National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Endangered Species; File No. 24016
Notice is hereby given that Jason Kahn, Ph.D., National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 24016-01.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28931
Notice is hereby given that Passion Planet, 33-34 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JN, United Kingdom (Responsible Party: Phillippa Tagg), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on marine mammals.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Fishing Restrictions for Tropical Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2025 and Beyond
NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act (TCA) of 1950, as amended, to implement Resolution C-24-01 (Conservation Measures For Tropical Tunas In The Eastern Pacific Ocean During 2025-2026) adopted at the 102nd Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in September 2024. This final rule maintains and extends management measures for fishing vessels targeting tropical tuna (i.e., bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). The fishing restrictions will apply to large purse seine vessels of class sizes 4-6 (i.e., vessels with a carrying capacity of 182 metric tons (mt) or greater) and longline vessels greater than 24 meters in overall length that fish for tropical tuna in the EPO. This rule is necessary for the conservation of tropical tuna stocks in the EPO and for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Bluefish Advisory Panel.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Southern New England Area Trophy Fishery for 2025
NMFS closes the Angling category southern New England area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). The southern New England area trophy fishery is defined as south of 42[deg] N lat. and north of 39[deg]18' N lat. This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Lutak Dock Replacement Project, Haines, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the Haines Borough for the reissuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of six species of marine mammals, by Level A and Level B harassment, incidental to construction activities associated with the Lutak Dock Replacement project in Haines, Alaska. The project has been delayed by 1 year and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The initial IHA was effective from June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025. The Haines Borough has requested reissuance with new effective dates of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. 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.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Alaska Railroad Corporation Seward Freight Dock Construction in Seward, Alaska
In accordance with 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 Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Seward Freight Dock construction project in Seward, Alaska.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tuna Tracking and Verification Program
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch (POP) in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2025 total allowable catch of POP specified for the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of America (Formerly Gulf of Mexico)
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 America (GOA), originally published as Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that NMFS has modified the expiration date of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the taking of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the GOA.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public meetings of the Council.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold an online meeting that is open to the public.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak Homeporting Facility in Kodiak, Alaska
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHA) to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Base Kodiak Homeporting Facility in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
NMFS and USFWS announce the initiation of a 5-year review of the endangered Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires us to conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years to determine whether a species should be removed from the list (i.e., delisted), reclassified from an endangered species to a threatened species (i.e., downlisted), or reclassified from a threatened species to an endangered species (i.e., uplisted). The determination must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we request relevant information (e.g., biology, threats, and conservation efforts) that has become available since our previous review of the species.
Marine Mammals; File No. 22156
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 22156-05.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 90 assessment process of South Atlantic Red Snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting, May 29, 2025
NOAA will hold a virtual Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) Federal Advisory Committee public meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2025. NOAA will accept public comments in advance and during the virtual meeting.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of the following: Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub- Committee; Mackerel Cobia Committee; Snapper Grouper Committee; and Joint Habitat & Ecosystem and Shrimp Committee. The meeting week will also include a formal public comment session and meetings of the Full Council.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 156th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Executive and Budget Standing Committee (SC), Fishery Data Collection and Research Committee (FDCRC), Pelagic and International SC, Military Expansion SC, and its 203rd Council meeting to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Texas Parks and Wildlife Fisheries Independent Research Programs
NMFS has received a request from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to fisheries independent research surveys conducted in the coastal waters of Texas over the course of five years (2025- 2030). Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the TPWD'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 TPWD's application and request.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2025 Recreational Fishing Season Announcement and Closure for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
NMFS announces the 2025 recreational fishing season for blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Announcing the length of the recreational fishing season is the accountability measure (AM) for the recreational sector. NMFS estimates that recreational landings of blueline tilefish will reach the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) during the 2025 fishing year. NMFS announces the season length and closure date for the recreational harvest of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic to allow recreational fishermen to maximize their opportunities while NMFS manages recreational harvest to protect the blueline tilefish resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2025 Specifications and Management Measures
Through this final rule, NMFS establishes fishery management measures for the ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California for the season beginning May 16, 2025, and ending May 15, 2026 (the 2025 ocean salmon fishing season), under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The fishery management measures include fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, harvest guidelines, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Washington, Oregon, and California. These measures are intended to prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from the fishery, to provide for the exercise of federally recognized fishing rights by West Coast Indian Tribes, to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement, and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among non-Indian commercial and recreational fisheries.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ice Road and Ice Trail Construction, Operation, and Maintenance Activities on Alaska's North Slope
NMFS has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to ice road and trail construction, operation, and maintenance activities along the Beaufort Sea coast, Alaska, for a period of 5 years (2025-2030). Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of Hilcorp'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 Hilcorp's application and request.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Narwhal, LLC Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in West Harrison Bay, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from Narwhal, LLC (Narwhal) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and gas exploration activities in west Harrison 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-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 authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Fisheries Research
NMFS' Office of Protected Resources (OPR), upon request from NMFS' Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), hereby issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to fisheries research conducted in multiple specified geographical regions over the course of 5 years. These regulations, which allow for the issuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and specified 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, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Upon publication of this final rule, NMFS will issue an LOA to PIFSC for the effective period of the final rule.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28847
Notice is hereby given that Allyson Hindle, Ph.D., University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, MS 4004, Las Vegas, NV 89154, has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export parts from marine mammals for scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by New England Marine Monitoring. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Marine Mammals; Issuance of Letters of Confirmation
Notice is hereby given that individuals and institutions have been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) for activities conducted under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine mammals. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a list of names and addresses of recipients.
Marine Mammals; File No. 28860
Notice is hereby given that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Natural History and Factual Productions Ltd. and BBC Studios Americas Inc., (Responsible Party: Sarah Conner), Bridgewater House, Counterslip, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6BX, United Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial and educational photography on pinnipeds.
Spring Meeting of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
The Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) announces its annual spring meeting, to be held in a hybrid format June 2-3, 2025.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its Social Science Planning Committee (SSPC), American Samoa Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Advisory Panel (AP), Mariana Archipelago FEP Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) AP, Hawaii Archipelago and Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIA) FEP AP, Mariana Archipelago FEP Guam AP, and Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) to discuss and make recommendations on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2025-2026 Specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
NMFS proposes 2025-2026 specifications for the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This action proposes new 2025 and projected 2026 butterfish fishery specifications, and reaffirmed 2025 chub mackerel, Illex squid, longfin squid, and Atlantic mackerel fishery specifications. The proposed specifications are intended to establish allowable harvest levels that will prevent overfishing, consistent with the most recent scientific information. This action would also adjust the minimum square mesh size for directed butterfish trawl trips; account for a 2024 Atlantic mackerel annual catch limit overage (if applicable); and correct existing regulations.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Pile Driving Training Exercises at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme
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 United States Navy (Navy) to incidentally harass marine mammals during construction activities associated with pile driving training exercises at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme (NBVC). The Navy's activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will hold an online meeting of its Ad Hoc Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries Innovation Workgroup (FIW) to discuss procedures to facilitate the development of new HMS gears and achieve the goals of the HMS Roadmap. This meeting is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold an online public meeting.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad- Hoc Klamath River Fall Chinook Workgroup (KRWG) will hold an online meeting.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee (PNCIAC) will meet on May 27, 2025.
Marine Mammals; File No. 26663
Notice is hereby given that Alaska Whale Foundation, P.O. Box 1927, Petersburg, AK 99833 (Responsible Party: Andy Szabo, Ph.D.), has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 26663-01.
Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a two- day meeting to consider actions affecting the Gulf of America fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The meeting is open to the public offering both in-person (limited seating) and virtual options for participation.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan, Oregon and Washington
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to implementation of the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan in Oregon and Washington over 5 years (2027-2032). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities and timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received plans for twelve hatchery programs rearing and releasing Chinook salmon in the Nooksack River basin and Strait of Georgia. The plans describe hatchery programs operated by the Lummi Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in collaboration with the Nooksack Indian Tribe as co- managers. This document serves to notify the public of the availability and opportunity to comment on a Proposed Evaluation and Determination Documents (PEPD) on the proposed hatchery programs.
2025 Gulf Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Fishing Season
NMFS announces the 2025 recreational fishing season for the Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf through this temporary rule. The red snapper recreational for-hire component in the Gulf EEZ opens on June 1, 2025, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 16, 2025. This closure is necessary to prevent the Federal for-hire component from exceeding its quota and to prevent overfishing of the Gulf red snapper resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery; 2025 Specifications
NMFS is implementing specifications for the 2025 Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels for the Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery to prevent overfishing while enabling optimum yield, using the best scientific information available.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23922
Notice is hereby given that the University of California, 35 Medical Center Way, San Francisco, CA 94131, (Responsible Party: Alexander Pollen, Ph.D.) has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 23922.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Department of the Navy (including the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps (Navy)) and on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard; hereafter, Navy and Coast Guard are collectively referred to as Action Proponents) for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and three associated Letters of Authorization (LOAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to training and testing activities conducted in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area over the course of seven years from November 2025 through November 2032. NMFS requests comments on this proposed rule. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOAs; agency responses to public comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued. The Action Proponents' activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene an online meeting of its Ecosystem Workgroup (EWG), which is open to the public.
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