National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration April 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 113
Petition To List 83 Species of Coral as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
We, NMFS, issue this document to request information from the public on a Status Review Report and a draft Management Report we prepared in response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) to list 83 coral species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to notify the public about future public listening sessions and scientific workshops on this topic. The Status Review Report examines the biology of, threats to, and extinction risk of 82 coral species, while the draft Management Report describes existing regulatory mechanisms and ongoing conservation efforts to manage and conserve these species throughout the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. Collectively, these two reports constitute the best available scientific and commercial information that we have compiled to date on the 82 species of coral under review. The review of the status of these species is a major undertaking because of the large number and geographically dispersed nature of coral species involved. Therefore, with the approval of a federal court, NMFS and CBD have agreed to an extension of the previously approved deadline for issuing the 12-month finding on this petition. We are using this extension to allow additional opportunity for the public to provide us with information that may further inform our 12-month finding as to whether the petitioned action is or is not warranted. In addition, we will hold two public listening sessions and two public scientific workshops, during which we will explain the evaluation process and the public and experts will have opportunity to provide any additional relevant information on this matter.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Intent To Update a Recovery Plan for the Blue Whale and Prepare a Recovery Plan for the North Pacific Right Whale
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is announcing its intent to update a recovery plan for the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and prepare a recovery plan for the North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) and requests information from the public. NMFS is required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended to develop plans for the conservation and survival of federally listed species, i.e., recovery plans.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Trimester 1 Longfin Squid Fishery
NMFS announces the closure of the directed fishery for longfin squid (longfin) in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the remainder of Trimester 1, effective 0001 hours, April 17, 2012. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest longfin may not fish for, possess, or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of longfin per trip for the remainder of Trimester 1 (through April 30, 2011). This action is necessary to prevent the longfin fishery from exceeding the butterfish mortality cap for Trimester 1.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska and Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Observer Program
NMFS will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to restructure the funding and deployment system for observers in North Pacific groundfish and halibut fisheries via Amendment 86 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 76 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP). The public comment period for the subject proposed rule will close 60 days after date of publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register. We will hold public hearings to receive oral and written comments on the proposed regulations during the public comment period.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation Outreach Survey
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Gulf of Mexico Electronic Logbook Program
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2012 and 2013 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish; Correction
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is correcting a final rule that published on March 14, 2012, implementing the final 2012 and 2013 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This rule corrects errors contained in a table in the document that provides the 2012 GOA non-American Fisheries Act crab vessel groundfish harvest sideboard limits.
Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability and Meetings
In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), as amended, NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17217
Notice is hereby given that the Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110, has applied in due form for a permit to import four harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) for the purposes of public display.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Pelagics Plan Team (PPT) in Honolulu, HI to discuss fishery issues and develop recommendations for future management.
NCAnet: Building a Network of Networks in Support of the National Climate Assessment (NCA)
This notice announces the establishment of and invites participation in NCAnet, a network of partners who extend the National Climate Assessment (NCA) process and products to a broad audience of assessment users through the development of assessment-related capacities and products, such as collection and synthesis of data or other technical and scientific information relevant to current and future NCA reports, dissemination of NCA report findings to various users of assessment information, engagement of assessment information producers and users, supporting NCA events, and producing communications materials related to the NCA and NCA report findings.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a meeting of its Technical Shrimp Review Panel via Webinar. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public hearings in April and May of 2012 to allow for public input on Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
NMFS proposes to implement the annual catch limit (ACL), harvest guideline (HG), annual catch target (ACT) and associated annual reference points for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. This rule is proposed according to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The proposed 2011/2012 ACL or maximum HG for Pacific mackerel is 40,514 metric tons (mt). The proposed ACT, which will be the directed fishing harvest target, is 30,386 mt. If the fishery attains the ACT, the directed fishery will close, reserving the difference between the ACL and ACT (10,128 mt) as a set aside for incidental landings in other CPS fisheries and other sources of mortality. This rule is intended to conserve and manage the Pacific mackerel stock off the U.S. West Coast.
Revisions of Boundaries for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve; Intent To Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement; Scoping Meetings
In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (NMSA) (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has initiated a review of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve (TBNMS or sanctuary) boundaries, to evaluate the opportunity and effects of expanding the sanctuary's boundary. The process required by NMSA will be conducted concurrently with a public process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). This notice also informs the public that NOAA will coordinate its responsibilities under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, 16 U.S.C. 470) with its ongoing NEPA process, pursuant to 36 CFR 800.8(a) including the use of NEPA documents and public and stakeholder meetings to also meet the requirements of section 106. NOAA anticipates completion of the final environmental impact statement and concomitant documents will require approximately twelve months from the date of publication of this notice of intent.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold a work session which is open to the public.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Applications and Reports for Registration as a Tanner or Agent
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to amend the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP) and implementing regulations by permanently continuing medium mesh gillnet fishing restrictions in North Carolina coastal state waters, which would otherwise expire on May 26, 2012. This action will remove the expiration date to continue current nighttime fishing restrictions of medium mesh gillnets operating in North Carolina coastal state waters from November 1 through April 30. Members of the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team (BDTRT) recommended these regulations be continued permanently, without modification, to ensure: (1) Continued conservation of strategic bottlenose dolphin stocks in North Carolina with historically high serious injury and mortality rates associated with medium mesh gillnets; and (2) BDTRP goals are met. NMFS also proposes to amend the BDTRP with updates, including updates recommended by the BDTRT for non-regulatory conservation measures.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Red Snapper Management Measures
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would increase the commercial and recreational quotas for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2012 fishing year, and for the 2013 fishing year if NMFS determines the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is not exceeded in the 2012 fishing year. This rule would also eliminate the October 1 closure date of the recreational fishing season. This proposed rule is intended to provide more flexibility in managing recreational red snapper and to help achieve optimum yield (OY) for the Gulf red snapper resource without increasing the risk of red snapper experiencing overfishing.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold an evening public hearing on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 to obtain public input on measures proposed for inclusion in Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 13599 and 1614
Notice is hereby given that National Ocean Service Marine Forensic Lab [Responsible Party: Julie Carter], 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 [Permit No. 13599], and the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Region Protected Resources Division [Responsible Party: Mary Colligan], One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 [Permit No. 1614], have been issued modifications to their scientific research permits.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 16526, 16323, 16436, 16422, 16438, 16431, 16507, 16547, 16375, 16442, 16482, and 16508
Notice is hereby given that twelve applications have been issued permits to take Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) for purposes of scientific research. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information regarding permittees.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Salmon
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off the Coast of Alaska (FMP). If approved, Amendment 12 would comprehensively revise and update the FMP to reflect the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council's) salmon management policy and to comply with Federal law. This proposed rule is necessary to revise specific regulations and remove obsolete regulations in accordance with the modifications proposed by Amendment 12. These proposed regulations are intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.
Shrimp Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Revisions of Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Protocols
In accordance with the framework procedures for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf FMP) and the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (South Atlantic FMP), this rule certifies two new bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for use in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and South Atlantic shrimp fisheries, and revises a harvesting restriction for shrimp vessels fishing in Federal waters of the Gulf. Both BRDs represent modifications to the Composite Panel BRD, which is provisionally certified through May 24, 2012. This rule incorporates these BRDs into the list of allowable BRDs, and provides technical specifications for the construction and subsequent legal enforcement of these BRDs. Additionally, this rule reduces the shrimp effort threshold for the Gulf shrimp fishery. The intended effect of this final rule is to improve bycatch reduction efforts in the Gulf and South Atlantic shrimp fisheries, provide greater flexibility to the industry, reduce the potential adverse social and economic impacts to fishing communities of previous restrictions, and meet the requirements of National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) which requires, to the extent practicable, the minimization of bycatch and bycatch mortality.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/processors Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors (C/Ps) using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to C/Ps using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Endangered Species; File No. 16645
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) has applied in due form for a permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The permit application is for the incidental take of ESA-listed shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic sturgeon (A. oxyrinchus) associated with the otherwise lawful commercial shad fishery in Georgia. The duration of the proposed permit is 10 years. NMFS is furnishing this notice in order to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on the application materials. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17011
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to NHK Enterprises, Inc., Nature & Science Programs, 5-20 Kamiyama-cho, Ogawa Bldg., Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan to conduct commercial or educational photography.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 16549 and 17095
Notice is hereby given that the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey; Box 796, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum); and also that Entergy Nuclear Operations Inc., 450 Broadway, Suite 3, Buchanan, NY 10511, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) for purposes of scientific research.
Whaling Provisions; Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas
NMFS notifies the public of the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for bowhead whales that it has assigned to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), and of limitations on the use of the quota deriving from regulations adopted at the 59th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). For 2012, the quota is 75 bowhead whales struck. This quota and other applicable limitations govern the harvest of bowhead whales by members of the AEWC.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Sturgeon Research in the Gulf of Mexico
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting sturgeon research in the Gulf of Mexico, over the course of 5 years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of USFWS's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on USFWS's application and request.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a scientific research and enhancement permit application request relating to salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed research program is intended to increase knowledge of the species and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications and related documents may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/ preview/previewopenforcomment.cfm. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment by contacting NMFS by phone (707) 575-6097 or fax (707) 578-3435.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Golden King Crab Price Formula Committee is meeting in Seattle, WA.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
NMFS has determined that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit that applies to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally for BFT) should be adjusted for the remainder of 2012, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments and based on preliminary 2012 landings data. NMFS also closes the southern area Angling category fishery for large medium and giant (``trophy'') BFT. These actions are being taken consistent with the BFT fishery management objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (Consolidated HMS FMP) and to prevent overharvest of the 2012 Angling category quota.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Framework Adjustment 23
This action approves Framework Adjustment 23 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (Framework 23) and implements its measures. Framework 23 was developed and adopted by the New England Fishery Management Council and includes measures to: Minimize impacts on sea turtles through the requirement of a turtle deflector dredge; improve the effectiveness of the scallop fishery's accountability measures related to the yellowtail flounder annual catch limits; adjust the limited access general category Northern Gulf of Maine management program; and modify the scallop vessel monitoring system trip notification procedures to improve flexibility for the scallop fleet.
National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC)
This notice announces the selection of the authors for the report of the next National Climate Assessment by the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC). The next National Climate Assessment will consist of 28 chapters, each drafted by a set of Convening Lead Authors and Lead Authors. The list of these by chapter can be found on the Web page https://www.globalchange.gov/ what-we-do/assessment/people/nca-author-teams.
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 3-day meeting from Tuesday through Thursday, April 24-April 26, 2012, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Marine Mammals; File No. 16599
Notice is hereby given that that a permit has been issued to Dorian Houser, Ph.D., National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, 200, San Diego, CA 92106, to conduct scientific research on cetaceans stranded or in rehabilitation facilities in the U.S.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 32 Supplement
NMFS proposes to supplement the regulations that implemented management measures described in Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 32) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). After publication of the final rule for Amendment 32, published on February 10, 2012, NMFS identified inconsistencies in the regulatory text regarding the quotas and annual catch limits (ACLs) for ``other shallow water grouper'' (Other SWG) that need correction. This rule would revise the regulatory text regarding the quotas and ACLs for Other SWG. Additionally, NMFS proposes revisions to improve clarity of the regulations.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
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 submitted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would exempt participating vessels from the following types of fishery regulations: Minimum fish size restrictions; fish possession limits; prohibited fish species, not including species protected under the Endangered Species Act; and gear-specific fish possession restrictions for the purpose of collecting fishery dependent catch data and biological samples. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on EFP applications.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Threatened Status for Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal
NMFS has conducted special independent peer review of the December 2010 status review report of the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (ESA). This notice announces availability of a peer review report that consolidates the comments received from the reviewers and the opening of a 30-day public comment period on that report. Please note that comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted since they are already part of the record and will be considered when NMFS makes its final determination.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Threatened Status for Subspecies of the Ringed Seal
NMFS has conducted special independent peer review of the December 2010 status review report of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). This notice announces availability of a peer review report that consolidates the comments received from the reviewers and the opening of a 30-day public comment period on that report. Please note that comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted since they are already part of the record and will be considered when NMFS makes its final determination.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has cancelled the public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) that was scheduled for Monday, April 16, 2012 beginning at 8 a.m. in Providence, RI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels (CVs) using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to CVs using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Reconsideration of the Allocation of Whiting
A court order issued February 21, 2012, remands for agency reconsideration the regulations addressing the initial allocation of whiting for the shorebased individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery and the at-sea mothership fishery of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program (Program) and requires that NMFS implement revised regulations before the 2013 Pacific whiting fishing season begins on April 1, 2013. The purpose of this advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) is to announce that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will be reconsidering the initial allocation of whiting at its April, June, and September 2012 meetings, and that NMFS is considering two rulemakings in response to the court order. The affected public should be aware of potential reallocation of whiting, as well as potential reallocation of a portion of the initial allocation of Quota Share (QS) for some incidentally caught, nonwhiting species. Additionally, this ANPR announces that the affected public should review, and if necessary, correct their data, which may be used for reconsideration and any reallocation that may occur.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Pier 36/Brannan Street Wharf Project in the San Francisco Bay, CA
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Port of San Francisco (Port), allowing the take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to pile driving during construction of the Brannan Street Wharf.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2012 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 610 in the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Amendment 97
NMFS issues a proposed rule that would implement Amendment 97 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). If approved, Amendment 97 would allow the owners of trawl catcher/processor vessels authorized to participate in the Amendment 80 catch share program to replace these vessels with vessels that meet certain requirements. This proposed action includes management measures that would establish the requirements for replacement vessels, such as a limit on the overall length of replacement vessels, measures to prevent replaced vessels from participating in Federal groundfish fisheries off Alaska that are not Amendment 80 fisheries, and specific catch limits known as Amendment 80 sideboards for replacement vessels. This action is necessary to promote safety-at-sea, by allowing Amendment 80 vessel owners to replace their vessels for any reason at any time and by requiring replacement vessels to meet certain U.S. Coast Guard vessel safety standards, and is intended to facilitate an increase in the processing capabilities of the fleet to improve the retention and utilization of groundfish catch by these vessels. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
NMFS proposes to implement the annual catch limit (ACL), harvest guideline (HG), and associated annual reference points for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012. This rule is proposed according to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The proposed 2012 maximum HG for Pacific sardine is 109,409 metric tons (mt). The proposed initial overall commercial fishing HG that is to be allocated across the three allocation periods for sardine management is 97,409 mt. This amount would be divided across the three seasonal allocation periods for the directed fishery the following way: January 1-June 30 33,093 mt; July 1-September 1437,964 mt; and September 15-December 3123,352 mt with an incidental set-aside of 1,000 mt for each of the three periods. This rule is intended to conserve and manage the Pacific sardine stock off the U.S. West Coast.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2012 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The State of North Carolina is also retroactively transferring a portion of its 2011 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. NMFS is adjusting the quotas and announcing the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Interim Action
This temporary rule implements interim Gulf of Maine (GOM) Atlantic cod (cod) management measures for the 2012 fishing year. This action is necessary to: Establish GOM cod Annual Catch Limits (ACLs); implement recreational management measures that will constrain catch to the recreational sub-ACL; and reduce overfishing occurring on GOM cod in anticipation of further action to end overfishing in fishing year 2013.
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