National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 22, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, NMFS, announced in an April 17, 2012, Federal Register notice, public listening sessions and science workshops related to our status review of 82 coral species 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). The purposes of the listening sessions are to explain to the public the process and information we are using to decide whether listing one or more of the 82 corals species is warranted, and to allow opportunity for the public to provide us with additional information that may further inform that decision. The purpose of the science workshops is to provide the opportunity for additional individual expert advice and public input on the science relevant to our decision concerning the 82 species of coral being considered for listing under the ESA.

Notice is hereby given that the Maine Department of Marine Resources, (Gail Wippelhauser, Ph.D., Responsible Party), 21 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon for purposes of scientific research.