National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration October 18, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) has proposed to remove Nassau grouper from the fishery management unit in the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Reef Fish FMP). Subsequently, in a September 16, 2011, letter to NMFS, the GMFMC has requested that the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) designate the SAFMC as the responsible council to manage Nassau grouper throughout the South Atlantic region and the Gulf of Mexico under the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Snapper-Grouper FMP). The intent of this notice is to solicit public comments concerning this proposed designation.

This notice announces that OAR's draft Strategic Plan (FY12- 18) is available for public review and comment. The draft incorporates OAR's mission and vision, and characterizes its goals and objectives over the next six years. These goals and objectives will provide guidance and strategic direction for program and laboratory planning.