, Federal Register notice, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the public scoping meeting dates, times, and locations for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. There is a date change for the meeting in Washington, DC.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Fishery; Revision of 2011 Butterfish Specifications
NMFS issues this temporary rule pursuant to its authority to issue emergency measures under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This emergency action increases the butterfish allowable biological catch (ABC) for the 2011 fishing year from 1,500 mt to 1,811 mt, and applies the increase to the butterfish mortality cap in the Loligo squid fishery, based on the most recent and best available scientific information.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries; Amendment 2
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP) for Secretarial review. Amendment 2 would modify the current suite of management unit species, establish a new category of ecosystem component species, modify the process for revising numerical estimates of maximum sustainable yield and optimal yield, and specify status determination criteria so that overfishing and overfished determinations can be made for all management unit species.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas and Atlantic Tuna Fisheries Management Measures
NMFS proposes to modify Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) base quotas for all domestic fishing categories; establish BFT quota specifications for the 2011 fishing year; reinstate pelagic longline target catch requirements for retaining BFT in the Northeast Distant Gear Restricted Area (NED); amend the Atlantic tunas possession at sea and landing regulations to allow removal of Atlantic tunas tail lobes; and clarify the transfer at sea regulations for Atlantic tunas. This action is necessary to implement recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). NMFS solicits written comments and will hold public hearings to receive oral comments on these proposed actions.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program; Amendment 34
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 34 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs to NMFS for review. If approved, Amendment 34 would amend the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program to exempt additional recipients of crab quota share from Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod and pollock harvest limits, called sideboards, which apply to some vessels and license limitation program licenses that are used to participate in these fisheries. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council determined that these additional recipients demonstrated a sufficient level of historical participation in Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod or pollock fisheries, and that they should be exempt from the current sideboards. This action is necessary to give these recipients an opportunity to participate in the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod and pollock fisheries at historical levels. 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 laws.
Marine Mammals; File No. 15748
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), Seward, AK, has applied for a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).
Marine Mammals; File No. 15616
Notice is hereby given that Craig Matkin, North Gulf Oceanic Society, Homer, AK, has been issued a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16087
Notice is hereby given that NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, WA, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR).
Reducing Regulatory Burden; Retrospective Review Under E.O. 13563
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is preparing a preliminary plan to review its existing significant regulations in response to the President's Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. The purpose of NOAA's review is to make the agency's regulatory program more effective and less burdensome in achieving its regulatory objectives by identifying those regulations that should be modified, streamlined, expanded or repealed. NOAA is asking for ideas and information from the public in preparing its preliminary plan explaining how it will conduct such a review.
Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Prohibiting Purse Seine Fishing in the U.S. EEZ Around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and Prohibiting Longline Fishing Within 30 nm of the Northern Mariana Islands
NMFS announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) proposes Amendment 2 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (FEP). If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, this amendment would create a 30-nautical mile (nm) longline prohibited area around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and prohibit purse seine fishing within the entire U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Mariana Archipelago, including Guam and the CNMI. The area closures are intended to prevent and minimize gear conflicts and resource competition among the various fishery sectors (troll, longline and purse seine) in the Mariana Archipelago. In addition, this action is intended to facilitate the conservation of important stocks such as bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna throughout their range in the Pacific Ocean.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revisions to Pacific Cod Fishing in the Parallel Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS proposes a regulatory amendment that would limit access of Federally permitted pot and hook-and-line catcher/processors (C/P) to the Pacific cod fishery in State of Alaska waters adjacent to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). The affected fishery is commonly known as the ``parallel'' fishery. The parallel fishery occurs off the coast of Alaska, within 3 nautical miles of shore and is managed by the State of Alaska concurrent with the Federal pot and hook-and-line fishery for Pacific cod in the BSAI. This proposed rule would limit access to the parallel fishery for Pacific cod in three ways. First, it would require that an owner of a Federally permitted pot or hook-and-line C/P vessel used to catch Pacific cod in the State of Alaska parallel fishery be issued the same endorsements on their Federal fisheries permit (FFP) or license limitation program (LLP) license as currently are required for catching Pacific cod in the Federal waters of the BSAI. Second, an operator of any Federally permitted pot or hook-and-line C/P vessel used to catch Pacific cod in the parallel fishery would also be required to comply with the same seasonal closures of Pacific cod that apply in the Federal fishery. Third, an owner of a pot or hook-and-line C/P vessel who surrenders an FFP would not be reissued a new FFP within the 3-year term of the permit. These three measures are necessary to limit some C/Ps from catching a greater amount of Pacific cod in the parallel fishery than have been allocated to their sector from the BSAI Total Allowable Catch. Maintaining Pacific cod catch amounts within sector allocations would also reduce the potential for shortened Pacific cod seasons for C/Ps in the Federal fishery. These three measures also would improve the coverage of NMFS catch accounting and monitoring requirements on vessels participating in the parallel fishery. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fisheries Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutians Islands Management Area, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.
Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Hawaii-Based Shallow-set Longline Fishery; Court Order
This final rule revises the annual number of allowable incidental interactions that may occur between the Hawaii-based shallow-set pelagic longline fishery and loggerhead sea turtles. The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii issued an Order that directs NMFS to revise the annual interaction limit for loggerhead turtles from 46 to 17. The intent of this final rule is to ensure that the regulations promulgate the revised limit as required by the Court Order.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee on March 30-31, 2011 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings in Anchorage, AK.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 m) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2011 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Polar Bear Captures
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. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a capture-recapture program of polar bears in the U.S. Chukchi Sea.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures
NMFS is reopening the comment period to provide additional opportunity for public comment on the proposed rule that would implement a seasonal closure for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) greater amberjack recreational sector. The reopening of the comment period is to ensure that the public fully understands the intent of the greater amberjack regulatory amendment. NMFS is reopening the comment period for the proposed rule on March 10, 2011 and it will remain open through March 25, 2011. The intended effect of the proposed rule is to mitigate the social and economic impacts associated with implementing in-season closures.
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