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

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Vessel Chartering Permits
Document Number: E6-22338
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Dealer Reporting Family of Forms
Document Number: E6-22336
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-29
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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 555-1870
Document Number: E6-22332
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that James T. Harvey, Ph.D., Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery; Quota Harvested for Part-time Category
Document Number: 06-9918
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the percentage of the tilefish annual total allowable landings (TAL) available to the Part-time permit category for the 2007 fishing year has been harvested. Commercial vessels fishing under the Part-time tilefish category may not harvest tilefish from within the Golden Tilefish Management Unit for the remainder of the 2007 fishing year (through October 31, 2007). Regulations governing the tilefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; North Pacific Halibut and Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Cost Recovery Program
Document Number: 06-9917
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes IFQ standard prices for the individual fishing quota (IFQ) cost recovery program in the halibut and sablefish fisheries of the North Pacific. This action is intended to provide holders of halibut and sablefish IFQ permits with the 2006 standard prices and fee percentage to calculate the required payment for IFQ cost recovery fees due by January 31, 2007.
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: 06-9856
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Part V, Final Rule
This final rule implements Amendment 16-4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and sets 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 modifies 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 for non-overfished species. 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 ecosystem. In addition to the management measures implemented specifically for the groundfish fisheries, this rule implements a new Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) off Washington State, which will be closed to commercial salmon troll fishing to reduce incidental mortality of yelloweye rockfish in the salmon troll fishery.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 26
Document Number: C6-9342
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Endangered And Threatened Species; Proposed Endangered Status for North Atlantic Right Whales
Document Number: E6-22182
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review of right whales in the northern hemisphere under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on the findings from the status review, we have concluded these right whales exist as two species, the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and the North Pacific right whale (E. japonicus). We have also determined that each of these species is in danger of extinction throughout its range. To reflect this taxonomic revision, we are issuing two proposed rules to designate each separately as an endangered species. This proposed rule is to list the North Atlantic right whale; a proposed rule to list the North Pacific right whale is issued separately. We are soliciting public comment on this proposed listing determination.
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2007
Document Number: E6-22176
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA publishes this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to its competitive grant and cooperative agreement (CA) award offerings for fiscal year (FY) 2007. This Omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA''s discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted that additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the publication of this notice may be announced through subsequent Federal Register notices. All announcements will also be available through the Grants.gov website.
Regional Fishery Management Council Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Executive Directors Meeting
Document Number: E6-22110
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will host a meeting of the Regional Fishery Management Council Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Executive Directors in January 2007. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the Councils, including implementation of the FY 2007 budget, updates on NMFS initiatives on limited access programs, and issues related to implementation of the bill recently passed by Congress that would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act).
Endangered And Threatened Species; Proposed Endangered Status for North Pacific Right Whale
Document Number: 06-9908
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have completed a status review of the northern right whale under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We initiated this review in response to a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, dated August 16, 2005, to list the North Pacific right whale as a separate endangered species. Based on the findings from the status review and consideration of the factors affecting this species, we have concluded that right whales in the northern hemisphere exist as two species: the North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) and the North Atlantic right whale (E. glacialis). We have also determined that each of these species is in danger of extinction throughout its range. To reflect this taxonomic revision, we are designating each separately as an endangered species. This rule proposes to list the North Pacific right whale as an endangered species; a proposed rule to list the North Atlantic right whale isissued separately. We also intend to designate critical habitat for the North Pacific right whale. A proposed rule for designation of critical habitat will follow this action. We are soliciting public comment on this proposed listing determination.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Arrowtooth Flounder and Flathead Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 06-9882
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve of groundfish to the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) for arrowtooth flounder and flathead sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the fishery to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 06-9881
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of Maryland is transferring 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the State of New York from its 2006 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfers
Document Number: 06-9878
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of Maryland is transferring 45,000 lb (20,412 kg) of commercial bluefish quota to the State of Rhode Island from its 2006 quota and that the State of Delaware is transferring 15,000 lb (6,804 kg) of commercial bluefish quota to the State of Rhode Island. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-22064
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Multispecies (Groundfish) Oversight Committee (Committee) in January, 2007, 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-22055
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Research Steering Committee in January, 2007, 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-22054
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat/Marine Protected Area (MPA)/Ecosystem Committee in January, 2007, 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.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings and Hearings
Document Number: E6-21980
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has begun its annual preseason management process for the 2007 ocean salmon fisheries. This document announces the availability of Council documents as well as the dates and locations of Council meetings and public hearings comprising the Council's complete schedule of events for determining the annual proposed and final modifications to ocean salmon fishery management measures. The agendas for the March and April 2007 Council meetings will be published in subsequent Federal Register documents prior to the actual meetings.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Surf Zone Testing/Training and Amphibious Vehicle Training and Weapons Testing
Document Number: E6-21979
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-22
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) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting surf zone testing/training and amphibious vehicle training and weapons testing off the coast of Santa Rosa Island (SRI) has been issued to the U.S. Air Force Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB) for a period of 1 year. NMFS may propose regulations at a later date that would govern these incidental takes under a Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to Eglin for a period of up to 5 years after the 1-year IHA expires.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Membership Solicitation
Document Number: E6-21945
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice responds to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002, Public Law 107-372, which requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to solicit nominations for membership on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (the Panel). This advisory committee will advise the Under Secretary on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 (the Act), and such other appropriate matters as the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Licensing of Private Remote-Sensing Space Systems
Document Number: E6-21920
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-22
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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21918
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Aleutian Islands Ecosystem Team will meet in Seattle, WA, Room to be posted on web.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Management and Oversight of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: E6-21899
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Interim Rule
Document Number: 06-9831
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements this interim rule to reduce overfishing that may occur in 2007. This rule delays the opening of the Elephant Trunk Access Area (ETAA) until March 1, 2007, reduces the maximum number of trips per vessel in the ETAA per limited access vessel, reduces the number of general category fleet trips from 1,360 to 865 trips in the ETAA, and prohibits the retention of more than 50 U.S. bushels (17.62 hL) of in-shell scallop outside of the boundaries of the ETAA. This interim action is necessary because a recent projection by the New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Plan Development Team (PDT) indicated that overfishing of the scallop resource may occur in the 2007 fishing year (FY). The new information presents previously unforeseen circumstances that also present serious management problems to the fishery. Overharvest of the ETAA in FY 2007, and resulting overfishing that may result, could undermine the goals and objectives of area rotation that is the cornerstone of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The ETAA has an unprecedented high abundance of scallops, which needs to be husbanded with caution to effectively preserve the long-term health of the scallop resource and fishery.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: E6-21866
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the daily Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limits for the Atlantic tunas General category should be adjusted to provide reasonable opportunity to harvest the General category January time-period subquota. Therefore, NMFS increases the daily BFT retention limits for the entire month of January, including previously scheduled Restricted Fishing Days (RFDs), to provide enhanced commercial General category fishing opportunities in all areas while minimizing the risk of an overharvest of the General category BFT quota.
Endangered Species; File No. 1420-01
Document Number: E6-21861
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Doug Peterson (Permit Holder and Principal Investigator), Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (File No. 1420-01) has been issued a modified permit to conduct scientific research on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a Status Review under the Endangered Species Act for the Atlantic White Marlin
Document Number: 06-9812
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce the initiation of a status review for the Atlantic white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), and we solicit information on the status of and threats to the species.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for New Jersey
Document Number: 06-9811
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the summer flounder commercial quota available to New Jersey has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the summer flounder fishery may not land summer flounder in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Amendment 15 to Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: E6-21742
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) requests public comments on Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries Management Plan (Plan) in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This action is intended to provide management flexibility in times of low Klamath River fall-run Chinook (KRFC) abundance, while preserving the long-term productive capacity of the stock and thereby ensuring it continues to contribute meaningfully to ocean and river fisheries in the future. The plan amendment would allow the Council to implement de minimis fisheries in years of low abundance, which: permit an ocean impact rate of no more than 10 percent on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook, if the projected natural spawning escapement associated with a 10 percent age- 4 ocean impact rate, including river recreational and tribal impacts, is between 22,000 and 35,000. If the projected natural escapement associated with a 10 percent age-4 ocean impact rate is less than 22,000, the Council would further reduce the allowable age-4 ocean impact rate to reflect the status of the stock.
Notification of U.S. Fish Quotas and an Effort Allocation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area
Document Number: E6-21741
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that fish quotas and an effort allocation are available for harvest by U.S. fishermen in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. This action is necessary to make available to U.S. fishermen a fishing privilege on an equitable basis.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Observer Requirement for Fisheries
Document Number: E6-21739
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a regulation to require vessels in state and federal fisheries operating in the territorial seas or exclusive economic zone of the United States that are identified through the annual determination process specified in the rule to take observers upon NMFS request. NMFS proposes this measure to learn more about sea turtle interactions with fishing operations, to evaluate existing measures to reduce sea turtle takes, and to determine whether additional measures to address sea turtle takes may be necessary. NMFS will pay the direct costs of the observer. NMFS also proposes to extend the number of days from 30 to 180 that the agency may place observers in response to an appropriate determination by the Assistant Administrator under its existing regulations.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-21627
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene its SSC Selection Committee via conference call to select several (2 or 3) of the Standing SSC members to serve on a select committee. The committee members will monitor the actions of the NMFS design and analysis group and report to the Council.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21626
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee in January, 2007 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.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21625
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21624
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21623
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a public meeting of the Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Management Advisory Panel (AP).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-21622
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
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 Meeting
Document Number: E6-21621
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Shoreside Whiting Alternative Group (Ad Hoc Group) will hold a work session via conference call, which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Commercial Period 2 Quota Harvested
Document Number: 06-9785
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-20
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, November 1, 2006 - April 30 , 2007, has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, December 19, 2006, federally permitted commercial vessels may not fish for, possess, transfer, or land spiny dogfish until May 1, 2007, when the 2007 Period 1 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 2 quota and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations
Document Number: E6-21615
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a document (Final Rule) in the Federal Register on January 5, 2006, effective on February 6, 2006, revising the federal consistency regulations under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA). That document referenced an incorrect cross-reference in Sec. 930.125(b) and unnecessarily required the submission of multiple copies of some documents in Sec. Sec. 930.127(d)(1) and 930.127(i)(2). This document amends the final regulations by revising these sections.
Nominations for the Annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards for 2007; Extension of Nomination Deadline
Document Number: E6-21613
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA has established the Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards Program to recognize outstanding performances, achievements and leadership by industries, organizations and individuals who promote best stewardship practices for the sustainable use of living marine resources and ecosystems, and who have fostered change and inspired a stewardship ethic within their community. This notice extends the deadline for nominations for the second annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards from January 8 to January 31, 2007.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Low-Energy Seismic Surveys in the South Pacific Ocean
Document Number: E6-21611
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-19
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) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting an oceanographic survey in the South Pacific Ocean (SPO) has been issued to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO).
Endangered Species; File No. 1581
Document Number: E6-21608
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (Responsible OfficialSamuel Pooley, Principal InvestigatorGeorge Balazs), 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, HI 96822 has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of the 2006 Red Snapper Commercial Fishery
Document Number: E6-21536
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS has determined the fall portion of the annual commercial quota for red snapper will have been reached by December 26, 2006. This closure is necessary to protect the red snapper resource.
Announcement of Funding Opportunity for Social Science Fellowships in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: E6-21450
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA's Estuarine Reserves Division, in collaboration with NOAA's Coastal Services Center and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Climate Program Office, are offering five fellowships for masters and doctoral students to conduct social science research within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Funds will be provided to support research projects that will provide information needed by reserve management and coastal management decision-makers, and improve public awareness and understanding of estuarine ecosystems and estuarine management issues (15 CFR 921.50). The amount of each fellowship is $30,000; at least 30% of total project cost match is required by the applicant (i.e. $12,858 match for $30,000 in federal funds for a total project cost of $42,858). Minority students are encouraged to apply. For detailed descriptions of the reserves and to view the full funding opportunity, refer to the NERRS Web site at https://www.nerrs.noaa.gov or contact the program staff listed in this announcement.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery
Document Number: E6-21448
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-12-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that it is considering and seeking public comment on the implementation of further minimum carapace length (gauge) increases, escape vent size increases, and trap reductions in the offshore American lobster fishery, consistent with recommendations for Federal action in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (Commission) Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster (ISFMP) and pending management actions of the Commission's American Lobster Management Board (Board). A similar announcement, published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2005, notified the public that NMFS was considering and requesting comment on gauge and escape vent size increases in multiple lobster conservation management areas (LCMAs). However, since the publication of that document, many LCMA- specific Commission recommendations were modified in response to information in an updated peer-reviewed stock assessment published January 2006. Subsequent Commission deliberations resulted in the Board making changes to the fishery management plan, adding and repealing measures, such that many of the newer plan elements focused primarily on LCMA 3. Some measures relevant to this action, still under Board consideration, are included within the scope of this rulemaking. Accordingly, NMFS announces that this present ANPR revises the December 13, 2005, ANPR and invites public comment on changes to the ISFMP, either formally approved by the Board or pending approval. Any repealed measures, having previously been raised in the December 13, 2005, ANPR, will remain within the scope of this present ANPR, although the Board's repeal is notable and NMFS invites comment on the Board's withdrawal of the measures.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 4.5
Document Number: E6-21446
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-18
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 4.5 Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the United States 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.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: 06-9755
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-12-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in January, February, and March of 2007. Additional workshops will be held throughout 2007 and will be scheduled at a later date. The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. As of December 31, 2007, an Atlantic shark dealer may not receive, purchase, trade, or barter for Atlantic shark unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on the premises of each business listed under the shark dealer permit. Additionally, after December 31, 2007, Atlantic shark dealers may not renew a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate has been submitted with the permit renewal application. Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held throughout 2007, at no charge to the participant. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Vessel owners and operators whose permits expire in January, February, or March 2007 must attend one of these free workshops in order to renew their permit.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 06-9754
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces the extension of temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These restrictions will continue to apply to lobster trap and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,549 nm\2\ (5,312 km\2\), south of Portland, Maine, for an additional 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide immediate protection to an aggregation of Northern right whales (right whales).
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 06-9753
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-12-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces the extension of temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These restrictions will continue to apply to lobster trap and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,809 nm\2\ (6,204 km\2\), east of Portland, Maine, for an additional 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide immediate protection to an aggregation of Northern right whales (right whales).
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