National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: E7-3517
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a series of public hearings regarding the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (DPEIS) for Research on Steller Sea Lions and Northern Fur Seals.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1120-1898
Document Number: E7-3508
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Eye of the Whale (Olga von Ziegesar, Principal Investigator), P.O. Box 15191, Fitz Creek, AK 99603, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
National Standard 1 Guidelines; Scoping Process
Document Number: E7-3507
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces several scoping meetings for the environmental impact statement for implementation of annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measure (AM) requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA). Such guidance would be added to the National Standard 1 Guidelines. NMFS also extends the ending date of the scoping period for this action from April 2, 2007, through April 17, 2007.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 493-1848; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. MA130062
Document Number: 07-900
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of the Interior, U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice is hereby given that Darlene R. Ketten, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, MRF- Room 233, MS 50, Woods Hole, MA 02543 has been issued a permit to receive, import, and export marine mammal specimens for scientific research purposes.
Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-3356
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) will meet March 15, 2007.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures; Correction
Document Number: E7-3337
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On January 30, 2007, NMFS published a final rule implementing 2007 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish and modifying existing management measures. In the codified text of the final rule, there were errors in the description of the catch associated with the fishing mortality rate (F). Also, the acronyms used for F equal to the target F (F=0.12) and BMSY were published in the codified text without using standardized type production for these scientific terms. In the codified text for the procedures for closing the directed mackerel fishery NMFS inadvertently substituted the term ``executed'' for ``exceeded'' when describing when the Regional Administrator will close the fishery. This document corrects those errors.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 10 Butterfish Stock Rebuilding and Amendment 11 Atlantic Mackerel Limited Access Program
Document Number: E7-3336
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On December 19, 2005, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), in cooperation with NMFS, announced its intent to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for Amendment 10 (butterfish stock rebuilding program) and a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for Amendment 11 (Atlantic mackerel limited access program) to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Since then, the Council and NMFS have concluded that a SEIS must be prepared for Amendment 10; therefore, this supplemental NOI seeks comments on Amendment 10. In addition, the Council hereby notifies the public that SEIS documents for Amendment 10 and Amendment 11 will be developed simultaneously, but each amendment will remain separate fishery management actions.
Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approval of Mobile Transceiver Unit
Document Number: E7-3335
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This document provides notice of the type-approval of the Faria WatchDog 750VMS in the following fisheries: The Fisheries of the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, the Fisheries of Alaska, the Fisheries of the Pacific Islands, the South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery, and the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery, the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fishery, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings; Correction
Document Number: E7-3279
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Snapper Grouper Committee, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Committee, Controlled Access Committee, Mackerel Committee, Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Selection Committee, a joint meeting of its Habitat Committee and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Economics Committee, Shrimp Committee, Information and Education Committee, a joint meeting of its Executive Committee and Finance Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will also hold a public hearing regarding Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagics in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and a general public input session. This document corrects an omitted agenda item for the March 6, 2007 meeting and adds a few words that were omitted from the March 8, 2007 meeting.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: E7-3272
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
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 New York Coastal Management Program, the Waquoit Bay (Massachusetts) National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Ohio Coastal Management Program, the New Jersey Coastal Management Program, the South Slough (Oregon) National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Virgin Islands Coastal Management Program. The Coastal Zone Management Programs 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 National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR Part 921, Subpart E and Part 923, Subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves requires findings concerning the extent to which a State has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document or Reserve final management plan 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. A public meeting will be held as part of each site visit. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluations, and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meetings during the site visits.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting
Document Number: E7-3271
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) was established by the Secretary of Commerce to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, its amendments, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice.
Availability of Commercial Fishing Seat for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 07-869
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the Commercial Fishing seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. The Applicant chosen as a member should expect to serve a 2- year term, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Science Advisory Board (SAB); Meeting
Document Number: 07-866
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated September 25, 1997, and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. SAB activities and advice provide necessary input to ensure that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) science programs are of the highest quality and provide optimal support to resource management. Times and Dates: The meeting will be held Tuesday March 6, 2007, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday March 7, 2007, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page https:// www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/meetings.html for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held both days tentatively at the Hilton Washington DC/Silver Spring, 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, pending approval of a purchase order. Please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov for confirmation of the venue. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 30- minute public comment period on March 6 (check Web site to confirm time). The SAB expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Written comments (at least 35 copies) should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by March 2, 2007, to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after March 2, 2007, will be distributed to the SAB, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Matters to be Considered: The meeting will include the following topics: (1) NOAA's Regional Collaboration Initiative; (2) NOAA's Role in Research on Ocean Acidification; (3) Monitoring the Performance of Research in NOAA; (4) update on the NOAA Response to the Reports of the Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group (HIRWG); (5) update on the NOAA Response to the Report of the External Ecosystem Task Team (EETT); (6) Report on the Review of the Cooperative Institute for Climate Applications and Research (CICAR); and (7) Report on the Review of the Cooperative Institute for Oceanographic Satellite Studies (CIOSS). There will also be a joint meeting of the SAB and the NOAA Research Council.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA and Longer Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 07-864
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 60 ft (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) and longer using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2007 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 07-862
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring 3,914 lb (1,775 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the State of New Jersey from its 2007 quota. Bythis action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Restrictions for 2007 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
Document Number: E7-3251
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes management measures to reduce overfishing of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) tuna stocks in 2007, consistent with recommendations by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that have been approved by the Department of State (DOS) under the Tuna Conventions Act. The purse seine fishery for tuna in the Convention Area would be closed for a 6-week period either beginning August 1, 2007, through September 11, 2007, or November 20, 2007, through December 31, 2007. This proposed rule would also close the U.S. longline fishery in the Convention Area in 2007 once the catch of bigeye tuna harvested with longline gear in the Convention Area reaches 500 metric tons (mt). This action is taken to limit fishing mortality caused by purse seine fishing and longline fishing in the Convention Area and contribute to long-term conservation of the tuna stocks at levels that support healthy fisheries.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Amendment 12 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: E7-3247
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 12 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Secretary of Commerce review. The intent of Amendment 12 to the CPS FMP is to protect all species of krill off the West Coast (i.e., California, Oregon and Washington). This action would prohibit the harvest of all species of krill by any fishing vessel operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the West Coast and would deny the use of exempted fishing permits to allow krill fishing.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E7-3244
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene the Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP) to review a revised Draft Joint Amendment 27 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP)/Amendment 14 to the Shrimp FMP. This amendment contains alternatives to regulate the harvest and bycatch of red snapper by both the directed commercial and recreational fisheries and the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. The need for this amendment arose from the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process through which a recent stock assessment showed that the red snapper stock in the Gulf was overfished and overfishing was continuing.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Hawaii Shallow-set Longline Fishery
Document Number: E7-3243
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to permanently remove the 7-day delay in effectiveness when closing the Hawaii-based shallow-set longline fishery as a result of reaching interaction limits for sea turtles. This final rule allows for an immediate closure of the fishery to enhance protection for sea turtles.
Incidental Take of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision Strike Weapons Testing and Training by Eglin Air Force Base in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: E7-3242
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-26
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 a letter of authorization (LOA) to take four species of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and training during Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) tests in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a military readiness activity, has been issued to Eglin Air Force Base (AFB).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Method For Measuring Net Mesh Size
Document Number: E7-3241
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS amends the regulations governing how fishing net mesh size is measured in the Northeast. This change will increase the weight used to measure mesh at or larger than 120 mm in all fisheries. The intent of this rule is to ensure consistent and accurate measurements of fishing net mesh size.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Implementation of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean
Document Number: E7-3240
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) on the immediate Federal actions required to implement the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention). Although NEPA does not require publication of a notice- of-intent (NOI) to prepare an EA or a formal scoping process, it encourages public input opportunities. Therefore, NMFS is issuing this NOI to facilitate public involvement. The scoping process for the EA will include a 30-day period for submission of written comments on issues the U.S. should consider when, once a party to the Convention, implementing its relevant provisions.
Endangered Species; File No. 1547-01
Document Number: E7-3149
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Kathryn Hattala, Principal Investigator), 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, has applied in due form for a permit modification to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Crustacean Fisheries; 2007 Harvest Guideline
Document Number: E7-3147
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the annual harvest guideline for the commercial lobster fishery in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) for calendar year 2007 is established at zero lobsters.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E7-3137
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 137th meeting to consider and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: E7-3126
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a series of public hearings regarding Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Amendment 18 will modify the total allowable catch (TAC) for the Atlantic migratory group king mackerel and Spanish mackerel fisheries, and change the commercial trip limits for Spanish mackerel to reflect recent changes in the fishing year.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E7-3057
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene the Standing Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to address four issues (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
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: 07-828
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-23
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 (BSAI) management area. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2007 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for catcher processor vessels using pot gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 07-827
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to allow full harvest of the A season allowance of the 2007 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Observer Program
Document Number: E7-3019
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a proposed rule to amend regulations implementing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program). This action is necessary to avoid expiration of these regulations on December 31, 2007, and ensure uninterrupted observer coverage in North Pacific groundfish fisheries. The proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMPs).
Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E7-2963
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application, and the intent to issue EFPs for vessels participating in an observation program to monitor the incidental take of salmon and groundfish in the shore-based component of the Pacific whiting fishery. The EFPs are necessary to allow trawl vessels fishing for Pacific whiting to delay sorting their catch, and thus to retain prohibited species and groundfish in excess of cumulative trip limits until the point of offloading. These activities are otherwise prohibited by Federal regulations. The EFPs will be effective no earlier than April 1, 2007, and would expire no later than December 31, 2007, but could be terminated earlier under the terms and conditions of the EFPs and other applicable laws.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: 07-797
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-22
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 1,245 nm\2\ (4,270 km\2\)in February and approximately 387 nm\2\ (1,327 km\2\)in March, southeast of Boston, MA, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide protection to an aggregation of northern right whales (right whales).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Rock Sole, Flathead Sole, and “Other Flatfish” by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 07-796
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is closing directed fishing for the rock sole, flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the first seasonal allowance of the 2007 halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl rock sole, flathead sole, and ``other flatfish'' fishery category in the BSAI.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Optional Use of Electronic Logbook Forms
Document Number: E7-2893
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2007-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would allow fishery participants in U.S. domestic pelagics, crustaceans, bottomfish and seamount groundfish, precious corals, and coral reef fisheries of the western Pacific the optional use of NMFS-approved electronic logbook forms in lieu of paper logbooks. The intended effects of this action are to enhance the efficiency of fish catch and effort data reporting and recordkeeping by fishermen, reduce human error, and improve data accuracy.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
Document Number: E7-2892
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a three-day Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in March 2007. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. A scoping meeting will also be held during the AP meeting to consider options for updating HMS essential fish habitat (EFH). Both meetings are open to the public.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Interim Capital Construction Fund Agreement and Certificate Family of Forms
Document Number: E7-2873
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-21
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Region Gear Identification Requirements
Document Number: E7-2869
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-21
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.
Federal Consistency Appeal by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Big Lagoon Rancheria From an Objection by the California Coastal Commission
Document Number: 07-768
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This announcement provides notice that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Big Lagoon Rancheria (Tribe) have jointly filed an administrative appeal with the Department of Commerce asking that the Secretary override the California Coastal Commission's (Commission) objection to BIA's proposed acquisition of approximately 5 acres of land in Humboldt County, California, into trust status for the Tribe. The land is currently owned in fee by the Tribe and is located in the Big Lagoon area, approximately a quarter mile from the current boundary of the Big Lagoon Rancheria trust property, at the southwest intersection of Highway 101 and Big Lagoon Park Road, south of Big Lagoon, Humboldt County, California. The legal description of the land is parcel APN 517-281-004 in Lot 4 as shown on Tract No. 420, on file in the Office of the Humboldt County Recorder in Book 21 of Maps, pages 18 and 19.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E7-2847
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received four scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts.
FY 2007 Broad Agency Announcement Request for Extramural Research, Innovative Projects, and Sponsorships
Document Number: E7-2833
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces the availability of Federal assistance under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for fiscal year 2007. The purpose of this notice is to request proposals for special projects and programs associated with the Agency's strategic plan and mission goals, as described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, and to provide the general public with information and guidelines on how NOAA will select proposals and administer discretionary Federal assistance under this BAA. NOAA issued approximately $1 billion in Federal assistance funds in fiscal year 2006. Approximately 81 percent was for discretionary funding and 19 percent non-discretionary. This BAA is a mechanism to encourage research, technical projects, or sponsorships (e.g., conferences, newsletters, etc.) that are not normally funded through our competitive discretionary programs.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sablefish Managed Under the Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: E7-2830
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish with fixed gear managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. The season will open 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 10, 2007, and will close 1200 hrs, A.l.t., November 15, 2007. This period is the same as the 2007 IFQ and Community Development Quota season for Pacific halibut adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). The IFQ halibut season is specified by a separate publication in the Federal Register of annual management measures pursuant to 50 CFR 300.62.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Chiniak Gully Research Area for Vessels Using Trawl Gear
Document Number: E7-2828
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is rescinding the trawl closure in the Chiniak Gully Research Area. This action is necessary to allow vessels using trawl gear to participate in directed fishing for groundfish in the Chiniak Gully Research Area.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 07-744
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the A season allowance of the 2007 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2007 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non-AFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 07-743
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allocation of the 2007 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Offshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 07-742
Type: Rule
Date: 2007-02-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allocation of the 2007 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component of the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting
Document Number: E7-2742
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E7-2738
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Snapper Grouper Committee, Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Committee, Controlled Access Committee, Mackerel Committee, Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Selection Committee, a joint meeting of its Habitat Committee and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Economics Committee, Shrimp Committee, Information and Education Committee, a joint meeting of its Executive Committee and Finance Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. In addition, the Council will also hold a public hearing regarding Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagics in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and a general public input session.
Fisheries of the Caribbean; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Caribbean queen conch; Caribbean yellowfin grouper; Caribbean mutton snapper; Public Meetings.
Document Number: E7-2737
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR assessments of the Caribbean stocks of yellowfin grouper, mutton snapper, and queen conch will consist of a series of three workshops: a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. This is the fourteenth SEDAR.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-2736
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E7-2735
Type: Notice
Date: 2007-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council has cancelled the public meeting of its Multispecies (Groundfish)Committee that was scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2007, at 9 a.m., at the Sheraton Ferncroft, 50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923.
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