National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration August 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 106
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 16109 and 15575
Notice is hereby given that GeoMarine, Inc. [File No. 16109] (Responsible Party: Jason Holt See; Principal Investigator: Amy Whitt), 2201 K Avenue, Suite A2, Plano, TX 75074 and Robert DiGiovanni Jr. [File No. 15575], Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, 467 East Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901 have applied in due form for permits to conduct research on marine mammals and sea turtles.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16553
Notice is hereby given that Brent Stewart, Ph.D., J.D., Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA, 92109, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 26 and Amendment 29 Supplement
NMFS proposes to supplement the regulations implementing Amendments 26 and 29 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). Amendment 26 established an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the red snapper commercial sector of the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Amendment 29 established a multi-species IFQ program for the grouper and tilefish component of the commercial sector of the reef fish fishery in the Gulf EEZ. If implemented, this rule would implement transferability measures for the red snapper IFQ program contained in Amendment 26 that are required to be effective as of January 1, 2012. This rule would also require all Gulf IFQ applicants and participants to certify their status as U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to meet current Gulf IFQ program and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act) requirements. Additionally, this rule would make revisions to the codified text to remove outdated language specific to the Gulf IFQ programs. The intent of this rule is to specify the process for the general public to participate in the Gulf red snapper IFQ program and ensure efficient functioning of both IFQ programs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR Steering Committee will meet to discuss the SEDAR assessment schedule, budget, and the SEDAR process. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Military Training Activities and Research Conducted Within the Mariana Islands Range Complex
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a letter of authorization (LOA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to take marine mammals incidental to Navy training, maintenance, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities to be conducted within the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) Study Area for the period of August 12, 2011, through August 11, 2012.
Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Trawl Rationalization Program; Program Improvement and Enhancement; Amendment 21-1
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 21-1 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). Amendment 21-1 would further revise the FMP to support the trawl rationalization program, a catch share program, implemented in January 2011 through Amendments 20 and 21. Amendment 21-1 would modify the FMP to clarify that Amendment 21 supersedes the limited entry/open access allocations for groundfish species allocated through Amendment 21. Amendment 21-1 would also revise the formula in the FMP to allocate Pacific halibut bycatch to the limited entry trawl fishery.
Endangered and Threatened Species; 5-Year Reviews for 5 Evolutionarily Significant Units of Pacific Salmon and 1 Distinct Population Segment of Steelhead in California
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southwest Region, announce the availability of 5-year reviews for five ESUs of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus sp.) and one DPS of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in California, as required by the ESA. After reviewing the best available scientific and commercial data, our 5-year reviews indicate that these species should remain listed as determined in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Our reviews recommend that the southward extension of boundaries for California Coastal Chinook salmon and Central California Coast coho salmon should be considered. Our 5- year review also recommends that six hatchery stocks should be removed from the California Coastal Chinook salmon ESU because those hatchery programs have been terminated.
Endangered and Threatened Species; 5-Year Reviews for 17 Evolutionarily Significant Units and Distinct Population Segments of Pacific Salmon and Steelhead
NMFS Northwest Region announces the availability of 5-year reviews for 11 evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus sp.) and 6 distinct population segments (DPSs) of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The purpose of the reviews was to evaluate whether the listing classifications of these salmonids remains accurate or should be changed. After reviewing the best available scientific and commercial data, we conclude that the 11 ESUs of Pacific salmon and 6 DPSs of steelhead in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho shall remain listed as determined in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Exempted Fishing Permit
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant to collect and retain limited numbers of specimens that would otherwise be prohibited from possession and retention. This study, to be conducted in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) off Louisiana, is intended to more closely monitor populations of red snapper and other reef fish to ensure public health and seafood quality are maintained.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Emergency Rule To Increase the Recreational Quota for Red Snapper and Suspend the Recreational Red Snapper Closure Date
NMFS issues this emergency rule to increase the recreational quota for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2011 fishing season and suspend the October 1 closure date, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). At its May 2011 meeting, the Council's Science and Statistical Committee (SSC) recommended that the red snapper total allowable catch (TAC) be increased by 345,000 lb (156,489 kg). At its June 2011 meeting, the Council requested that NMFS publish an emergency rule to assign the entire 345,000 lb (156,489 kg) of additional TAC to the recreational sector and suspend the October 1 closure date of the recreational fishing season. If NMFS determines, after reviewing the data, that the recreational red snapper quota was not reached by the July 19, 2011, projected closure date, NMFS will publish a subsequent rule in the Federal Register to reopen red snapper harvest for a limited time period during the 2011 fishing season. The intent of this rulemaking is to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Exempted Fishing Permit
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) for a collaborative effort among personnel from Texas Tech University, Texas A&MCorpus Christi, and a commercial fishing organization, Shareholders Alliance. If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicants to collect and retain limited numbers of specimens that would otherwise be prohibited from possession and retention. This study, to be conducted in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), is intended to more closely monitor populations of red snapper and other reef fish to compare relative catch rates and discards between vessels that possess varying amounts of red snapper allocation under the current Gulf red snapper individual fishing quota (IFQ) program.
Western Pacific Fisheries; Approval of a Marine Conservation Plan for the Northern Mariana Islands
NMFS announces approval of a marine conservation plan for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northwest Region Gear Identification Requirements
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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat/MPA/Ecosystem Committee in Augsut, 2011 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Monkfish Oversight Committee on August 31, 2011 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.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Central-Western Bering Sea, August 2011
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulation, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to take marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical survey in the central-western Bering Sea, August 2011.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received two Tribal Resource Management Plans (TRMPs), one from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (SBT) and one from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and two Fishery Management and Evaluation Plans (FMEPs) from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), for fishery management in the Snake River Basin in Northeast Oregon. The TRMPs are provided pursuant to the Tribal 4(d) Rule; the ODFW FMEPs are submitted for approval under Limit 4 of the 4(d) Rule for Pacific salmon and steelhead. This document serves to notify the public of the availability for comment of the proposed evaluation of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) as to how the TRMPs address the criteria in the ESA, and the availability of the state FMEPs for public comment. NMFS also announces the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the pending determinations.
Marine Mammals; File No. 15471-01
Notice is hereby given that Michael Adkesson, D.V.M., Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, Illinois 60527, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 15471.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Saltmarsh Topminnow as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
We (NMFS and USFWS; also collectively referred to as the Services) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the saltmarsh topminnow (topminnow; Fundulus jenkinsi) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We will conduct a status review of the species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial data on the species (see below).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BS/AI) groundfish plan teams will meet in Seattle.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Modification of the Retention of Incidentally-Caught Highly Migratory Species in Atlantic Trawl Fisheries
This final rule modifies the permitting requirements and retention limits for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) that are incidentally-caught in Atlantic trawl fisheries. This action will reduce regulatory dead discards of incidentally-caught Atlantic swordfish in the Illex squid trawl fishery by establishing a new Incidental HMS Squid Trawl permit for all valid Illex squid moratorium permit holders. The Incidental HMS Squid Trawl permit will allow up to 15 swordfish per trip to be retained. The final rule also establishes a retention limit for smoothhound sharks in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. These actions are necessary to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and to implement the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (Consolidated HMS FMP), including objectives in the FMP to monitor and control all components of fishing mortality, both directed and incidental, so as to ensure the long-term sustainability of HMS stocks, and to provide the data necessary for assessing HMS fish stocks and managing HMS, including addressing inadequacies in current data collection and the ongoing collection of economic and bycatch data in Atlantic HMS fisheries.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Limited Access Privilege Program
NMFS proposes regulations that would implement Amendment 93 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). This proposed rule would amend the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 Program to modify the criteria for forming and participating in a harvesting cooperative. This action is necessary to encourage greater participation in harvesting cooperatives, which enable members to more efficiently target species, avoid areas with undesirable bycatch, and improve the quality of products produced. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan, and other applicable law.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program
NMFS proposes regulations implementing Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). This proposed rule would amend the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program (CR Program) to modify procedures for producing and submitting documents that are required under the Arbitration System to resolve price, delivery, and other disputes between harvesters and processors. This action is necessary to improve the quality and timeliness of market information used to conduct arbitration proceedings. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Advisory Panel, in August 2011, to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Oversight in August, 2011 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.
Endangered Species; File No. 16194
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) [Bonnie Ponwith: Responsible Party], 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and unidentified hardshell sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 15330
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Robin Baird, PhD, Cascadia Research, 218\1/2\ W. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501 to take marine mammals in the Pacific Ocean for the purposes of scientific research.
Endangered Species; File No. 1551
Notice is hereby given that NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149 (Responsible Party: Bonnie Ponwith), has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1551-02.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs
NMFS announces approval of Amendments 38 and 39 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). Amendment 38 establishes a mechanism in the FMP to specify annual catch limits and accountability measures for each crab stock. This action is necessary to account for uncertainty in the overfishing limit and prevent overfishing. Amendment 39 modifies the snow crab rebuilding plan to define the stock as rebuilt the first year the stock biomass is above the level necessary to produce maximum sustainable yield. Amendments 38 and 39 are intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable laws.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Scup Fishery; Adjustment to the 2011 Winter II Quota
NMFS adjusts the 2011 Winter II commercial scup quota. This action complies with Framework Adjustment 3 (Framework 3) to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, which established a process to allow the rollover of unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I period to the Winter II period.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Assessment Process Webinars for South Atlantic Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) and Golden Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps)
The SEDAR 25 assessments of the South Atlantic black sea bass and golden tilefish will consist of a series of workshops and webinars: this notice is for webinars associated with the Assessment portion of the SEDAR process. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); South Atlantic Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) and Golden Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps)
The SEDAR 25 Review of the South Atlantic stock of black sea bass and golden tilefish will consist of one workshop, originally scheduled for September 20-22, 2011, will now be held October 11-13, 2011. This is the twenty-fifth SEDAR. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish; Framework Adjustment 7
NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Framework Adjustment 7 (Framework 7) to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (Monkfish FMP). The New England Fishery Management Council and Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Councils) developed Framework 7 to adjust the annual catch target (ACT) for the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) to be consistent with the most recent scientific advice regarding the acceptable biological catch (ABC) for monkfish. The New England Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has recommended a revision to the ABC based on information from a 2010 stock assessment (50th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC 50)). Framework 7 would also specify a new day-at-sea (DAS) allocation and trip limits for the NFMA commensurate with the new ACT, and Framework 7 and would also adopt revised biomass reference points for the NFMA and Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA), based on the recommendations of SARC 50 and the SSC.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery; Emergency Rule Extension, Revision of 2011 Butterfish Specifications
NMFS extends the emergency revision to the butterfish allowable biological catch (ABC) implemented on March 15, 2011, which is scheduled to expire on September 12, 2011. Specifically, this temporary rule maintains the increase in the butterfish ABC from 1,500 mt to 1,811 mt, and applies the increase to the butterfish mortality cap in the Loligo (Doryteuthis) squid fishery, based on the most recent and best available scientific information. The increase is extended for an additional 186 days to maintain the increased butterfish ABC through the end of the 2011 fishing year (i.e., through December 31, 2011), or until superseded by 2012 MSB specifications.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program; Public Meeting
NMFS has requested the Center for Independent Experts (CIE) to conduct a peer review of the agency's economic data collection program for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands crab fisheries managed under the BSAI Crab Rationalization program. The CIE, operated by Northern Taiga Ventures, Inc., provides independent peer reviews of NMFS's fisheries stock assessments and other science products. The BSAI Crab Economic Data Report (EDR) program administered by NMFS began collecting cost, earnings and employment data in 2005, concurrently with the transition of BSAI crab fisheries to the rationalized management regime. The program was developed under the direction of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The CIE review will examine the scientific methods and practices employed by NMFS in the design and administration of the EDR program and dissemination of results, assess whether the data and information produced represent the best available science, and provide recommendations for methodological improvements to achieve best scientific practices in economic data collection and analysis of BSAI crab fisheries. The public is invited to attend and observe the presentations and discussions between the CIE panel and the NMFS scientists and contractors who have administered the data collection.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Pile-Driving and Renovation Operations on the Trinidad Pier by the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria in Trinidad, CA
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulation, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to pile- driving and renovation operations for the Trinidad Pier Reconstruction Project in Trinidad, California.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod for American Fisheries Act Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2011 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for AFA trawl catcher-processors in the BSAI.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; High Seas Fishing Permit Application Information
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; Cooperative Game Fish Tagging Report
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; California Signage Plan: Evaluation of Interpretive Signs
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Control Date for Commercial Wreckfish Sector
NMFS announces that it is establishing a new control date of March 11, 2011, to control future access to the commercial wreckfish sector of the snapper-grouper fishery operating in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. If changes to the management regime are developed and implemented under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), a control date could be used to limit the number of participants in this commercial sector. This announcement is intended, in part, to promote awareness of the potential eligibility criteria for future access so as to discourage speculative entry into this sector while the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS consider whether and how access to the commercial wreckfish sector should be controlled.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Seabird and Pinniped Research Activities in Central California, 2011-2012
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to PRBO Conservation Science (PRBO), to take marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting seabird and pinniped research activities on Southeast Farallon Island, A[ntilde]o Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes National Seashore in central California.
Western Pacific Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; 2011-12 Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
NMFS proposes to specify a quota (annual catch target, ACT) of 325,000 lb (147,418 kg) of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) for the 2011-12 fishing year, based on a proposed annual catch limit (ACL) of 346,000 lb (156,943 kg). When the fishery is projected to reach the quota, NMFS would close, as an accountability measure, the commercial and non-commercial fisheries for MHI Deep 7 bottomfish for the remainder of the fishing year. The proposed specifications and fishery closure support the long-term sustainability of Hawaii bottomfish.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Coastal Commercial Fireworks Displays at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, CA
NMFS has received a request from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS or sanctuary) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to permitting professional fireworks displays within the sanctuary in California waters, over the course of five years, from July 4, 2012 to July 3, 2017. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of MBNMS's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on MBNMS's application and request.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Shallow Hazards Survey in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Statoil USA E&P Inc. (Statoil) to take, by harassment, small numbers of 13 species of marine mammals incidental to shallow hazards and geotechnical surveys in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, during the 2011 Arctic open-water season.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the North Carolina and Delaware Coastal Management Programs and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations 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 CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of a Coastal Management Program requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation 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. Evaluation of a National Estuarine Research Reserve requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its 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 the site visit. When the evaluation is completed, OCRM will place a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Final Evaluation Findings. 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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 87-1851
Notice is hereby given that Daniel P. Costa, PhD, University of California at Santa Cruz, Long Marine Laboratory, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 87-1851-03.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting retention of ``other rockfish'' in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of ``other rockfish'' in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch for Catcher Vessels Participating in the Rockfish Entry Level Trawl Fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch by trawl catcher vessels participating in the rockfish entry level fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the 2011 directed fishing allowance of Pacific ocean perch for trawl catcher vessels participating in the rockfish entry level fishery in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
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