National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 17, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Pacific harbor seals in Iliamna Lake (Phoca vitulina richardii) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review of the harbor seals in Iliamna Lake to determine if listing under the ESA is warranted. To ensure this status review is comprehensive, we solicit scientific and commercial information regarding this species.

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)/Enforcement will meet jointly with the Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) ad hoc South of Humbug Pacific Halibut Workgroup (Workgroup) will hold a webinar to review analysis of recreational management measures designed to reduce Pacific halibut catch in southern Oregon and northern California (i.e., south of Humbug Mountain).

Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Peter Rogers, Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332 to conduct research on cetacean species not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).