National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Geophysical Surveys in South San Francisco Bay South of the Dumbarton Bridge
Document Number: E6-16089
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) has been issued to Fugro West, Inc. (Fugro), to take small numbers of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and gray whales, by harassment, incidental to geographical seismic surveys being conducted in south San Francisco Bay (SFB or Bay) in California.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E6-16083
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability of the Proposed Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Bull Trout Recovery Plan (Plan) for public review and comment. The Plan addresses the Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), the Upper Columbia Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Distinct Population Segment (DPS), and Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Upper Columbia region. The Plan was prepared by the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board (UCSRB) in conjunction with NMFS. Bull trout, listed as threatened, are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and are the subject of a draft recovery plan published by the USFWS in 2002. NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the spring Chinook salmon and steelhead portions of the Proposed Plan. If comments are received on the bull trout portion of the Plan, NMFS will pass them on to the USFWS.
Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Product Development Committee (CPDC) for Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3
Document Number: E6-16059
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, and the General Services Administration (GSA) rule of Federal Advisory Committee Management, 41 CFR part 102-3, and after consultation with GSA, the Secretary of Commerce has determined that the establishment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Product Development Committee (CPDC) for Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3 (CPDCS&A 3.3) is in the public interest, in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the Department by law. The CPDCS&A 3.3 will advise the Secretary, through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, on CCSP Topic 3.3: ``Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate''. This advice will be provided in the form of a draft Synthesis and Assessment product intended to be used by NOAA to develop a final product in accordance with the Guidelines for Producing the CCSP Synthesis and Assessment Products, the OMB Peer Review Bulletin, and the Information Quality Act Guidelines. The CPDCS&A 3.3 will consist of no more than 35 members to be appointed by the Under Secretary to assure a balanced representation among preeminent scientists, educators, and experts reflecting the full scope of the scientific issues addressed in CCSP Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3. The CPDCS&A 3.3 will function solely as an advisory body, and in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Its charter will be filed under the Act, fifteen days from the date of publication of this notice. Following establishment of CPDC-S&A 3.3, the first committee meeting will be held. All sessions of the meeting will be open to the public. Place: The first meeting of CPDCS&A 3.3.will be held at the International Pacific Research Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. Time and Date: The meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2006 and adjourn at 12 noon on Thursday, November 2, 2006. Meeting information will be available online on the CPDCS&A 3.3 Web site (https://www.climate.noaa.gov/index.jsp?pg=./ccsp/33.jsp). Please note that meeting times and agenda topics described below are subject to change. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation and will include a 60-minute public comment period on October 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (check Web site to confirm this time). The CPDCS&A 3.3 expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Written comments (at least 35 copies) should be received by the CPDCS&A 3.3 Designated Federal Official (DFO) by October 20, 2006 to provide sufficient time for review. Written comments received after October 20 will be distributed to the CPDCS&A 3.3, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available to the public on a first-come, first- served basis. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting will (1) work on an initial draft document based on detailed outline presented in the final Prospectus (2) review of plans for completion and submission of the First Draft of Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3 to the National Research Council for expert review.
Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas; Fall Meeting
Document Number: 06-8374
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In preparation for the 2006 ICCAT meeting, the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will meet in October 2006.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Amendment 16-4; Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery
Document Number: 06-8373
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a rule to implement Amendment 16-4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and to set the 2007-2008 harvest specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Amendment 16-4 would modify the FMP to implement revised rebuilding plans for seven overfished species: bocaccio, canary rockfish, cowcod, darkblotched rockfish, Pacific ocean perch (POP), widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish. Groundfish harvest specifications and management measures for 2007-2008 are intended to: achieve but not exceed optimum yields (OYs); prevent overfishing; rebuild overfished species; reduce and minimize the bycatch and discard of overfished and depleted stocks; provide harvest opportunity for the recreational and commercial fishing sectors; and, within the commercial fisheries, achieve harvest guidelines and limited entry and open access allocations as closely as possible. Together, Amendment 16-4 and the 2007-2008 harvest specifications and management measures are intended to rebuild overfished stocks as soon as possible, taking into account the status and biology of the stocks, the needs of fishing communities, and the interaction of the overfished stocks within the marine environment. In addition to the management measures implemented for directed and incidental groundfish fisheries, this proposed rule would implement a new Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area off Washington State, which will be closed to commercial salmon troll fishing.
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Longline Catcher Processor Subsector of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Non-pollock Groundfish Fishery
Document Number: 06-8354
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule implementing 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 sign and abide by the Capacity Reduction Agreement (Reduction Agreement) and, if their offers are selected, 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 are implemented by the final 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 final 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.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #5 and #6 - Modifications of the Commercial Salmon Fishery from U.S.-Canada Border, to Cape Falcon, Oregon
Document Number: E6-15952
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the commercial fishery from the U.S.- Canada Border, to Cape Falcon, Oregon was modified by two inseason actions. Inseason action 5 increased the landing and possession limit to 60 Chinook per vessel per open period effective Saturday, July 29, 2006. Inseason action 6 increased the landing and possession limit for Chinook in the area north of Cape Falcon, OR to the US Canada border to 80 fish per vessel per open period, increased the number of fishing days to 4 days, Saturday through Tuesday, and eliminated the 6 inch (15.24 cm) plug gear restriction effective Saturday, August 19, 2006. All other restrictions remained in effect as announced for the 2006 Ocean Salmon Fisheries. These actions were necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals, and the intended effect was to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2006 annual management measures.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Navy Operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Sonar
Document Number: E6-15936
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy for an authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting operations of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) Low Frequency Active (LFA) sonar from August 16, 2007 through August 15, 2012. In order to promulgate regulations and issue annual Letters of Authorization (LOAs) to the Navy, NMFS must determine that these takings will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals, will not have an unmitigable impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses, and must prescribe the means of mitigating the potential impact to the lowest level practicable. NMFS invites comment on the application and suggestions on the content of any future regulations.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15919
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15918
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Anchorage, AK.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-15917
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) advisory bodies will hold meetings, which are open to the public, on October 17-19, 2006. The primary purpose of the meetings is to review the current Pacific sardine Stock Assessment and draft terms of reference for the CPS stock assessment review process.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #7 - Adjustments of the Recreational Fishery from U.S.-Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon
Document Number: E6-15867
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the recreational fishery from the U.S.- Canada Border to Cape Falcon, OR was modified, effective Saturday, August 26, 2006, by transferring 2000 coho from the Westport subarea quota with a resulting increase in the La Push subarea quota of 1,140. This modified the Westport subarea quota for marked coho to 25,603 and the La Push subarea quota for marked coho to 3029. Also, the area from Tillamook Head to Cape Falcon, OR within the Columbia River subarea was open effective Saturday, August 26, 2006. This area will be open seven days per week with a modified daily bad limit as follows: all salmon, two fish per day; all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. This area will remain open until September 30 or the coho or Chinook subarea quota is taken, whichever is first. This action was necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals, and the intended effect was to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2006 annual management measures.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Low-Energy Seismic Surveys in the South Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 06-8353
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), a part of the University of California, for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting an oceanographic survey in the South Pacific Ocean (SPO). Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to SIO to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of several species of cetaceans for a limited period of time in December 2006, and January 2007.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for Massachusetts
Document Number: 06-8337
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the summer flounder commercial quota available to Massachusetts has been harvested. 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 2006, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer from another state. Regulations governing the summer flounder fishery require publication of this notification to advise Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-8336
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 0700 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 25, 2006. This adjustment is necessary to allow a 12-hour fishery for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to resume, without exceeding the 2006 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #3 - Adjustment of the Commercial Salmon Fishery from the U.S.-Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon
Document Number: E6-15900
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area from the U.S.-Canada Border to Cape Falcon, OR, was modified such that the fishery did not reopen on June 17, 2006, as scheduled and remained closed through Monday, June 26, 2006. The fishery then reopened on June 27 through midnight June 30, 2006, with a 20-Chinook per vessel possession and landing limit for the four day open period. On June 15, 2006, NMFS determined that available catch and effort data indicated that the quota of 22, 450 Chinook salmon for May and June would be exceeded unless modified by inseason action. This action was necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals.
Marine Mammals; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 31-1741; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. MA081663
Document Number: E6-15892
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
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 Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York 10460 [Dr. Howard C. Rosenbaum, Principal Investigator], has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 31-1741/MA081663.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #9 - Adjustment of the Commercial Salmon Fishery from Cape Falcon, Oregon to U.S.-Canada Border
Document Number: E6-15872
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon, OR to U.S.-Canada border was modified such that the season was open from Friday, September 8, 2006, through Friday, September 15, 2006, with a modified landing and possession limit for the open period of 160 Chinook and 80 marked coho. This action was necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals, with the intended effect of allowing the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2006, annual management measures.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #8 - Adjustment of the Commercial Salmon Fishery from Horse Mountain to Point Arena, California
Document Number: E6-15871
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the Fort Bragg subarea from Horse Mountain to Point Arena, CA, was modified by inseason action and was closed at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2006. This action was necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals, and the intended effect is to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2006 annual management measures.
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #4 - Adjustments of the Recreational Fishery from U.S.-Canada Border, to Cape Falcon, Oregon
Document Number: E6-15870
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announced that the recreational fishery from the U.S.- Canada Border, to Cape Falcon, OR was modified, effective Friday, August 11, 2006, in the following subareas: the La Push, Westport, and Columbia River Subarea's were open seven days per week, with a modified daily bag limit as follows: All salmon, two fish per day. The Neah Bay Subarea was open seven days per week with a modified daily bag limit as follows: All salmon, two fish per day, except no chum retention through September 17, 2006. All other restrictions remained in effect as announced for 2006 Ocean Salmon Fisheries. This action was necessary to conform to the 2006 management goals, and the intended effect was to allow the fishery to operate within the seasons and quotas specified in the 2006 annual management measures.
Endangered Species; File No. 1581
Document Number: E6-15826
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (Responsible Official- Samuel Pooley, Principal Investigator- George Balazs), 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, HI 96822, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered Species; File No. 1448
Document Number: E6-15825
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1097, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1448.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 06-8285
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the Central Aleutian District of the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 06-8263
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 1 was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to establish a limited access program, and to make other changes in the management of the Atlantic herring fishery. The Amendment 1 measures being proposed include: A limited access program; an open access incidental catch permit; a change in the management area boundaries; establishment of a purse seine/fixed gear-only area; establishment of a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) proxy; an approach to determining the distribution of area-specific Total Allowable Catches (TACs); a multi- year specifications process; a research quota set-aside for herring- related research; a set-aside for fixed gear fisheries; a change in the midwater trawl gear definition; and additional measures that could be implemented through the framework adjustment process. The intent of this action is to provide efficient management of the Atlantic herring fishery and to meet conservation objectives.
Notice of Availability of a Final Record of Decision on the Issuance of Permits
Document Number: E6-15761
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
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) announce the availability of a Final Record of Decision on the issuance of incidental take permits to the state of Washington under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act for the Washington Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The two incidental take permits (one from each of the Services) authorize incidental take of aquatic species (16 listed fish species, 54 unlisted fish species, and 7 unlisted amphibian species) from covered forest practices implemented under the HCP. These forest practices affect approximately 9 million acres of non-Federal and non-tribal lands in Washington State. The permits were issued on June 5, 2006, and will remain in effect for 50 years.
Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15760
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of the next meeting of the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee) in Newport, Oregon.
Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee
Document Number: E6-15759
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee). The Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee was established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior in implementing Section 4 of Executive Order 13158, specifically on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-Federal scientists, resource managers, and people representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation including in the Great Lakes. Fifteen members of the Committee have terms that expire October 31, 2007, and nominations are sought to fill these vacancies. Individuals seeking membership on the Committee should possess demonstrable expertise in a related field or represent a stakeholder interest affected by MPAs. Nominees also will be evaluated based on the following factors: Marine policy experience, leadership and organization skills, region of country represented, and diversity characteristics. The membership reflects the Departments' commitment to attaining balance and diversity. The full text of the Committee Charter and its current membership can be viewed at the Agency's Web page at https://mpa.gov/fac.html.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Performance in the Commercial Stone Crab and Lobster Fisheries in Florida
Document Number: E6-15733
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
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.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-15692
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council); its Research Set-Aside (RSA) Committee; its Protected Resources Committee; its Law Enforcement Committee; and, its Executive Committee will hold public meetings.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15691
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Charter Halibut Stakeholder Committee will meet on October 16-18, 2006, in Anchorage, AK.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15687
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee, its Advisors, and the Amendment 10 Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will hold a public meeting.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E6-15685
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application submitted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Northeast Multispecies FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow general category scallop vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the northeastern United States. The EFP would exempt vessels from certain gear restrictions, minimum fish size possession restrictions, and seasonal area restrictions.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1034-1854
Document Number: E6-15682
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Markus Horning, Ph.D., Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, has been issued a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial Period 1 Quota Harvested
Document Number: 06-8262
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the spiny dogfish commercial quota available to the coastal states from Maine through Florida for the semi-annual quota period, May 1, 2006 - October 31, 2006, has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, September 25, 2006, federally permitted commercial vessels may not fish for, possess, transfer, or land spiny dogfish until November 1, 2006, when the Period 2 quota becomes available. Regulations governing the spiny dogfish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the coastal states from Maine through Florida that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no Federal commercial quota is available for landing spiny dogfish in these states. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its Period 1 quota and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 13
Document Number: 06-8257
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 13 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 13), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule establishes a 10-year moratorium on issuance of Federal Gulf shrimp vessel permits; requires owners of vessels fishing for or possessing royal red shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to have a royal red shrimp endorsement; requires owners or operators of all federally permitted Gulf shrimp vessels to report information on landings and vessel and gear characteristics; and requires vessels selected by NMFS to carry observers and/or install an electronic logbook provided by NMFS. In addition, Amendment 13 establishes biological reference points for penaeid shrimp and status determination criteria for royal red shrimp. The intended effects of this final rule are to provide essential fisheries data, including bycatch data, needed to improve management of the fishery and to control access to the fishery. Finally, NMFS informs the public of the 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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Method For Measuring Net Mesh Size
Document Number: 06-8187
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to amend the regulations governing how fishing net mesh size is measured in the Northeast. This proposed change would increase the weight used to measure mesh larger than 120 mm (4.72 inches) in all fisheries. The intent of this proposed rule is to ensure consistent and accurate measurements of fishing net mesh size.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Notice of Availability of the Status Review for Atlantic Salmon in the United States
Document Number: 06-8100
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A Biological Review Team (BRT) consisting of biologists from the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, Penobscot Indian Nation, NMFS, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have completed a Status Review of Atlantic salmon (Status Review for Anadromous Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)) in the United States.
Endangered Species; File No. 1591
Document Number: 06-8079
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (Stephen Reilly, Responsible Official), 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92038, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas
Document Number: 06-8077
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) jointly propose the Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas (Draft Framework), as required by Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This Draft Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts among Federal, State, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to develop an effective National System of MPAs (National System) from existing sites, build coordination and collaborative efforts, and identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation's MPA authorities. The document further provides the guiding principles, key definitions, goals, and objectives for the National System, based on the breadth of input received from MPA stakeholders and governmental partners around the nation over the past several years. The intent of this document is to solicit additional public input on the proposed Draft Framework in order to develop a final document that meets the nation's interests in the National System.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Adjustment of Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch Amount in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Document Number: 06-8074
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the 2006 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) amount in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow harvest of Pacific cod that will not be harvested under the State of Alaska's guideline harvest level (GHL) for the Aleutian Islands subarea state waters Pacific cod fishery. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the BSAI (FMP).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 06-7941
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a scientific research permit from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) in Santa Clara County, CA (1121). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 13C
Document Number: 06-7940
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 13C to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). Amendment 13C establishes management measures to end overfishing of snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass and measures to allow moderate increases in recreational and commercial harvest of red porgy consistent with the rebuilding program for that stock. For the commercial fisheries, this final rule establishes restrictive quotas for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass and, after the quotas are met, prohibits all purchase and sale of the applicable species and restricts all harvest and possession to the applicable bag limit; establishes restrictive trip limits for snowy grouper and golden tilefish; requires at least 2-inch (5.1-cm) mesh in the back panel of black sea bass pots; requires black sea bass pots to be removed from the water after the quota is reached; changes the fishing year for black sea bass; increases the trip limit for red porgy; establishes a red porgy quota that would allow a moderate increase in harvest; and, after the red porgy quota is reached, prohibits all purchase and sale and restricts all harvest and possession to the bag limit. For the recreational fisheries, this final rule reduces the bag limits for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, and black sea bass; increases the minimum size limit for vermilion snapper and black sea bass; changes the fishing year for black sea bass; and increases the bag limit for red porgy. The intended effects of this final rule are 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 and rebuilding plan to achieve optimum yield. Finally, NMFS informs the public of the 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.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-7939
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 0700 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t), September 20, 2006. This adjustment is necessary to allow a 12-hour fishery for species that comprise the shallow-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the GOA to resume, without exceeding the 2006 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the shallow-water species fishery in the GOA.
Endangered Species; File No. 1589
Document Number: 06-7802
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202-1060 [Charles Scott Pfaff, Responsible Party] has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of enhancement.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; North Atlantic Right Whale Economic Benefit Study: Pre-test Data Collection
Document Number: E6-15546
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
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.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 2.2
Document Number: E6-15542
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce the availability of the draft Report for one of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment Products for public comment. This draft Report addresses the following CCSP Topic: Product 2.2 First State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR): The North American Carbon Budget and Implications for the Global Carbon Cycle. After consideration of comments received on the draft Report, the final Report along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.
Meeting of Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council Chairs and Executive Directors
Document Number: E6-15540
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will host a half-day meeting with the Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council Chairs and Executive Directors in October 2006. The intent of this meeting is to discuss science, coordination, and communication issues related to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS).
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15527
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a public meeting to gather public comments on options to research and manage shark viewing operations in federal waters around Hawaii.
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-15526
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The 93rd meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will convene Tuesday, October 3, 2006, through Thursday October 5, 2006. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific times, dates, and agenda items.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery
Document Number: 06-7770
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule extends an emergency rule that removed the delay in effectiveness for closing the Hawaii-based shallow-set longline fishery as a result of interaction limits for sea turtles. The intended effect of the emergency action is to afford enhanced protection for sea turtles via timely closure of the fishery.
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