National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Marine Mammals; File No. 16193
Document Number: 2012-16062
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Todd Robeck, D.V.M, Ph.D., Sea World Parks and Entertainment Corp, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109, has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export specimens of marine mammals for scientific research.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Electronic Dealer Reporting System Workshop
Document Number: 2012-16061
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On June 28, 2011, NMFS published a proposed rule that considered requiring, among other things, Federal Atlantic swordfish, shark, and tunas dealers (except for dealers reporting Atlantic bluefin tuna) to report commercially-harvested Atlantic sharks, swordfish, and bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack (BAYS) tunas through one centralized electronic reporting system. This electronic reporting system will allow dealers to submit Atlantic sharks, swordfish, and BAYS tuna data on a more real-time basis and more efficiently, which will reduce duplicative data submissions from different regions. We proposed to delay the effective date of the electronic reporting requirements until 2013 in order to give sufficient time for dealers to adjust to implementation of the new system and the additional requirements. On December 14, 2011, we conducted an initial training workshop in the Caribbean area in order to introduce the new reporting system to HMS dealers. In this notice, we announce the date and location for additional training workshops in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic regions in order to continue introducing HMS dealers to the new electronic system.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops; Correction
Document Number: 2012-16017
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the date of the Atlantic Shark Identification workshop originally scheduled for August 9, 2012, in Rosenberg, TX, has been changed to August 16, 2012. This workshop notice originally published on June 4, 2012. The August 16, 2012, workshop will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 28332 SW Freeway 59, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The July and September workshop dates remain unchanged. Atlantic Shark Identification workshops are mandatory for Atlantic Shark Dealer permit holders or their proxies. Additional free workshops will be held in 2012, and announced in the Federal Register.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Exempted Fishery for the Southern New England Skate Bait Trawl Fishery
Document Number: 2012-16013
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule modifies the regulations implementing the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to allow vessels issued a Federal skate permit and a Skate Bait Letter of Authorization to fish for skates in a portion of southern New England (SNE) from July 1 through October 31 of each year, outside of the NE multispecies days-at-sea (DAS) program. This action allows vessels to harvest skates in a manner that is consistent with the bycatch reduction objectives of the NE Multispecies FMP.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-15949
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet July 16-17, 2012, in Seattle, WA, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Precision Strike Weapon and Air-to-Surface Gunnery Training and Testing Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, FL
Document Number: 2012-15925
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the U.S. Department of the Air Force, Headquarters 96th Air Base Wing (U.S. Air Force), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB) for authorization to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and training activities associated with Precision Strike Weapon (PSW) and Air-to-Surface (AS) gunnery missions, both of which are military readiness activities, at Eglin AFB, FL from approximately September 2012, to September 2017. Pursuant to Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implementing regulations, NMFS announces receipt of the U.S. Air Force's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the U.S. Air Force's application and request.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2012-15892
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. Chris Koenig (Florida State University) and Dr. Chris Stallings (University of South Florida). If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicants to use trained for-hire fishermen to be able to temporarily possess goliath grouper for non-lethal sampling during the course of their normal fishing activities. This non-lethal sampling would include measuring, tagging, and removing a portion of the goliath grouper dorsal fin rays before releasing the live fish. The intent of this study is to provide regional age structure of recovering goliath grouper populations for fish stock assessments.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 6
Document Number: 2012-15890
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a change in the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's risk policy regarding stocks without an overfishing limit. The current risk policy does not allow increases of the acceptable biological catch for stocks that do not have an overfishing limit derived from the stock assessment. The modification will allow increases of the acceptable biological catch for stocks that have stable or increasing trends in abundance, and for which there is robust scientific information to suggest that an increased acceptable biological catch will not lead to overfishing.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Harbor Activities Related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
Document Number: 2012-15889
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We have received an application from United Launch Alliance, for an Incidental Harassment Authorization to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting Delta Mariner operations, cargo unloading activities, and harbor maintenance activities at south Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. United Launch Alliance is requesting an Authorization per the Marine Mammal Protection Act. We are requesting comments on our proposal to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization to United Launch Alliance to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, three species of marine mammals during their specified activities from September 2012, through August 2013.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2012-15813
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to review and discuss Amendment 9 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and a workshop of the SSC to consider modifications to the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rule. The meeting and workshop will be held in North Charleston, SC. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Designation of Fishery Management Council Members and Application for Reinstatement of State Authority
Document Number: 2012-15810
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
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 continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14325
Document Number: 2012-15766
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 14325-01 has been issued to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK, (Principal Investigator: Michael Rehberg).
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements; Public Hearing
Document Number: 2012-15753
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a seventh public hearing to be held in Port Orange, FL on July 6, 2012, to answer questions and receive public comments on the proposed rule to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for fishing to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets, which was published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2012. In the proposed rule, we announced five public hearings to be held in Morehead City, NC, Larose, LA, Belle Chasse, LA, D'Iberville, MS, and Bayou La Batre, AL, and on June 22, 2012 we announced an additional public hearing in Miami, FL.
Availability of Seats for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 2012-15653
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The ONMS is seeking applications for the following positions on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Citizen at LargeLower Keys (alternate), Citizen at LargeMiddle Keys (member), Citizen at LargeMiddle Keys (alternate), Conservation and Environment [2nd of 2] (member), Conservation and Environment [2nd of 2] (alternate), Education and Outreach (member), Education and Outreach (alternate), FishingCommercialShell/Scale (member), Fishing CommercialShell/Scale (alternate), South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (alternate), Submerged Cultural Resources (member), Submerged Cultural Resources (alternate), TourismUpper Keys (member), and TourismUpper Keys (alternate). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
Science Advisory Board; Meeting
Document Number: 2012-15452
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established by a Decision Memorandum dated September 25, 1997, and is the only Federal Advisory Committee with responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on strategies for research, education, and application of science to operations and information services. SAB activities and advice provide necessary input to ensure that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) science programs are of the highest quality and provide optimal support to resource management. Time and Date: The meeting will be held Monday, July 16, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, July 17, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page https://www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/ meetings.html for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Place: The meeting will be held at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, Washington 98115. Please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov for directions to the meeting location. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15 minute public comment period on July 16 at 5:15 p.m. (check Web site to confirm time). The SAB expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of five (5) minutes. Individuals or groups planning to make a verbal presentation should contact the SAB Executive Director by July 9, 2012 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by July 9, 2012 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after July 9, 2012 will be distributed to the SAB, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seating at the meeting will be available on a first- come, first-served basis. Special Accommodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for special accommodations may be directed no later than 12 p.m. on July 9, 2012, to Dr. Cynthia Decker, SAB Executive Director, SSMC3, Room 11230, 1315 East-West Hwy., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Matters to be Considered: The meeting will include the following topics: (1) Ocean Exploration Advisory Working Group Report on Review of the Ocean Exploration Program; (2) Update from the SAB Research and Development Portfolio Review Task Force; (3) Update from the SAB Satellite Task Force (4) Update on the NOAA Response to SAB Report on Integrated Ecosystem Assessments: Draft Guidelines for Integrated Ecosystem Assessments; (5) Update on Use of the NOAA Logo; (7) Updates from SAB Working Groups; (8) Science Presentations from the NOAA Alaska and Northwest Fisheries Science Centers; the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Amendment 88; Correction
Document Number: 2012-15584
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects the final rule published on December 27, 2011, that implemented Amendment 88 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This correction clarifies that participants in the entry level trawl fishery may qualify for quota share (QS) under the Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Rockfish Program only in proportion to the number of years that a person made rockfish legal landings to an entry level processor in 2007, 2008, or 2009. This clarification is administrative in nature and does not change the distribution of rockfish QS to entry level trawl participants.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Lifting Trade Restrictive Measures
Document Number: 2012-15582
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to adjust the regulations governing the trade of tuna and tuna-like species in the North and South Atlantic Ocean to implement recommendations adopted at the 2011 meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (Commission). The proposed rule would lift the trade restrictions on importing bigeye tuna from Bolivia and Georgia. Additionally, the proposed rule would make administrative changes to the section containing species-specific harmonized tariff codes in support of the International Trade Program.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2012-15575
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the incidental Longline category northern area fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the remainder of 2012. Fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT in the Longline category northern area is prohibited for the remainder of 2012. The Longline fishery in the Northeast Distant gear restricted area (NED) remains open at this time. This action is being taken to prevent overharvest of the Longline category northern area BFT subquota.
Revisions to Framework Adjustment 47 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and Sector Annual Catch Entitlements; Updated Annual Catch Limits for Sectors and the Common Pool for Fishing Year 2012
Document Number: 2012-15448
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Based on the final Northeast multispecies sector rosters submitted as of May 1, 2012, NMFS is adjusting the fishing year 2012 specification of annual catch limits for commercial groundfish vessels as well as sector annual catch entitlements for groundfish stocks. This revision to fishing year 2012 catch levels is necessary to account for changes in the number of participants electing to fish in either sectors or the common pool fishery.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16163
Document Number: 2012-15445
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC, Dr. M. Bradley Hanson, Principal Investigator), 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112-2097, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 16163.
Endangered Species; File No. 17022
Document Number: 2012-15442
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC; Samuel Pooley, Ph.D., Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rulemaking To Revise Critical Habitat for Hawaiian Monk Seals
Document Number: 2012-15441
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on June 2, 2011, proposing to revise critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and requesting information related to the proposed action. This document announces a 6-month extension of the deadline for a final determination on the proposed rule. Based on comments received during the public comment period, we find that substantial disagreement exists regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the data and analyses used to support the scope of the proposed critical habitat designation in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Accordingly, we are extending the deadline for the final revision to critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal an additional 6 months to further analyze data and consider concerns raised by State, Federal, and other entities, and better inform our determinations for the final revision of Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat under the ESA.
Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: 2012-15353
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This document announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the applications from the Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) for Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) and a multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for take of endangered and threatened species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service (Services) and FGS have also developed an Implementing Agreement (IA) which details how the Services and FGS will work together to implement the HCP. The applicant seeks the ITPs to authorize incidental take of the covered species during forest management and timber harvest in Siskiyou County, CA, where FGS owns lands, during the term of the proposed 50-year ITPs and HCP. This document is provided under National Environmental Policy Act regulations to inform the public that the Final EIS and multi-species HCP, and the Services' responses to public comments are available for review, and that we have filed the Final EIS with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public notice. The Services will not make a decision on issuing ITPs to FGS sooner than 45 days after publication of EPA's notice.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Silky Shark Management Measures
Document Number: 2012-15348
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule would implement the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recommendation 11-08, which prohibits retaining, transshipping, or landing of silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) caught in association with ICCAT fisheries. In order to improve domestic enforcement capabilities, the National Marine Fisheries Service is also proposing to prohibit the storing, selling and purchasing of the species. This rule would affect the commercial HMS pelagic longline fishery for tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. This rule would not affect commercial fishermen fishing for sharks with bottom longline, gillnet, or handgear; nor would the rule affect recreational fishermen as harvesting silky sharks is already prohibited in the recreational fishery. This action implements the ICCAT recommendation, consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and furthers domestic management objectives under the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements; Public Hearing Notification
Document Number: 2012-15341
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a sixth public hearing to be held in Miami, FL on July 6, 2012, to answer questions and receive public comments on the proposed rule to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for fishing to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets, which was published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2012. In the proposed rule, we announced five public hearings to be held in Morehead City, NC, Larose, LA, Belle Chasse, LA, D'Iberville, MS, and Bayou La Batre, AL.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16160
Document Number: 2012-15104
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that The Whale Museum (Responsible Party: Jenny Atkinson; Principal Investigator: Eric Eisenhardt), PO Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 16160.
Marine Mammals; File No. 814-1899
Document Number: 2012-15103
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723 [Taqulik Hepa, Responsible Party; Dr. John C. George, Principal Investigator], has been issued a minor amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 814- 1899.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2012 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for the South Atlantic Lesser Amberjack, Almaco Jack, and Banded Rudderfish Complex
Document Number: 2012-15052
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the commercial sector for the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish complex in the South Atlantic for the 2012 fishing year through this temporary rule. Commercial landings for the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish complex, as estimated by the Science Research Director (SRD), are projected to reach their combined commercial annual catch limit (ACL) on July 2, 2012. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for this complex on July 2, 2012, through the remainder of the fishing year in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. This closure is necessary to protect the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish resources.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Office of Coast Survey Hydrographic Survey Projects
Document Number: 2012-14998
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA's Office of Coast Survey (OCS) seeks comment on a draft programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) of the hydrographic surveys and related activities that OCS regularly conducts in navigationally significant waters around the nation. These surveys use a vessel equipped with high-frequency side scan sonar, single beam, and multibeam echosounders, which use sound waves to find and identify objects in the water and to determine water depth. Hydrographic survey projects support the OCS mission to provide reliable nautical charts and other products necessary for safe navigation and sound decision- making in U.S. ocean and coastal waters. The intended effects of the surveys are to provide the foundation for navigational charts required by all domestic ships moving people and products in and out of U.S. ports every year. Charts help prevent mariners from running ships aground or hitting dangerous obstructions (e.g., ship wrecks, marine debris, or pinnacle rocks). Groundings or collisions with other objects in the sea can result in the release of oil or dangerous chemicals into the marine environment. Date and Time: The above document is available for public review and comment through July 22, 2012.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Mandatory Shrimp Vessel and Gear Characterization Survey
Document Number: 2012-14987
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-20
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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17350
Document Number: 2012-14931
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723 [Taqulik Hepa, Responsible Party; Dr. John C. George, Principal Investigator], has applied in due form for a permit to collect, import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Vessel Monitoring System Requirements Under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention
Document Number: 2012-14865
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-19
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; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Vessel Information Family of Forms
Document Number: 2012-14852
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-19
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; Puget Sound Recreational Shellfish Harvesting Project
Document Number: 2012-14802
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-18
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; Socioeconomic Assessment of Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Under the Grouper-Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program
Document Number: 2012-14770
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-18
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; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: 2012-14586
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement the annual catch limit (ACL), harvest guideline (HG), annual catch target (ACT) and associated annual reference points for Pacific mackerel in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing year season of July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. NMFS establishes the ACL, HG, and ACT under the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Pacific mackerel off the Pacific coast. The ACL (or maximum HG) for the 2011- 2012 Pacific mackerel fishing year is 40,514 metric tons (mt). The ACT, which will be the directed fishery harvest target, is 30,386 mt. If the fishery attains the ACT, the directed fishery will close, reserving the difference between the ACL and ACT (which is 10,128 mt) as a set-aside for incidental landings in other CPS fisheries. This final rule is intended to conserve and manage the Pacific mackerel stock off the U.S. West Coast.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Monitoring and Enforcement Requirements in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Freezer Longline Fleet
Document Number: 2012-14681
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a proposed rule that would modify equipment and operational requirements for freezer longliners (catcher/processors) named on License Limitation Program (LLP) licenses endorsed to catch and process Pacific cod at sea with hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). If approved, the proposed regulations would require vessel owners to select between two monitoring options: carry two observers so that all catch can be sampled, or carry one observer and use a motion-compensated scale to weigh Pacific cod before it is processed. The selected monitoring option would be required to be used when the vessel is operating in either the BSAI or Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries when directed fishing for Pacific cod is open in the BSAI, or while the vessel is fishing for groundfish under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. A vessel owner who notifies NMFS that the vessel will not be used to conduct directed fishing for Pacific cod in the BSAI or to conduct groundfish CDQ fishing at any time during a particular year would not be required to select one of the monitoring options and would continue to follow observer coverage and catch reporting requirements that apply to catcher/processors not subject to this proposed action. These regulatory amendments address the need for enhanced catch accounting, monitoring, and enforcement created by the formation of a voluntary cooperative by the BSAI longline catcher/ processor subsector in 2010, and are necessary to improve the precision of the accounting for allocated quota species. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable laws.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 16163, 16160, and 15569
Document Number: 2012-14587
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that permits have been issued to the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC, Dr. M. Bradley Hanson, Principal Investigator) [File No. 16163], 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112-2097; The Whale Museum (Jenny Atkinson, Responsible Party) [File No. 16160], P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; and The Center for Whale Research (CWR; Kenneth C. Balcomb III, Responsible Party) [File No. 15569], P.O. Box 1577, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 to conduct research on marine mammals.
Confidentiality of Information; Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act
Document Number: 2012-14460
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is extending the date by which public comments are due concerning proposed regulations to revise existing regulations governing the confidentiality of information submitted in compliance with any requirement or regulation under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act or MSA). NMFS published the proposed rule on May 23, 2012 and announced that the public comment period would end on June 22, 2012. With this notice, NMFS is extending the comment period to August 21, 2012.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Atlantic Region Non-Sandbar Large Coastal Shark Fishery Opening Date
Document Number: 2012-14458
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing the opening date of the commercial Atlantic region non-sandbar large coastal shark fishery. This action is necessary to inform fishermen and dealers about the fishery opening date.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus
Document Number: 2012-14408
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Four Assessment Workshops via webinars are being added to SEDAR 28. The webinars will be held July 10, 2012, July 24, 2012, August 9, 2012, and August 30, 2012. All webinars will begin at 1 p.m. (Eastern) and are expected to last four hours. The SEDAR 28 Review Workshop was originally scheduled for August 6-10, 2012 and will now be held October 29-November 2, 2012. This is the twenty-eighth SEDAR. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-14349
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Golden King Crab Price Formula Committee is holding a meeting at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council office, Room 205.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-14348
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) VMS/ Enforcement Committee and Advisory Panel will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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
Document Number: 2012-14258
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch specified for AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI.
Endangered Species; File No. 16803
Document Number: 2012-14175
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-11
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 green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles for scientific research.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2012-14155
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On May 9, 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the availability for public review of four Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) submitted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Pacific salmon and steelhead under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HGMPs specify the operations of four hatchery programs rearing salmon and steelhead in the Sandy River subbasin within the State of Oregon. The availability of a draft environmental assessment, evaluating the anticipated effects of NMFS' proposed approval of those HGMPs pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), was included in the announcement. The announcement opened a 30-day public comment period. In this notice, NMFS is re-opening the public comment period on these four HGMPs and the associated draft EA to July 9, 2012.
November 2010 Biological Opinion on the Effects of the Alaska Groundfish Fisheries on Steller Sea Lions and Other Endangered Species; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-14151
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will host a meeting to conduct a panel review by experts contracted through the Center for Independent Experts (CIE) related to NMFS's November 2010 Biological Opinion on the effects of the Alaska groundfish fisheries on Steller sea lions and other endangered species (Final Biop). The meeting will provide an opportunity for the CIE reviewers to receive presentations from NMFS, the State of Alaska, the State of Washington, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the public concerning new and relevant scientific information that has become available since NMFS issued the Final Biop. NMFS requests that parties interested in presenting such information to the CIE reviewers submit a statement of interest including an abstract of the information to be presented.
Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Modification of American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited Area
Document Number: 2012-14146
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule modifies certain boundaries of the large fishing vessel prohibited area around Tutuila, the Manua Islands, and Rose Atoll in American Samoa to align with the boundaries of the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. This rule simplifies enforcement and administration of the management areas.
Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Revised Swordfish Trip Limits in the Hawaii Deep-Set Longline Fishery
Document Number: 2012-14145
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would revise the limits on the number of swordfish that fishermen may possess or land during any given Hawaii- based deep-set longline-fishing trip north of the Equator. This proposed rule would also revise the definition of deep-set longline fishing to be consistent with the proposed swordfish retention limits. All other measures applicable to the deep-set fishery would remain unchanged. The proposed rule intends to reduce regulatory discards and optimize the yield of swordfish.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 24
Document Number: 2012-14137
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 24 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule establishes red grouper commercial and recreational sector annual catch limits (ACLs); establishes red grouper sector accountability measures (AMs); and removes the combined gag, black grouper, and red grouper commercial quota, and commercial and recreational sector ACLs and AMs. The intent of this final rule is to specify ACLs and AMs for red grouper while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY) for the red grouper resource. Additionally, Amendment 24 implements a rebuilding plan for red grouper in the South Atlantic.
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