National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration October 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Endangered Species; File No. 1450
Document Number: 05-21619
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Jane Provancha, Dynamac Corporation, 100 Spaceport Way, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Open Rivers Initiative Barrier Removal Project Grants
Document Number: 05-21617
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative (ORI) provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally-driven barrier removal projects that remove dams and other barriers, in order to benefit living marine resources, particularly diadromous fish. Projects funded through ORI grants will have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that foster economic, educational, and social benefits for citizens and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. The role of NOAA in this initiative is to provide funding and technical assistance for barrier removal projects. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $6,000,000 is expected to be available for the ORI Project Grants competition in FY 2007. The NOAA Restoration Center (RC) within the Office of Habitat Conservation will administer this grants initiative, and anticipates that typical awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000 per project. Although a select few may exceed this range, project proposals requesting over $1,000,000 will not be accepted or reviewed. To help expedite the implementation of on-the-ground components of barrier removal projects in 2007, up to $1,000,000 may be made available in 2006 from a related NOAA grants program to support feasibility, engineering, and/or design elements of a small number of projects where the same application also seeks funding for on-the- ground removal activities.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5982
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Allocation Committee (Committee) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-5981
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Amendment 11
Document Number: 05-21561
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Secretarial review. Amendment 11 would change the framework for the annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline along the U.S. Pacific coast. The purpose of Amendment 11 is to achieve optimal utilization of the Pacific sardine resource and equitable allocation of the harvest opportunity for Pacific sardine.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Comprehensive Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the U.S. Caribbean
Document Number: 05-21559
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement a comprehensive amendment prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) to amend its Reef Fish, Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch, and Coral Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). The comprehensive amendment is designed to ensure the FMPs are fully compliant with the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). This final rule redefines the fishery management units for the FMPs; establishes seasonal closures; imposes gear restrictions and requirements; revises requirements for marking pots and traps; and prohibits the filleting of fish at sea. In addition, the comprehensive amendment establishes biological reference points and stock status criteria; establishes rebuilding schedules and strategies to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks; provides for standardized collection of bycatch data; minimizes bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable; designates essential fish habitat (EFH) and EFH habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs); and minimizes adverse impacts on such habitat to the extent practicable. The intended effect of this final rule is to achieve optimum yield in the fisheries and provide social and economic benefits associated with maintaining healthy stocks.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5960
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Habitat/Marine Protected Area (MPA) Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5959
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 3-day Council meeting on November 15-17, 2005, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Endangered Species; File No. 1518
Document Number: 05-21487
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Carlos Diez, Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Abmientales de Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9066600, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00906-6600, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1518.
Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS); Specification of Requirements for Mobile Transmitting Unit Type Approval
Document Number: 05-21486
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document provides notice of type approval requirements for Mobile Transmitting Units (MTU) to be authorized for use on any vessel participating in the NOAA Vessel Monitoring System (VMS ) program. Vessels participating in VMS programs must acquire an OLE - approved MTU to comply with VMS standards set forth in NMFS rules requiring the use of VMS.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements
Document Number: 05-21485
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule to allow shrimp fishermen to continue to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in inshore and offshore waters from the Florida/Alabama border, westward to the boundary shared by Matagorda and Brazoria Counties, Texas, and extending offshore 50 nautical miles, as initially authorized in rules published on September 28 and October 14, 2005. This action is necessary because environmental conditions resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita persist on the fishing grounds, preventing some fishermen from using TEDs effectively.
Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-21443
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Business and Industry (Member and Alternate) and Education (Alternate). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 2-3 year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Availability of Seats for the Chumash Community Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-21442
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We are extending the application deadline for the Availability of Seats for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. The original notice was published on September 08, 2005, (Volume 70, Number 173) [Notices] [Page 53347-53348].
Availability of Seats for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-21441
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atompsheric Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHMWNMS) is extending the deadline for applications for both primary and alternate members of the following seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Education, Fishing, Hawaii County, Honolulu County, Kauai County, Maui County, Native Hawaiian, and Research. The original notice was published on August 10, 2005, (Volume 70, Number 153) [Notices] [Page 46492].
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-5899
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Cape Sarichef Research Restriction Area Opening for the Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 05-21385
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to open the Cape Sarichef Research Restriction Area in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) to directed fishing for groundfish using trawl, pot, and hook-and-line gear from March 15, 2006, through March 31, 2006. Because NMFS' Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) will not conduct research in this area in 2006, closure of the Cape Sarichef Research Restriction Area is not needed. This action is intended to relieve an unnecessary restriction on groundfish fisheries and allow the optimum utilization of fishery resources, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This proposed rule also would remove the regulations for the Cape Sarichef Research Restriction Area, as well as regulations for the Chiniak Gully Research Area because both research projects have ended.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority From an Objection by the Puerto Rico Planning Board
Document Number: 05-21384
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority has filed an administrative appeal with the Department of Commerce asking that the Secretary override the Puerto Rico Planning Board's objection to a consistency certification prepared in conjunction with the proposed reconstruction of a stone revetment and replacement of a bridge at Aguadilla Bay.
Endangered Species; File No. 1475
Document Number: 05-21303
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), Florida Marine Research Institute (Richard E. Matheson, Principal Investigator), 1481 Market Circle, Unit 1, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 has been issued a permit to take smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Suspension of Minimum Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit for Fishing Year 2006
Document Number: 05-21302
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS suspends the minimum size limit of 4.75 inches (120 mm) for Atlantic surfclams for the 2006 fishing year. This action is taken under the authority of the implementing regulations for this fishery, which allow for the annual suspension of the minimum size limit based upon set criteria. The intended effect is to relieve the industry from a regulatory burden that is not necessary, as the majority of surfclams harvested are larger than the minimum size limit.
Fisheries off the West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment for Fishing Conducted Under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 05-21301
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, in cooperation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), announces its intention to prepare an EIS or an EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to assess the impacts of the 2007-2008 Pacific Coast groundfish fishery specifications and management measures on the human, biological, and physical environment.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 05-21300
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 129th meeting to consider and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2006; Reopening of Application Deadline
Document Number: 05-21214
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA publishes this notice to reopen the solicitation period on the ``NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Announcement of Opportunity, FY 2006,'' which was originally announced in the Federal Register on June 30, 2005. This notice applies to only those applicants who have already submitted preproposals. The solicitation period is being extended from October 3, 2005 to October 28, 2005 to provide preproposal applicants more time to submit proposals.
Meetings: Science Advisory Board
Document Number: 05-21213
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated September 25, 1997, and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. SAB activities and advice provide necessary input to ensure that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) science programs are of the highest quality and provide optimal support to resource management. Time and Date: The meeting will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Wednesday, November 9, 2005, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Refer to the Web page https://www.sab.noaa.gov/ Meetings/meetings.html for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held both days at the Beacon Hotel, 1615 Rhode Island Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20036. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 30- minute public comment period on November 8 from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (check Web site to confirm this time). The SAB expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Written comments (at least 35 copies) should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by November 1, 2005 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after November 1 will be distributed to the SAB, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting will include the following topics: (1) Discussion and approval of the Report of the ``Evaluation of NOAA's Response to the Research Review Report''; (2) Approval of NOAA Cooperative Institute (CI) Reviews (the CI for Climate and Ocean Research and the CI for Limnology and Ecosystems Research); (3) Briefings on NOAA's role related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; (4) Updates from the Reviews of NOAA Ecosystem Science and Research and of NOAA Physical and Social Sciences; (5) Briefing on the reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management ActUpdate on provisions in the Administration's proposed bill regarding science and data collection; and (6) Report on the Review of the National Sea Grant College Extension Program and a Call for Greater National Commitment to Engagement.
Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific;Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; End of the Pacific Whiting Primary Season for the Catcher/processor Sector
Document Number: 05-21182
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the end of the 2005 Pacific whiting (whiting) primary season for the catcher/processor sector at 1800 local time (l.t.) October 18, 2005, because the allocation for the catcher/ processor will be reached by that time. This action is intended to keep the harvest of whiting within the 2005 allocation levels.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Framework Adjustment 17
Document Number: 05-21179
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule clarifies certain requirements and delays the effective date for the implementation of some of the measures specified in Framework 17 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (Framework 17), which was developed and submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) and approved by NMFS. The measures require that vessels issued a general category scallop permit, and that land or intend to land over 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked or 5 bu (176.2 L) of unshucked scallops, install and operate vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in order to provide more complete monitoring of the general category scallop fleet. Delay of the October 21, 2005, effective date is necessary to allow sufficient time for vessel owners to purchase, install, and activate VMS required under Framework 17. The new effective date is December 1, 2005.
Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: 05-21090
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule to implement the annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast. The Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its implementing regulations require NMFS to set an annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel based on the formula in the FMP. This action adopts allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the U.S. Pacific coast.
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006
Document Number: 05-21089
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, publishes this notice to amend the competitive solicitation for the Ecological Forecasting (ECOFORE) program to provide an opportunity for commercial entities to submit proposals and to extend the solicitation period to provide the public more time to submit proposals.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Reporting of Sea Turtle Incidental Take in Virginia Chesapeake Bay Pound Net Operations
Document Number: 05-21084
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments; Correction
Document Number: 05-21088
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document contains corrections to the inseason adjustments that became effective on October 1, 2005. The inseason adjustment contained an error in the limited entry trawl trip limit table, Table 3 (South), on page 58076. The trip limit for petrale sole on line 16 should have been closed only south of 38[deg] N. lat., as stated in the preamble, rather than south of 40[deg]10' N. lat. as depicted in the table. These regulations implemented changes to the 2005-2006 fishery specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2006
Document Number: 05-21027
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research publishes this notice to reopen the competitive solicitation for the Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program (Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Facility).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 05-20994
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5750
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Magnuson-Stevens Committee in November, 2005 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
Document Number: E5-5749
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Social Sciences Advisory Committee in November, 2005 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
Document Number: E5-5748
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee along with the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Council (ASMFC) Herring Section will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention; Public Meetings
Document Number: 05-20940
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Islands Regional Office of NMFS will hold two public meetings related to the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (``Convention''). The purposes of the meetings are: to seek specific input for the U.S. delegation to the December 2005 session of the Commission established by the Convention, of which the United States is currently a cooperating non-member; and to provide general information about, and seek public input on, potential regulatory and other actions to be taken by NMFS should the U.S. Senate ratify the Convention and the Congress enact implementing legislation.
2006 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program
Document Number: 05-20939
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS requests research proposals for fishing year 2006 (March 1, 2006 - February 28, 2007) to utilize portions of the total allowable catch (TAC) and Days-at-Sea (DAS) allowance in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery that have been set aside by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) for sea scallop research endeavors under a research set-aside (RSA) program. The program provides a mechanism to fund research and compensate vessel owners through the sale of fish harvested under the research quota. Vessels participating in an approved research project may be authorized by the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), to harvest and land species in excess of any imposed trip limit or to harvest and land during fishery closures. Landings from such trips would be sold to generate funds that would help defray the costs associated with research projects. No Federal funds will be provided for research under this notification.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 05-20938
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.
Endangered Species; File No. 1552
Document Number: 05-20894
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida 33149, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Emergency Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin That Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Document Number: 05-20893
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action reinstates the temporary regulations published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2005, and establishes the prohibition that was inadvertently omitted in the September 9, 2005 rule. In the September 9, 2005, temporary rule, NMFS continued the closure through September 30, 2005, of one portion of an area it had previously closed on June 16, 2005, to the harvest for human consumption of certain bivalve molluscan shellfish due to the presence in those waters of the toxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The prohibition of harvesting whole or roe-on sea scallops, only, in the other portion of the area previously closed on June 16, 2005, was inadvertently omitted from the regulatory text of the September 9, 2005, publication. NMFS establishes this prohibition in this action. The intent of this action is to respond to the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), having determined on September 23, 2005, that there is insufficient analytical data to support the scheduled reopening of the entire area to all bivalve molluscan shellfish fishing on October 1, 2005.
Public Hearing on the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Management Plan for the Proposed Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Texas
Document Number: 05-20848
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce, will hold two public hearings for the purpose of receiving comments on the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Management Plan (DPEIS/DMP) prepared on the proposed designation of the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Texas. The DPEIS/DMP addresses research, monitoring, education and resource protection needs for the proposed reserve. The Estuarine Reserves Division will hold two public hearings, the first hearing at 10:30 a.m. on November 9th, Hearing Room E1.012 in the Capital Extension, Texas State Capital, 1400 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701. A second hearing will be held at 4 p.m. on November 10, Saltwater Pavilion, 810 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport Beach Park, Rockport, TX 78383. The views of interested persons and organizations on the adequacy of the DPEIS/DMP are solicited, and may be expressed orally and/or in written statements. Presentations will be scheduled on a first-come, first-heard basis, and may be limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes. The time allotment may be extended before the hearing when the number of speakers can be determined. All comments received at the hearing will be considered in the preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Final Management Plan. The comment period for the DPEIS/DMP will end on November 23rd, 2005. All written comments received by this deadline will be considered in the preparation of the FEIS.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 05-20829
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that it has approved the request of the State of New Jersey to transfer 36,333 lb (16,481 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the states of Maine, Connecticut, and New York, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Addendum XV to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5711
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Recreational Fishing Advisory Panel in November, 2005 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 South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, King and Spanish Mackerel Advisory Panel Meeting
Document Number: E5-5709
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a meeting of its King and Spanish Mackerel Advisory Panel (AP) via conference call to address: (1) Amendment 17 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerel) Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, and (2) the coastal migratory pelagics resources component of Generic Amendment 3 for Addressing Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Requirements, Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC), and Adverse Effects of Fishing in the Following Fishery Management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico: Shrimp, Red Drum, Reef Fish, Stone Crab, Coral and Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, and Spiny Lobster and the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Amendment 17 addresses the current charter/ headboat permit moratorium for the Gulf of Mexico fishery. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Research and Monitoring Workshop Supporting Ecosystem Management in the South Atlantic Region
Document Number: E5-5708
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will conduct a research and monitoring workshop to support the Council's evolution to ecosystem management in the South Atlantic region in Charleston, SC.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: E5-5707
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a series of 10 public hearings regarding Amendment 13C to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 13C is intended to eliminate or phase out overfishing of snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass; and increase red porgy harvest consistent with the red porgy rebuilding plan. The underlying need of the amendment is to end overfishing while achieving optimum yield from each fishery through the implementation of new or modification of existing regulations. To address overfishing, the Council is proposing regulations that can be implemented in early 2006, with provisions to allow for a year-round fishery to occur. More specifically, the Council is considering, for the commercial sector, new or adjusted: catch quotas, size limits, trip limits, seasonal closures, fishing year start dates, and gear restrictions. Management measures for the recreational sector would include new or adjusted: catch allocations, bag limits, size limits, and seasonal closures.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-5702
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Issuance of Permits for Research on Northern Right Whales in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Document Number: 05-20715
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the environmental impacts of issuing permits facilitating research on endangered northern right whales. Publication of this notice begins the official scoping process that will help identify alternatives and determine the scope of environmental issues to be addressed in the EIS. This notice requests public participation in the scoping process and provides information on how to participate.
General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC); Meeting Announcement
Document Number: 05-20714
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the meeting of the General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the IATTC on November 1, 2005.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish; Correction
Document Number: 05-20713
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document corrects an earlier version of this action that was published on October 3, 2005, in which the ACTION statement was omitted. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has submitted a Fishery Management and Evaluation Plan (FMEP) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has submitted an amendment to an FMEP pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Lower Columbia River (LCR) coho salmon under the Endangered Species Act. The FMEPs specify the future management of inland recreational fisheries potentially affecting LCR coho salmon. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the FMEPs for review and comment before final approval or disapproval is made by NMFS.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Low-Energy Seismic Survey on the Louisville Ridge, Southwest Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 05-20712
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, (Scripps), a part of the University of California, for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting an oceanographic survey in the southwestern Pacific Ocean (SWPO). Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to Scripps to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of several species of cetaceans for a limited period of time during January and February, 2005.
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