National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 29, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS) on June 23, 2021, and the final rule became effective on August 16, 2021. However, as discussed in the final rule, the provision that prohibits grappling into or anchoring on shipwreck sites (grappling and anchoring provision) was to go into effect on October 1, 2023. This action delays the effectiveness of the grappling and anchoring provision of the final rule until October 1, 2024.

NMFS is establishing a Take Reduction Team (TRT or Team) to address the incidental mortality and serious injury (M/SI) of humpback whales that would, at a minimum, consider Federal sablefish pot fishery interactions with the Central America/Southern Mexico-CA/OR/WA and Mainland Mexico-CA/OR/WA stocks of humpback whales, and may also be expanded to consider other fisheries in the Pacific Ocean. The TRT will develop a Take Reduction Plan (TRP or Plan) as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS requests public comments on information relevant to establishing the TRT as well as interest from stakeholders who wish to be considered for TRT membership.

NMFS proposes to implement allowable catch levels, an overfishing limit, an allowable biological catch, and an annual catch limit for Pacific mackerel in the exclusive economic zone off the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington) for the fishing years (seasons) 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. This proposed rule is made pursuant to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan. The proposed harvest guideline and annual catch target for the 2023-2024 fishing season are 7,871 metric tons (mt) and 6,871 mt, respectively. The proposed harvest guideline and annual catch target for the 2024-2025 fishing season are 8,943 mt and 7,943 mt, respectively. If the fishery attains the annual catch target in either fishing season, the directed fishery will close, reserving the 1,000-mt difference between the harvest guideline and annual catch target as a set-aside for incidental landings in other Coastal Pelagic Species fisheries and other sources of mortality. This rulemaking is intended to conserve and manage the Pacific mackerel stock off the U.S. West Coast.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Social Science Planning Team (SSPT) will meet October 18, 2023.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a hybrid 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.

Notice is hereby given that the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Incorporated (hereinafter `Clearwater') has applied in due form to renew a permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The renewal permit application is for the incidental take of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) and shortnose sturgeon (A. brevirostrum) associated with the otherwise lawful environmental education program conducted on the Hudson River, New York. The education program uses small otter trawls and beach seines to collect fish and invertebrate specimens that are held onboard the vessels for educational purposes. The duration of the proposed permit is 10 years. NMFS is providing this notice in order to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on the application materials. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) ad- hoc Klamath River Fall Chinook Workgroup (Workgroup) will hold two online meetings.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public webinar to collect input on NOAA Fisheries' Draft Climate Governance Policy.