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

Results 101 - 150 of 1,164
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Groundfish Allocation Committee Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-20163
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Allocation Committee(GAC) will hold a working meeting which is open to the public.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Document Number: E6-20121
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces the Department of Commerce (Department's) proposal for a new system of records under the Privacy Act. NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Region is creating a new system of records for permits and non-permit registrations is for use with a variety of fisheries management programs. NOAA Fisheries requires the use of permits or registrations by participants in certain fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Washington, Oregon, and California and on the high seas outside of the EEZ. Applications for various permits and registrations are collected from individuals under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act. This new record system is necessary to identify participants in the fishery and to evaluate whether the applicants/ participants meet the established requirements for such fishing privileges.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Trip Limit Reduction
Document Number: 06-9439
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS reduces the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the northern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lb (227 kg) of king mackerel per day in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This trip limit reduction is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); U.S. Atlantic Swordfish Fishery Management Measures
Document Number: 06-9436
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to amend regulations governing the U.S. Atlantic swordfish fishery to enable a more thorough utilization of the U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota. The U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota is derived from the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and is implemented under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). For the past several years, the U.S. Atlantic swordfish fishery has not fully harvested its available quota. The objective of this proposed action is to provide a reasonable opportunity for U.S. vessels to fully harvest the ICCAT-recommended U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota, as specified in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, in recognition of the improved stock status of North Atlantic swordfish. This proposed rule would increase swordfish retention limits for Incidental swordfish permit holders, and modify recreational swordfish retention limits for HMS Charter/headboat and Angling category permit holders. The proposed rule would also modify HMS limited access vessel upgrading restrictions for pelagic longline (PLL) vessels. These actions are necessary to address persistent underharvests of the domestic swordfish quota, while continuing to minimize bycatch to the extent practicable, so that swordfish are harvested in a sustainable, yet economically viable manner.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 06-9435
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-28
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 December time-period subquota. Therefore, NMFS increases the daily BFT retention limits for the entire month of December, 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. 1543
Document Number: E6-20007
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Duke Power Company (Gene E. Vaughan, Principal Investigator), 13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville, North Carolina, 28078 has been issued a permit to conduct scientific research on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fisheries; 2007 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications; 2007 Research Set-Aside Project
Document Number: E6-20005
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2007 specifications for the Atlantic bluefish fishery, including state-by-state commercial quotas, a recreational harvest limit, and recreational possession limits for Atlantic bluefish off the east coast of the United States. The intent of these specifications is to establish the allowable 2007 harvest levels and possession limits to attain the target fishing mortality rate (F), consistent with the stock rebuilding program in Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing, Scientific Research, Display Permits, and Chartering Permits
Document Number: E6-20004
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to issue Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs), Scientific Research Permits (SRPs), Display Permits, Letters of Acknowledgment (LOAs) and Chartering Permits for the collection of Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) in 2007. In general, EFPs, SRPs, Display Permits, and Chartering Permits would authorize collections of a limited number of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico for the purposes of scientific data collection and public display. The issuance of EFPs to Atlantic billfishes tournaments for the use of J-hooks to fish for blue marlin is also discussed in this notice. Typically, EFPs, SRPs, LOAs, Display Permits, and Chartering Permits would be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2007.
Schedule for Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: E6-20003
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will conduct an additional Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop in December, 2006 in Madeira Beach, FL. These 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 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 workshops in 2006.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-19955
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Council (Council); its Joint Dogfish Committee; its Ecosystems Committee; and, its Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish Committee will hold public meetings.
Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Final Green Diamond Resource Company Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan/Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances, Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, CA
Document Number: 06-9408
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (together, the Services) advise the public of the availability of the Final EIS on the applications by Simpson Resource Company, now Green Diamond Resource Company (Green Diamond), for a Section 10 incidental take permit and an enhancement of survival permit (together, the Permits), and a Final multi-species Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan/ Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (AHCP/CCAA, or Plan) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The Services and Green Diamond also have developed an Implementation Agreement. The applicant seeks the Permits to authorize incidental take of specified covered species, including some that may become listed during the term of the Permits. The Permits are sought to authorize incidental take of the covered species during forest management and timber harvest in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, CA, where Green Diamond owns lands or harvesting rights, during the term of the proposed 50 year Permits and Plan. This notice is provided pursuant to applicable NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6) to inform the public of the proposed action, and to make available for 30 days' review the Final EIS, Plan, and Implementation Agreement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also is publishing a similar notice.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2007, Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program
Document Number: E6-19897
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes this notice to re-open the solicitation period for the Chesapeake Bay to provide the public more time to submit proposals.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Work Session
Document Number: E6-19817
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a working meeting which is open to the public.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision Strike Weapons Testing and Training by Eglin Air Force Base in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 06-9380
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, upon application from Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), is issuing regulations to govern the unintentional takings of marine mammals incidental to conducting Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) testing and training in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Issuance of regulations and Letters of Authorization (LOAs) under these regulations governing the unintentional incidental takes of marine mammals in connection with particular activities is required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) when the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), after notice and opportunity for comment, finds, as here, that such takes will have a negligible impact on the species and stocks of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of them for subsistence uses. These regulations do not authorize Eglin AFB's PSW activities as such authorization is not within the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Rather, NMFS' regulations together with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) authorize the unintentional incidental take of marine mammals in connection with this activity and prescribe methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species and their habitat, and on the availability of the species for subsistence uses.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Boyer Towing, Inc. From an Objection by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Document Number: 06-9379
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that Boyer Towing, Inc. (``Boyer Towing'') has filed an administrative appeal with the Department of Commerce asking that the Secretary override the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) objection to the construction of two proposed log raft mooring buoys inside of the small cover locally referred to as the ``Pothole,'' on the eastern shore of Woewodski Island in Wrangell Narrows, near Ketchikan, Alaska.
Publication of North American Datum of 1983 State Plane Coordinates in Feet in Kansas
Document Number: 06-9362
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) will publish North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) State Plane Coordinate (SPC) grid values in both meters and U.S. Survey Feet (1 ft = 1200/3937 m) in Kansas, for all well defined geodetic survey control monuments maintained by NGS in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and computed from various geodetic positioning utilities. The adoption of this standard is implemented in accordance with NGS policy and a request from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Kansas Society of Land Surveyors, and the Kansas Information technology Office.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2007; Reopening of Application Deadline
Document Number: E6-19800
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA publishes this notice to reopen the solicitation period on the ``NOAA Office of Hydrologic Development Hydrologic Research Announcement of Opportunity, FY 2007,'' which was originally announced in the Federal Register on June 12, 2006. This notice is being modified to more fully explain ensemble streamflow forecasting. This notice applies to only those applicants who have already submitted pre- proposals. The solicitation period is being extended from June 12, 2006, to December 15, 2006, to provide pre-proposal applicants the opportunity to submit revised proposals.
Endangered Species; File No. 1540-03
Document Number: E6-19760
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Marine Resources Division, P.O. Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559 has been issued a modification to scientific research Permit No.1540-01.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Commercial Operator's Annual Report (COAR)
Document Number: E6-19710
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-22
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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 26
Document Number: 06-9342
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). Amendment 26 establishes an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial participants in the IFQ program will receive percentage shares of the commercial quota of red snapper based on specified historical landings criteria. The percentage shares of the commercial quota will equate to annual IFQ allocations. Both shares and IFQ allocations will be transferable. In addition, 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. The intended effect of this rule is to manage the commercial red snapper sector of the reef fish fishery to preserve its long-term economic viability and to achieve optimum yield from the fishery.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Fishing Vessels Operating in Internal Waters
Document Number: E6-19669
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Endangered Species; File No. 1578
Document Number: E6-19652
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Maine Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) (Gail S. Wippelhauser, Principal Investigator), 21 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333 has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 116-1843
Document Number: E6-19651
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821 [Brad Andrews, Responsible Party] has been issued a permit to import three beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) for public display.
Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2007; Reopening of Application Deadline
Document Number: E6-19650
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA publishes this notice to reopen the solicitation period on the ``Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT) Opportunities for Transfer of Research and Technology Into Tropical Cyclone Analysis and Forecast Operations,'' which was originally announced in the Federal Register on June 12, 2006. This notice is being reopened to permit a wider range of applications and revised proposals and to more fully explain the application process for federal applicants. The solicitation period is reopened from November 21, 2006 to December 6, 2006.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 782-1719, 1071-1770
Document Number: E6-19589
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS, National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98102 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 782-1719-03 and that The Dolphin Institute (Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., Principal Investigator), 420 Ward Avenue, Suite 212, Honolulu, HI 96814 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 1071-1770-01.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; 2007 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs
Document Number: E6-19586
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2007 remain status quo. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Federal Register if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-19531
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Trawl Survey Advisory Panel, composed of representatives from the National Marine Fisheries Service's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), and several independent scientific researchers, will hold a public meeting.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E6-19530
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Catcher Vessel Intercooperative, and the Pollock Conservation Cooperative. If granted, the EFP would allow the applicants to use a salmon bycatch reduction intra-cooperative agreement (ICA) in the 2007 Bering Sea pollock fishery, and be exempt from closures of the salmon savings areas. This project is intended to promote the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) and National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-19526
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-19525
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a workshop on potential gear modification regulations as a part of the analysis for the Bering Sea Habitat Conservation analysis.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-19524
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a work session via conference call, which is open to the public.
Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Product Development Committee (CPDC) for Synthesis and Assessment Product 5.3; Meeting
Document Number: E6-19515
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Product Development Committee for Synthesis and Assessment Product 5.3 (CPDCS&A 5.3) was established by Charter on October 12, 2006. CPDCS&A 5.3 is the Federal Advisory Committee charged with responsibility to develop a draft Synthesis and Assessment Product that addresses CCSP Topic 5.3: ``Decision-Support Experiments and Evaluations Using Seasonal to Interannual Forecasts and Observational Data''. Time and Date: The meeting will be held Monday, December 11, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This time and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Refer to the Web page https:// www.climate.noaa.gov/index.jsp?pg=./ccsp/53.jsp for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held via teleconference. Please contact Dr. Nancy Beller-Simms for further information (contact information follows). Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 30- minute public comment period on December 11 from 12:30-1 p.m. (times are dependent on number of participants; check Web site to confirm this time). 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 CPDC S&A 5.3 Designated Federal Official by December 5, 2006 to provide sufficient time for review. Written comments received after that date will be distributed to the CPDCS&A 5.3, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Matters to Be Considered: The meeting will include, but not be limited to, the following topics: (1) Discussion of procedures for completion of the first draft of the Synthesis and Assessment Product 5.3; (2) Discussion of plans for completion and submission of future drafts and procedures; (3) Discussion of a stakeholder workshop to be held in early January.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Gulf of Alaska Fishery Resources
Document Number: 06-9229
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule to implement Amendment 68 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). This action implements statutory provisions for the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program (hereafter referred to as the Program). This action is necessary to enhance resource conservation and improve economic efficiency for harvesters and processors who participate in the Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) rockfish fishery. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMP, and other applicable law.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska
Document Number: E6-19485
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) announce their intention to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This PEIS is being prepared to assess the impacts of MMS' annual authorizations under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to the U.S. oil and gas industry to conduct offshore geophysical seismic surveys in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas off Alaska, and NMFS' authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to incidentally harass marine mammals while conducting those surveys. Publication of this notice begins the official scoping period that will help clarify previously identified issues and alternatives to be considered in the PEIS. The NMFS and MMS will consider comments received in response to this notice in determining the scope of the PEIS. The public will have additional opportunities to comment on the draft PEIS and any applications received under the MMPA as part of this action.
Marine Mammals; File No. 775-1600; Correction
Document Number: E6-19483
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On November 2, 2006, a notice was published in the Federal Register announcing that NMFS had received an application for an amendment to Permit No. 775-1600 from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole, MA. That document inadvertently omitted the DATES section informing the public of when comments would be accepted on the action. This document corrects that oversight. All other information is unchanged.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Fishery Management Measures
Document Number: E6-19481
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement the seasonal closure provisions of a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule establishes a seasonal closure of the recreational fishery for gag, red grouper, and black grouper in or from the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The intended effect of this final rule is to help maintain recreational landings at levels consistent with the red grouper rebuilding plan while minimizing potential shift of fishing effort to associated grouper species.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Gulf of Alaska Fishery Resources; Notification of Rockfish Pilot Program Public Workshop
Document Number: E6-19479
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will present a public workshop on the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program (Program) for potentially eligible participants and other interested parties. NMFS will provide an overview of the Program, discuss the key Program elements and answer questions. NMFS is conducting this public workshop to provide assistance to fishery participants in understanding and reviewing this new Program.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-19478
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Committee, Controlled Access Committee, a joint meeting of its Habitat Committee and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Southeastern Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee, a joint meeting of its Executive Committee and Finance Committee, a joint meeting of its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel and Committee, King and Spanish Mackerel Committee, Economics Committee, Advisory Panel Selection Committee (Closed Session), Personnel Committee (Closed Session), and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will also hold a public scoping meeting regarding gag grouper management and a general public input session.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E6-19427
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Aleut Enterprise Corporation (AEC). If granted, this permit would be used to support a project to assess pollock abundance in a portion of the Aleutian Islands subarea and to test the feasibility of managing pollock harvest at a finer temporal and spatial scale using near real-time acoustic surveying. The project is intended to promote the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) by improving the use of pollock in the Aleutian Islands subarea.
New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils; Public Hearings
Document Number: E6-19398
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries Service and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) have rescheduled a public hearing on a draft amendment that would establish standardized bycatch reporting methodology (SBRM) for every fishery management plan (FMP). The New England and Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) previously announced public hearings and requested comment on the draft amendment (October 31, 2006). The New England Fishery Management Council's (NEFMC) hearing date is unchanged.
Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; End of the Pacific Whiting Primary Season for the Catcher-processor Sector
Document Number: E6-19395
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the end of the 2006 Pacific Whiting (whiting) Primary Season for the catcher-processor sector at 4 pm local time (l.t.) November 3, 2006, because the allocation for the catcher- processor sector is projected to have been reached by that time. This action is intended to keep the harvest of whiting within the 2006 allocation levels.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper and Grouper Off the Southern Atlantic States
Document Number: E6-19394
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicants, with certain conditions, to collect limited numbers of undersized and out-of-season snapper and grouper in South Atlantic Federal waters. This study is intended to characterize catch and discard mortality within the South Atlantic commercial hook and line snapper-grouper fishery.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Quota Harvested for Maine Mahogany Quahog Fishery
Document Number: 06-9228
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the annual quota for the Maine mahogany quahog fishery has been harvested. Commercial vessels operating under a limited access Maine mahogany quahog permit may not harvest Maine mahogany quahogs from the Maine mahogany quahog zone for the remainder of the fishing year (through December 31, 2006). Regulations governing the Maine mahogany quahog fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure. This closure does not apply to vessels with a Maine mahogany quahog permit that are fishing under an ocean quahog individual transferable quota (ITQ).
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 06-9227
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These regulations apply to lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,809 nm\2\ (6,204 km\2\), southeast of Portland, Maine, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide 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: 06-9226
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These regulations apply to lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,549 nm\2\ (5,312 km\2\), south of Portland, Maine, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide protection to an aggregation of northern right whales (right whales).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Sea Turtle Conservation; Correction
Document Number: E6-19304
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On August 25, 2006, NMFS issued a final rule to require the use of chain mats on sea scallop dredges in the mid-Atlantic sea scallop fishery in order to help protect sea turtles. The regulation became effective on September 25, 2006. Shortly after the rule's effective date, NMFS became aware of a discrepancy between the two options in the regulation for configuring the chain mat. This emergency final rule corrects the existing regulation to ensure that the protection to sea turtles expected from the August 25, 2006 rule is achieved. This emergency final rule requires that any vessel with a sea scallop dredge and required to have a Federal Atlantic sea scallop fishery permit, regardless of dredge size or vessel permit category, present in waters south of 41[deg] 9.0' N. lat., from the shoreline to the outer boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone must have on each dredge a chain mat composed of horizontal (tickler) and vertical (``up- and-down'') chains for the duration of the trip. The chains must be configured such that the length of each side of the square or rectangle formed by the intersecting chains is less than or equal to 14 inches (35.5 cm). Any incidental take of threatened sea turtles in sea scallop dredge gear in compliance with this gear modification requirement and all other applicable requirements will be exempted from the Endangered Species Act's prohibition against takes.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-19226
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-11-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)/Enforcement Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 06-9206
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to revise the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) by expanding the southeast U.S. restricted area and modifying regulations pertaining to gillnetting within the southeast U.S. restricted area. NMFS proposes to prohibit gillnet fishing or gillnet possession during annual restricted periods associated with the right whale calving season. Exemptions to the fishing prohibitions are proposed for strikenet fishing for sharks and gillnet fishing for Spanish mackerel south of 29[deg]00' N. lat. An exemption to the possession prohibition is proposed for transiting through the area if gear is stowed in accordance with this rule. This action is required to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This action is necessary to protect northern right whales from serious injury or mortality from entanglement in gillnet gear in their calving area in Atlantic ocean waters off the Southeast U.S.
Right Whale Protection; Southeast U.S. Gillnet Closure
Document Number: 06-9205
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-11-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting gillnet fishing or gillnet possession in Atlantic Ocean waters west of 80[deg]00' W. long. between 29[deg]00' N. lat. (just south of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and 32[deg]00' N. lat. (the approximate state boundary between Georgia and South Carolina) and within 35 nautical miles of the South Carolina coast. An exemption to the prohibition on the possession of gillnet gear is provided for transiting through this area if gear is stowed in accordance with this rule. NMFS is taking this action to prevent a significant risk to the well being of endangered right whales from entanglement in gillnet gear in the core right whale calving area during the calving season.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding for a Petition to List the Kennebec River Population of Anadromous Atlantic Salmon as Part of the Endangered Gulf Of Maine Distinct Population Segment
Document Number: E6-19194
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-11-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Kennebec River population of anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. This normally initiates a formal status review, but as described below under Summary of Previous ESA Actions, in this case, we and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) had already initiated a status review of this and other populations, resulting in NMFS' announcement of the completed status review report on September 22, 2006.
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