National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration April 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Amendment 11
Document Number: E8-9504
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule postpones from June 1, 2008, to July 1, 2008, the effective date of the limited access general category (LAGC) scallop permit requirements, and specified related requirements, that are included in the final rule for Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (Amendment 11). This final rule is intended to provide the industry with additional time to comply with the new LAGC scallop permit requirements.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Region Seabird-Fisheries Interaction Recovery Reporting
Document Number: E8-9477
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-30
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.
Unified Synthesis Product Development Committee
Document Number: E8-9474
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A major activity of the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) is the production of a series of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products (SAPs) that are designed to inform and aid decision making by policy makers, resource managers, stakeholders, the media, and the general public on issues related to global climate change. The Unified Synthesis Product (USP) Development Committee (USPDC), established by a Decision Memorandum on February 29, 2008, is the Federal Advisory Committee charged with responsibility to develop a draft USP that will synthesize the information contained in the 21 SAPs in the context of other recent climate and global change scientific studies and formal assessments. Please note that meeting location, times, and agenda topics described here are subject to change. Meeting information will be available online on the USPDC website: https://www.climate.noaa.gov/index.jsp?pg=./ccsp/unified_synth esis.jsp
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 3.4 “Abrupt Climate Change”
Document Number: E8-9473
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce a 45-day public comment period for the draft report titled, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.4 ``Abrupt Climate Change.'' This draft report is being released solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by NOAA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. After consideration of comments received on the draft report, a revised version along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.
General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission; Meeting Announcement
Document Number: E8-9403
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a meeting of the General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) on June 2, 2008. Meeting topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; American Samoa Longline Limited Entry Program
Document Number: E8-9392
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is soliciting applications for American Samoa longline limited entry permit upgrades. Nineteen (19) permit upgrades will be available in 2008 for Class A vessel (i.e., less than or equal to 40 ft, or 12.2 m, in length) permit holders to upgrade to larger vessel size classes. The permit upgrades are available only to Class A permit holders who participated in the fishery before March 22, 2002, and the highest priority for receiving a permit upgrade will be given to the person with the earliest date of documented participation.
Endangered Species; File No. 10022
Document Number: E8-9389
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Raymond Carthy, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110485, Gainesville, Florida 23611-0450, has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Yellowtail Flounder Landing Limit for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: E8-9383
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a decrease in the Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder trip limit to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) for NE multispecies days-at- sea (DAS) vessels fishing in the U.S./Canada Management Area. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and is intended to prevent over-harvesting of the total allowable catch (TAC) for GB yellowtail flounder during the 2008 fishing year. This action is being taken to maintain opportunities for vessels to fully harvest the TACs for transboundary stocks of GB cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Scallop Dredge Exemption Areas; Addition of Monkfish Incidental Catch Trip Limits
Document Number: E8-9353
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to modify the regulations implementing the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to create three Scallop Exemptions that are identical to the current scallop exemptions, except for the addition of an incidental monkfish catch limit. These new scallop exemptions would be restricted to vessels issued either a General Category Atlantic sea scallop permit or a limited access Atlantic sea scallop permit (when not fishing under a scallop days-at-sea (DAS) limitation), when fishing for scallops with small dredge gear (combined width not to exceed 10.5 ft (3.2 m)). Vessels that land an incidental catch of monkfish within these new scallop exemptions would be required to possess a valid monkfish Incidental Catch permit. The intent of this action is to allow small scallop dredge vessels to land monkfish that they are currently discarding consistent with the bycatch reduction objectives of the FMP and National Standard 9 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 08-1195
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring 28,045 lb (12,721 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia from its 2008 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Shallow Hazard and Site Clearance Surveys in the Chukchi Sea in 2008
Document Number: E8-9264
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Energy Services (AES) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting shallow hazard and site clearance surveys in the Chukchi Sea between July and November 2008. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposed IHA for these activities.
Marine Mammals; File No. 10080
Document Number: E8-9256
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Kathryn A. Ono, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 10080.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Permit Family of Forms
Document Number: E8-9213
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
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.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-9189
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Allocation Committee (GAC) and Ad Hoc Groundfish Trawl Individual Quota Committee (TIQC) will hold working meetings, which are open to the public.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish Fishery; Framework Adjustment 5 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: E8-9116
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS approves and implements new management measures for the monkfish fishery recommended in Framework Adjustment 5 (Framework 5) to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which has been submitted jointly by the New England (NEFMC) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). This action approves and implements revised biological reference points in the FMP to be consistent with the recommendations resulting from the most recent stock assessment for this fishery (Northeast Data Poor Stocks Working Group (DPWG, July 2007)), and approves and implements revised management measures to ensure that the monkfish management program succeeds in keeping landings within the target total allowable catch (TAC) levels.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings; Modification of E-mail Addresses
Document Number: E8-9117
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has modified email addresses for submitting public hearing comments for Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan and for the Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific details.
Marine Mammals; File No. 774-1714
Document Number: E8-9114
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) (Jeremy Rusin, Principal Investigator), Protected Resources Division, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 774-1714-06.
Whaling Provisions; Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas
Document Number: E8-9111
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota it has assigned to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) for bowhead whales, and other limitations deriving from regulations adopted at the 59\th\ Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). For 2008, the quota is 75 bowhead whales struck. This quota and other limitations govern the harvest of bowhead whales by members of the AEWC.
Draft Revision of the NOAA Hurricane Forecasting Improvement Project Plan
Document Number: E8-9062
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA publishes this notice to announce the availability of the draft NOAA Hurricane Forecasting Improvement Project Plan for public comment. The Plan has been written to document NOAA's commitment to work with its partners in hurricane research and development to improve its capabilities to forecast hurricanes.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E8-9049
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Regional Administrator, Southwest Region, NMFS has made a preliminary determination that an application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) warrants further consideration. The application was submitted to NMFS by a California-based commercial fisherman requesting an exemption for a single vessel from the longline fishing prohibitions within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the West Coast during the 2008 fishing year beginning mid-September 2008, or, if administrative delays occur, during the 2009 fishing year beginning mid-September 2009. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). However, further review and consultation is necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS proposes to review the EFP and requests public comment on the application. The application is available for review on the NMFS Southwest Region website: https://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E8-9048
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by David Beutel and Laura Skrobe of the University of Rhode Island (URI) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would enable researchers to test an experimental net that uses very large mesh panels to increase escapement of cod relative to haddock by granting exemption from the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Rolling Closure Areas II and III. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow two commercial fishing vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E8-9047
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow 11 commercial fishing vessels to conduct compensation fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. This EFP, which would enable vessels to harvest monkfish granted through the Monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program, would grant exemptions from the monkfish days-at-sea (DAS) possession limits in the Southern Fishery Management Area. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery; Quota Harvested for Part-time Category
Document Number: 08-1184
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-25
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 tilefish Part-time permit category for the 2008 fishing year has been harvested. Therefore, 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 2008 fishing year (through October 31, 2008) as of April 25, 2008. Regulations governing the tilefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise the public of this closure.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Document Number: E8-9006
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod specified for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish and Pelagic Shelf Rockfish for Trawl Catcher Vessels Participating in the Entry Level Rockfish Fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E8-8990
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish and pelagic shelf rockfish for trawl catcher vessels participating in the entry level rockfish fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern rockfish and pelagic shelf rockfish allocated to trawl catcher vessels participating in the entry level rockfish fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8940
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice advises the public that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene meetings of the Hawaii Archipelago Advisory Panel, the Hawaii Archipelago Plan Team and the Hawaii Archipelago Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee in Honolulu, HI.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8939
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Ad Hoc Excessive Shares Committee will hold a public meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8938
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Multispecies (Groundfish) Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8937
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a workgroup of its Socioeconomic Panel (SEP).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8936
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) advisory bodies will hold meetings, which are open to the public, on May 13-15, 2008. The primary purpose of the meetings is to review the current Pacific Mackerel Stock Assessment.
Fisheries of the Economic Exclusive Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 08-1179
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deep-water species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the second seasonal apportionment of the 2008 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deep-water species fishery in the GOA has been reached.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E8-8831
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces that the Proposed Lake Ozette Sockeye Salmon Recovery Plan (Plan) is available for public review and comment. The Plan addresses the Lake Ozette Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), which spawns in Lake Ozette and its tributaries, on the Olympic Peninsula at the western edge of Washington State. NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the Proposed Plan.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Draft Report 5.2 “Best Practice Approaches for Characterizing, Communicating, and Incorporating Scientific Uncertainty in Decisionmaking”
Document Number: E8-8829
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce a 45-day public comment period for the draft report titled, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 5.2 ``Best practice approaches for characterizing, communicating, and incorporating scientific uncertainty in decisionmaking.'' This draft report is being released solely for the purpose of pre- dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by NOAA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. After consideration of comments received on the draft report, a revised version along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Limited Access Privilege Programs; Individual Fishing Quota Referenda Guidelines and Procedures for the New England Fishery Management Council and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Document Number: E8-8756
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (Magnuson-Stevens Act), NMFS proposes guidelines and procedures for the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) (collectively the Councils), and NMFS to follow in determining procedures and voting eligibility requirements for referenda on Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program proposals. The intended effect of these procedures and guidance is to ensure IFQ program referenda are fair and equitable.
Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas and Response to Comments
Document Number: E8-8672
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA and the Department of the Interior published a notice in the Federal Register on March 17, 2008 (73 FR 14227) announcing a 30- day public comment period on the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas (Revised Draft Framework). Copies of the Revised Draft Framework can be requested via the contact information below or downloaded from https://www.mpa.gov. The deadline for public comment on the Revised Draft Framework is hereby extended.
Papaha
Document Number: E8-8362
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawai`i's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a Draft Monument Management Plan (MMP) and associated environmental assessment (EA) for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Monument) located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), which includes all federal lands and waters within its boundaries. The State of Hawai`i is a Cooperating Agency on the development of the MMP and EA. The Monument's resources and management activities, ongoing and proposed, are described in the Draft MMP. The MMP is available for public review and comments. Ten public meetings are scheduled to obtain your comments on and answer your questions about the Draft MMP, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 08-1173
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Eastern Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to fully use the 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area specified for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Endangered And Threatened Species; Endangered Status for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale
Document Number: E8-8689
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, are extending the date by which a final determination will be made regarding the April 20, 2007, proposed rule to list a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas, found in Cook Inlet, Alaska, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We believe that substantial disagreement exists regarding the population trend, and that allowing an additional 6 months to obtain the 2008 abundance estimate would better inform our final determination as to whether the Cook Inlet beluga whale should be listed as endangered under the ESA.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E8-8688
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received 15 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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 10091
Document Number: E8-8686
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, AK, 99811 (Doug Larsen, Responsible Party) has been issued a permit to collect, receive, import/export, and conduct scientific research on marine mammal specimens.
FY 2008 Broad Agency Announcement
Document Number: E8-8581
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 well as to provide the general public with information and guidelines on how NOAA will select proposals and administer discretionary Federal assistance under this BAA. This BAA is a mechanism to encourage research, education and outreach, innovative projects, or sponsorships that are not addressed through our competitive discretionary programs. It is not a mechanism for awarding Congressionally directed funds. Funding for potential projects in this notice is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for any proposed activities in this notice. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to review an application beyond an initial administrative review, or to award any specific project, or to obligate any available funds.
National Sea Grant Review Panel
Document Number: E8-8556
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Sea Grant Review Panel. The meeting will have several purposes. Panel members will discuss and provide advice to the National Sea Grant College Program in the areas of staffing and resource needs at the National Sea Grant Office, the designation of Pennsylvania State University as a Sea Grant Institutional Program and a response to Congressional questions posed by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives' Natural Resources Committee in regard to Sea Grant re-authorization.
Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
Document Number: E8-8406
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs). These reports for 2007 are now final and available to the public.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
Document Number: E8-8405
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the commercial and recreational Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: E8-8345
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty-day public comment period on the Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision. The Chesapeake Bay Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve has three sites; Monie Bay, Jug Bay, and Otter Point Creek. Monie Bay was designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1985 and Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek were designated in 1990 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating under a management plan approved in 1990. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan brings the reserve into compliance and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. A boundary expansion, new facilities, and updated programmatic objectives are notable revisions to the 1990 approved management plan. The revised management plan outlines the administrative structure; the education, stewardship, and research goals of the reserve; and the plans for future land acquisition and facility development to support reserve operations. Since 1990, the reserve has added a coastal training program that delivers science-based information to key decisionmakers in the Chesapeake Bay. The reserve has realized many aspects of the 1990 plan, including the completion of the Anita C. Leight Center in Harford County. This facility provides classrooms, lab space, exhibit space and office space and has allowed the implementation of research, education and volunteer activity at the Otter Point Creek component of the reserve. This management plan calls for a boundary expansion at two reserve sites: One thousand three hundred and forty-five acres are incorporated into the Jug Bay component site and approximately thirty-two acres will be incorporated into the Otter Point Creek site. The Otter Point Creek component will expand its land area from 443 to 475 acres. The land increase consists of two forested parcels adjacent to the current boundary that will serve as a buffer for core estuarine habitat and will also provide an important access point for monitoring and education programming. The expansion at Jug Bay includes land on both sides of the Patuxent River, increasing the acreage of this site from 491 to 1,836. The original boundary for this component site included a portion of the county owned parks. This expansion incorporates a larger portion of those parks to become designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserves. West of the Patuxent River, the reserve will add 455 acres of wetlands and buffer lands that will enhance the protection of core reserve lands and will enhance the research and monitoring. East of the Patuxent River, the reserve will be expanded by 890 acres to increase the level of protection surrounding the river and expand the area available for reserve programming.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Marine Conservation Plan for Pacific Insular Areas; Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund
Document Number: 08-1150
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the approval of a three-year marine conservation plan (MCP) for Pacific Insular Areas other than American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E8-8286
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a series of public hearings and scoping meetings beginning in early May. Public hearings will be held for Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the South Atlantic, the Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP), and the Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment (CEA). Public scoping will be held for Amendment 18 to the Snapper Grouper FMP for the South Atlantic. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E8-8284
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Skate Committee and Advisory Panel, in May, 2008, 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.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Navy Training and Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation Activities Conducted Within the Southern California Range Complex
Document Number: E8-8283
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to military readiness training events and research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) to be conducted in the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL) for the period beginning January 2009 and ending January 2014. Pursuant to the implementing regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing our receipt of the Navy's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy's application and request.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Document Number: E8-8257
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces the Department of Commerce's (Department's) proposal for a new system of records under the Privacy Act. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is creating a new system of records for permits and non-permit registrations for use with a variety of fisheries management programs. Information will be collected from individuals under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act, the American Fisheries Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act, the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act, International Fisheries Regulations regarding U.S. Vessels Fishing in Colombian Treaty Waters, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This new record system is necessary to identify participants in the fisheries and to evaluate the qualifications of the applicants.
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