National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration August 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 107
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received applications to modify and renew permits for scientific research from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in Santa Cruz, CA (1044) and Dr. Michael Fawcett (M. Fawcett) in Bodega, CA (1045). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit applications for review and comment.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability of a proposed Hood Canal Summer Chum Salmon Recovery Plan (Plan) for the Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of Hood Canal and Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca Summer Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) for public review. This proposed Recovery Plan consists of the Hood Canal and Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca Summer Chum Salmon Recovery Plan prepared by the Hood Canal Coordinating Council (the HCCC Plan) and a NMFS Supplement to the HCCC Plan. NMFS is soliciting review and comment on the proposed Plan from the public and all interested parties.
Science Advisory Board; The Minority Report of the NOAA Science Advisory Board's Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group, External Review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity Research and Development Enterprise
NOAA Research (OAR) publishes this notice on behalf of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) to announce the availability for public comment of the minority report of the SAB Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group (here called the HIRWG) external review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity Research and Development Enterprise. The report of the HIRWG has been prepared pursuant to the request from the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to the SAB to conduct an external review of NOAA's Hurricane Intensity research and development enterprise. A preliminary report was presented for a 30-day public comment period starting on May 24, 2006. Since that time, a minority report has been written that presents a view point of a minority of the HIRWG. This minority report is now being submitted for public comment.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Logbook Family of Forms
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; Steller Sea Lion Protection Economic Survey
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.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 134th meeting to consider and take action on pending recommendations regarding fishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) commensurate with the provisions of Proclamation 8031 which established the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. The Council will also hold a public hearing during this 134th Council meeting.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 43
NMFS implements Framework Adjustment 43 (Framework 43) to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which addresses the incidental catch of NE multispecies by vessels fishing for Atlantic herring by establishing a Herring Exempted Fishery. Vessels issued a Category 1 Atlantic herring fishing permit (Category 1 vessels) are authorized to possess incidentally caught haddock until the catch of haddock reaches the level specified as an incidental haddock catch cap; upon attainment of the haddock catch cap, all herring vessels are limited to 2,000 lb (907 kg) of herring per trip, if any of the herring on board was caught within the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank (GOM/GB) Herring Exemption Area defined in Framework 43. Herring Category 1 vessels are also authorized to possess up to 100 pounds (45 kg) of other regulated multispecies (cod, witch flounder, plaice, yellowtail flounder, pollock, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, redfish, and white hake), and are required to provide advance notification of their intent to land for purposes of enforcement. Atlantic herring processors and dealers that sort herring catches as part of their operations are required to cull and report all haddock.
Notice of Availability of Final Contracting Policy
The NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) is publishing its updated contracting policy for hydrographic services per NOAA's 2005 plans to review and update the subject policy.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for Connecticut
NMFS announces that the summer flounder commercial quota available to Connecticut has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in Connecticut for the remainder of calendar year 2006, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise Connecticut that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing summer flounder in Connecticut.
Endangered Fish and Wildlife; Proposed Rule to Implement Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales; Extension of Public Comment Period
On June 26, 2006, NMFS proposed regulations to implement speed restrictions on vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or greater in overall length in certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships. NMFS is extending the public comment period on the proposed regulations until October 5, 2006.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a series of 8 public hearings regarding Amendment 14 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 14 will establish a series of 8 marine protected areas (MPAs) in Federal waters off the South Atlantic to protect a portion of the population and habitat of long-lived, slow-growing, deepwater snapper grouper species (snowy grouper, misty grouper, speckled hind, yellowedge grouper, warsaw grouper, golden tilefish, and blueline tilefish) from directed fishing pressure. Proposed as ``Type II'' MPAs, fishing for and possession of snapper grouper species would be prohibited in the area, but fishermen would be allowed to troll for pelagic species such as tuna, mackerel, and billfish. Amendment 14 includes alternatives for the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems as an enforcement tool for the MPAs. Additionally, the Council intends to work closely with NOAA Fisheries' Highly Migratory Species Division to prohibit the use of bottom longlines by shark fishermen in the proposed MPAs.
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC); Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Workshop
The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, the PSMFC Recreational Fisheries Information Network (RecFIN) Technical Committee, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) are hosting a workshop on the RecFIN data system which is open to the public.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; Guam Bottomfish Management Measures
This proposed rule would implement Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (FMP), which would prohibit large vessels, i.e., those 50 ft (15.2 m) or longer, from fishing for bottomfish in Federal waters within 50 nm (92.6 km) around Guam, and would establish Federal permitting and reporting requirements for these large bottomfish fishing vessels. The proposed rule is intended to maintain viable bottomfish catch rates by small vessels in the fishery, to sustain participation by smaller vessels in the fishery, to maintain traditional patterns of the bottomfish supply to local Guam markets, and to provide for the collection of adequate fishery information for effective management.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel Lottery in Areas 542 and 543
NMFS is notifying the owners and operators of registered vessels of their assignments for the 2006 B season Atka mackerel fishery in harvest limit area (HLA) 542 and/or 543 of the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the harvest of the 2006 B season HLA limits established for areas 542 and 543 pursuant to the 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 yellowfin sole total allowable catch (TAC) in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Rock Sole, Flathead Sole, and “Other Flatfish” by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is closing directed fishing for rock sole, flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole, flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI.
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Longline Catcher Processor Subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Non-pollock Groundfish Fishery
This proposed rule would implement the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Catcher Processor Capacity Reduction Program (Reduction Program) for the longline catcher processor subsector of the BSAI non- pollock groundfish fishery (Reduction Fishery), in compliance with the FY 2005 Appropriations Act. This program is voluntary and permit holders of the Reduction Fishery (Subsector Members) are eligible to participate. Subsector Members must first sign and abide by not only the Capacity Reduction Agreement (Reduction Agreement) but also a Fishing Capacity Reduction Contract (Reduction Contract) with the U.S. Government. These key components of the Capacity Reduction Plan (Reduction Plan) were prepared by the Freezer Longline Conservation Cooperative (FLCC) and would be implemented by the proposed regulations. The aggregate of all Reduction Agreements and those Reduction Contracts signed by Subsector Members whose offers were accepted by \2/3\ votes of the Subsector Members, will together with the FLCC's supporting documents and rationale that these offers represent the expenditure of the least money for the greatest capacity reduction, constitute the Reduction Plan to be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval. Subsector Members participating in the Reduction Program will receive up to $36 million in exchange for relinquishing valid non-interim Federal License Limitation Program BSAI groundfish licenses endorsed for catcher processor fishing activity, Catcher/Processor (C/P), Pacific cod, and hook and line gear, as well as any present or future claims of eligibility for any fishing privilege based on such permit (the Groundfish Reduction Permit) and additionally, any future fishing privilege of the vessel named on the permit. Individual fishing quota (IFQ) quota shares would be excluded from relinquishment. Following submission of the Reduction Plan and approval by the Secretary, NMFS will conduct an industry referendum to determine the industry's willingness to repay a fishing capacity reduction loan to effect the Reduction Plan. A \2/3\ majority vote in favor would bind all parties and complete the reduction process. NMFS will issue a 30-year loan to be repaid by those harvesters remaining in the Reduction Fishery. The intent of this proposed rule is to permanently reduce harvesting capacity in the Reduction Fishery. This should result in increased harvesting productivity for post-reduction Subsector Members and help with conservation and management of the Reduction Fishery.
Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA is proposing to establish a network of marine zones within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or Sanctuary). Marine zones are discrete areas that have special regulations differing from the regulations that apply throughout or above the Sanctuary as a whole. The purpose of these proposed zones is to further the protection of Sanctuary biodiversity and complement an existing network established by the State of California in October 2002, and implemented in April 2003, under its authorities. Two types of zones are being proposed by this action: marine reserves and marine conservation areas. All extractive activities (e.g., removal of any Sanctuary resource) and injury to Sanctuary resources would be prohibited in all zones of the Sanctuary designated as marine reserves. Certain lobster fishing and recreational fishing for pelagic species would be allowed within zones of the Sanctuary designated as marine conservation areas, while all other extraction and injury would be prohibited. The CINMS is approximately 1268 square nautical miles. The proposed action would establish approximately 232 square nautical miles of marine reserves and 8.6 square nautical miles of marine conservation areas in the state and federal waters of the Sanctuary. As part of this action, NOAA is also proposing to modify the terms of designation for the Sanctuary, which were originally published on October 2, 1980 (45 FR 65198), to allow for the regulation of extractive activities, including fishing, in the proposed marine reserves and marine conservation areas, and a slight modification to the outer boundary of the CINMS.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1097-1859
Notice is hereby given that Coral World (V.I.), Inc., 6450 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00802-1800, (Gertrude J. Prior, Responsible Party) has applied in due form for a permit to import four South American (Patagonian) sea lions (Otaria flavescens) for public display.
South Pacific Tuna Fisheries
NMFS proposes to revise regulations implementing the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, as amended (SPTA), to reflect the changes agreed to in the Third Extension of the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America and its annexes, schedules, and implementing agreements, as amended (Treaty). New provisions under the Treaty relate to vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirements, vessel reporting requirements, area restrictions for U.S. purse seine vessels fishing under the Treaty, and allowing U.S. longline vessels to fish on the high seas portion of the Treaty Area. These actions are needed to bring the United States into compliance with its obligations under the Treaty.
Notice of Public Meeting
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) will meet September 12, 2006. Date And Time: The meeting is scheduled as follows: September 12, 2006, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The first part of this meeting will be closed to the public. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 18A
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 18A) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule prohibits vessels from retaining reef fish caught under the recreational size and bag/ possession limits when commercial quantities of Gulf reef fish are on board; adjusts the number of persons allowed on board when a vessel with both commercial and charter vessel/headboat reef fish permits and a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Inspection (COI) is fishing commercially; prohibits use of Gulf reef fish, except sand perch or dwarf sand perch, as bait in any commercial or recreational fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico, with a limited exception for crustacean trap fisheries; requires a NMFS-approved vessel monitoring system (VMS) on board vessels with Federal commercial permits for Gulf reef fish, including charter vessels/headboats with such commercial permits; and requires owners and operators of vessels with Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf reef fish to comply with sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release protocols, possess on board specific gear to ensure proper release of such species, and comply with guidelines for proper care and release of incidentally caught sawfish and sea turtles. This final rule also requires annual permit application rather than application every 2 years (biennial). In addition, Amendment 18A revises the total allowable catch (TAC) framework procedure to reflect current practices and terminology. The intended effects of this final rule are to improve enforceability and monitoring in the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico and to reduce mortality of incidentally caught sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish. Finally, NMFS informs the public of approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this final rule and publishes the OMB control numbers for those collections.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold a meeting, which is open to the public, on Monday, August 28, 2006. The HC will discuss items on the Council's September meeting agenda, plan for future work on ecosystem management and Klamath River habitat issues, and discuss other issues related to fish habitat.
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2007; Correction
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to correct errors contained in a previously published notice of availability of funds (June 12, 2006) for the NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship Program in Marine Resource Economics, the NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship Program in Population Dynamics, and the Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Grants Program (Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Facility). This notice corrects errors concerning the amount of funds available for fellowships, the amount of cost sharing required for those fellowships, and the deadlines for application for those fellowships and grants competitions.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of Pacific ocean perch in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area has been reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of Pacific ocean perch in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area has been reached.
Availability of Seats for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for both primary and alternate members of the following seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Business/Commerce, Citizen-At-Large, Commercial Shipping, Conservation, Ocean Recreation, Tourism, and Whale Watching. 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-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Endangered Species; Permit Nos. 1579, 1555, and 1545
Notice is hereby given that the following groups have been issued scientific research or enhancement permits to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum): Alden Research Laboratory, Inc. (Edward P. Taft, Responsible Party), 30 Shrewsbury Street, Holden, MA 01520 (Permit No. 1579); David J. Stier, Springfield Science Museum, 220 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103 (Permit No. 1555); and North Carolina Zoological Park (John D. Groves, Principal Investigator), 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 (Permit No. 1545).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding for a Petition To List the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale as an Endangered Species
We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Cook Inlet beluga whale as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued Permit 1047 - Modification 1 to Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) in Corte Madera, CA; Permit 1079 - Modification 2 to Campbell Timberland Management, LLC. (CTM) in Fort Bragg, CA; Permit 1162 - Modification 3 to Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN) in Forest Knolls, CA; and Permit 1181 - Modification 1 to Mendocino Redwood Company, LLC. (MRC) in Fort Bragg, CA.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received seven scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmonids. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; End of the Pacific Whiting Primary Season for the Shore-based Sector and the Resumption of Trip Limits
NMFS announces the end of the 2006 primary season for the Pacific whiting (whiting) shore-based sector at 6 p.m. local time (l.t.) August 2, 2006, because the allocation is projected to be reached. This action is intended to keep the harvest of whiting at the 2006 allocation levels.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of northern rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of northern rockfish in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern rockfish in this area has been reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using pot or hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). These actions are necessary to allow the 2006 A and B season total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 15
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to assess the environmental impacts of a range of management actions proposed in its draft Amendment 15 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the South Atlantic (FMP). This notice is intended to supplement notices published in January 2002, September 2003, and July 2005, announcing the preparations of DEISs for FMP Amendments 13, 13B, and 13C, respectively.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI to harvest their Pacific cod allocation.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Cost Recovery Program for North Pacific Halibut, Sablefish, and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Individual Fishing Quota Programs
NMFS issues a final rule to amend the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Cost Recovery Program for the Halibut and Sablefish IFQ and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization Programs. This action modifies the procedure NMFS uses to publish notification of adjustment of the IFQ fee percentage for the IFQ Cost Recovery Program in the Halibut and Sablefish IFQ and the Crab Rationalization Programs. This action is necessary to provide timely and efficient notice of fee obligations while ensuring consistency with all applicable statutes. This action is intended to improve the fee collection methods required for all Alaska IFQ programs under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and is necessary to promote the objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Act with respect to the IFQ fisheries managed by NMFS in the Alaska Region.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a public meeting of the Ad Hoc Grouper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Advisory Panel (AHGIFQAP).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery; Quota Harvested for Full-time Tier 2 Category
NMFS announces that the percentage of the tilefish annual total allowable landings (TAL) available to the Full-time Tier 2 permit category for the 2006 fishing year has been harvested. In response, commercial vessels fishing under the Full-time Tier 2 tilefish category may not harvest tilefish from within the Golden Tilefish Management Unit for the remainder of the 2006 fishing year (through October 31, 2006). Regulations governing the tilefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision Strike Weapons Testing and Training by Eglin Air Force Base in the Gulf of Mexico
NMFS has received a request from Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB) for an authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) testing and training in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). By this document, NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take. In order to issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) and final regulations governing the take, NMFS must determine, among other things, that the taking will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals. NMFS regulations must set forth the permissible methods of take and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stock of marine mammals and their habitat. NMFS invites comment on the application and the regulations.
Marine Mammals; File No. 87-1851
Notice is hereby given that Daniel P. Costa, Ph.D., Department of Biology and Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, has applied for a permit to conduct research on pinnipeds in Antarctica and California.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of ``other rockfish'' in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). NMFS is requiring that catch of ``other rockfish'' in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species and discarded at sea with a minimum of injury. This action is necessary because the 2006 total allowable catch (TAC) of ``other rockfish'' in this area has been reached.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries
The final rule implementing the specifications for the 2005 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB) clarified the expiration date of the limited entry program for Illex squid, established a minimum mesh requirement for the butterfish fishery, and removed a regulatory requirement for annual specifications to be published by a specific date. These regulatory measures were intended to be of a permanent nature, unlike the specifications themselves, which expired January 1, 2006. An error in the final rule caused these three measures to expire; this proposed rule would restore the regulatory requirements. This action is being taken by NMFS under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Movement of Barges through the Beaufort Sea between West Dock and Cape Simpson or Point Lonely, Alaska
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a barging operation within the U.S. Beaufort Sea has been issued to FEX L.P. (FEX), a subsidiary of Talisman Energy, Inc., for a period of 1 year.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Scott Baker on behalf of the North Carolina Sea Grant Extension Program. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect limited numbers of black sea bass in South Atlantic Federal waters off the coast of North Carolina. The purpose of the study is to quantify fish size selectivity by sea bass pot type and determine regulatory discard mortality rates.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Individual Fishing Quota Program for Gulf Commercial Red Snapper Fishery
NMFS announces the availability of Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resource of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 26) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). Amendment 26 would establish an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program for the Gulf of Mexico commercial red snapper fishery. The intended effect of Amendment 26 is to reduce overcapacity in the commercial red snapper fishery and to eliminate, to the extent possible, the problems associated with derby fishing, in order to assist the Council in achieving optimum yield (OY) from the fishery.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
NMFS has received a request from Eglin Air Force Base (EAFB) for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (NEODS) Training Operations at EAFB, Florida. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Air Force to take, by Level B harassment, two species of cetaceans at EAFB beginning in July, 2006. NMFS is also requesting comments on its intent to promulgate regulations in 2007 governing the take of marine mammals over a 5-year period incidental to the activities described herein. NMFS issued an IHA for these activities in 2005 (70 FR 51341, August 30, 2005), however, the activities were not conducted.
2006 Monkfish Research Set-aside Program
NMFS notifies the public of the reallocation of monkfish research days-at-sea (DAS) as exempted DAS. These are DAS that were set aside under the 2006 Monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program, but were not distributed through the NOAA grant process. These exempted DAS may be used for the conduct of monkfish related research activities during fishing year (FY) 2006 (May 1, 2006, through April 30, 2007). Requests for a monkfish DAS exemption must be submitted with a complete application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meetings of its Small Mesh Multispecies (Whiting) Advisory Panel in August, 2006, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from these groups will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
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