National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Chevron Long Wharf Maintenance and Efficiency Program in San Francisco Bay, California
NMFS has received a request from Chevron Products Company for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Long Wharf Maintenance and Efficiency Program (LWMEP) in San Francisco 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 authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Seafood Import Monitoring Program
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is announcing an extension to the comment period for the proposed rule on the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) published in the Federal Register on December 28, 2022. The comment period is being extended from March 28, 2023, to April 27, 2023.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2023 total allowable catch of pollock in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Tilefish Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting.
Marine Mammals; File No. 27246
Notice is hereby given that Yara Bernaldo de Quir[oacute]s, Ph.D., University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, has withdrawn an application for a permit to receive parts from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for scientific research.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Construction at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Navy (Navy), hereby issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to construction at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, over the course of 5 years (2023-2028). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) 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.
The 46th Meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
NOAA and the Department of Interior (DOI) will hold the 46th meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). NOAA and DOI will be accepting oral and written comments.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Correction
NMFS is correcting a temporary rule that reallocated Aleut Corporation and Community Development Quota pollock from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. The amounts of pollock remaining in the Aleutian Islands subarea were incorrect.
Public Meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda for a meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). OEAB members will discuss and provide advice on the Federal ocean exploration program, with a particular emphasis on the topics identified in the section on Matters to Be Considered.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2023
NMFS proposes Federal management measures for the 2023 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. The implementing regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to publish recreational measures for the fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to set management measures that allow the recreational fisheries to achieve, but not exceed, the recreational harvest targets and thereby prevent overfishing of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass stocks.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Site Characterization Surveys Offshore of New Jersey and New York
NMFS has received a request from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC (Atlantic Shores) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to marine site characterization offshore of New Jersey and New York in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease Area OCS-A 0499 and OCS-A 0549 and associated export cable route (ECR) area. The activities described in Atlantic Shores' request, the overall survey duration, the project location, and the acoustic sources proposed for use are identical to what was previously analyzed in support of the IHA issued by NMFS to Atlantic Shores for the 2022 site characterization surveys (2022 IHA). All proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements remain the same. While Atlantic Shores' planned activity would qualify for renewal of the 2022 IHA, due to the availability of updated marine mammal density data (https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/Duke/EC/), which NMFS has determined represents the best available scientific data. NMFS has determined it appropriate to provide a 30-day period for the public to comment on this proposed action. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-year renewal IHA 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.
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2023 U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits
NMFS proposes a 2023 limit of 2,000 metric tons (t) of longline-caught bigeye tuna for each U.S. Pacific territory (American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), collectively ``the territories''). NMFS would allow each territory to allocate up to 1,500 t to U.S. longline fishing vessels through specified fishing agreements that meet established criteria. However, the overall allocation limit among all territories may not exceed 3,000 t. As an accountability measure, NMFS would monitor, attribute, and restrict (if necessary) catches of longline-caught bigeye tuna, including catches made under a specified fishing agreement. The proposed catch limits and accountability measures would support the long-term sustainability of fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific Islands.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the A season apportionment of the 2023 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2023-2024 Recreational Fishing Season for Black Sea Bass
NMFS announces that the recreational fishing season for black sea bass in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic will extend throughout the species' 2023-2024 fishing year. Announcing the length of recreational season for black sea bass is one of the accountability measures (AMs) for the recreational sector. This announcement allows recreational fishers to maximize their opportunity to harvest the recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for black sea bass while NMFS manages harvest to protect the black sea bass resource.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) will hold a three-day in-person meeting with an option for remote participation to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Council continues to follow all public safety measures related to COVID-19 and intends to do so for this meeting.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel (AP) on April 21, 2023.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a two-day in-person meeting of its Ecosystem Technical Committee (ETC).
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2022-2024 In-Season Action Announcement Procedures for Commercial Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean; Correction
NMFS is correcting a final rule for in-season action announcement procedures for commercial Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) that appeared in the Federal Register on January 27, 2023. In that rule, NMFS did not address a public comment because of an error on the deadline for comment submissions. This correction responds to the comment, which does not change the action in the January 27 final rule.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel
NOAA is seeking nominations for members to serve on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) Federal Advisory Committee. Such nominations are due by April 28, 2023.
Marine Mammals; File No. 26663
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Whale Foundation, PO Box 1927, Petersburg, AK 99833 (Responsible Party: Fred Sharpe, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on cetaceans.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
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.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the 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 Mexico, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (Anadarko), for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico, has been modified to reflect a new expiration date.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
We, NMFS, announce receipt of a permit application (15755-2M) to enhance the propagation and survival of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Under permit application 15755- 2M, CDFW is requesting to implement, for the next 8 years, hatchery and monitoring activities associated with the Fall Creek Hatchery coho salmon program. This Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) is an update to the 2014 HGMP developed for the coho salmon hatchery program at Iron Gate Hatchery that was submitted by CDFW and PacifiCorp (Permit 15755). Under permit application 15755-2M CDFW proposes to continue to collect Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon for hatchery purposes. This notice advises the public that the permit application and associated HGMP are available for review and comment, prior to a determination by NMFS on the issuance of the permit.
31st General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and 16th Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the General Advisory Committee; Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a public meeting of the 31st General Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the 16th Scientific Advisory Subcommittee (SAS) to the GAC. This meeting will be held as a combined SAS and GAC meeting on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, via webinar. The meeting topics are described under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the 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 Mexico, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to CGG for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Socio-Economic Panel (SEP) on April 17 and 18, 2023. The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet on April 18-20, 2023.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 74 assessment of Gulf of Mexico red snapper will consist of a Data workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 79 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic mutton snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in April, May, and June of 2023. 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 later in 2023 and will be announced in a future notice. In addition, NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for persons who have already taken an in-person training.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Shark Quota Transfer
NMFS is transferring 40 metric tons (mt) dressed weight (dw) (88,184 pounds (lb) dw) of aggregated large coastal shark (LCS) quota from the eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-region to the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region for the remainder of the 2023 fishing year. This action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason quota transfers and affects commercial Atlantic shark permitted vessels and dealers.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) will hold the 181st public hybrid meeting to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2023 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher/processors using pot gear in the BSAI.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Herring 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Risk Policy Working Group to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This meeting will be held in-person with a webinar option. Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup (Workgroup) will hold a public meeting.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a presentation on the spatial footprint and ecological siting principles of artificial reefs in the South Atlantic region via webinar as part of its ongoing Seminar Series.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Herring Advisory Panel 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.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2023 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 620 in the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut Corporation's and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) pollock directed fishing allowance (DFA) from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea. This action is necessary to provide the opportunity for the harvest of the 2023 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI).
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction of Liquefied Natural Gas Platforms Off Louisiana
NMFS has received a request from New Fortress Energy Louisiana FLNG LLC (NFE) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction of liquefied natural gas platforms off Grand Isle, Louisiana. 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.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings; Correction
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Guam Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC) to make recommendations to the Council on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. This notice announces a change in location for the Guam REAC meeting from the Governor's Complex to the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pelagic Species Fisheries; Amendment 20 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 20 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce. The intent of Amendment 20 is to improve clarity in the management framework for CPS stocks. This action is administrative in nature and does not change management for CPS stocks, just certain nomenclature in the FMP. This proposed Amendment is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the CPS FMP, and other applicable laws.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2023-2025 Atlantic Herring Fishery Specifications
This interim rule implements 2023-2025 Atlantic herring fishery specifications, subject to public comment. This action also removes possession limits in Herring Management Area 1B and Area 3, adjusts 2023 fishery specifications to account either for Management Area catch limit overages or carryover of unharvested catch from 2021, updates the target rebuilding date for herring, removes the inshore midwater trawl restricted area regulations, corrects typographical errors in several existing regulations, and restores regulatory requirements that were unintentionally removed from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information from a 2022 management track assessment and to achieve the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. The approved measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild the overfished herring stock, achieve optimum yield on a continuing basis, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel; Advisory Panel Nominations
NMFS will hold a 3-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in May 2023. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public. NMFS also is soliciting nominations for the HMS 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 one environmental seat on the HMS AP for a 3-year appointment. Individuals with definable interests in the environmental community will be considered for membership on the HMS AP under this solicitation.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Marine Geophysical Survey Off North Carolina in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
NMFS has received a request from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to a marine geophysical survey off North Carolina in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. 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.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Punta Gorda Lighthouse Stabilization Project in Humboldt County, CA
NMFS has received a request from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with Phase 2 of the Punta Gorda Lighthouse (PGL) Stabilization Project in Humboldt County, CA. 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, 1 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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibiting Retention of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks in U.S. Atlantic Waters and Hammerhead Sharks in the U.S. Caribbean Sea
NMFS proposes to prohibit the retention and possession of oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) in U.S. waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, and hammerhead sharks (great (Sphyrna mokarran), smooth (S. zygaena), and scalloped (S. lewini) hammerhead sharks) in U.S. waters of the Caribbean Sea. NMFS is proposing this action in response to two Biological Opinions (BiOps) for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS): one for the pelagic longline (PLL) fishery and one for the non- PLL fisheries. The BiOps strongly encouraged the inclusion of the scalloped hammerhead shark Central and Southwest Atlantic Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and the oceanic whitetip shark on the list of prohibited sharks for recreational and/or commercial HMS fisheries. This proposed rule could impact all HMS permitted fishermen.
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