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

Results 201 - 250 of 1,105
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish Fishery; Emergency Action Extension
Document Number: 2013-25265
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Pursuant to its emergency authority, NMFS extends and revises an emergency action that temporarily suspended and modified monkfish landing limits for vessels issued a Federal limited access monkfish Category C or D fishing under a Northeast multispecies day-at-sea, or both a Northeast multispecies and monkfish day-at-sea, in the monkfish Northern Fishery Management Area. This action is necessary to help mitigate expected adverse economic and social harm resulting from substantial reductions to the 2013 annual catch limits for several stocks managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The intent is to provide additional fishing opportunities for vessels affected by recent reductions to Northeast multispecies annual catch limits, without resulting in overfishing monkfish within the Northern or Southern Fishery Management Areas.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Document Number: 2013-25263
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plans for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council); and Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf and South Atlantic Region, as prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council) (Headboat Reporting Framework). If implemented, this rule would modify the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish for species managed by the Gulf Council through the previously mentioned FMPs. These revisions would require fishing records to be submitted electronically (via computer or internet) on a weekly basis or at intervals shorter than a week if notified by the NMFS' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Science and Research Director (SRD), and would prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this rule is to obtain timelier fishing information from headboats to better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock assessments, and improve compliance with reporting in Gulf fisheries.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-25159
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Socioeconomic Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).
Notice of Change to the Nation's Tidal Datums With the Adoption of a Modified Procedure for Computation of Tidal Datums in Area of Anomalous Sea-Level Change
Document Number: 2013-25139
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA has typically updated tidal datum elevations for the nation to new National Tidal Datum Epoch (NTDE) time periods every 20- 25 years. Updates are necessary due to long-term sea level change. In 1998, NOS recognized the need for a modified procedure for determination of tidal datums for regions with anomalously high rates of relative sea level change. This modified procedure is necessary at selected stations to ensure that the tidal datums accurately represent the existing stand of sea level. The procedure is limited only to those stations in areas with high rates of vertical land motion that have documented anomalous relative sea level trends exceeding 9.0 millimeters per year. Sea level analyses in these anomalous regions are conducted approximately every 5 years to determine if the mean sea level difference exceeds the established threshold tolerances in order to qualify for a special update. Anomalous relative sea level trends are seen along the western Gulf Coast, southeast Alaska, and southern Cook Inlet, AK. For example, the magnitude of the sea level trends in these areas is +9.24 millimeters per year in Grand Isle, LA; -12.92 millimeters per year in Juneau, AK; and -9.45 millimeters per year in Seldovia, AK. This procedure is necessary to provide the most accurate information available for applications that are essential to supporting Federal, State and private sector coastal zone activities, including hydrographic surveys and coastal mapping, navigational safety, wetland restoration, marine boundary determinations, coastal engineering, storm warnings and hazard mitigation, emergency management, and hydrodynamic modeling. While maintaining the 19 year NTDE computational period for tidal mean range and diurnal range, a shorter more recent 5 year computational period is used to compute the mean tide level datums to better reflect the current elevation of mean sea level relative to the land. Consequently, tidal datums at stations exhibiting anomalous trends are computed from mean sea level, diurnal tide level and mean tide level values for the most recent 5 year time period, and tidal ranges (GT and MN) based on the most recent full 19 year NTDE at stations. The average absolute difference between 19 year NTDE time periods across the nation of 0.03 meters (0.10 foot) is generally used as the threshold difference to warrant consideration of a 19 year NTDE update, and a 20-25 year review cycle has been adequate to capture the changes of 0.03-0.04 meters for most locations. To meet this target at locations with anomalous rates of sea level change, tidal datum elevation updates must occur more frequently. In general, the vertical changes in datum elevations which result from these more frequent special tidal datum updates every 5 years are kept as close to the 0.03 meters (0.10 foot) to 0.05 meter target as possible. In comparison to the overall accuracy of hydrographic- cartographic processes and scale and resolution and accuracy of soundings on the NOAA nautical charts, these elevations changes will not necessitate a correction or update to the charts every time a datum update is issued. However, in regions that have experienced rapid land movement, the changes to actual soundings and shoreline depiction may need to be updated on the next regularly scheduled chart edition. Although depictions of the datum changes will not be evident on the largest scale NOAA nautical charts, the datum changes will be noticeable when establishing or re-occupying tide stations using accepted surveying techniques and updating elevations on tidal bench marks provided by NOAA. Appropriate outreach will be conducted per office guidelines prior to performing each update.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-25135
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List 23 Species of Corals as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 2013-25095
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list 23 species of corals 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 for 3 species: Cantharellus noumeae, Siderastrea glynni, and Tubastraea floreana. Therefore, we will conduct status reviews of the three species to determine if the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status reviews are comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information pertaining to these petitioned species from any interested party. We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for 20 species: Acropora roseni, Acropora suharsonoi, Alveopora excelsa, Alveopora minuta, Ctenella chagius, Hydnophora bonsai, Isopora togianensis, Lithophyllon ranjithi, Lobophyllia serratus, Millepora boschmai, Millepora striata, Montipora setosa, Parasimplastrea sheppardi, Pectinia maxima, Pocillopora fungiformis, Porites desilveri, Porites eridani, Porites ornata, Rhizopsammia wellingtoni, and Stylophora madagascarensis.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall in Seattle, Washington
Document Number: 2013-25089
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, upon application from the City of Seattle's Department of Transportation (SDOT), is issuing regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to construction associated with the replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall in Seattle, Washington, for the period October 2013 to October 2018. These regulations allow for the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and specified timeframes, and prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of any takings.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-25012
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Sub-Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Harvested for Management Area 3
Document Number: 2013-24999
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Effective 1200 hr, October 24, 2013, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring (herring) per trip or calendar day in or from Management Area 3 until January 1, 2014, when the 2014 allocation for Area 3 becomes available. This action is required because NMFS projects that 92 percent of the catch limit for that area was caught as of October 18, 2013. Vessels that have entered port before 1200 hr, October 24, 2013, may possess, offload, and sell more than 2,000 lb of herring from Area 3, from that trip. Also effective 1200 hr, October 24, 2013, federally permitted dealers may not receive more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring caught within Management Area 3 per trip or calendar day, unless it is from a trip landed by a vessel that entered port before 1200 hr, October 24, 2013.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-24903
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a scoping meeting pertaining to Amendment 31 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Upper Columbia Spring-Run Chinook Salmon in the Okanogan River Subbasin, Washington, and Protective Regulations
Document Number: 2013-24845
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose a rule to designate and authorize the release of a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of Upper Columbia River spring-run (UCR) Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Okanogan River subbasin, and to establish a limited set of take prohibitions for the NEP. Under the proposed rule, the geographic boundary for the NEP would be the mainstem and all tributaries of the Okanogan River between the Canada- United States border and to the confluence of the Okanogan River with the Columbia River, Washington (hereafter ``Okanogan River NEP Area''). We have prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) on this proposed action. We seek comment on both this proposed rule and the EA (see ADDRESSES section below).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Framework Adjustment 2 and Specifications
Document Number: C1-2013-24271
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24686
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Ad Hoc Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Advisory Panel.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24679
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public meeting of its ABC Control Rule Working Group (ABC WG).
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24587
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Habitat AP in St. Petersburg, FL. The meeting is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24586
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR assessment of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic King Mackerel will consist of several workshops and a series of webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Establish Funding Responsibilities for the Electronic Logbook Program
Document Number: 2013-24266
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-10-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to establish funding responsibilities for an upgrade to the shrimp electronic logbook (ELB) program as described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council). Newer and more efficient ELB units have been purchased by NMFS for the Gulf shrimp fleet and are available for installation on Gulf shrimp vessels. If the framework action is implemented, the proposed changes to the management measures would include establishing a cost-sharing program to fund the ELB program. The proposed changes would require NMFS to pay for the software development, data storage, effort estimation analysis, and archival activities for the new ELB units, and vessel permit holders in the Gulf shrimp fishery to pay for installation and maintenance of the new ELB units and for the data transmission from the ELB units to a NOAA server. The purpose of the proposed changes is to ensure that management of the shrimp fishery is based upon the best scientific information available and that bycatch is minimized to the extent practicable.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Sub-Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Harvested for Management Area 1A
Document Number: 2013-24475
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is closing the directed herring fishery in management area 1A, because it projects that 92 percent of the catch limit for that area will have been caught by the effective date. Effective 0001 hr, October 15, 2013, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring (herring) per trip or calendar day in or from Management Area 1A until June 1, 2014, when the 2014 allocation for Area 1A becomes available. Vessels that have entered port before 0001 hr on October 15, 2013, may possess, offload, and sell more than 2,000 lb of herring from Area 1A, from that trip, after the closure. Also effective 0001 hr, October 15, 2013, federally permitted dealers may not receive more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring caught within Management Area 1A per trip or calendar day, unless it is from a trip landed by a vessel that entered port before 0001 hr on October 15, 2013.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-24447
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; 2012-2013 Accountability Measure and Closure for Gulf King Mackerel in Northern Florida West Coast Subzone
Document Number: 2013-24436
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for commercial king mackerel in the northern Florida west coast subzone of the eastern zone of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through this temporary final rule. NMFS has determined that the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) (equal to the commercial quota) for king mackerel in the northern Florida west coast subzone of the Gulf EEZ will have been reached by October 12, 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the northern Florida west coast subzone to commercial king mackerel fishing in the EEZ at noon, local time, October 12, 2013, until 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 1, 2014. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-24434
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 620 in the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Resources of the South Atlantic; Trip Limit Reduction
Document Number: 2013-24390
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS reduces the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic to 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight. This trip limit reduction is necessary to protect the South Atlantic vermilion snapper resource.
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2013 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Gray Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2013-24361
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for recreational gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2013 fishing year through this temporary final rule. Based on the projected recreational landings, NMFS determined that the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf gray triggerfish was reached in August 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational sector for gray triggerfish in the Gulf EEZ at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 15, 2013, until January 1, 2014. This closure is necessary to reduce overfishing of the Gulf gray triggerfish resource.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Closure of the 2013 South Atlantic Commercial Sector for Red Snapper
Document Number: 2013-24360
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the closure of the 2013 commercial fishing season for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic through this temporary rule. Commercial landings for red snapper, as estimated by the Science and Research Director (SRD), are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for red snapper on October 8, 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for red snapper in the South Atlantic EEZ on October 8, 2013. This closure is necessary to protect the South Atlantic red snapper resource.
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-24310
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Council and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24287
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of the: Mackerel, Sustainable Fisheries/Ecosystem, and Reef Fish Management Committees; and a meeting of the Full Council. The Council will also hold an informal public question and answer session regarding agenda items and a formal public comment session.
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24286
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Council will host a webinar meeting of the Council Coordination Committee (CCC) consisting of the eight Regional Fishery Management Council (RFMC) chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors and its subcommittees. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the CCC, including: Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization priorities, CCC terms of reference, Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General report action plan, decisions and follow-up activities, and, as time allows, other topics of concern to the RFMCs.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Removal of 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) Herring Trip Limit in Atlantic Herring Management Area 2
Document Number: 2013-24283
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a temporary removal of the 2,000-lb (907.2 kg) trip limit for the Atlantic herring fishery in Management Area 2 (Area 2) because catch data indicate that 95 percent of the total sub-annual catch limit (sub-ACL) threshold in Area 2 has not been fully attained. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest Atlantic herring may resume fishing for and landing herring in amounts greater than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg), consistent with their respective Atlantic herring permit categories, effective 0001 hrs, October 1, 2013.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Regulations
Document Number: 2013-24278
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to amend the regulations implementing the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (Plan). This rule revises the Plan by eliminating the consequence closure strategy enacted in 2010, based on deliberations by the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team (Team). This action is necessary to prevent the improper triggering of consequence closure areas based on target harbor porpoise bycatch rates that no longer accurately reflect actual bycatch in New England sink gillnets due to fishery-wide changes in fishing practices.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Framework Adjustment 2 and Specifications
Document Number: 2013-24271
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing Framework Adjustment 2 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (Framework 2) and the 2013-2015 fishery specifications for the Atlantic herring fishery (2013-2015 specifications). Framework 2 allows the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to split annual catch limits seasonally for the four Atlantic herring management areas, and the carryover of unharvested catch, up to 10 percent for each area's annual catch limit. The specifications set catch specifications for the herring fishery for the 2013-2015 fishing years and establish seasonal splits for management areas 1A and 1B as recommended to NMFS by the Council.
Science Advisory Board Meeting
Document Number: 2013-24085
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated September 25, 1997, and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. NOAA SAB activities and advice provide necessary input to ensure that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) science programs are of the highest quality and provide optimal support to resource management. Time and Date: The meeting will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page https:// www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/meetings.html for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held in the Washington, DC area; please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/meetings.html for meeting location and directions. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15 minute public comment period on November 19 at 5:15 p.m. (check Web site to confirm time). The NOAA SAB expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Individuals or groups planning to make a verbal presentation should contact the NOAA SAB Executive Director by November 12, 2013 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the NOAA SAB Executive Director's Office by November 12, 2013 to provide sufficient time for NOAA SAB review. Written comments received by the NOAA SAB Executive Director after November 12, 2013 will be distributed to the NOAA SAB, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seating at the meeting will be available on a first- come, first-served basis. Special Accommodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for special accommodations may be directed no later than 12 p.m. on November 12, 2013, to Dr. Cynthia Decker, SAB Executive Director, SSMC3, Room 11230, 1315 East-West Hwy., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting may include the following topics: (1) Review Report on the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA); (2) Recommendations and Proposed New Members from the Data Archive and Access Requirements Working Group; 3) Recommendations from the from the Ecosystem Sciences and Management Working Group; (4) Discussion of Environmental Information Services Working Group and Climate Working Group comments on NOAA Response to Climate Partnership Task Force Report; (5) NOAA Response to the SAB Satellite Task Force Report; (6) NOAA Response to the Review of the Ocean Exploration Program; (7) SAB Strategic Planning: NOAA Presentation and Discussion; (8) Discussion of SAB Working Groups- Overall Funding and Tasking in a Budget-Constrained Environment; (9) NOAA Update; (10) Update on NOAA Cooperative Institutes; (11) Ocean Exploration Forum Highlights; and (12) Updates from NOAA SAB Working Groups.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction of the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
Document Number: 2013-24079
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) for an incidental take authorization to take small numbers of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and gray whales, by harassment, incidental to construction activities associated with the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (SF-OBB) in California. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to CALTRANS to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of marine mammals for a period of 1 year.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 16239 and 17312
Document Number: 2013-24072
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that permits have been issued to Dan Engelhaupt, Ph.D., HDR EOC, 5700 Lake Wright Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502- 1859, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography [Responsible Party: John Hildebrand, Ph.D.], University of California, 8635 Discovery Way, La Jolla, CA 92093 to conduct research on marine mammals in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Intent To Prepare a Recovery Plan for Main Hawaiian Islands Insular False Killer Whale Distinct Population Segment
Document Number: 2013-24049
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is announcing its intent to prepare a recovery plan for the Main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) distinct population segment (MHI Insular FKW) and requests information from the public. NMFS is required by section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended, to develop and implement recovery plans for the conservation and survival of federally listed species unless the Secretary finds that such a plan will not promote the conservation of the species.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23968
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the proposed schedule and agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Notice That Vendor Will Provide Year 2014 Cage Tags
Document Number: 2013-23966
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS informs surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferable quota (ITQ) allocation holders that they will be required to purchase their fishing year 2014 (January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014) cage tags from the National Band and Tag Company. The intent of this notice is to comply with regulations for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries and to promote efficient distribution of cage tags.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2013-23893
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received three scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:/ /apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/previewopenforcomment.cfm.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Amendment 99
Document Number: 2013-23770
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 99 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) to NMFS for review. If approved, Amendment 99 would enable the holders of license limitation program (LLP) licenses authorizing a designated vessel to catch and process Pacific cod in the BSAI hook-and-line fisheries to use newly built or existing vessels that are not eligible under current vessel length and capacity restrictions. This action is necessary to promote safety-at-sea by encouraging the replacement of older vessels with newer and more efficient vessels that are able to meet modern vessel safety standards. This action is intended to facilitate the increased retention and utilization of groundfish by allowing sector participants to use larger vessels with increased processing and hold capabilities. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable laws.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23763
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel and Ad Hoc Committee will meet.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23762
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Atlantic Aggregated Large Coastal Shark (LCS), Atlantic Hammerhead Shark, Atlantic Blacknose Shark, and Atlantic Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Shark (SCS) Management Groups
Document Number: 2013-23741
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is closing the commercial management groups for aggregated LCS and hammerhead sharks in the Atlantic region, and blacknose sharks and non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region. This action is necessary because the commercial landings of Atlantic aggregated LCS and Atlantic blacknose sharks for the 2013 fishing season have reached, or are projected to reach, 80 percent of the available commercial quota as of September 13 and September 26, 2013, respectively.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Proposed Rule To Designate Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and Proposed Determination Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS
Document Number: 2013-23715
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reopening the comment period for its Proposed Rule to Designate Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and Proposed Determination Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS. The comment period is being reopened to provide additional opportunity for public comment.
Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for 2013-14
Document Number: 2013-23675
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS specifies an annual catch limit of 346,000 lb of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands for the 2013-14 fishing year. The action supports the long-term sustainability of Hawaii bottomfish.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23615
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel in conjunction with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission's Law Enforcement Committee.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23614
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a public workshop for developing possibilities for collaboration in order to survey areas of coral abundance, to identify and develop tools for coral impact reduction, and potential management measures to be considered for conserving areas of coral concentrations and associated fish productivity.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-23613
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will hold a work session for the Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Policy Advisory Committee and Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Technical Advisory Committee (GEM Committees), which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for the State of New York
Document Number: 2013-23566
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the 2013 summer flounder commercial quota allocated to the State of New York has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in New York for the remainder of calendar year 2013, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer from another state. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise New York that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no Federal commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in New York.
Endangered Species; File No. 17304
Document Number: 2013-23544
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Kristen Hart, Ph.D., U.S. Geological Survey, 3205 College Ave., Davie, Florida, 33314 has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Document Number: 2013-23355
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement the Joint South Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico Generic Charter Vessel/Headboat Reporting in the South Atlantic Amendment (For-Hire Reporting Amendment). The For- Hire Reporting Amendment amends the following FMPs: the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council); and the Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf and South Atlantic, as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) and the South Atlantic Council. If implemented, this rule would modify the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish for species managed by the South Atlantic Council through the previously mentioned FMPs. These revisions would require fishing records to be submitted electronically (via computer or Internet) on a weekly basis or at intervals shorter than a week if notified by the NMFS' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Science and Research Director (SRD), and would prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this rule is to obtain timelier fishing information from headboats to better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock assessments, and improve compliance in South Atlantic fisheries.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 27
Document Number: 2013-23354
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 27 (Amendment 27) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council). If implemented, Amendment 27 and this rule would extend the South Atlantic Council's management responsibility for Nassau grouper into the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ); increase the number of allowable crew members to four on dual-permitted snapper-grouper vessels (i.e., vessels holding a South Atlantic Charter Vessel/Headboat Permit for Snapper-Grouper and a South Atlantic Unlimited or a 225- Pound Trip Limit Snapper-Grouper Permit) that are fishing commercially; remove the prohibition on retaining any fish under the aggregate bag limit for grouper and tilefish or the vermilion snapper bag limit by captain and crew of federally permitted for-hire vessels; modify the snapper-grouper framework procedures to allow acceptable biological catch levels (ABCs), annual catch limits (ACLs), and annual catch targets (ACTs) to be adjusted via an abbreviated framework process; and remove blue runner from the FMP. The purpose of this rule is to streamline management of Nassau grouper, improve vessel safety for dual-permitted vessels, implement consistent regulations regarding captain and crew retention limits for snapper-grouper species, expedite adjustments to snapper-grouper catch limits when new scientific information becomes available, and minimize socio-economic impacts to fishermen who harvest and sell blue runner.
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