National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 51 - 100 of 125
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-15603
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP) Working Group will hold a meeting.
Notice of Availability of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Final Phase II Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #3.3: Large-Scale Barataria Marsh Creation: Upper Barataria Component
Document Number: 2020-15586
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Deepwater Horizon Federal natural resource trustee agencies for the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (Louisiana TIG) have prepared a Final Phase II Restoration Plan #3.3 and Environmental Assessment (Final RP/EA #3.3). The Final RP/EA #3.3 describes and, in conjunction with the associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), selects the preferred design alternative considered by the Louisiana TIG to restore natural resources and ecological services injured or lost as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Federal Trustees of the Louisiana TIG have determined that the implementation of the Final RP/EA #3.3 is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the context of the NEPA. They have concluded a FONSI is appropriate, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23932
Document Number: 2020-15565
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York City, NY 10013 [Responsible Party: Catherine Reeves], has applied in due form for a permit to import specimens from southern hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species
Document Number: 2020-15560
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that permits and permit amendments/ modifications have been issued to the following entities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as applicable.
U. S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS ®) Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2020-15539
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a virtual meeting of the U. S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS [supreg]) Advisory Committee (Committee).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sablefish in the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2020-15538
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of non-Community Development Quota (CDQ) sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2020 non-CDQ sablefish initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI will be reached.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Abalone
Document Number: 2020-15531
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a request to renew an existing scientific research permit. The proposed work is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management, conservation, and recovery efforts. The application may be viewed online at: https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: 2020-15421
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council is convening public hearings of Draft Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery via webinar 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 Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-15420
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Workgroup (Workgroup) will host a two-day online meeting that is open to the public.
Notice of Availability of a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Coral Reef Conservation Program
Document Number: 2020-15419
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office for Coastal Management has prepared a final programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), for its Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), which is managed by NOAA's National Ocean Service in Silver Spring, MD. The CRCP is implemented in coastal areas and marine waters of Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands, and targeted international regions including the wider Caribbean, the Coral Triangle, the South Pacific, and Micronesia.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting
Document Number: 2020-14949
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-07-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action proposes approval of, and regulations to implement, an action to require commercially permitted vessels in both New England and mid-Atlantic regions to submit vessel trip reports electronically within 48 hours of the end of a trip. In addition, this action would require for-hire vessels with permits for species managed by the New England Fishery Management Council to submit vessel trip reports electronically. Document retention requirements would also be removed with this action. This action is intended to increase data quality and timeliness of vessel trip reports.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-15413
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) will hold a two-day public virtual meeting to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2020-15409
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is transferring 30 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category to the Harpoon category. With this transfer, the adjusted Harpoon category quota for the 2020 fishing season is 76 mt. The 2020 Harpoon category fishery is open until November 15, 2020, or until the Harpoon category quota is reached, whichever comes first. The action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, and applies to Atlantic tunas Harpoon category (commercial) permitted vessels.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction of the Alaska LNG Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Document Number: 2020-15389
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction of the Alaska LNG Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3
Document Number: 2020-14945
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements management measures described in Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3 (Abbreviated Framework 3) 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). This final rule increases the commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and Abbreviated Framework 3 increases the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The purpose of this final rule is to ensure that these measures for South Atlantic blueline tilefish are based on the best scientific information available, to achieve and maintain optimum yield (OY), and to prevent overfishing while minimizing to the extent practicable, adverse social and economic effects.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Permitting and Reporting for Private Recreational Tilefish Vessels
Document Number: 2020-14853
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action establishes permitting and reporting requirements for privately owned and operated recreational vessels fishing for tilefish north of the Virginia/North Carolina border. This action is necessary to implement technical measures for the conceptual permitting and reporting requirements previously approved as part of Amendment 6 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. The intended effect of this action is to monitor recreational tilefish effort and catch for this periodic offshore fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; St. Matthew Blue King Crab Rebuilding Plan in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Document Number: 2020-15318
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 50 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Bering Sea/ Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner Crabs (Crab FMP) (Amendment 50), to the Secretary of Commerce for review. If approved, Amendment 50 would add a new rebuilding plan for St. Matthew blue king crab (SMBKC) to the Crab FMP. The objective of this amendment is to rebuild the SMBKC stock. In order to comply with provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), this action is necessary to implement a rebuilding plan prior to the start of the 2020/2021 fishing season. Amendment 50 is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Crab FMP, and other applicable laws.
Fisheries of the Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-15217
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 65 assessment of the Atlantic stock of blacktip shark will consist of a series of workshops and webinars: Data Workshop; Assessment Webinars; and a Review workshop.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-15216
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 70 stock assessment process for Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack will consist of a series of data and assessment webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to National Wildlife Refuge Complex Research, Monitoring, and Maintenance Activities in Massachusetts
Document Number: 2020-15199
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the Renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to conducting biological research, monitoring, and maintenance at the Eastern Massachusetts (MA) National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex). These activities are identical to those covered in the current authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The Renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed Renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Gastineau Channel Historical Society Sentinel Island Moorage Float Project, Juneau, Alaska
Document Number: 2020-15198
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-15
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 NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Gastineau Channel Historical Society (GCHS) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Sentinel Island Moorage Float project near Juneau, Alaska.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2020-15192
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant to deploy modified black sea bass pots with Acoustic Subsea Buoy Retrieval Systems (ASBRS) in Federal waters off Georgia. The project would examine the potential usefulness of the ASBRSs for use in the black sea bass pot component for the commercial sector of the snapper-grouper fishery while minimizing impacts to protected species.
Meeting of the Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2020-15151
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
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's (MAFAC's) Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force (CBP Task Force). The CBP Task Force will discuss the issues outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23966
Document Number: 2020-15143
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Christopher Cilfone, Be Blue, 193a Fleming Rd., Lahaina, HI 96761, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2020-15141
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS announces the availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (FSEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County's (Douglas PUD) Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP), in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The HGMP specifies the release of one million additional subyearling summer Chinook salmon at the Wells Hatchery. This notice provides information on where to view the FSEA and FONSI.
Endangered Species; File No. 23148
Document Number: 2020-15140
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) (No. 23148) to Exelon Generating Company, LLC, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, for the incidental take of shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic (Acipenser oxyrinchus) sturgeon associated with the otherwise lawful operation of the Eddystone Generating Station in Eddystone, PA. The permit is issued for a duration of 10 years.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Site Characterization Surveys Offshore of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York
Document Number: 2020-15105
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Vineyard Wind, LLC (Vineyard Wind) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of 14 species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to incidental to marine site characterization survey activities off the coast of Massachusetts in the areas of the Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A 0501 and OCS-A 0522) and along potential submarine cable routes to a landfall location in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The initial IHA was effective from June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021. Due to delays, Vineyard Wind has requested re-issuance with new effective dates of June 21, 2020 through June 20, 2021. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2020-15036
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a proposed evaluation and pending determination (PEPD), draft environmental assessment (EA), and four Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMP) are available for public comment on hatchery programs in the Touchet River, Umatilla River, Deschutes River, and Hood River Basins. The HGMPs were submitted for review and determination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 4(d) Rule.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Marine Structure Maintenance and Pile Replacement in Washington
Document Number: 2020-15035
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-14
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 two Letters of Authorization (LOA) have been issued to the U.S. Navy (Navy) for the take of marine mammals incidental to maintenance construction activities at facilities in Washington.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Kamchatka Flounder in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2020-15073
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Kamchatka flounder in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2020 Kamchatka flounder initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the BSAI.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14957
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a two-day public virtual meeting to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14956
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's is convening several Public Hearings of Draft Amendment 23 to Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan via webinar 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.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14955
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel.
Recommendations for a Comprehensive Interagency Seafood Trade Strategy
Document Number: 2020-14938
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On May 7, 2020, the White House issued an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth. As part of this effort, the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) are co-chairing the Interagency Seafood Trade Task Force (Seafood Trade Task Force), which will develop recommendations to provide to USTR for the development of a comprehensive interagency seafood trade strategy. On behalf of the Seafood Trade Task Force co-chairs, NOAA requests written input from interested parties on how best to achieve the objectives of the Seafood Trade Task Force as described in the Executive Order, including improving access to foreign markets for U.S. seafood exports through trade policy and negotiations; resolving technical barriers to U.S. seafood exports; and otherwise supporting fair market access for U.S. seafood products. In addition, interested parties are requested to respond to the questions listed below in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section as appropriate. The public input provided in response to this request for information (RFI) will inform the Seafood Trade Task Force as it works with Federal agencies and other stakeholders to develop recommendations to USTR in the preparation of a comprehensive interagency seafood trade strategy.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Cost Recovery Program
Document Number: 2020-14929
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes notification of a 1.31 percent fee for cost recovery under the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program. This action is intended to provide holders of crab allocations with the 2020/2021 crab fishing year fee percentage so they can calculate the required cost recovery fee payment that must be submitted by July 31, 2021.
Request for Comment on the Draft Prospectus of the Fifth National Climate Assessment
Document Number: 2020-14904
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
With this notice, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) seeks public comment on the proposed themes and framework of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) as indicated by the draft prospectus presented here. Based on input received from this notice, USGCRP will develop an annotated outline, which will be released for public comment at a later date. A call for author nominations and technical inputs will also be posted in one or more subsequent Federal Register Notices. In addition to the proposed themes and framework, this Federal Register Notice requests public comment on ways to make the assessment information accessible and useful to multiple audiences; specific types of detailed information on regional scales that would be most useful to stakeholders; how to best describe risks and impacts, as well as potential opportunities to reduce those risks and impacts on sectors of the economy and natural and social systems; new approaches to topics addressed in previous assessments; overarching themes that NCA5 should consider addressing; and other relevant topics.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14888
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar to develop recommendations for future MSB specifications.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14887
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold an online meeting, which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reclassifying Sculpin Species in the Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2020-14856
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 121 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 110 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) (GOA FMP), collectively referred to as Amendments 121/110. This final rule prohibits directed fishing for sculpins by federally permitted groundfish fishermen and specifies a sculpin retention limit in the GOA and BSAI groundfish fisheries. This action is necessary to properly classify sculpins in the BSAI and GOA FMPs. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Amendments 121/ 110, the BSAI and GOA FMPs, and other applicable laws.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery Off the South Atlantic States; Amendment 11
Document Number: 2020-14815
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Shrimp FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, Amendment 11 to the Shrimp FMP (Amendment 11) would modify the transit provisions for shrimp trawl vessels with brown, pink, and white shrimp on board in Federal waters of the South Atlantic that have been closed to shrimp trawling to protect white shrimp as a result of cold weather events. The purpose of Amendment 11 is to update the regulations to more closely align with current fishing practices, reduce the socio-economic impacts for fishermen who transit these closed areas, and improve safety at sea while maintaining protection for overwintering white shrimp.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Office of Naval Research Arctic Research Activities
Document Number: 2020-14731
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received a request from the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) for the Renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Arctic Research Activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. These activities are identical to those covered in the current authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The Renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed Renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period. ONR's activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA).
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing Study Area
Document Number: 2020-14181
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Navy (Navy), issues these regulations pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to govern the taking of marine mammals incidental to the training and testing activities conducted in the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing (HSTT) Study Area over the course of seven years, effectively extending the time period from December 20, 2023, to December 20, 2025. In August 2018, the MMPA was amended by the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 to allow for seven-year authorizations for military readiness activities, as compared to the previously allowed five years. The Navy's activities qualify as military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA as amended by the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2004. These regulations, which allow for the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and timeframes, 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, and establish requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Adjust the North Pacific Observer Program Fee
Document Number: 2020-13775
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to adjust the North Pacific Observer Program (Observer Program) fee. This action is intended to increase funds available to support observer and electronic monitoring systems deployment in the partial coverage category of the Observer Program and increase the likelihood of meeting desired monitoring objectives. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and other applicable law.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
Document Number: 2020-14831
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-07-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to revise regulations for the commercial individual fishing quota (IFQ) Pacific halibut (halibut) fisheries for the 2020 IFQ fishing year. This final rule removes limits on the maximum amount of halibut IFQ that may be harvested by a vessel, commonly known as vessel use caps, in IFQ regulatory areas 4B (Aleutian Islands), 4C (Central Bering Sea), and 4D (Eastern Bering Sea). This final rule is necessary because immediate action is needed to ensure allocations of halibut IFQ can be harvested by the limited number of vessels operating in these areas due to travel restrictions and health mandates. This action is within the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to establish additional regulations governing the taking of halibut which are in addition to, and not in conflict with, those adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). This emergency rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the IFQ Program, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and other applicable laws.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14830
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's is convening its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) via webinar 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.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14829
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee will hold a public webinar meeting.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2020-14828
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-07-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Bluefish Monitoring Committee will hold a meeting.
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2020 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits
Document Number: 2020-14818
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-07-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a 2020 limit of 2,000 metric tons (t) of longline- caught bigeye tuna for each U.S. Pacific territory (American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)). NMFS would allow each territory to allocate up to 1,500 t each year to U.S. longline fishing vessels in a specified fishing agreement that meets established criteria, but the overall allocation limit among all territories may not exceed 3,000 t. As an accountability measure, NMFS would monitor, attribute, and restrict (if necessary) catches of longline-caught bigeye tuna, including catches made under a specified fishing agreement. The proposed catch limits and accountability measures would support the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands.
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