National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration March 24, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, NMFS, announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic Sea as an endangered or threatened distinct population segment (DPS) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We conducted a DPS analysis based on our joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NMFS DPS Policy. Based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that the harbor porpoise population in the Baltic Sea is not a DPS because it does not meet the criterion for significance outlined by our DPS Policy. Thus, we find this population is not warranted for listing.

NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MS DMR). If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant to collect red drum in Federal waters using state of MS-licensed charter and headboat vessels (for-hire vessels). The purpose of this study is to collect population data specific to the genetics, age and growth, reproduction, and food habits of adult red drum in Federal waters where harvest is currently prohibited. The data would then be used to support future stock assessment information for red drum.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Research Steering Committee.

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.