National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration November 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Individual Fishing Quota Program; Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Correction
Document Number: E9-28545
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects column headings of a regulatory table; provides replacements for outdated text; reinstates a paragraph which describes the Chiniak Gully Research Area; corrects footnotes and other errors in two tables; and corrects two maps. These errors should be corrected immediately to eliminate potential confusion by the regulated public. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable law.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Proposed 2010 and 2011 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: E9-28544
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2010 and 2011 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2010 and 2011 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Endangered Species; File No. 1556
Document Number: E9-28543
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, USA (CNMI), Division of Fish and Wildlife, [Sylvan Igisomar, responsible official] P.O. Box 10007, Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950 has been issued a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1556-01.
Antarctic Marine Living Resources; Use of Centralized-Vessel Monitoring System and Importation of Toothfish; Re-export of Toothfish; Applications for Krill Fishing; Regulatory Framework for Annual Conservation Measures
Document Number: E9-28435
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This regulation proposes to facilitate conservation and management of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR). It would: further detail current U.S. requirements to only allow importation and/ or re-exportation of frozen toothfish or toothfish product with verifiable documentation that the harvesting vessel participated in the Centralized-Vessel Monitoring System (C-VMS) regardless of where the fish was harvested; revise the NMFS catch-documentation requirements for re-exporting toothfish and add requirements for exporting U.S.- caught toothfish; require applicants for an AMLR harvesting permit for krill to apply to NMFS no later than June 1 preceding the harvesting season for krill; and rescind the existing regulatory framework for annual management measures. The intent of the rule is to further detail requirements for importing and re-exporting toothfish, to facilitate enforcement, to fulfill U.S. obligations in the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), and to simplify the process for informing the public of annual conservation measures.
New NOAA Cooperative Institute (CI): A CI To Support Satellite Meteorology
Document Number: E9-28419
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) publishes this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to a single competitive cooperative agreement award offering. NOAA is accepting applications for a CI to Support Satellite Meteorology. Applicants should review the CI Interim Handbook prior to preparing a proposal for this announcement (https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/ ci).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Total Allowable Catch Harvested for Management Area 1A
Document Number: E9-28403
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that, effective 0001 hours, November 26, 2009, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring in or from Management Area 1A (Area 1A) per trip or calendar day until January 1, 2010, when the 2010 total allowable catch (TAC) becomes available, except for transiting purposes as described in this notice. This action is based on the determination that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring TAC allocated to Area 1A for 2009 is projected to be harvested by November 26, 2009. Regulations governing the Atlantic herring fishery require publication of this notification to advise vessel and dealer permit holders that no TAC is available for the directed fishery for Atlantic herring harvested from Area 2.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Commercial Quota Harvested for New Jersey
Document Number: E9-28397
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Atlantic bluefish commercial quota available to New Jersey has been harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit for the Atlantic bluefish fishery may not land bluefish in New Jersey for the remainder of calendar year 2009, unless additional quota becomes available through a transfer. Regulations governing the Atlantic bluefish fishery require publication of this notification to advise New Jersey that the quota has been harvested and to advise vessel permit holders and dealer permit holders that no commercial quota is available for landing bluefish in New Jersey.
Fraser River Sockeye and Pink Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Orders
Document Number: E9-28319
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes Fraser River salmon inseason orders to regulate salmon fisheries in U.S. waters. The orders were issued by the Fraser River Panel (Panel) of the Pacific Salmon Commission (Commission) and subsequently approved and issued by NMFS during the 2009 salmon fisheries within the U.S. Fraser River Panel Area. These orders established fishing dates, times, and areas for the gear types of U.S. treaty Indian and all citizen fisheries during the period the Panel exercised jurisdiction over these fisheries.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E9-28295
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-25
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 inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod apportioned to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-28251
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice advises the public that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a meeting of its Advisory Panel.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting
Document Number: E9-28215
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP), a Federal Advisory Committee, will be holding a public meeting via teleconference on December 16, 2009. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and vote on proposed revisions to an updated version of the Hydrographic Services Review Panel Federal Advisory Committee Special Report 2007, ``HSRP Most Wanted Hydrographic Services Improvements.''
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans
Document Number: E9-28174
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On October 7, 2009, we, NMFS, announced the release of the Draft Central Valley Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan (Draft Plan)
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Catch Accounting in the Longline Catcher/Processor Pacific Cod Fishery
Document Number: E9-28162
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a workshop to solicit feedback from owners and operators of longline catcher/processors (freezer longliners) engaged in the Pacific cod fisheries off Alaska. We are interested in feedback concerning improved catch accounting measures, specifically the feasibility of using motion-compensated scales for determining the weight of cod brought onboard; as well as other issues associated with improved estimation of Pacific cod catch and associated bycatch. The workshop is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly seeking participation by people who are knowledgeable about the operations of cod freezer longliners.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modifications of the West Coast Commercial and Recreational Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #8, #9, #10, #11, and #12
Document Number: E9-28160
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries announces five inseason actions in the ocean salmon fisheries. Inseason actions 8, 9, and 11 modified the recreational fishery in the area from the U.S./Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon. Inseason action 10 modified the commercial and recreational fisheries in the area from Cape Falcon, Oregon to the Oregon/California Border. Inseason action 12 modified the commercial fishery in the area from the U.S./ Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14791
Document Number: E9-28158
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Directed Butterfish Fishery
Document Number: E9-28155
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the directed fishery for butterfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be closed effective 0001 hours, November 25, 2009. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest butterfish may not retain or land more than 600 lb (0.27-mt) of butterfish per trip for the remainder of the year (through December 31, 2009). This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its domestic annual harvest (DAH) of 500 mt and to allow for effective management of this stock.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-28150
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Reef Fish Limited Access Privilege Program Advisory Panel.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-28147
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-28134
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Surfclam / Ocean Quahog / Tilefish Committee; its Dogfish Committee; its Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish Committee; its Demersal and Coastal Migratory Committee; its Monkfish Committee; and, its Executive Committee will hold public meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-28133
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee, on December 8-9, 2009, 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.
Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Seabird and Pinniped Research Activities in Central California
Document Number: E9-28065
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, regulations, NMFS has received an application from PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by incidental harassment, while conducting proposed seabird and pinniped research activities on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore in central California. Pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS requests comments on its proposal to authorize PRBO to incidentally take, by Level B harassment only, small numbers of marine mammals, at Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore for one year. Since the proposed activities would occur in the vicinity of pinniped haul out sites, marine mammals could be disturbed as a result of seabird research and human presence; therefore, PRBO has requested an IHA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 1058-1733
Document Number: E9-28064
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Mark Baumgartner, Ph.D., MS 33, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 1058-1733.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing, Scientific Research, Display, and Chartering Permits; Letters of Acknowledgment
Document Number: E9-28063
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-23
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 2010. In general, EFPs and related permits would authorize collection of a limited number of tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico for the purposes of scientific data collection and public display. Chartering permits allow the collection of HMS on the high seas or in the Exclusive Economic Zone of other nations. Generally, these permits will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2010, unless otherwise specified, subject to the terms and conditions of individual permits.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Fishing Restrictions in the Longline and Purse Seine Fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in 2009, 2010, and 2011
Document Number: E9-28034
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (Act) to implement a decision of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). That decision requires, among other things, that members of the IATTC, including the United States, ensure that catches in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) by longline vessels greater than 24 meters in length do not exceed specified levels in each of the years 2009, 2010, and 2011, and that purse seine vessels class size 4-6 do not fish in the EPO during established closure periods. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the 1949 Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (Convention), to which it is a Contracting Party.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-27944
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Spiny Lobster Committee, Law Enforcement Committee, a joint meeting of its Executive and Finance Committees, Protected Resources Committee, Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Personnel Committee (Closed Session), Dolphin/Wahoo Committee, Mackerel Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee, and a meeting of the full Council. The Council will hold an informal public question and answer session with the NMFS Regional Administrator and Council Chairman as well as open public comment periods relative to agenda items. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional details.
Endangered Species; File No. 14604
Document Number: E9-27829
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Harold Brundage, Environmental Research and Consulting, Inc, 126 Bancroft Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-27823
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processors using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher processors using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Gear Restriction for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: E9-27821
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action modifies the gear requirements for the U.S./ Canada Management Area to prohibit all limited access Northeast (NE) multispecies vessels fishing on a NE multispecies day-at-sea (DAS) with trawl gear in the Western U.S./Canada Area south of 41[deg]40' N. lat. from using trawl nets, except if using a properly configured haddock separator trawl or Ruhle trawl. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and is intended to avoid exceeding the total allowable catch (TAC) for Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder while continuing to allow access to stocks of Eastern GB cod and Eastern GB haddock during the 2009 fishing year (FY). This action is being taken to optimize the harvest of transboundary stocks of GB yellowtail flounder, haddock, and cod under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Western Pacific Fisheries; Regulatory Restructuring
Document Number: E9-26557
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would restructure existing western Pacific fishery regulations. It would not make substantive changes to existing regulations. The regulations would be organized according to geographical areas, rather than target species as they are now, in order to be consistent with five new area-specific fishery ecosystem plans (FEP). This proposed rule would also amend references to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) information collection requirements to reflect the restructuring. The purpose of this rule is to make the regulations easier for the public to use by organizing existing fishing regulations by geographic location.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-27690
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of its Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee.
Endangered Species; File No. 14510
Document Number: E9-27677
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 3333 North Torrey Pines Court, La Jolla, CA 92037-1023, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles for scientific research.
Marine Mammals; Photography Permit Application No. 15128
Document Number: E9-27676
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Robert Pilley, Leighside, Bridge Road, Leighwoods, Bristol, BS8 3PB, United Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial/educational photography of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
2010 Annual Determination for Sea Turtle Observer Requirement
Document Number: E9-27674
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its proposed Annual Determination (AD) for 2010, pursuant to its authority under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Through this proposed AD, NMFS would identify commercial fisheries operating in state and Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that would be required to take observers upon NMFS' request. The purpose of observing identified fisheries is to learn more about sea turtle interactions in a given fishery, evaluate existing measures to reduce or prevent sea turtle takes, and to determine whether additional
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Halibut in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: E9-27668
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) from rockfish cooperatives in the Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Rockfish Pilot Program to vessels using trawl gear in the GOA. This action is necessary to provide the opportunity to vessels using trawl gear to harvest available GOA groundfish total allowable catch (TAC) under existing PSC limits.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch by Vessels in the Amendment 80 Limited Access Fishery in the Eastern Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: E9-27584
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch by vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Eastern Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch allocation specified for vessels participating in the Amendment 80 limited access fishery in the Eastern Aleutian District of the BSAI.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E9-27577
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings, December 7-15, 2009, in Anchorage, AK.
Marine Sanitation Device Discharge Regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Document Number: E9-27453
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS or sanctuary) to eliminate the exemption that allows discharges of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices, and to require marine sanitation devices be locked to prevent discharges. This action builds upon the Environmental Protection Agency's creation of a no discharge zone for the state waters of the FKNMS. This action will help protect the Florida Keys ecosystem from potentially harmful vessel sewage discharges and will eliminate at least one contributing factor to declining water quality within the FKNMS. Improved water quality is necessary for the maintenance and enhancement of the sanctuary's biological resources, as well as of the recreational opportunities they provide. A draft environmental assessment has been prepared for this proposed action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 15B; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: E9-27442
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 15B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule, for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, requires a private recreational vessel that fishes in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), if selected by NMFS, to maintain and submit fishing records; requires a vessel that fishes in the EEZ, if selected by NMFS, to carry an observer and install an electronic logbook (ELB) and/or video monitoring equipment provided by NMFS; prohibits the sale of snapper-grouper harvested or possessed in the EEZ under the bag limits and prohibits the sale of snapper-grouper harvested or possessed under the bag limits by vessels with a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper regardless of where the snapper-grouper were harvested; requires an owner and operator of a vessel for which a commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit has been issued and that has on board any hook- and-line gear to comply with sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release protocols, possess on board specific gear to ensure proper release of such species, and comply with guidelines for proper care and release of such species that are incidentally caught; and expands the allowable transfer of a commercial vessel permit under the limited access program and extends the allowable period for renewal of such a permit. Amendment 15B also revises the stock status determination criteria for golden tilefish and specifies commercial/recreational allocations for snowy grouper and red porgy. In addition, NMFS removes language specifying commercial quotas for snowy grouper and red porgy that are no longer in effect and revises sea turtle bycatch mitigation requirements applicable to the Gulf reef fish fishery to add two devices that were inadvertently omitted from a prior rule. The intended effects of this final rule are to provide additional information for, and otherwise improve the effective management of, the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery; minimize the impacts on incidentally caught threatened and endangered sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish; and remove outdated language.
List of Fisheries for 2010
Document Number: E9-27431
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2010, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2010 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements.
Notice of Indirect Cost Rates for the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008
Document Number: E9-27236
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) is announcing new indirect cost rates on the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities for fiscal years (FY) 2007 and 2008. The indirect cost rates for these fiscal years and dates of implementation are provided in this notice. More information on these rates and the DARRP policy can be found at the DARRP Web site at http:/ /www.darrp.noaa.gov.
New NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies; and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies.
Document Number: E9-27332
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publish this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to three single competitive cooperative agreement award offerings. NOAA is accepting applications for: (1) A CI to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) a CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies; and (3) a Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies. Applicants should review the CI Interim Handbook prior to preparing a proposal for this announcement (https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Extension of Emergency Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin that Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Document Number: E9-27320
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This temporary rule extends a closure of Federal waters. The FDA has determined that oceanographic conditions and alga sampling data suggest that the northern section of the Temporary Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) Closure Area remain closed to the harvest of bivalve molluscan shellfish, with the exception of sea scallop adductor muscles harvested and shucked at sea, and that the southern area remain closed to the harvest of whole or roe-on scallops. The regulations contained in the temporary rule, emergency action, first published in 2005, and have been subsequently extended several times at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NMFS is publishing the regulatory text associated with this closure in this temporary emergency rule in order to ensure that current regulations accurately reflect the codified text that has been modified and extended numerous times, so that the public is aware of the regulations being extended.
Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: E9-27318
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), proposed Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and associated Implementation Agreement (IA), for public review and comment. Fruit Growers Supply Company has submitted separate applications to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for 50- year incidental take permits under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended.
Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: E9-27316
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a one-year Letters of Authorization (LOA) to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.
Endangered Species; File No. 14634
Document Number: E9-27315
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Peterson, Ph.D., Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-27267
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a meeting of the Red Snapper Advisory Panel.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-27266
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a joint meeting of the Standing and Special Reef Fish Scientific and Statistical Committees.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E9-27265
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Alaska Board of Fisheries will meet in Anchorage, AK.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Recovery Plan Preparation for the Threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon
Document Number: E9-27314
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to develop a recovery plan for the Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris; hereafter, ``sDPS green sturgeon'') and also requests information from the public. The sDPS green sturgeon is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NMFS is required by the ESA to develop and implement recovery plans for the conservation and survival of ESA-listed species. NMFS will be coordinating with state, Federal, tribal, and local entities in California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Alaska to develop the recovery plan.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements; Public Workshops
Document Number: E9-27186
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, Alaska Region, and the U.S. Coast Guard, North Pacific Fisheries Training Center, will present a workshop on seaLandings, a consolidated electronic means of reporting production of commercial groundfish to multiple management agencies for Federal and State fisheries off the coast of Alaska, and 2010 recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the Alaska groundfish fisheries and Individual Fishing Quota fisheries.
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