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

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP would allow for exemptions from the NE multispecies year-round closure area restrictions and the NE multispecies Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Georges Bank (GB) hook gear restrictions. The applicant proposes to conduct a haddock tagging study to assess the movement of haddock between the GOM and GB stocks, western and eastern GB substocks, and across closure area boundaries. The EFP would allow these exemptions for up to 20 commercial vessels for a combined total of 30 trips. All experimental work would be monitored by Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association (CCCHFA) personnel. 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.

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.

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.

NMFS announces that the percentage of the tilefish annual total allowable landings (TAL) available to the Part-time permit category for the 2005 fishing year has been harvested. Commercial vessels fishing under the Part-time tilefish category may not harvest tilefish from within the Golden Tilefish Management Unit for the remainder of the 2005 fishing year (through October 31, 2005). Regulations governing the tilefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 first seasonal allowance of the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for catcher vessels using trawl gear in the BSAI.

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 B season allowance of the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 ft (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in the BSAI.

NMFS will hold 12 public hearings in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida in March and April 2005 for the purpose of answering questions and receiving public testimony on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).

NMFS proposes specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2005 fishing year, which is May 1, 2005, through April 30, 2006. The implementing regulations for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this rulemaking is to specify the commercial quota and other management measures, such as possession limits, to rebuild the spiny dogfish resource.

This document corrects a February 24, 2005, final rule that implements 2005 and 2006 harvest specifications, reserves, and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Specifically, this document corrects errors in Tables 12 and 13 to the final specifications.

NMFS has determined that the available Angling category Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota for the 2004 fishing year (June 1, 2004 May 31, 2005) is projected to be reached by March 11, 2005. Therefore, the Angling category BFT fishery will close, coastwide, effective March 11, 2005. This action is being taken to prevent overharvest of the adjusted Angling category quota of 299.6 metric tons (mt).

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, as amended (NEPA), that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service (known hereafter as the Services) intend to hold public information meetings on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Conservation Plan for forest practices in the State of Washington. These documents were announced in the Federal Register for a 90-day public comment period. Representatives from the Services and the State of Washington will be at the public information meetings to answer questions about the documents and to provide further information to interested parties.

NMFS is closing directed fishing for groundfish with non- pelagic trawl gear in the red king crab savings subarea (RKCSS) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 red king crab prohibited species catch (PSC) limit that is specified for the RKCSS of the BSAI.

Notice is hereby given that Jeanette Wyneken, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431, has applied in due form for a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.

NMFS issues proposed regulations to implement Amendment 23 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 23) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). These proposed regulations would increase the minimum size limit for vermilion snapper to 11 inches (27.9 cm), total length (TL), for the recreational and commercial sectors; establish a 10-fish recreational bag limit for vermilion snapper within the existing 20-fish aggregate reef fish bag limit; and close the commercial vermilion snapper fishery from April 22 through May 31 each year. In addition, consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Amendment 23 would establish a stock rebuilding plan, biological reference points, and stock status determination criteria for vermilion snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The intended effect of these proposed regulations is to end overfishing and rebuild the vermilion snapper resource.

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) was established by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, its amendments, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. Date and Time: The meeting will be held Thursday, March 31, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, April 1, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, One Market Place, San Diego, California 92101; telephone: 619-232-1234. The times and agenda topics are subject to change. Refer to the Web site listed below for the most up-to-date meeting agenda.

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, New Hampshire; the American Samoa Coastal Management Program; the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida; the Puerto Rico Coastal Management Program; and the California Coastal Commission Coastal Management Program. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart L. The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR part 921, subpart E and part 923, subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Zone Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves requires findings concerning the extent to which a State has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document or Reserve final management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. The evaluations will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, State and local agencies and members of the public. Public meetings will be held as part of the site visits. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluations, and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meetings during the site visits. The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, New Hampshire, evaluation site visit will be held April 26-28, 2005. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at 7 p.m., at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Region 3 Office, 225 Main Street, Durham, New Hampshire. The American Samoa Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held June 6-10, 2005. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Monday, June 6, 2005, at 4 p.m., at the Convention Center, Utulei, American Samoa. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida, evaluation site visit will be held June 20-24, 2005. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at 6 p.m., at the Environmental Learning Center Auditorium, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Road, Naples, Florida. The Puerto Rico Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held June 20-24, 2005. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Parada 3\1/2\ Puerta de Tierra, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The California Coastal Commission Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held June 20-24, 2005. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the City of Santa Cruz Police Department, Community Room, 155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, California. Copies of States' most recent performance reports, as well as OCRM's notifications and supplemental request letters to the State, are available upon request from OCRM. Written comments from interested parties regarding these Programs are encouraged and will be accepted until 15 days after the last public meeting held for that Program. Please direct written comments to Ralph Cantral, Chief, National Policy and Evaluation Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. When the evaluations are completed, OCRM will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final Evaluation Findings. Notice is hereby given of the availability of the final evaluation findings for the Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin Coastal Management Programs (CMPs); and the Waquoit Bay (Massachusetts) National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Sections 312 and 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), as amended, require a continuing review of the performance of coastal states with respect to approval of CMPs and the operation and management of NERRs. The States of Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin were found to be implementing and enforcing their federally approved coastal management programs, addressing the national coastal management objectives identified in CZMA Section 303(2)(A)-(K), and adhering to the programmatic terms of their financial assistance awards. Waquoit Bay (Massachusetts) NERR was found to be adhering to programmatic requirements of the NERR System. Copies of these final evaluation findings may be obtained upon written request from: Ralph Cantral, Chief, National Policy and Evaluation Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOS/NOAA, 1305 East-West Highway, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or Ralph.Cantral@noaa.gov, (301) 713-3155, extension 118.

NMFS will accept applications to receive quota share (QS) and processor quota share (PQS) for the Crab Rationalization Program (Program) from participants in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) king and Tanner crab fisheries through June 3, 2005, consistent with the regulations implementing the program. Any applications received by NMFS after this date will be considered untimely and will be denied.

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council: Whale Watching (Member), Education (Alternate), and Business and Industry (Member and 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 years terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.

NMFS will present a series of public workshops on the new Crab Rationalization Program (Program) for participants the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) king and Tanner crab fisheries. At each workshop, NMFS will provide an overview of the Program, discuss the key Program elements, provide information on the application process, and answer questions. NMFS is conducting these public workshops to provide assistance to fishery participants in complying with the requirements of this new Program.

NMFS announces that the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) have submitted Amendment 15 to the FMP for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 15 would establish a limited access system for the commercial fishery for Gulf and Atlantic group king mackerel, and change the fishing year for Atlantic migratory groups of king and Spanish mackerel to March 1 through February 28-29. The intended effect of Amendment 15 is to support the Council's efforts to achieve optimum yield in the fishery, and provide social and economic benefits associated with maintaining stability in the fishery.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this notice to advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Placer County Conservation Plan (PCCP). The Service is the lead agency for this EIS, and NOAA and the Corps are cooperating agencies. Placer County Planning Department, the Resource Conservation District, the City of Lincoln, the Placer County Water Agency, and the South Placer Regional Transportation Authority (Applicants) intend to apply to the Service and NOAA for 50-year Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits. The permits are needed to authorize the incidental take of species that could occur as a result of implementation activities proposed to be covered under the PCCP. The Service, in cooperation with NOAA and the Corps, provides this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS/EIR.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) announces the dates and locations of public hearings to solicit comments on proposed options for ocean salmon fishery management measures for the 2005 season.

NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock sole/ flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the first seasonal apportionment of the 2005 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole/flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI.