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

Results 1 - 50 of 1,082
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 05-24607
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve of groundfish to certain target species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to account for previous harvest of the total allowable catch (TAC). It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for groundfish of the BSAI.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements
Document Number: 05-24604
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this 30-day 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 Louisiana/Texas border, and extending offshore 20 nautical miles. The previous 30-day variances of the TED requirements were from September 23 through October 23, 2005; October 11 through November 10, 2005; October 22 through November 23, 2005; and from November 24 through December 23, 2005, for waters affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These variances were initially for 50 nautical miles, while the most recent variance was for 20 nautical miles. After an investigation, NMFS has determined that excessive debris is still affecting fishermen's ability to use TEDs effectively in an area extending approximately 20 nm offshore. 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.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Commercial Grouper Fishery; Trip Limit
Document Number: 05-24603
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final 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 final rule establishes 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 final rule is to minimize the effects of derby fishing and prolong the fishing season.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2006 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications; Preliminary 2006 Quota Adjustments; 2006 Summer Flounder Quota for Delaware
Document Number: 05-24583
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues final specifications for the 2006 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries, and makes preliminary adjustments to the 2006 commercial quotas for these fisheries. This final rule specifies allowed harvest limits for both commercial and recreational fisheries, including scup possession limits. This action prohibits federally permitted commercial vessels from landing summer flounder in Delaware in 2006. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise the State of Delaware, Federal vessel permit holders, and Federal dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in Delaware in 2006. This action also defines the total length measurement for black sea bass and makes changes to the regulations regarding the commercial black sea bass pot/trap fishery. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels and other measures to attain the target fishing mortality (F) or exploitation rates, as specified for these species in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP), to reduce bycatch, and to improve the efficiency of the commercial black sea bass fishery.
Notice of Intent to Conduct Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the Activities of the National Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program
Document Number: E5-7990
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-28
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 the national administration of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP). 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, provides information on how to participate, and identifies a set of preliminary alternatives to serve as a starting point for discussions.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on Impacts of Research on Steller Sea Lions and Northern Fur Seals Throughout Their Range in the United States
Document Number: E5-7989
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-28
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 administering grants and issuing permits associated with research on endangered and threatened Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and depleted northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). 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. The purpose of conducting research on threatened and endangered Steller sea lions is to promote the recovery of the species' populations such that the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) are no longer needed. Consistent with the purpose of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the purpose of conducting research on northern fur seals is to contribute to the basic knowledge of marine mammal biology or ecology and to identify, evaluate, or resolve conservation problems for this depleted species. Research on Steller sea lions and northern fur seals considered in this EIS is funded and permitted by NMFS, which are both federal actions requiring National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) compliance. The need for these actions is to facilitate research to: (1) Prevent harm and avoid jeopardy or disadvantage to the species; (2) promote recovery; (3) identify factors limiting the population; (4) identify reasonable actions to minimize impacts of human-induced activities; (5) implement conservation and management measures; and (6) make data and results available in a timely manner for management of the species. As part of this action, NMFS is developing measures that will improve efficiency and avoid unnecessary redundancy in Steller sea lion and northern fur seal research, utilize best management practices, facilitate adaptive management, and standardize research protocols.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings and Hearings
Document Number: E5-7988
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has begun its annual preseason management process for the 2006 ocean salmon fisheries. This document announces the availability of Council documents as well as the dates and locations of Council meetings and public hearings comprising the Council's complete schedule of events for determining the annual proposed and final modifications to ocean salmon fishery management measures. The agendas for the March and April Council meetings will be published in subsequent Federal Register documents prior to the actual meetings.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings/Workshop
Document Number: E5-7851
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a public workshop to review and critique its groundfish stock assessment process in 2005.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; 2006 and 2007 Fishing Quotas for Ocean Quahogs
Document Number: 05-24541
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is specifying the final quotas for the ocean quahog fishery for 2006 and 2007. Specifications for the Atlantic surfclam and Maine ocean quahog fishery, which remain unchanged from the 2005-2007 multi-year quota specifications, are reprinted here for clarity. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to publish the revised allowable harvest levels of ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone for the 2006 and 2007 fishing years.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Total Allowable Catch Harvested for Management Area 1B
Document Number: 05-24520
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to Management Area 1B (Area 1B) for fishing year 2005 is projected to be harvested by December 23, 2005. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, December 23, 2005, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring in or from Area 1B per trip or calendar day until January 1, 2006 when the 2006 TAC becomes available, except for transiting purposes as described in this document. Regulations governing the Atlantic herring fishery require publication of this notification to advise vessel and dealer permit holders that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring TAC allocated to Area 1B has been harvested, and no TAC is available for the directed fishery for Atlantic herring harvested from Area 1B.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Extension of Emergency Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin That Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Document Number: 05-24519
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The regulations contained in the temporary rule, emergency action, published on October 18, 2005, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2005, are extended through June 30, 2006. In the October 18, 2005, action, NMFS reinstated and corrected the temporary regulations published on September 9, 2005, which reopened a portion of Federal waters of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England that it had previously closed from June 14 through September 30, 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 FDA has determined that there is insufficient analytical data to support the scheduled reopening of the entire area to all bivalve molluscan shellfish fishing on January 1, 2006.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E5-7852
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability for public review of a proposed Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan (Plan) for the Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of Puget Sound Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). This Plan consists of a Draft Puget Sound Recovery Plan prepared by the Shared Strategy (Shared Strategy Plan) and a NMFS supplement to the Shared Strategy Plan (Supplement). NMFS is soliciting review and comment on the proposed Plan from the public and all interested parties.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Initial Specifications
Document Number: E5-7849
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes initial specifications for the 2006 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to publish proposed specifications for the upcoming fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to fulfill this requirement and to promote the development and conservation of the MSB resources.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Amendments to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks and the FMP for Atlantic Billfish
Document Number: E5-7848
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Due to the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the subsequent cancellation of three public hearings previously scheduled on the draft consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and proposed rule, NMFS is rescheduling public hearings in Orange Beach, AL, and Key West, FL. NMFS is also adding an additional hearing location in Houma, LA, to provide constituents an opportunity to comment from regions in close proximity to New Orleans, LA. The draft consolidated HMS FMP and the proposed rule describe a range of management measures that could impact fishermen and dealers for all HMS fisheries.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Extension of Public Scoping Period for Intersector Groundfish Allocations
Document Number: E5-7847
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) announce their intent to extend the public scoping period for 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-7829
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Habitat/MPA Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Quota Adjustment for the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program
Document Number: 05-24471
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), is increasing the 500-mt haddock quota for the second participation period (November 16, 2005, through December 31, 2005) of the Closed Area (CA) I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program (SAP) to 536.6 mt. Available information indicates that the 500-mt quota for the first participation period of this SAP (October 1, 2005, through November 15, 2005) was under-harvested. The intended effect of this action is to account for this under-harvest from the first participation period, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 13 and Framework Adjustment 40-A
Document Number: 05-24420
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule corrects inadvertent errors and omissions found in the April 27, 2004, final rule implementing Amendment 13 and the November 19, 2004, interim final rule implementing Framework Adjustment (Framework) 40-A to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This rule also clarifies specific regulations to maintain consistency with, and to accurately reflect, the intent of Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A to the FMP. Finally, this rule revises the process for selecting total allowable catch (TAC) allocations for the U.S./ Canada Management Areas pursuant to a court order. This action is being taken by NMFS under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006
Document Number: E5-7786
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces a second availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2006. The purpose of this notice is to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to NOAA's competitive grant offerings. It contains the information about those programs as required to be published in the Federal Register. This omnibus notice is designed to replace multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for its various programs. Applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcements for each project competition in this announcement. It should be noted that additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the publication of this notice may be announced later in the year.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E5-7777
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species, National Marine Fisheries Service Permit No. 960-1528-01; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permit No. PRT017891
Document Number: 05-24422
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of the Interior, U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice is hereby given that the Museum of Natural History Collections, Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 [Principal Investigator: Tonya Haff], has been issued an amendment to scientific research.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Essential Fish Habitat Amendment
Document Number: 05-24416
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Generic Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) of the Gulf of Mexico (EFH Amendment 3), which was prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). EFH Amendment 3 amends each of the seven Council FMPs -shrimp, red drum, reef fish, coastal migratory pelagic resources, coral and coral reefs, stone crab, and spiny lobster- to describe and identify essential fish habitat (EFH); minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on EFH; and encourage conservation and management of EFH. This final rule establishes additional habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs), restricts fishing activities within HAPCs to protect EFH, and requires a weak link in bottom trawl gear to protect EFH. The intended effect of this final rule is to facilitate long-term protection of EFH and, thus, better conserve and manage fishery resources in the Gulf of Mexico.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: 05-24391
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performances of the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin (South Carolina) National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Jobos Bay (Puerto Rico) National Estuarine Research Reserve, the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) 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 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. Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. 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 meeting during the site visits. The ACE Basin (South Carolina) National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation site visit will be held January 30-February 3, 2006. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. at the Edisto Interpretive Center, Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Road, Edisto Island, South Carolina. The Jobos Bay (Puerto Rico) National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) evaluation site visit will be held January 30-February 3, 2006. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at 5 p.m. at the Jobos Bay NERR Visitors' Center, Road 705, Kilometer 2.3, Main Street, Aguirre, Puerto Rico. The North Carolina Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held February 6-10, 2006. Three public meetings will be held during the week. The first public meeting will be held on Monday, February 6, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Wilmington Regional Office, Room 200, 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina. The second public meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Carteret County Courthouse, Commissioners Boardroom, One Courthouse Square, Beaufort, North Carolina. The third public meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, at 6 p.m. at the Dare County Commissioners Office, 204 Ananias Dare Street, Manteo, North Carolina. The CNMI Coastal Management Program evaluation site visit will be held February 13-17, 2006. One public meeting will be held during the week. The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2006, at 5 p.m. at the Coastal Resource Management Office, First Floor Conference Room, Morgen Building, San Jose, Saipan. Copies of states' most recent performance reports, as well as OCRM's evaluation notification and supplemental information request letters to the states, 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 public meeting held for a 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, N/ORM7, 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 Hawaii and Louisiana Coastal Management Programs (CMPs); and the Great Bay (New Hampshire) and Hudson River (New York) National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs). 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 Hawaii and Louisiana 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. The Great Bay (New Hampshire) and Hudson River (New York) NERRs were 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, N/ORM7, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or Ralph.Cantral@noaa.gov.
Large Coastal Shark 2005/2006 Stock Assessment Workshop
Document Number: E5-7697
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the time and location for the large coastal shark (LCS) stock assessment workshop, the second of three workshops for the LCS stock assessment to be conducted in 2005/2006.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Yellowtail Flounder Landing Limit for Western and Eastern U.S./Canada Areas
Document Number: 05-24369
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), is reducing the Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder trip limit from an unlimited amount to 15,000 lb (6,804.1 kg) per trip for Northeast (NE) multispecies Days-at-Sea (DAS) vessels fishing in both the Western and Eastern U.S./Canada Areas. This action is necessary to prevent the GB yellowtail total allowable catch (TAC) from being caught before the end of the 2005 fishing year and to increase the likelihood that the GB yellowtail TAC will be available through the end of the 2005 fishing year on April 30, 2006. This action is being taken to slow the rate of harvest of GB yellowtail flounder under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-7594
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-7593
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-21
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southern Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study
Document Number: E5-7585
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-21
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.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Notice of Availability for the Final Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon
Document Number: E5-7567
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)(collectively, the Services) announce the availability of the final recovery plan for the Gulf of Maine (GOM) distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
Notice of Intent to Conduct Public Scoping and to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Related to the Port of Vancouver's Columbia Gateway Site Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: E5-7564
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the 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) related to a permit application from the Port of Vancouver, Washington, for the incidental take of listed species. The permit application would be associated with the Port of Vancouver Columbia Gateway Site Habitat Conservation Plan adjacent to the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Quarter IV Fishery for Loligo
Document Number: 05-24266
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be closed effective 0001hrs local time, December 18, 2005. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest Loligo squid may not retain or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of Loligo squid per trip for the remainder of the year (through December 31, 2005). This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its annual quota and allow for effective management of this stock.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction
Document Number: 05-24152
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule, correcting amendment to the regulations governing the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. This action is necessary to clarify procedures and to correct discrepancies provided in a previous rulemaking. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner Crabs (FMP), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable law.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Surveys for U.S. Commercial Fisheries
Document Number: E5-7474
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-19
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Tournament Reporting
Document Number: E5-7469
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-19
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Billfish Angler Survey
Document Number: E5-7468
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-19
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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fisheries; 2006 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications; 2006 Research Set-Aside Project
Document Number: 05-24208
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2006 specifications for the Atlantic bluefish fishery, including state-by-state commercial quotas, a recreational harvest limit, and recreational possession limits for Atlantic bluefish off the east coast of the United States. The intent of these specifications is to establish the allowable 2006 harvest levels and possession limits to attain the target fishing mortality rate (F), consistent with the stock rebuilding program in Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Additional Measures to Reduce the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in the Hawaii Pelagic Longline Fishery
Document Number: 05-24207
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule to implement measures to further reduce the incidental catch of seabirds in the Hawaii-based longline fishery. Depending on the fishing method and area where the vessels operate, owners and operators of longline fishing vessels must either side-set (deploy longline gear from the side of the vessel rather than from the stern) or use a combination of other seabird mitigation measures to prevent seabirds from being accidentally hooked, entangled, and killed during fishing operations. NMFS also announces the availability of the ROD for the ``Final Environmental Impact Statement, Seabird Interaction Avoidance Methods under the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region and Pelagic Squid Fishery Management under the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region and the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act'' (FEIS). The ROD announces that NMFS selects the Preferred Alternative of the FEIS, modified slightly, to cost-effectively further reduce the potentially harmful effects of the Hawaii-based longline fishery on seabirds.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 11 Atlantic Mackerel Limited Access Program
Document Number: 05-24206
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On March 4, 2005, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), in cooperation with NMFS, announced its intent to prepare a programmatic supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) and Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). As a result of that notice, the Council received public comment on the issue of whether or not to consider measures to control or limit future access to the Atlantic mackerel fishery in Amendment 9. Based on public comment received during that scoping comment period, the Council notified the public in a subsequent notice on June 9, 2005, of its intention to move the consideration of the development of a limited access program for mackerel to Amendment 10 to the FMP. Since then, the Council has been notified that it must develop a stock rebuilding program for butterfish as a result of that stock being designated as overfished. Consequently, Amendment 10 will now include a plan to rebuild the overfished butterfish stock. As a result, the Council hereby notifies the public that the mackerel limited access program will now be developed in Amendment 11 to the FMP. While the Council believes that this action will result in a slight delay in the development of a limited access program for Atlantic mackerel, no other changes are anticipated.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Specifications and Management Measures
Document Number: 05-24205
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a rule to implement revisions to the 2006 commercial and recreational groundfish fishery management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Proposed management measures that are new for 2006 are intended to: achieve but not exceed optimum yields (OYs); prevent overfishing; rebuild overfished species; and reduce and minimize the bycatch and discard of overfished and depleted stocks. NMFS additionally proposes to revise the 2006 darkblotched rockfish OY, at the request of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council), and under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, are intended allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks. Finally, NMFS announces with this Federal Register document that the coastwide lingcod stock is no longer considered overfished and is fully rebuilt.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for New York
Document Number: 05-24204
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the 2005 summer flounder commercial quota available to New York has been harvested and is announcing the closure of summer flounder in Federal waters. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in New York 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 New York of the closure and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in New York.
Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off the Coast of Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting
Document Number: 05-24203
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule amending Table 2 to 50 CFR part 679. Table 2 is the source for species codes used in data collection, analysis, and monitoring of the Federal groundfish fisheries. This action is necessary to standardize collection of species information with the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), increase effectiveness of rockfish management, reflect current fisheries management interest in skates, and promote better enforcement of rockfish regulations. This final rule is intended to meet the conservation and management requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) with respect to groundfish and to further the goals and objectives of the Alaska groundfish fishery management plans.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Proposed 2006 and 2007 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: E5-7463
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits and associated management measures for groundfish during the 2006 and 2007 fishing years. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Endangered and Threatened Species: Notice of Intent to Prepare a Recovery Plan for Central California Coast Coho Salmon
Document Number: E5-7458
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is required by the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended to develop plans for the conservation and survival of Federally listed species, i.e., recovery plans. NMFS is announcing its' intent to prepare a recovery plan for the Central California Coast coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (CCC coho salmon ESU) and requests information from the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; 2006 and 2007 Proposed Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: 05-24168
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications and prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2006 and 2007 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the BSAI in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 05-24133
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit for three of the previously designated restricted fishing days (RFD) for December should be adjusted. These General category RFDs are being waived to provide reasonable opportunity for utilization of the coastwide General category BFT quota. Therefore, NMFS waives three RFDs in December and increases the daily retention limit from zero to two large medium or giant BFT on these previously designated RFDs.
Financial Assistance To Administer NOAA's Educational Partnership Program (EPP) With Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Document Number: E5-7398
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting not-for-profit organizations to administer its Undergraduate Scholarship Program. The goal of the Undergraduate Scholarship Program is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in the targeted areas integral to NOAA's mission. This program targets students who have completed their sophomore year; attend Minority Serving Institutions; majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering; and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, remote sensing technology, or environmental science disciplines. The Undergraduate Scholarship participants must be U.S. citizens and attend an MSI including Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal College and Universities, Alaska-Native Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions full-time, be pursuing studies in atmospheric science, biology, cartography, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geodesy, geography, marine science, mathematics, meteorology, physical science, oceanography, marine biology, photogrammetry, or physics. Participants must have, and maintain, a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Request for Proposals for Fiscal Year 2006-NOAA Educational Partnership Program With Minority Serving Institutions: Environmental Entrepreneurship Program
Document Number: E5-7397
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA's Environmental Entrepreneurship Program is soliciting proposals that support environmental revitalization projects. Projects should engage students at MSIs in hands-on training and experiential learning opportunities in the application of NOAA science and business acumen. The program's objective is to increase the number of students proficient in environmental business enterprises. For the purposes of this program, Environmental Business Enterprises is defined as applying skills and techniques in the development and operations of businesses that resolve environmental degradation in local communities. The process involves engaging students in the application of business skills and best management science techniques that will enable students to gain practical experience in resolving environmental degradation in their local communities. Students are expected to learn how to transform business concepts into innovative products or services that support environmental business enterprises. This is achieved through community-based collaborative processes. It is expected that three cooperative agreement awards will be funded in fiscal year 2006. Eligible MSIs may apply for a maximum of $200,000, on a competitive basis, to support environmental revitalization projects, for a two or three-year period. The total funding available is $600,000, subject to Congressional appropriations. The program's vision is an increased number of students at MSIs proficient in environmental business enterprises that advance DOC/ NOAA's mission. Successful programs will build the institution's capacity to train students in developing and operating businesses in local communities where there is a need to sustain or revitalize naturally depleted environments.
Financial Assistance To Administer NOAA's Educational Partnership Program (EPP) With Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Graduate Sciences Program
Document Number: E5-7396
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting not-for-profit organizations to administer its EPP Graduate Sciences Program. The goal of the Graduate Sciences Program is to provide college graduates who have received at least a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, science, economics, law, and engineering, entry-level employment and hands-on research and work experience at NOAA. The program's objective is to increase the number of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in the targeted areas integral to NOAA's mission. The goal of the NOAA EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program (GSP) is aimed primarily at increasing opportunities and available programs for students in NOAA related fields to pursue research and graduate level educational training in atmospheric, environmental, and oceanic sciences at Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) when possible. All students are competitively selected for positions in NOAA offices and facilities. Participants must be U.S. citizens, have a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, science, law, or engineering, and have, and maintain, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher prior to and for the duration of their training. Prior to acceptance into the program, students must be enrolled in an accredited graduate school and obtain a letter of recommendation by a school official. This two-year program provides for formal periods of work, study, and structured classroom training programs in meteorology, hydrology, cartography, oceanography, ecology, remote sensing technology, environmental science and planning, marine science, fisheries biology, computer science, and environmental law. GSP pays for tuition, books, lab fees, campus housing allowance, travel expenses, and salary during 16 weeks of NOAA work experience per year at a NOAA research facility. NOAA scientists are assigned as mentors to graduate scientists during the training period. The progress of the students is monitored throughout the academic year and during the intermittent career work experiences. Under the program, graduate students are required to present their research at conferences, scientific meetings and workshops, education and science forums, etc. The program requires that students participate in an orientation program at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the beginning of their appointment.
Financial Assistance To Establish New Cooperative Science Centers Under NOAA's Educational Partnership Program (EPP) With Minority Serving Institutions in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Environmental Sciences, Living Marine Resources Science and Management, and Remote Sensing Technology at Minority Serving Institutions
Document Number: E5-7395
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA's Educational Partnership Program is soliciting new accredited post secondary minority serving institutions (MSI)Cooperative Science Center proposals. These Centers are to establish partnerships between the accredited post secondary MSIs and NOAA. The partnership goal is to expand the institution's training and research capabilities and supporting program development. The developed programs will support NOAA's mission. The Cooperative Centers must establish in the NOAA core science areas: Atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences; living marine resources science and management; and remote sensing technology. The EPP/MSI is a competitive program designed to strengthen and enhance the research and training capabilities and to support the development of programs directly related to NOAA's mission at MSIs. The EPP is designed to enhance NOAA's capability to increase environmental literacy by establishing partnerships with academia, the private sector, and other Federal, State, Tribal and local agencies. Thus, the funding opportunity is intended to engage the MSI academic community in training and collaborative research across the spectrum of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences, living marine resources science and management, and remote sensing technology in support of NOAA's mission.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E5-7386
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
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