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

Results 101 - 150 of 1,243
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-26185
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-12-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 77 assessment of the Atlantic stocks of hammerhead sharks will consist of a stock identification (ID) process, data webinars/workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a review workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Black Teatfish (Holothuria nobilis
Document Number: 2021-26178
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-12-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the black teatfish (Holothuria nobilis). After reviewing the best scientific and commercial data available, including the H. nobilis Status Review Report, we have determined that listing H. nobilis as a threatened or endangered species under the ESA is not warranted at this time.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-26169
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-12-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad Hoc Ecosystem Workgroup (EWG) is holding an online meeting, which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; 2022 and Projected 2023 Specifications
Document Number: 2021-25901
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-12-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes Atlantic bluefish specifications for the 2022 fishing year, and projected specifications for fishing year 2023, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels to prevent overfishing while enabling optimum yield, using the best scientific information available. This rule also informs the public of the proposed fishery specifications and provides an opportunity for comment.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the NOAA Port Facility Project in Ketchikan, Alaska
Document Number: 2021-26122
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-12-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the NOAA Port Facility Project in Ketchikan, 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 document. 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 notification of our decision.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Norwalk Cove Marina, Inc.
Document Number: 2021-26010
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-12-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that the decision record has closed for an administrative appeal filed by Norwalk Cove Marina, Inc. (Appellant) under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA). Appellant has requested that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator, pursuant to authority delegated by the Secretary of Commerce to decide CZMA federal consistency appeals, override an objection by the New York State Department of State to a consistency certification for a proposed project to dispose of dredged material at the Central Long Island Sound Disposal Site.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2021-26064
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from pot catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) and trawl catcher vessels to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear, pot catcher/processors, and American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher/ processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; 2021 Closure of the Atlantic Herring Fishery
Document Number: 2021-26059
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is closing the Atlantic herring fishery and implementing a 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) possession limit for herring in all Herring Management Areas. This is required because NMFS projects that herring catch will reach 95 percent of the annual catch limit before the end of the fishing year. This action is intended to prevent overharvest of herring, which would result in additional catch limit reductions in a subsequent year.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2021-26057
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Bering Sea subarea and Eastern Aleutian District (BS/EAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in the BS/EAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Cost Recovery Fee Notice for the Western Alaska Community Development Quota and Trawl Limited Access Privilege Programs
Document Number: 2021-25972
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes standard prices and fee percentages for cost recovery for the Amendment 80 Program, the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Program, the Aleutian Islands Pollock (AIP) Program, and the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program in the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. The fee percentage for 2021 is 1.43 percent for the Amendment 80 Program, 0.25 percent for the AFA inshore cooperatives, zero percent for the AIP program, and 0.83 percent for the CDQ Program. This notice is intended to provide the 2021 standard prices and fee percentages to calculate the required payment for cost recovery fees due by December 31, 2021.
Notice of Availability of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Draft Management Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2021-25819
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prepared a draft management plan as part of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or sanctuary) management plan review pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The draft management plan, which would update the 2010 sanctuary management plan, addresses current and emerging threats in SBNMS and reflects changes in new science and technologies, how people use the sanctuary, and community needs. The draft management plan supports continued protection of sanctuary resources through enforcement of existing sanctuary regulations, education and outreach strategies that promote ocean stewardship, and community engagement. Consistent with the information provided in the 2020 Notice of Intent, NOAA is not proposing modifications to the sanctuary regulations at this time, but may consider regulatory changes in the future. NOAA also prepared an environmental assessment, which evaluates the environmental impacts of implementing the draft management plan and ongoing field activities. NOAA is soliciting public comments on the draft updated management plan and environmental assessment at this time.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2021-25960
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2021-25921
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery.
Notice of Indirect Cost Rates
Document Number: 2021-25919
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) announces the establishment of new indirect cost rates for the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage and restoration activities for fiscal year (FY) 2014. NOAA provides the indirect cost rates for this fiscal year and the dates of implementation in this notice. The public can obtain more information on this rate from the address provided below in the ADDRESSES section.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfers From VA to CT and NC to RI
Document Number: 2021-25839
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of North Carolina are transferring a portion of their 2021 commercial summer flounder quota to the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, respectively. This adjustment to the 2021 fishing year quota is necessary to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised 2021 commercial quotas for Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2021-25784
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 W&T Offshore Inc. (W&T) and its designees for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
Pacific Island Fisheries; Rebuilding Plan for Guam Bottomfish
Document Number: 2021-25737
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-11-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement a rebuilding plan that includes annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for the overfished bottomfish stock complex in Guam. This action is necessary to rebuild the overfished stock consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act).
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: 2021-25699
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in January, February, and March of 2022. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2022 and will be announced in a future notice. In addition, NMFS anticipates the implementation of online recertification workshops beginning in the fall of 2021 for persons who have already taken in-person training. Affected permit holders will be notified of this option when it becomes available.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2021-25767
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-11-24
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 (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS; hereafter collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), are extending the comment period on our October 27, 2021, proposed rule to rescind the final rule titled ``Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat'' that was published on December 16, 2020, and established a regulatory definition of the term ``habitat.'' We are extending the comment period by 15 days.
Marine Mammals; File No. 25885
Document Number: 2021-25718
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Peter Thielen, D. Eng., Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd., Laurel, MD 20723 has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2021-25649
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS approves and implements measures included in Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan, as submitted by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This amendment revises the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan, reallocates quota between the commercial and recreational fisheries, reallocates commercial quota among the states, implements a rebuilding plan, revises the sector quota transfer process, and revises how management uncertainty is applied during the specifications process. Amendment 7 is intended to use the best scientific information available and respond to changes in stock health and distribution, while recognizing economic need and reliance throughout the management area.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Coast Guard's Alaska Facility Maintenance and Repair Activities
Document Number: 2021-25648
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Coast Guard for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting construction activities related to maintenance and repair of eight of their facilities in Alaska over the course of five years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the U.S. Coast Guard'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 the application and request.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Document Number: 2021-25627
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-24
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 Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture (CTJV) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project (PTST) in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2021-25557
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is transferring 9.5 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category and 20.2 mt from the Harpoon category to the General category for the remainder of the 2021 fishing year. The adjusted General category December subquota, Reserve category quota, and Harpoon category quota will be 39.1 mt, 2 mt, and 0 mt respectively. This action is intended to provide further opportunities for General category fishermen to participate in the December General category fishery, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments. This action would affect Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2022 and 2023 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications
Document Number: 2021-25394
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2022-2023 specifications for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea fisheries. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan require us to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of these species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The proposed specifications are intended to establish allowable harvest levels for these species that will prevent overfishing, consistent with the most recent scientific information.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Establishment of Time-Area Closures for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins; Public Hearing
Document Number: 2021-25562
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, will hold a public hearing related to our proposed rule to establish time-area closures for Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris longirostris) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed rule to establish time-area closures for Hawaiian spinner dolphins published on September 28, 2021 (86 FR 53844), and provided for a public comment period to end on December 27, 2021. Comments must be received by December 27, 2021, as specified under ADDRESSES. Comments received after this date may not be accepted.
Space Weather Advisory Group Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25407
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Space Weather Advisory Group (SWAG) will meet for 1 half- day on December 1, 2021.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25399
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) will hold the 176th hybrid (virtual/in person) public meeting to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25398
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a Stock Assessment Review (STAR) Panel meeting to review the 2021 central subpopulation of northern anchovy (CSNA) stock assessment. The meeting will be co-hosted by the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2021 Tribal Fishery Allocations for Pacific Whiting; Reapportionment Between Tribal and Non-Tribal Sectors
Document Number: 2021-25369
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document announces the reapportionment of 34,645 metric tons of Pacific whiting from the tribal allocation to the non-tribal commercial fishery sectors via automatic action on September 15, 2021. This reapportionment is to allow full utilization of the Pacific whiting resource.
Establish National Minimum Insurance Standard for National Marine Fisheries Service Programs That Permit or Approve Observer Providers
Document Number: 2021-25367
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is proposing to establish a uniform, nationally consistent minimum insurance standard that would apply in regional regulatory programs that authorize an observer provider to deploy a person in any mandatory or voluntary observer program and that specify responsibilities of authorized providers. NMFS has concluded that this action is necessary to clarify the types of insurance that are appropriate to address the financial risks that observer coverage presents in any federally managed fishery that is subject to observer coverage. The proposed standard would establish a nationally consistent suite of insurance coverages that an observer provider seeking authorization, or that has been authorized, must have to mitigate the financial risks associated with providing observer services; specifically observer deployments to fishing vessels or shoreside locations such as processing facilities, and those that arise with training personnel for these deployments. Through compliance with this minimum standard, observer providers would be properly insured, thereby mitigating the financial risks that fishing vessels, first receivers, and shoreside processors have when complying with observer coverage requirements. This proposed rule would also revise regional observer program regulations to reference the newly established national minimum insurance standard, but existing regional observer program regulatory procedures that specify how an observer provider demonstrates compliance with insurance requirements would not be modified.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25421
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a one and half-day in-person and virtual meeting (hybrid) of its Ecosystem Technical Committee (ETC).
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25165
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 75 assessment of Gulf of Mexico gray snapper will consist of a series of assessment webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25164
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 77 assessment of the Atlantic stock of hammerhead sharks will consist of a stock identification (ID) process, data webinars/workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a review workshop. A SEDAR 77 Data Workshop has been scheduled via webinar for December 13-17, 2021. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25156
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) will hold a three-day meeting to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Due to ongoing public safety considerations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted entirely by webinar.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-25155
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a two- day in-person and virtual meeting (hybrid) of its Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
Marine Mammals; File No. 22187
Document Number: 2021-25151
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Heather E. Liwanag, Ph.D., 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0401, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 22187-01.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #31 Through #32
Document Number: 2021-25102
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces two inseason actions in the 2021 ocean salmon fisheries. These inseason actions modified the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon, OR to the Oregon/ California border.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Advisory Panel
Document Number: 2021-25097
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS solicits nominations for the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP). NMFS consults with and considers the comments and views of the HMS AP when preparing and implementing Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) or FMP amendments for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfish. Nominations are being sought to fill approximately one-third (12) of the seats on the HMS AP for 3-year appointments. Individuals with definable interests in the recreational and commercial fishing and related industries, environmental community, academia, and non-governmental organizations are considered for membership on the HMS AP. NMFS also intends to fill an additional vacancy on the HMS AP for the remainder of a term that expires on December 31, 2023.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing, Scientific Research, Display, and Shark Research Fishery Permits; Letters of Acknowledgment
Document Number: 2021-25096
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to issue exempted fishing permits (EFPs), scientific research permits (SRPs), display permits, letters of acknowledgment (LOAs), and shark research fishery permits for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) in 2022. EFPs and related permits would authorize collection of a limited number of Atlantic HMS, including tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks, from Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico for the purposes of scientific research, data collection, the investigation of bycatch, and public display, among other things. LOAs acknowledge that scientific research activity aboard a scientific research vessel is being conducted. Generally, EFPs and related permits would be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2022, unless otherwise specified in the permit, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Northeast Skate Complex; Withdrawal of the Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Amendment 5
Document Number: 2021-25094
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council initiated development of Amendment 5 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan in 2016. A notice of intent to develop an environmental impact statement for this action was published in January 2017, followed by a second notice and round of scoping in late December 2020. However, in September 2021, the Council voted to discontinue work on Amendment 5 and pursue the remaining alternatives through newly initiated Framework Adjustment 9. The remaining alternatives in this framework are largely administrative and not expected to have significant impacts on the fishery or human environment. Therefore, NMFS is withdrawing the notice of intent and no longer intends to prepare an environmental impact statement.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2021 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for the South Atlantic Other Jacks Complex
Document Number: 2021-25082
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the recreational sector for the other jacks complex (lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish) in the South Atlantic for the 2021 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has determined that recreational landings of the other jacks complex have reached its recreational annual catch limit (ACL). Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational sector for this complex on November 17, 2021, through the remainder of the 2021 fishing year in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. This closure is necessary to protect the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish resources.
Review of Nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Document Number: 2021-24998
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting written comments to facilitate ONMS' review of the nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) at the five- year interval. In particular, NOAA is requesting relevant information as it pertains to its 11 evaluation criteria for inclusion in the inventory. In this five-year review, NOAA will pay particular attention to any new information about the significance of the area's natural or cultural resources, changes to any threats to these resources, and any updates to the management framework of the area. NOAA has provided the original nominating party, the City of St. George, an opportunity to share its views on these same questions. Following this information gathering and internal analysis, NOAA will make a final determination on whether or not the St. George Unangan Heritage NMS nomination will remain in the inventory for another five year period.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-24964
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 142nd Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Executive and Budget Standing Committee, and 189th Council meetings to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-24963
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of the following: Mackerel Cobia Committee; Snapper Grouper Committee; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee; Citizen Science Committee; and Outreach and Communications Committee. The meeting week will also include a formal public comment session and a meeting of the Full Council (partially Closed Session).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-24962
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Groundfish Committee 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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2021-24927
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued one Incidental Take Permit and one Enhancement of Survival Permit to Sierra Pacific Land & Timber Company (SPL&T) for the Sierra Pacific Industries Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA). The HCP/SHA was submitted pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. NMFS has also prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) associated with NMFS' issuance of the Permits for the HCP/SHA. The Permits authorize incidental take of ESA- listed species as set forth in the HCP/SHA for a 50-year period.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-24899
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a joint, public meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-24898
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Scallop Committee 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.
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