National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Big Skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2016-23830
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2016 total allowable catch of big skate in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Document Number: 2016-23709
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this notice to inform interested parties that the California Pink Shrimp sub-loan in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Capacity Reduction (Buyback) Program has been repaid. Therefore, Buyback fee collections on California Pink Shrimp sub-loan will cease for all landings after August 31, 2016.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-23699
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a four-day meeting to consider actions affecting the Gulf of Mexico fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-23698
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Pacific Island Fisheries; Aquaculture
Document Number: 2016-23691
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, in coordination with the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, intends to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of a proposed Pacific Islands Region aquaculture management program and alternatives. The PEIS would support offshore aquaculture development, including appropriate management unit species for aquaculture, reasonably foreseeable types of offshore aquaculture operations, and permitting and reporting requirements for persons conducting aquaculture activities in Federal waters.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Amendment 27 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2016-23684
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 27 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP) for Secretarial review. Amendment 27 would add deacon rockfish to the FMP, reclassifies big skate as an actively managed stock, add a new inseason management process for commercial and recreational in California, and several clarifications.
U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-23661
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS[supreg]) Advisory Committee (Committee) in Seattle, WA and La Push, WA.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Tidal Marsh Restoration Project
Document Number: 2016-23617
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the California Department of Fish and WildlifeCentral Region (CADFW) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities as part of a tidal marsh restoration project within the Minhoto-Hester Marsh in Elkhorn Slough (Monterey, CA). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the CADFW to incidentally take marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, during the specified activity.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction of the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
Document Number: 2016-23602
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, seven species of marine mammals during activities associated with the East Span of the San Francisco- Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB) in the San Francisco Bay (SFB), California.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2016 Commercial Accountability Measures and Closure for South Atlantic Greater Amberjack
Document Number: 2016-23587
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for commercial greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS projects commercial landings of greater amberjack will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by October 4, 2016. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for greater amberjack in the South Atlantic EEZ on October 4, 2016, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing year on March 1, 2017. This closure is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Observer Coverage Requirements for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Trawl Catcher Vessels
Document Number: 2016-23536
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to modify observer coverage requirements for catcher vessels participating in the trawl limited access fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This final rule allows the owner of a trawl catcher vessel to request, on an annual basis, that NMFS place the vessel in the full observer coverage category for all directed fishing for groundfish using trawl gear in the BSAI in the following calendar year. These regulations are necessary to relieve vessel owners who request full observer coverage of the reporting requirements and observer fee liability associated with the partial observer coverage category. Additionally, this final rule makes minor technical corrections to observer program regulations. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), and other applicable laws.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Revision of Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual
Document Number: 2016-23600
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the framework procedure for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf FMP), NMFS proposes to make administrative revisions to the Bycatch Reduction Device Testing Manual (BRD Manual). The BRD Manual contains procedures for the testing and certification of BRDs for use in shrimp trawls in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and South Atlantic. The proposed changes to the BRD Manual remove outdated or obsolete data collection forms currently appended to the BRD Manual and revise the text to make several procedural steps outlined in the BRD Manual clearer and easier to understand. The intended effect of these revisions is to increase understanding of the BRD certification protocols.
Nominations to the Marine Mammal Scientific Review Groups
Document Number: 2016-23540
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Secretary of Commerce established three independent regional scientific review groups (SRGs) to provide advice on a range of marine mammal science and management issues. NMFS has conducted a membership review of the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific SRGs, and is soliciting nominations for new members to fill vacancies and gaps in expertise. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in the areas specified in this notice, be able to conduct thorough scientific reviews of marine mammal science, and be able to fulfill the necessary time commitments associated with a thorough review of documents and to attend one annual meeting.
Marine Mammals; File No. 20599
Document Number: 2016-23532
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division, La Jolla, California, (Responsible Party: George Watters, Ph.D., Director), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals in the Antarctic.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Five Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic Sturgeon; Reopening of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2016-23530
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS hereby reopens the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for five distinct population segments (DPSs) of Atlantic sturgeon. Critical habitat for the five DPSs was proposed in two separate proposed rules, published on June 3, 2016, with a 90-day comment period.
Fisheries of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR); U.S. Gulf of Mexico Data-Limited Species
Document Number: 2016-23520
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 49 assessment of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico Data- Limited Species will consist of a Data Workshop; a series of Assessment Webinars; and a Review Workshop, to view the agenda.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2016-23469
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its approval of a transfer of a portion of the 2016 commercial bluefish quota from the State of North Carolina to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This approval of the transfer complies with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provision. This announcement also informs the public of the revised commercial quotas for North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Pier Replacement Project
Document Number: 2016-23389
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that we have issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with a pier replacement project at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, CA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 15330
Document Number: 2016-23339
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Robin Baird, Ph.D., Cascadia Research, 218\1/2\ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 15330.
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals and Dolphin-Safe Tuna Products
Document Number: 2016-23333
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant Administrator) has issued a determination, under the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act (DPCIA), of regular and significant mortality and serious injury of dolphins in gillnet fisheries harvesting tuna by vessels flagged under the Governments of India, Iran, Mozambique, Pakistan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. This determination triggers additional documentation requirements for tuna product from those fisheries that is exported from or offered for sale in the United States, including that such tuna must be accompanied by a written statement executed by an observer participating in a national or international program acceptable to the Assistant Administrator, in addition to such statement by the captain of the vessel, that certifies that no dolphins were killed or seriously injured in the sets or other gear deployments in which the tuna were caught and certain other required information regarding dolphin interactions and segregation of tuna. These determinations were based on review of scientific information and, when available, documentary evidence submitted by the relevant government.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment on the Issuance of Incidental Take Authorizations in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Document Number: 2016-23327
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service announces: (1) Its intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the environmental impacts of issuing annual incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for the taking of marine mammals incidental to anthropogenic activities in the waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska, for the 2017 season; and (2) its intent to continue an annual cycle for issuing MMPA IHAs in Cook Inlet such that companies planning to submit IHA applications for work to be conducted in Cook Inlet in 2017 do so by no later than October 15, 2016. Further, we refer prospective applicants to our new Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ guidelines.htm), which should be used in the analysis of auditory effects.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 19436 and 19592
Document Number: 2016-23316
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that permits have been issued to the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, Tribal Government, Ecosystem Conservation Office [File No. 19436], 2050 Venia Minor Road, P.O. Box 86, St. Paul Island, AK 99660 [Responsible Party: Pamela Lestenkof], and the St. George Traditional Council, Ecosystem Conservation Office [File No. 19592], P.O. Box 940, St. George Island, Alaska 99591 [Responsible Party: Chris Merculief], to conduct research on and export specimens of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) for scientific research.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle Launch Operations
Document Number: 2016-23257
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Aerospace Corporation (AAC) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting space vehicle launch operations over the course of five years, from February 1, 2017 through January 31, 2022. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the AAC's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the AAC's application and request.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fishery; Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery; and South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery; Control Date
Document Number: 2016-23226
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule announces the establishment of a control date of June 15, 2016. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) may use this control date if it decides to create restrictions limiting participation in the exclusive economic zone for the Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) component of the recreational sectors of the coastal migratory pelagics fishery in the Atlantic, dolphin and wahoo fishery in the Atlantic, and snapper- grouper fishery in the South Atlantic. Anyone obtaining a Federal for- hire permit for these recreational sectors after the control date will not be assured of future access should a management regime that limits participation in the sector be prepared and implemented. This announcement is intended, in part, to promote awareness of the potential eligibility criteria for future access so as to discourage speculative entry into the Federal for-hire component of the recreational sectors of the Atlantic coastal migratory pelagics, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, or the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fisheries, while the Council and NMFS consider whether and how access to these recreational sector components should be managed. NMFS invites comments on the establishment of this control date.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 16
Document Number: 2016-23217
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Amendment 16 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed Amendment 16 to protect deep-sea corals from the impacts of commercial fishing gear in the Mid-Atlantic. Amendment 16 management measures include: A deep-sea coral protection area; a prohibition on the use of bottom- tending commercial fishing gear within the deep-sea coral protection area; an exemption for American lobster and deep-sea red crab pots and traps from the gear prohibition; a vessel monitoring system requirement for limited access Illex squid moratorium permit holders; provisions for vessels transiting through the deep-sea coral area; and expanded framework adjustment provisions for future modifications to the deep- sea coral protection measures. These proposed management measures are intended to protect deep-sea coral and deep-sea coral habitat while promoting the sustainable utilization and conservation of several different marine resources managed under the authority of the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; 2016-2018 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications; Correction
Document Number: 2016-23216
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects the recreational harvest limit value published in the 2016-2018 Atlantic bluefish specifications final rule, which is effective August 1, 2016, through December 31, 2018. This action is necessary and intended to ensure the correct 2016-2018 bluefish recreational harvest limit values are provided to the public.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Petitions
Document Number: 2016-23003
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services), finalize changes to the regulations concerning petitions, to improve the content and specificity of petitions and to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the petition process to support species conservation. Our revisions to the regulations clarify and enhance the procedures by which the Services evaluate petitions under section 4(b)(3) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. These revisions will also maximize the efficiency with which the Services process petitions, making the best use of available resources.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-23127
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Marine Mammals; File No. 18529
Document Number: 2016-23099
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Janice Straley, University of Alaska Southeast, 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK 99835, to conduct research on cetaceans.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-23075
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Joint Scallop Advisory Panel (AP) and Plan Development Team (PDT) to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-23067
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Law Enforcement Technical Committee (LETC), in conjunction with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission's Law Enforcement Committee (LEC).
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Study Area and the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area
Document Number: 2016-22997
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that modified Letters of Authorization (LOAs) have been issued to the U.S. Navy (Navy) for the take of marine mammals incidental to training and testing activities conducted in the Mariana Islands Training and Testing (MITT) Study Area and the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area. These modifications reflect changes to Navy watchstander (lookout) reporting requirements, which do not affect current mitigation measures, for observed behavior of marine mammals during Major Training Exercises (MTEs) in the MITT and AFTT study areas.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Individual Bluefin Quota Program; Inseason Transfers
Document Number: 2016-22902
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to modify the Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) regulations to provide additional flexibility regarding the distribution of inseason Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota transfers to the Longline category. The proposed rule would provide NMFS the flexibility to distribute quota inseason either to all qualified Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) share recipients (i.e., share recipients who have associated their permit with a vessel) or only to permitted Atlantic Tunas Longline vessels with recent fishing activity, whether or not they are associated with IBQ shares.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Visitor Centers Survey
Document Number: 2016-22966
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program
Document Number: 2016-22911
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement Amendment 47 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP) and to make minor clarifications to regulations implementing the Crab FMP. This proposed rule addresses how individual processing quota (IPQ) use caps apply to the Bering Sea Chionoecetes bairdi Tanner crab fisheries: The eastern C. bairdi Tanner (EBT) and the western C. bairdi Tanner (WBT). This proposed rule would exempt EBT and WBT IPQ crab that is custom processed at a facility through contractual arrangements with the processing facility owners from being applied against the IPQ use cap of the processing facility owners, thereby allowing a facility to process more crab without triggering the IPQ use cap. This proposed exemption is necessary to allow all of the EBT and WBT Class A individual fishing quota crab to be processed at the facilities currently processing EBT and WBT crab, and would have significant positive economic effects on the fishermen, processors, and communities that participate in the EBT and WBT fisheries. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Crab FMP, and other applicable law.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2016-22868
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its approval of a transfer of a portion of the 2016 commercial bluefish quota from the State of New Jersey to the State of New York. This approval of the transfer complies with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provision. This announcement also informs the public of the revised commercial quotas for New Jersey and New York.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shortraker Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2016-22862
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2016 total allowable catch of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached. This closure does not apply to vessels participating in the catcher/ processor cooperative fishery in the Rockfish Program.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shortraker Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2016-22724
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of shortraker rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2016 total allowable catch of shortraker rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA will be reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2016-22694
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is exchanging unused flathead sole and rock sole Community Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin sole CDQ acceptable biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2016 total allowable catch of yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area to be harvested.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-22648
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-22647
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-22630
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Skate Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-22626
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Monkfish Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB)
Document Number: 2016-22620
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice responds to Section 209 of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94-461, 33 U.S.C. 1128), which requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to solicit nominations at least once a year for membership on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board), a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice on the implementation of the National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP). To apply for membership to the Board, applicants should submit a current resume to Mrs. Jennifer Hinden using the methods under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. A cover letter highlighting specific areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the Board is helpful, but not required. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an equal opportunity employer. This notice also sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Board. Board members will discuss and provide advice on the NSGCP in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the agenda found on the National Sea Grant College Program Web site at https:// seagrant.noaa.gov/WhoWeAre/Leadership/NationalSeaGrantAdvisor yBoard/ UpcomingAdvisoryBoardMeetings.aspx.
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2016 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Document Number: 2016-22619
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that allocates up to 1,000 metric tons of the 2016 bigeye tuna limit for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to identified U.S. longline fishing vessels. The agreement supports the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and fisheries development in the CNMI.
Science Advisory Board (SAB); Meeting
Document Number: 2016-22616
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The 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. 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 Thursday November 17, 2016 from 9:45 a.m. EST to 5:45 p.m. EST and on Friday November 18, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. EST to 1:45 p.m. EST. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page www.sab.noaa.gov/SABMeetings.aspx for the most up-to-date meeting times and agenda. Place: The meeting will be held at The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15- minute public comment period on November 17 from 5:30-5:45 p.m. EST (check Web site to confirm time). The 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 two (2) minutes. Individuals or groups planning to make a verbal presentation should contact the SAB Executive Director by November 10, 2016 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by November 10, 2016, to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after November 10, 2016, will be distributed to the 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 12:00 p.m. on November 10, 2016, to Dr. Cynthia Decker, SAB Executive Director, SSMC3, Room 11230, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Email: Cynthia.Decker@noaa.gov. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting will include the following topics: (1) Report from the Review of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES); (2) Updates from the NOAA Administrator and Chief Scientist; (3) Discussion on the Ecosystem Services Valuation Report; (4) Discussion on the GOES-R Level 0 Data report; (5) Discussion on RESTORE Act Metrics and Communication report; (6) SAB Strategy Discussion and Implications for NOAA; and (7) Discussion of the SAB Working Group Concept of Operations.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Russian River Estuary Management Activities
Document Number: 2016-22583
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting estuary management activities in the Russian River, CA, over the course of five years. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of SCWA's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on SCWA's application and request.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Northeast Fisheries Science Center Fisheries Research
Document Number: 2016-22582
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) for the take of marine mammals incidental to fisheries research conducted in the Atlantic coast region.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Hearings
Document Number: 2016-22493
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils are developing an omnibus amendment to allow for industry-funded monitoring. This amendment includes omnibus alternatives that would modify all the fishery management plans managed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils to allow for standardized and streamlined development of future industry-funded monitoring programs. Additionally, this amendment includes alternatives for new industry- funded monitoring programs for the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan and the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Proposed Rule To List the Maui's Dolphin as Endangered and the South Island Hector's Dolphin as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 2016-22451
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, propose to list the Maui's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) as endangered and the South Island Hector's dolphin (C. hectori hectori) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have reviewed the best available scientific and commercial data and completed a comprehensive status review for these two subspecies of Hector's dolphin (C. hectori). The Maui's dolphin faces serious demographic risks due to critically low abundance, a low population growth rate, a restricted range, low genetic diversity, and ongoing threats such as bycatch in commercial and recreational gillnets. We have determined Maui's dolphin is currently in danger of extinction throughout its range and, therefore, meets the definition of an endangered species. The relatively more abundant and more widely distributed South Island Hector's dolphin has experienced large historical declines and is expected to continue to slowly decline due to bycatch and other lesser threats, such as disease and impacts associated with tourism. We have determined that this subspecies is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but is likely to become so within the foreseeable future; and therefore, it meets the definition of a threatened species. Both subspecies occur only in New Zealand. We are authorized to designate critical habitat within U.S. jurisdiction only, and we are not aware of any areas within U.S jurisdiction that may meet the definition of critical habitat under the ESA. Therefore, we are not proposing to designate critical habitat. We are soliciting public comments on our status review report and proposal to list these two subspecies.
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