National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS sets new 2021 and projected specifications for fishing year 2022 butterfish and Illex squid, while maintaining the current longfin squid and Atlantic mackerel specifications for 2021 and projected for 2022-2023. This action also adjusts the dealer reporting requirement and adjusts the closure threshold for the Illex squid fishery to avoid overages. This action is required to ensure that specifications for these fisheries is based on the best scientific information available. These specifications are intended to promote the sustainable utilization and conservation of the mackerel, squid, and butterfish resources. Additionally, this action reaffirms previously approved Atlantic chub mackerel specifications for 2021-2022.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that two Letters of Authorization (LOA) have been issued to Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

NMFS is implementing management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Reef Fish FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule will prohibit certain fishing activities and, with one exception, the possession of Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish within the Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The purpose of this final rule is to protect spawning aggregations of mature reef fish species by reducing the potential for illegal fishing activities within these MPAs.

NMFS has received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Fuel Pier Inboard Pile Removal Project at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego Bay, California. 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-time, 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.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a three-day in-person and virtual (hybrid) meeting of its Standing, Reef Fish, Socioeconomic, and Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).

Notice is hereby given that the City and County of San Francisco, California (San Francisco) has withdrawn its application for an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Treasure Island Ferry Dock Project in San Francisco, California. Accordingly, NMFS has withdrawn its related proposed IHA.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that two Letters of Authorization (LOA) have been issued to bp Exploration & Production Inc. (bp) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

NMFS received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to the Service Pier Extension (SPE) Project at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor in Silverdale, Washington. These activities are identical with activities that were covered by the current authorization, but will not be completed prior to its expiration. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 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.

The SEDAR 79 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic mutton snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical Team (STT) will host an online meeting that is open to the public.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team will hold a public online meeting.

Notice is hereby given that the Final Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Section (10)(a)(1)(A) enhancement permit have been issued for the Russian River Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP). The program propagates endangered coho salmon of the Central California Coast (CCC) Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). This notice is being provided for information purposes only, and as such, there is no public comment period associated with this notice.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

NMFS announces an inseason action in the 2021 ocean salmon fisheries. This inseason action modifies the commercial salmon fisheries in the area south of Cape Falcon in the Oregon Klamath Management Zone (KMZ) from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon/California border.

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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Debris Dock Replacement Project in Sausalito, California.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's 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.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and after consultation with the General Services Administration, the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration has determined that renewal of the NOAA Science Advisory Board is in the public interest. The committee has been a successful undertaking and has provided advice to the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. The committee will continue to provide such advice and recommendations in the future. The structure and responsibilities of the Committee are unchanged from when it was originally established in September 1997. The Committee will continue to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

The SEDAR 77 assessment of the Atlantic stock of hammerhead sharks will consist of a stock ID process, data webinars/workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a review workshop.

NMFS announces that the Commonwealth of Virginia is transferring a portion of its 2021 commercial bluefish quota to the State of New York. This quota adjustment is necessary to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised commercial bluefish quotas for Virginia and New York.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will meet with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Bluefish Advisory Panel.

NMFS proposes to approve and implement Framework Adjustment 62 for Whiting, Red Hake, and Offshore Hake to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The purpose of this action is to establish a 10-year rebuilding plan and adjust management measures for the overfished southern red hake stock. This action is necessary to meet the statutory requirements for an overfished stock and rebuilding plan consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.