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

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Revision to the Final 2006 and 2007 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: E6-18293
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces revised final 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications for the ``other species'' complex in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) by reducing the total allowable catch (TAC) for the complex to 4,500 metric tons (mt) annually. This rule also revises the 2006 and 2007 ``other species'' harvest sideboard limitations for non-exempt American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher vessels and non-AFA crab vessels. 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).
Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Orders
Document Number: E6-18292
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes Fraser River salmon inseason orders to regulate salmon fisheries in U.S. waters. The orders were issued by the Fraser River Panel (Panel) of the Pacific Salmon Commission (Commission) and subsequently approved and issued by NMFS during the 2006 salmon fisheries within the U.S. Fraser River Panel Area. These orders established fishing dates, times, and areas for the gear types of U.S. treaty Indian and all citizen fisheries during the period the Panel exercised jurisdiction over these fisheries.
New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils; Public Hearings
Document Number: E6-18286
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) will convene public hearings and seek public comment on a draft amendment to all the fishery management plans (FMPs) under their purview. The omnibus amendment would establish standardized bycatch reporting methodology (SBRM) for each FMP, as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery
Document Number: 06-8981
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that the quota for the tilefish Part-time permit category has been exceeded for fishing year (FY) 2006, requiring an adjustment of the Part-time permit category quota for FY 2007. This action complies with the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery (FMP) and is intended to continue the rebuilding program in the FMP by taking into account previous overages of the tilefish quota.
Vessel Monitoring Systems; Announcement of the Enhanced Mobile Transmitter Unit Reimbursement Program for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 06-8980
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-31
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of grant funds for vessel owners and/or operators who have purchased an Enhanced Mobile Transmitter Unit (E-MTU) to comply with fishery regulations requiring the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) in the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. These funds will be used to reimburse vessel owners and/or operators for the purchase price of the E-MTU.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Suspension of Minimum Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit for Fishing Year 2007
Document Number: E6-18201
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS suspends the minimum size limit of 4.75 inches (12.065 cm) for Atlantic surfclams for the 2007 fishing year. This action is taken under the authority of the implementing regulations for this fishery, which allow for the annual suspension of the minimum size limit based upon set criteria. The intended effect is to relieve the industry from a regulatory burden that is not necessary, as the majority of surfclams harvested are larger than the minimum size limit.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Correction
Document Number: E6-18188
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements this final rule to clarify the expiration date of the limited entry program for Illex squid, reestablish a minimum mesh requirement for the butterfish fishery, and remove a regulatory requirement for annual specifications to be published by a specific date. These measures were initially implemented by the final rule implementing the specifications for the 2005 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). These regulatory measures were intended to be of a permanent nature, unlike the 2005 specifications themselves, which were effective through December 31, 2005. An error in the final rule caused these three measures to expire; this rule restores 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).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery
Document Number: E6-18187
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS withdraws the proposed rule published on September 6, 2006, which proposed an increase in the annual tilefish total allowable landings (TAL) for the remainder of the 10-year stock rebuilding period. Thus, the previously established annual tilefish TAL of 1.995 million lb (905 mt) remains in effect.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-18092
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-18091
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a three-day Council meeting on November 14-16, 2006, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-18031
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-18026
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has cancelled the public meeting of its Habitat/Marine Protected Area (MPA)/Ecosystem Committee that was scheduled in October, 2006. The new meeting is rescheduled for November, 2006 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2007 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications; 2007 Research Set-Aside Projects
Document Number: 06-8932
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes specifications for the 2007 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of the species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels that assure that the target fishing mortality rates (F) or exploitation rates specified for these species in the FMP are not exceeded and to allow for rebuilding of the stocks in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). NMFS has conditionally approved four research projects for the harvest of the portion of the quota that has been recommended by the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to be set aside for research purposes. In anticipation of receiving applications for Experimental Fishing Permits (EFPs) to conduct this research, the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFPs issued in response to the approved Research Set-Aside (RSA) projects would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the FMP. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue any EFP.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Advisory Panel
Document Number: E6-17948
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS solicits nominations for the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel. Nominations are being sought to fill one-third of the Advisory Panel posts for a 3-year appointment.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1097-1859
Document Number: E6-17899
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Coral World (V.I.), Inc., 6450 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 [Gertrude J. Prior, Responsible Party] has been issued a permit to import four South American (Patagonian) sea lions (Otaria flavescens) for public display.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-17892
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a permit for an Endangered Species Act (ESA) scientific research from California Department of Fish and Game Glenn Colusa Irrigation District Fish Screen Facilities Office (DFG GCID FSFO) in Hamilton City, CA. This notice is relevant to federally endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), threatened Central Valley steelhead (O. mykiss), and threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-17890
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application to renew and modify a permit from the Eel River Salmon Restoration Project, Miranda, CA (Permit 1075). This permit would affect Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), California Coastal (CC) Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Northern California (NC) Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment before a final approval or disapproval is made by NMFS.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processor Vessels Using Hook-and-line Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 06-8873
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 directed fishing allowance (DFA) of Pacific cod specified for catcher processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: E6-17750
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-24
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 performance of the Texas Coastal Management Program. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluation 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 CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of a Coastal Management Program requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document 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. Two public meetings will be held as part of the site visit. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visit for the listed evaluation, and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meetings during the site visit.
Notice of Intent To Conduct Public Scoping and To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Related to the Washington Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Lands Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: 06-8860
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-24
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 Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for the incidental take of species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The permit application would be associated with the WDNR's Aquatic Lands Habitat Conservation Plan.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Total Allowable Catch Harvested for Management Area 1A
Document Number: 06-8830
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-24
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 1A (Area 1A) for 2006 is projected to be harvested by October 21, 2006. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, October 21, 2006, 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 1A per trip or calendar day until January 1, 2007, when the 2007 TAC becomes available, except for transiting purposes as described in this notice. Regulations governing the Atlantic herring fishery require publication of this notification to advise vessel and dealer permit holders that no TAC is available for the directed fishery for Atlantic herring harvested from Area 1A.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Black Abalone Research Surveys at San Nicolas Island, Ventura County, CA
Document Number: E6-17704
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from Dr. Glenn VanBlaricom (Dr. VanBlaricom) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the assessment of black abalone populations at San Nicolas Island (SNI), CA. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposed IHA for these activities.
Schedule for Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: E6-17697
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the first round of Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops. The workshops will be held in November and December 2006 and are mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or shark gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Vessel owners and operators whose permits expire in January 2007 must attend a workshop in 2006. Additional workshops will be held throughout 2007; however, vessel owners and operators whose permits expire in the winter or spring of 2007 are welcome to attend the first round of workshops in 2006.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17689
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Committee in November, 2006, 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-17688
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle, WA.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-17687
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Standing Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17686
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Crab Plan Team will meet in Seattle, WA.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-17685
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its Advisory Panel Selection Committee via Conference Call to review AP Member Violations Material for recommendation to the Council.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17645
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Groundfish Trawl Individual Quota Committee (TIQC) will hold a working meeting which is open to the public.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery, Framework Adjustment 42; Monkfish Fishery, Framework Adjustment 3
Document Number: 06-8811
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements Framework Adjustment (FW) 42 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and FW 3 to the Monkfish FMP (Joint Framework). FW 42, developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), is a biennial adjustment to the NE Multispecies FMP that sets forth a rebuilding program for Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder and modifies NE multispecies fishery management measures to reduce fishing mortality rates (F) on six other groundfish stocks in order to maintain compliance with the rebuilding programs of the FMP. FW 42 also modifies and continues specific measures to mitigate the economic and social impacts of Amendment 13 to the FMP and to allow harvest levels to approach optimum yield (OY).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Notice That Vendor Will Provide Year 2007 Cage Tags
Document Number: E6-17585
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS informs surfclam and ocean quahog allocation owners that they will be required to purchase their year 2007 cage tags from a vendor. The intent of this notice is to comply with regulations for the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries and to promote efficient distribution of cage tags.
Endangered Species; File No. 1596
Document Number: E6-17584
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508, has applied in due form for a permit to take leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered Species; File No. 1557
Document Number: E6-17583
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Molly Lutcavage, Department of Zoology, 177 A Spaulding Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824-2617, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1557.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: E6-17582
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007. This harvest guideline has been calculated according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17552
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is rescheduling a public meeting of its Groundfish Oversight Committee. Recommendations from this panel will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Environmental Literacy Grants for Formal K-12 Education
Document Number: E6-17536
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Education (OED) is requesting applications for environmental literacy projects in support of K-12 education. Funded projects will last between one and five years in duration and will propose ways to expand the amount of Earth System Science taught in the classroom to improve student learning of that subject. All projects shall employ the relevant strategies articulated in the NOAA Education Plan. All projects should be implemented at a State or multi- State level and have evaluations that fully assess the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed project. It is anticipated that final recommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by June 30, 2007, and that projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no earlier than September 15, 2007. This funding opportunity meets NOAA's Mission Goal to understand climate variability and change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond.
Environmental Literacy Grants for Free-Choice Learning
Document Number: E6-17535
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA's Office of Education (OED) is requesting applications for environmental literacy projects in support of free-choice learning. The proposed projects should support NOAA's vision which is: an informed society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the ocean, coasts, and atmosphere in the global ecosystem to make the best social and economic decisions. Successful projects should reach significant segments of the U.S. population at a State, multi-state or national level. The environmental literacy messages should clearly convey how the Earth system influences a project's target audience, how the target audience is influencing the Earth system and how an environmentally literate public can make informed decisions. The goal of these projects should be to provide adequate information to move the audience's knowledge beyond basic awareness while reaching audiences sufficient in size with a message that promotes such a change. Funded projects will last between one and five years in duration and will create new, or capitalize on existing, networks of institutions, agencies and/or organizations to provide common messages about key concepts in Earth System Science, for example the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts (https:// www.coexploration.org/oceanliteracy/documents/OceanLitConcept s 10.11.05.pdf). Applications for exhibits involving construction of part or all of a building are not eligible for funding under this announcement. Formal education projects and projects whose main focus is on development of new data visualizations and platforms will not be considered for funding through this announcement. Please visit https:// www.oesd.noaa.gov/fundingopps.html for information on additional funding opportunities in those areas. This funding opportunity meets NOAA's Mission Goal to protect, restore and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through ecosystems-based management.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-17383
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a permit for scientific research from Tenera Environmental in Lafayette, CA. (Permit 1583). This notice is relevant to federally endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), threatened Central Valley steelhead (O. mykiss), and threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit applications for review and comment.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Establishment of Annual Quotas for the Subsistence Harvest of Bowhead Whales by Alaska Natives
Document Number: E6-17370
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to prepare an EIS pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), in order to assess the impacts of issuing annual quotas for the subsistence harvest of bowhead whales by Alaska Natives from 2008 through 2017. Publication of this notice begins the official scoping period that will help identify issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. The scoping process will end December 15, 2006.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processor Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 06-8747
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processor vessels using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 directed fishing allowance (DFA) of Pacific cod specified for catcher processor vessels using pot gear in the BSAI.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Revision of Species of Concern List, Candidate Species Definition, and Candidate Species List
Document Number: E6-17249
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, revise: our species of concern list by adding three and removing six species; our definition of candidate species; and our candidate species list by adding four species and removing two. We solicit information and comments on the status of, and research and stewardship opportunities for, species of concern.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a Status Review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the Black Abalone
Document Number: E6-17247
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce the initiation of an ESA status review of the black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), and we solicit information on the species.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Prospectus 2.4
Document Number: E6-17244
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publish this notice to announce the availability of the draft Prospectus for one of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment Products for public comment. This draft Prospectus addresses the following CCSP Topic: Product 2.4 Trends in emissions of ozone-depleting substances, ozone layer recovery, and implications for ultraviolet radiation exposure and climate change. After consideration of comments received on the draft Prospectus, the final Prospectus along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings and Hearings
Document Number: E6-17241
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) announces the dates and locations of public hearings to solicit comments on the proposed 15th amendment to the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan to allow de minimis ocean fishing impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook during years that would otherwise be closed to ocean salmon fishing.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Maintenance Dredging Around Pier 39, San Francisco, California
Document Number: E6-17240
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Bay Marina Management Incorporated (BMMI) for the re-issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to dredging on the west side of the Pier 39 Marina on the San Francisco waterfront, CA. NMFS issued an IHA for these activities in October, 2005; however, BMMI will be unable to complete the work by the time the 2005 IHA expires on October 16, 2006. Therefore, BMMI has requested a new IHA to cover the completion of the previously analyzed and authorized action. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to BMMI for the take, by Level B Harassment only, of small numbers of California sea lions and Pacific harbor seals.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan; Correction
Document Number: E6-17239
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On September 27, 2006, NMFS published the proposed rule for Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (Amendment 1) incorporating the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulatory Impact Review, and the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, for Secretarial review and requested comments from the public. The proposed rule contains an error in the ADDRESSES caption regarding the email address for submitting comments regarding the burden-hour estimates and other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements. This document corrects that error.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E6-17177
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Based on preliminary review of this project, a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from requirements to prepare either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) appears to be justified. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow two commercial fishing vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP, which would enable the applicants to investigate the feasibility of using a trawl net with buoyant ground cables and a buoyant sweep to reduce seabed contact and improve species selectivity, would allow for exemptions from the FMP as follows: Gulf of Maine (GOM) Rolling Closure Areas II, III, IV, and V for two vessels; and an exemption from the days-at-sea (DAS) effort control requirements for one vessel. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Training Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Document Number: E6-17127
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Eglin Air Force Base (EAFB) for the take of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (NEODS) training operations at EAFB, Florida.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17075
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) to convene a workgroup of its Socioeconomic Panel (SEP) via conference call.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-17074
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-10-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene one public meeting of the Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Working Group (SEWG).
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