National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 13, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule establishes the 2012 harvest specifications and management measures for certain groundfish species taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP). This action includes regulations to implement Secretarial Amendment 1 to the PCGFMP. Secretarial Amendment 1 contains the rebuilding plans for overfished species and new reference points for assessed flatfish species.

We, NMFS, announce a 6-month extension of the deadline for a final determination regarding the December 10, 2010, proposed rule to list two distinct population segments (DPS) of the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are taking this action because there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the proposed listing rule. An additional 6 months will allow us to solicit additional data, evaluate and assess special independent peer review of those aspects of the status review report over which there is substantial disagreement, and better inform our final determination on the proposed listing rule.

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for scientific research from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) in Sacramento, CA. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment before a final approval or disapproval is made by NMFS.

The SEDAR 28 assessments of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic stocks of Spanish mackerel and cobia will consist of a series of workshops and webinars: A Data Workshop and webinar, an Assessment Workshop and webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.