National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 25, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) ad hoc South of Humbug Pacific Halibut Workgroup (SHPHW) will hold a conference call to review background material on Pacific Halibut stock assessment, catch apportionment, and monitoring in Area 2A.

NOAA announces the public release of the Final SEIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations, and NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. Since completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) in April of 2009, substantial changes to the proposed action are being considered by NOAA within portions of the project area containing the 2.5-acre property currently occupied by Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) and managed by NOAA under long-term lease from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP). These newly proposed actions were not previously analyzed in the Final EIS/EIR and involve additional demolition activities, substantial excavation and grading, installation of a geohazard soil stabilization system, structural upgrade to remaining structures, and other site alterations. These proposed actions were deemed necessary by NOAA based on additional geotechnical information and design recommendations received since approval of the Final EIS/EIR. A Draft and Final SEIS evaluated each environmental topic addressed in the Final EIS/EIR, and focused on the newly proposed action and its potential effects to the human environment. The No-Action Alternative was analyzed and assumes the newly proposed actions would not be implemented. Comments on the Draft SEIS were received during a 45-day public comment period that ended October 31, 2011. The Final SEIS evaluates and responds to these comments. An opportunity to comment on the Final SEIS is provided for 30 days following this Notice of Availability.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold meetings of its Ecosystem-Based Management Committee; Dolphin Wahoo Committee; Shrimp Committee; Snapper Grouper Committee; Ad Hoc Data Collection Committee; King and Spanish Mackerel Committee; Advisory Panel Selection Committee (Closed Session); Scientific and Statistical Selection Committee (Closed Session); Golden Crab Committee; Law Enforcement Committee; Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee; and a meeting of the Full Council. The Council will take action as necessary. The Council will also hold a Habitat Workshop for Council members, an informal public question and answer session regarding agenda items, and a formal public comment session. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional details.