National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 1,082
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 trawl, pot, jig and hook-and-line gear to catcher processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI. These actions are necessary to allow the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
Marine Mammals; File No. 918-1820
Notice is hereby given that Squalus, Inc., P.O. Box 301, Myakka City, FL 34251 has applied in due form for a permit to import four South American (Patagonian) sea lions (Otaria flavescens) for the purposes of public display.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 13
NMFS announces that the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 13 to the FMP for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 13 would revise Federal permitting requirements for the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including the establishment of a moratorium on the issuance of Federal commercial shrimp vessel permits; revision of existing regulations regarding reporting and recordkeeping in the shrimp fishery; and establishment of stock status criteria for the various shrimp stocks. The intended effects of Amendment 13 are to stabilize participation in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico EEZ and provide better information by which to manage the fishery.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for Massachusetts
NMFS announces that the 2005 summer flounder commercial quota available to Massachusetts has been projected to have been harvested. To maintain consistency between state and Federal waters, NMFS is announcing the closure of summer flounder in Federal waters to coincide with the closure announced by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF). Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in Massachusetts for the remainder of calendar year 2005, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise Massachusetts of the closure and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in Massachusetts.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Council's GHL Committee will meet December 8, 2005 at the Hilton Hotel.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Commercial Grouper Fishery; Trip Limit
NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This proposed rule would establish a 6,000-lb (2,722-kg) commercial trip limit for shallow-water and deep- water grouper, combined, in the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to minimize the effects of derby fishing and prolong the fishing season.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processor Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processor vessels using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2005 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod specified for catcher/processor vessels using pot gear in the BSAI.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Restrictions for 2005 and 2006 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
NMFS publishes this final rule to implement the 2005 and 2006 management measures to prevent overfishing of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) tuna stocks, consistent with recommendations by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that have been approved by the Department of State (DOS) under the Tuna Conventions Act. The purse seine fishery for tuna in the ETP will be closed for a 6-week period beginning November 20, 2005, through December 31, 2005, and beginning November 20, 2006, through December 31, 2006. In this final rule, NMFS also announces that the longline fishery will close when a 150-mt limit has been reached. These actions are taken to limit fishing mortality on tuna stocks caused by purse seine fishing and longline fishing in the Convention Area and contribute to the long-term conservation of tuna stocks at levels that support healthy fisheries.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meetings
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Ecosystems Committee and its Executive Committee will hold a public meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
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).
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 1.1
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publish this notice to announce the availability of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment draft Product 1.1 addressing the CCSP Topic: ``Temperature trends in the lower atmosphere-steps for understanding and reconciling differences'' for public comment. Following the public comment period, the lead authors will revise the Product, taking into consideration the submitted comments. The lead agency will then submit the revised Synthesis and Assessment Product to the CCSP Interagency Committee for approval and eventual release in accordance with the procedure described in the approved Prospectus for Synthesis and Assessment Product 1.1 that is posted on the CCSP Program Office web site: www.climatescience.gov.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Intent
NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) announce their intent to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to analyze proposals to allocate groundfish among various sectors of the non-tribal Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the western zone of the Gulf of Mexico. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of the 2005 Tilefish Commercial Fishery
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for tilefish (goldface tilefish, blackline tilefish, anchor tilefish, blueline tilefish, and tilefish) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS has determined that the tilefish quota for the commercial fishery will have been reached by November 21, 2005. This closure is necessary to protect the tilefish resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #11-Adjustment of the Commercial Salmon Fishery from the Oregon-California Border to Humboldt South Jetty, California
NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area from the Oregon-California Border to Humboldt South Jetty, CA, was modified to close at midnight on Friday, September 16, 2005. This action was necessary to conform to the 2005 management goals, and the intended effect is to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2005 annual management measures.
Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Orders
NMFS publishes the Fraser River salmon inseason orders regulating salmon fisheries in U.S. waters. The orders were issued by the Fraser River Panel (Panel) of the Pacific Salmon Commission (Commission) and subsequently approved and issued by NMFS during the 2005 salmon fisheries within the U.S. Fraser River Panel Area. These orders established fishing times and areas for the gear types of U.S. treaty Indian and all-citizen fisheries during the period the Panel exercised jurisdiction over these fisheries.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Maintenance Dredging Around Pier 39, San Francisco, California
In accordance with the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Bay Marina Management Incorporated (BMMI) to take marine mammals by Level B harassment incidental to dredging on the west side of the Pier 39 Marina on the San Francisco waterfront, CA.
Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Conservation/Environmental, Marine Business/Ports/Industry, and Research. 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 or alternates should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Endangered Status for Southern Resident Killer Whales
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a final determination to list the Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of (ESA) 1973. Following an update of the status review of Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) under the ESA, NMFS published a proposed rule to list the Southern Resident killer whale DPS as threatened on December 22, 2004. After considering public comments on the proposed rule and other available information, we reconsidered the status of Southern Residents and are issuing a final rule to list the Southern Resident killer whale DPS as an endangered species. The prohibition on take of an endangered species will go into effect at the time this final rule is effective (see DATES).
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #9 - Adjustment of the Recreational Fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington, to Cape Falcon, Oregon
NMFS announces a regulatory modification in the recreational fishery from Leadbetter Point, WA, to Cape Falcon, OR (Columbia River Subarea). Effective Friday, September 9, 2005, the daily bag limit for the Columbia River Subarea was modified as follows: ``All salmon, except no Chinook retention, two fish per day, all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.'' All other restrictions remain in effect as announced for 2005 ocean salmon fisheries, and by previous inseason actions. This action was necessary to conform to the 2005 management goals, and the intended effect is to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2005 annual management measures.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Study of Economic Performance in Small-Scale Commercial Fisheries in the U.S. Caribbean
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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2006 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications; 2006 Research Set-Aside Projects
NMFS proposes specifications for the 2006 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of the species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. This proposed rule also would make changes to the regulations regarding the commercial black sea bass fishery. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels and other measures to attain the target fishing mortality rates (F) or exploitation rates specified for these species in the FMP, to reduce bycatch, and to improve the efficiency of the commercial black sea bass fishery. NMFS has conditionally approved four research projects for the harvest of the portion of the quota that has been recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to be set aside for research purposes. In anticipation of receiving applications for Experimental Fishing Permits (EFPs) to conduct this research, the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFPs issued in response to the approved Research Set-Aside (RSA) projects would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue any EFP.
Endangered Species; File No. 1541
Notice is hereby given that Kristen M. Hart, Ph.D, United States Geologic Survey, Florida Integrated Science Center, Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies, has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1076-1789
Notice is hereby given that Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, 418 North Pitt Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 [Kristi West, Ph.D., Principal Investigator], has applied in due form for a permit to import and export parts from all cetaceans and pinniped species (excluding walrus) for purposes of scientific research.
Resource Agency Procedures for Conditions and Prescriptions in Hydropower Licenses
As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and Commerce are jointly establishing procedures for a new category of expedited trial-type hearings. The hearings will resolve disputed issues of material fact with respect to conditions or prescriptions that one or more of the Departments develop for inclusion in a hydropower license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act. The three Departments are also establishing procedures for the consideration of alternative conditions and prescriptions submitted by any party to a license proceeding, as provided in EPAct. Three substantively identical rules are being promulgatedone for each agencywith a common preamble. The rules are effective immediately, so that interested parties may avail themselves of the new hearing right and alternatives process created by the EPAct, but the Departments are requesting comments on ways the rules can be improved.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; December 1, 2005 Legislative Committee Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a meeting of the Legislative Committee (Committee), which is open to the public. The primary purpose of the meeting is to review Federal legislation regarding the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The Committee may also review Federal and state legislative matters relative to individual quota programs, aquaculture, and other Council interests.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, a joint meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Snapper Grouper Committee, and a joint meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Committee, and Controlled Access Committee. The Council will also hold a meeting of its Snapper Grouper Committee, Controlled Access Committee, Scientific and Statistical Selection Committee, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Committee, Joint Executive and Finance Committees, Personnel Committee (CLOSED SESSION) and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will hold a public hearing and public comment periods as part of the meeting.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Model Evaluation Workgroup
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Model Evaluation Workgroup (MEW) will hold a work session, which is open to the public.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of its Texas Habitat Protection Advisory Panel (AP).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP) via Conference Call to approve the 2006 Operations Plan to the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan that outlines joint goals and objectives for state and Federal marine resource enforcement activities.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Public Meetings
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings December 5 through 13, 2005, at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel, 500 West 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Amendment 11
NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) which would change the framework for the annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline along the U.S. Pacific coast. The purpose of the proposed rule is to achieve optimal utilization of the Pacific sardine resource and equitable allocation of the harvest opportunity for Pacific sardine.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Total Allowable Catch Amounts for “Other Species” in the Groundfish Fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 69 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). If approved, Amendment 69 would amend the manner in which the total allowable catch (TAC) for the ``other species'' complex is annually determined in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). As part of the annual harvest specifications, the Council would recommend a TAC amount for the ``other species'' complex at a level less than or equal to 5 percent of the sum of the TACs for the remaining groundfish species and complexes in the GOA. This action would allow conservation and management of species within the ``other species'' category and is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMP, and other applicable laws. Comments from the public are welcome.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Sea Turtle Mitigation Measures
NMFS issues a final rule to reduce and mitigate interactions between sea turtles and fisheries managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (Pelagics FMP). This rule includes requirements for attending protected species workshops, for handling, resuscitating, and releasing sea turtles that are hooked or entangled in fishing gear, and for fishing gear configuration. This action is being taken in part to comply with the terms and conditions of a 2004 Biological Opinion on impacts on sea turtles by fisheries managed under the Pelagics FMP.
Notice of Intent to Conduct Public Scoping Meetings and to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Related to the Bi-State Water Diversion Habitat Conservation Plan for the Walla Walla River Basin
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) advise interested parties of their intent to conduct public scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to gather information to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Services anticipate receiving permit applications from Gardena Farms Irrigation District (GFID), Hudson Bay District Improvement Company (HBDIC), and the Walla Walla River Irrigation District (WWRID). Other surface water diverters in the Walla Walla Basin, such as independent irrigators, ditch companies, and other local governments, may also apply. The permit applications would be submitted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the incidental take of listed species through actions associated with the Bi-State Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the Walla Walla River Basin. Given the present list of likely permit applicants, the geographic scope of the permit would be that portion of the mainstem Walla Walla River downstream from the Walla Walla River Irrigation District's diversion. If other surface water diverters apply for permits, the geographic scope would be expanded accordingly to include those stream reaches within the Walla Walla Basin that are potentially affected by those diversions. The proposed actions to be covered by the permit would be those activities undertaken by the applicants that are associated with the diversion and delivery of surface water.
Listing Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Withdrawal of the Petition to List Eastern Oyster as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act
NMFS announces that a request by Mr. Wolf-Dieter Busch (the petitioner) to withdraw his petition to list eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has been received. NMFS has accepted this request and will cease the evaluation of the petition. However, in recognition of the considerable work that has been completed to date on the status review report and the value of this comprehensive resource to the management of this species, NMFS will ask the Biological Review Team (BRT) to complete the status review report.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold an additional public hearing in Key West, Florida for Amendment 13C to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. The additional hearing is being added to accommodate those recently impacted by Hurricane Wilma. Earlier public hearings have been noticed. A total of 11 public hearings regarding Amendment 13C will be held. 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 an updated stock assessment.
Endangered Species; File No. 1420; File No. 1543; File No. 1545; and File No. 1549
NMFS has received applications from the following entities for permits or permit modifications for scientific research on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum): Dr. Douglas Peterson, Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (Permit No. 1420); Duke Power Company (Gene E. Vaughan, Principal Investigator), Catawba-Wateree Hydropower Relicensing Project, Mail Code EC 12Y, P.O. Box 1006, Charlotte, NC 28201 (File No. 1543); North Carolina Zoological Park (John D. Groves, Principal Investigator), 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 (File No. 1545); andDr. Boyd Kynard, S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center (USGS- BRD), Box 796, One Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376 (File No. 1549).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Capacity Committee on November 29, 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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Atlantic; Commercial Spanish Mackerel Fishery of the Atlantic; Control Date
This notice announces the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is considering additional management measures to limit entry into the commercial fishery for Spanish mackerel in the exclusive economic zone of the Atlantic (South Atlantic EEZ). Possible measures include the establishment of a limited entry program to control participation or effort in the commercial Spanish mackerel fishery in the Atlantic. If a limited entry program is established, the SAMFC is considering June 15, 2004, as a possible control date.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
NMFS has determined that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit on previously designated restricted fishing days (RFD) that was published on June 7, 2005, should be adjusted. Certain General category RFDs are being waived to allow for maximum utilization of the coastwide General category BFT quota. Therefore, NMFS waives the RFDs in November and increases the daily retention limit from zero to two large medium or giant BFT on the previously designated RFDs during the month of November 2005.
New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council; Proposed Funding for Natural Resource Restoration Projects
On behalf of the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council (Council), NMFS, serving as the Administrative Trustee, publishes this notice to see comment on its proposed funding of six restoration projects for possible implementation through funding from the AVX Natural Resource Damages Trust Account (Trust Account). The Council, through an earlier published Federal Register notice requested grant applications for projects to restore natural resources that were injured by the release of hazardous substances and materials, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the New Bedford Harbor Environment (Harbor Environment). Nineteen grant applications for natural resource restoration projects were submitted for consideration by the Council. The Council is now seeking public comment on the preferred projects to assist in making a final decision on projects eligible for funding.
Availability of Seats for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Advisory Council): At Large for Marin/Sonoma Counties (Primary and Alternate). At Large for San Francisco/San Mateo Counties (Primary and Alternate). Conservation (two Primary seats and two Alternates). Education (Primary and Alternate). Maritime Activities/Commercial (Primary and Alternate). Maritime Activities/Recreational (Primary and Alternate). Research (Primary 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 either a two or three-year term, pursuant to the Advisory Council's Charter.
Marine Mammals; File No. 821-1588-04
Notice is hereby given that the Texas A&M University, Department of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77551 (Principal Investigator: Randall W. Davis, Ph.D.) has withdrawn its application to amendment Permit No. 821-1588-03 to conduct research Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries; Data Collection Requirements for U.S. Commercial and Recreational Charter Fishing Vessels
NMFS announces approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of collection-of-information requirements pertaining to vessel identification contained in the final rule to implement the approved portions of the U.S. West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (HMS FMP), and the effectiveness of those requirements. On February 4, 2004, NMFS partially approved the HMS FMP, and the final rule to implement the approved portions of the HMS FMP was published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2004. The HMS FMP final rule contained vessel identification requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that, at the time of publication, were still undergoing OMB review. This action is intended to inform the public of the effective date of the requirement approved by OMB.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Request for Comment on Alternative Approach to Delineating 10 Evolutionarily Significant Units of West Coast Oncorhynchus mykiss
In June 2004, we (NMFS) proposed that 10 Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast Oncorhynchus mykiss be listed as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have reconsidered the preliminary decision to apply the Pacific salmon ESU Policy to these stocks and seek comment on our proposed application of the joint NMFS/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) ``Policy Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments under the ESA'' (DPS Policy) to the delineation of Oncorhynchus mykiss distinct population segments (DPSs).
Endangered Species; File No. 1553 and File No. 1555
NMFS has received applications from the following entities for permits for scientific research on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum): Michael Mangold, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maryland Fishery Resources Office, 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (File No. 1553); and David J. Stier, Springfield Science Museum, 220 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103 (File No. 1555).
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meetings
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Summer Flounder Monitoring Committee, Scup Monitoring Committee, and Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee, The Joint Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Industry Advisory Panels will hold public meetings.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery
This final rule amends current regulatory text regarding boundaries for the essential fish habitat (EFH) closures that were established by Framework 16 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop (Scallop) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Framework 39 to the Northeast Multispecies (NE Multispecies) FMP (Joint Frameworks 16/39) in order to reflect recent court orders in Oceana v. Evans, vacating such text and reinstating boundaries for EFH closures established by Amendment 10 to the Scallop FMP (Amendment 10). This final rule also revises the Scallop Access Area boundaries to be consistent with the redefined EFH closed areas.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
