National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 7, 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in Framework Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (CMP FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council). This final rule and Framework Amendment 11 revise the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) migratory group of king mackerel (Gulf king mackerel) catch limits. The purpose of this final rule and Framework Amendment 11 is to update catch limits to be consistent with the best scientific information available.

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 Echo Offshore LLC (Echo) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

NMFS announces a valid specified fishing agreement that allocates up to 1,500 metric tons (t) of the 2022 bigeye tuna limit for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to 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.