National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Fishing Restrictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 2011-25275
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, as amended, (Act) to implement decisions of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). At its Eighty-second Meeting in July 2011, the IATTC adopted a number of resolutions, some of which require rulemaking to implement domestically in the United States. This proposed rule implements three of these decisions: the Resolution on Tuna Conservation 2011-2013 (C-11-01), the Resolution Prohibiting Fishing on Data Buoys (C-11-03), and the Resolution Prohibiting the Retention of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (C-11-10). This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
Marine Mammals; File No. 15471-01
Document Number: 2011-25272
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 15471 has been issued to Michael Adkesson, D.V.M., Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, IL 60527.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting; Correction
Document Number: 2011-25248
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Standing, Special Shrimp and Special Reef Fish Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting; Correction
Document Number: 2011-25247
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Reef Fish Advisory Panel (AP).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2011-25203
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Charter Management Implementation Committee will meet October 26, 2011 in Anchorage, AK.
Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); Fall Meeting
Document Number: 2011-25163
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In preparation for the 2011 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting, the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to ICCAT is announcing the convening of its fall meeting.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Amendment 18
Document Number: 2011-25161
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) have submitted Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. The amendment proposes actions to remove species from the FMP; modify the framework procedures; establish two migratory groups for cobia; and establish annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs) for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. In addition, Amendment 18 proposes to set allocations and establish control rules for Atlantic group cobia and revise definitions for management thresholds for Atlantic migratory groups.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab; Amendment 3
Document Number: 2011-25158
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements measures that were approved in Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) developed Amendment 3 to bring the FMP into compliance with the annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measure (AM) requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). This rule establishes the mechanisms for specifying an ACL and AMs and sets the total allowable landings (TAL) for red crab for the 2011-2013 fishing years (FY). NMFS disapproved two proposed measures in Amendment 3. This final rule implements additional management measures to promote efficiency in the red crab fishery.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
Document Number: 2011-24511
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS hereby implements an omnibus amendment to all Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) fishery management plans (FMPs) to bring all Council FMPs into compliance with the annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measure (AM) requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). This rule is necessary to establish measures that address the MSA-required elements to utilize scientific advice, establish catch limits, and maintain accountability in managing fisheries. There are multiple objectives of the Omnibus Amendment: To establish a comprehensive framework for all Council FMPs that is compliant with the MSA requirements and consistent with the National Standard 1 guidelines issued by NMFS; to implement a process that more formally utilizes scientific recommendations in the establishment of annual catch levels; to establish a framework to derive ACLs with AM backstops; and to establish processes for revisiting and modifying the measures established by the Omnibus Amendment so that overfishing is prevented, stocks are rebuilt as needed, and optimum yield (OY) may be achieved for all managed stocks under the Council's jurisdiction.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Rockfish” in the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2011-24977
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of ``other rockfish'' in the Aleutian Island subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of ``other rockfish'' in the Aleutian Island subarea of the BSAI has been reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Skates in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2011-24975
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of skates in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of skates in the BSAI has been reached.
Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Harvesting Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2011-24972
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels that are subject to sideboard limits harvesting 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 2011 Pacific cod sideboard limit established for non-AFA crab vessels harvesting Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sharks in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2011-24970
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of sharks in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) of sharks in the BSAI has been reached.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2011-24921
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its 108th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and its 152nd Council meeting to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Data Collection and Verification for the Marine Protected Areas Inventory
Document Number: 2011-24881
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-28
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.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: 2011-24835
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in October, November, and December of 2011. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2011.
Membership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Performance Review Board
Document Number: 2011-24833
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4), NOAA announces the appointment of members who will serve on the NOAA Performance Review Board (PRB). The NOAA PRB is responsible for reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service Professional members and making written recommendations to the appointing authority on retention and compensation matters, including performance-based pay adjustments, awarding of bonuses, and reviewing recommendations for potential Presidential Rank Award nominees. The appointment of members to the NOAA PRB will be for a period of 12 months.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16472
Document Number: 2011-24805
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division, La Jolla, California, (Responsible Party: George Watters, PhD, Director) to take marine mammals for scientific research.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; National Marine Sanctuary Permits
Document Number: 2011-24737
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Permitting, Vessel Identification, and Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for the Commercial Bottomfish Fishery in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Document Number: 2011-24736
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2012 Specifications and Management Measures and Secretarial Amendment 1
Document Number: 2011-24702
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed action would establish the 2012 harvest specifications and management measures for certain groundfish species taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP). This action includes regulations to implement Secretarial Amendment 1 to the PCGFMP. Secretarial Amendment 1 contains the rebuilding plans for overfished species and new reference points for assessed flatfish species.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Generic Annual Catch Limits/Accountability Measures Amendment for the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2011-24701
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted a Generic Annual Catch Limits/ Accountability Measures Amendment (Generic ACL Amendment) to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for Reef Fish Resources, Red Drum, Shrimp, and Coral and Coral Reefs for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. The amendment proposes actions to allow management of selected species by other Federal and/or state agencies; remove species not currently in need of Federal management from the FMPs; develop species groups for management; establish acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rules; establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and ACL control rules; modify framework procedures; and establish accountability measures (AMs).
Amendments to the Reef Fish, Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch and Coral and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Document Number: 2011-24700
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted a 2011 Annual Catch Limits/Accountability Measures Amendment (2011 Caribbean ACL Amendment) to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for Reef Fish Resources, Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch, and Coral and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates for the U.S. Caribbean for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. This amendment proposes actions to establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) if ACLs should be exceeded for selected reef fish, spiny lobster, and aquarium trade species identified by the Secretary as not undergoing overfishing; allocate ACLs for island management areas and for the commercial and recreational sectors; revise the species within the conch FMU; establish bag limits for selected reef fish species and spiny lobster; and establish framework procedures for spiny lobster and coral and reef associated plants and invertebrates species. The 2011 Caribbean ACL Amendment would also revise management reference points and status determination criteria for angelfish, boxfish, goatfish, grunts, hogfish, jacks, scups and porgies, spiny lobster, squirrelfish, surgeonfish, triggerfish and tilefish, and aquarium trade species. The intended effect of the 2011 Caribbean ACL Amendment is prevent overfishing of reef fish, spiny lobster and aquarium trade species while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2
Document Number: 2011-24677
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted the Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment (CE-BA 2) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Management actions proposed in CE-BA 2 include modification to the management of octocorals in Federal waters as well as removing the octocorals off Florida from the octocoral fishery management unit (FMU), and establishing an annual catch limit (ACL) of zero for octocorals in the revised FMU. In the Special Management Zones (SMZs) off South Carolina CE-BA 2 would limit the harvest for snapper-grouper and coastal migratory pelagic species to the recreational bag limit. CE-BA 2 would also modify sea turtle release gear requirements for the snapper- grouper fishery. Additionally, CE-BA 2 would amend selected South Atlantic Council Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) to revise or designate new essential fish habitat (EFH) and EFH-Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (EFH-HAPCs).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendments to the Queen Conch and Reef Fish Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Document Number: 2011-24676
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment 5 to the FMP for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Amendments 2 and 5) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. These amendments would establish annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for queen conch and all reef fish units or complexes that are classified as undergoing overfishing or that contain sub-units which are classified as undergoing overfishing (i.e. snapper, grouper and parrotfish); allocate ACLs among island management areas and, in Puerto Rico only, among the commercial and recreational sectors; revise the composition of the snapper and grouper complexes; prohibit fishing for and possession of three parrotfish species (midnight, blue, rainbow); establish recreational bag limits for snappers, groupers, and parrotfishes; and establish framework procedures for queen conch and reef fish species. Amendments 2 and 5 would also revise management reference points and status determination criteria for queen conch, snappers, groupers, and parrotfishes. The intended effects of Amendments 2 and 5 are to prevent overfishing of queen conch and reef fish species while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY).
Technical Amendment; Updates to Titles of Officials, Office Names, and References
Document Number: 2011-24659
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule provides multiple administrative updates, which pertain to international fisheries and domestic fisheries. Other updates in office names and a fax number are also included.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2011-24591
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Habitat and Environmental Protection Advisory Panel (AP) in Charleston, SC.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 10
Document Number: 2011-24550
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils). If implemented, this rule would revise the lobster species contained within the fishery management unit, establish an annual catch limit (ACL) for spiny lobster, revise the Federal spiny lobster tail- separation permitting requirements, revise the regulations specifying the condition of spiny lobster landed during a fishing trip, modify the undersized attractant regulations, modify the framework procedures, and incorporate the state of Florida's derelict trap removal program into the Federal regulations that apply to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Florida. Additionally, this rule would revise codified text to reflect updated contact information for the state of Florida and regulatory references for the Florida Administrative Code. The intent of this proposed rule is to specify ACLs for spiny lobster while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY) for the resource.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Closure
Document Number: 2011-24502
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial sector for vermilion snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. This closure is necessary to protect the vermilion snapper resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shallow-Water Species by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2011-24499
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for shallow-water species by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the fourth seasonal apportionment of the 2011 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl shallow-water species fishery in of the GOA.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Logbook Family of Forms
Document Number: 2011-24436
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Removal of Regulations
Document Number: 2011-24274
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to repeal the Fishery Management Plan for the Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) and remove its implementing regulations, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). The stone crab fishery takes place primarily in state waters off the coast of Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is extending its management of the fishery into Federal waters. Repealing the Federal regulations will eliminate duplication of management efforts, reduce costs for the Federal government, and align with the President's Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' to ensure Federal regulations are more effective and less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The intended effect of this action is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of managing the stone crab fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf).
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Establishment of Annual Quotas for the Subsistence Harvest of Bowhead Whales by Alaska Natives
Document Number: 2011-24392
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), in order to assess the impacts of issuing annual quotas for the subsistence harvest of bowhead whales by Alaska Natives from 2013 through 2017. Publication of this document begins the official scoping period that will help identify issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. The scoping process will end October 31, 2011.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans; Recovery Plan for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Document Number: 2011-24386
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS and USFWS, announce the availability of the Bi- National Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan) for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii). The Recovery Plan is a bi-national plan developed by the NMFS and USFWS and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico. The revised Recovery Plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to down and delist this species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Closure
Document Number: 2011-24381
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific sardine off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California. This action is necessary because the directed harvest allocation total for the third seasonal period (September 15-December 31) is projected to be reached by the effective date of this rule. From the effective date of this rule until January 1, 2012, Pacific sardine may be harvested only as part of the live bait fishery or incidental to other fisheries; the incidental harvest of Pacific sardine is limited to 30-percent by weight of all fish per trip. Fishing vessels must be at shore and in the process of offloading at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, on the date of closure.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2011-24355
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), its Research Set-Aside (RSA) Committee, its Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish (SMB) Committee, its Executive Committee, and its Spiny Dogfish Committee will hold public meetings.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2011-24303
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Reef Fish Advisory Panel.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2011-24302
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Standing, Special Shrimp and Special Reef Fish Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Determination of Nine Distinct Population Segments of Loggerhead Sea Turtles as Endangered or Threatened
Document Number: 2011-23960
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (NMFS and USFWS; also collectively referred to as the Services) have determined that the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is composed of nine distinct population segments (DPSs) that constitute ``species'' that may be listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In this final rule, we are listing four DPSs as threatened and five as endangered under the ESA. We will propose to designate critical habitat for the two loggerhead sea turtle DPSs occurring within the United States in a future rulemaking. We encourage interested parties to provide any information related to the identification of critical habitat and essential physical or biological features for this species, as well as economic or other relevant impacts of designation of critical habitat, to assist us with this effort.
Endangered Species; File No. 15634
Document Number: 2011-24252
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), 3333 N. Torrey Pines Ct., La Jolla, CA 92037, [Responsible Party: Lisa Ballance, Ph.D.], has applied in due form for a permit to take leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) for scientific research.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Red Grouper Management Measures
Document Number: 2011-24251
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement management actions described in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would increase the 2011 commercial quota for red grouper, and thereby increase the 2011 commercial quota for shallow- water grouper (SWG), set the commercial quota for red grouper and SWG from 2012 to 2015 and subsequent fishing years, and increase the red grouper bag limit to four fish within the current four-fish aggregate bag limit. The increase in the recreational bag limit will allow the recreational sector to harvest the increase in the recreational allocation established in the regulatory amendment. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to help prevent overfishing of red grouper while achieving optimum yield (OY) by increasing the red grouper harvest consistent with the findings of the recent rerun of the stock assessment for this species using updated information.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16510
Document Number: 2011-24248
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Blank Park Zoo [Kevin V. Drees, Responsible Party], 7401 SW Ninth, Des Moines, IA 50315 has been issued a permit to import up to five non-releasable California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) for public display.
Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Harvesting Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2011-24247
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by non- American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels that are subject to sideboard limits harvesting Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2011 Pacific cod sideboard limit established for non-AFA crab vessels harvesting Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Endangered Species; File No. 16306
Document Number: 2011-24245
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Gail Wippelhauser, Maine Department of Marine Resources, 21 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 16526, 16323, 16436, 16422, 16438, 16431, 16507, 16547, 16375, 16442, 16482, and 16508.
Document Number: 2011-24243
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received twelve applications applying in due form for permits to take Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) for purposes of scientific research.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seismic Survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Document Number: 2011-24241
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an application from Apache Alaska Corporation (Apache) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a proposed 3D seismic survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska, between November 2011 and November 2012. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS requests comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to Apache to take, by Level B harassment only, five species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2011-24210
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee will meet October 13, 2011 at the Leif Erickson Hall in Ballard, WA. In Alaska, listening sites for the meeting will be located at the Unalaska City Hall and in Kodiak listening site to be announced.
Notice of Availability of Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Tumalo Irrigation District's Tumalo Conservation Project
Document Number: 2011-24105
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS advises interested parties of Tumalo Irrigation District's (TID) application for an incidental take permit, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, (ESA). The requested 50-year permit would authorize the incidental take of Middle Columbia River Steelhead in the Deschutes River basin that may occur from irrigation activities and construction of water conservation projects implemented by TID. NMFS is requesting comments on the permit application and on Tumalo Irrigation District's low effect Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The application and HCP are available for public review.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2011-24104
Type: Unknown
Date: 2011-09-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the C season allowance of the 2011 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 610 in the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS); Request for Comments
Document Number: 2011-24035
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, Southeast Region, in collaboration with the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) intends to prepare a SEIS to describe and analyze a range of alternatives for management actions to be included in Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP). These actions will consider closed areas for lobster fishing to protect Acropora corals and lobster trap line-marking requirements. The purpose of this NOI is to solicit public comments on the scope of issues to be addressed in the SEIS.
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