National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration November 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 70 of 70
Endangered Species; File No. 15809
Notice is hereby given that Paul Jobsis, Ph.D., University of the Virgin Islands, Department of Biology, 2 John Brewers Bay, St Thomas, VI 00802, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for the purpose of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
NMFS is implementing revised 2012 specifications for the butterfish fishery, which is managed as part of the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. This action raises the butterfish acceptable biological catch (ABC) to 4,200 mt (from 3,622 mt), and specifies the butterfish annual catch target (ACT) at 3,780 mt, the domestic annual harvest (DAH) and domestic annual processing (DAP) at 872 mt, and the butterfish mortality cap at 3,165 mt. These specifications promote the utilization and conservation of the butterfish resource.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Impact Analyses of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our August 24, 2012, proposed rule to revise our regulations pertaining to impact analyses conducted for designations of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (the Act). We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties additional time to review and comment on our proposed rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Proposed Rule to Implement a Targeted Acadian Redfish Fishery for Sector Vessels
This action would expand on a previously approved sector exemption by allowing groundfish sector trawl vessels to harvest redfish using nets with codend mesh as small as 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). In addition, this action proposes to implement an industry-funded at- sea monitoring program for sector trips targeting redfish with trawl nets with mesh sizes that are less than the regulated mesh size requirement.
Temporary Rule to Increase the Commercial Annual Catch Limit for South Atlantic Yellowtail Snapper
NMFS issues this temporary rule to increase the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for yellowtail snapper, as requested by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). NMFS has determined that the commercial ACL may be increased from 1,142,589 lb (518,270 kg) to 1,596,510 lb (724,165 kg). This temporary rule will be effective for 180 days, unless superseded by subsequent rulemaking, although NMFS may extend the rule's effectiveness for an additional 186 days pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The intent of this temporary rule is to preserve a significant economic opportunity for the yellowtail snapper component of the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery that might otherwise be foregone and to help achieve optimum yield (OY) for the fishery.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Bumphead Parrotfish as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
We, NMFS, announce a twelve-month finding and listing determination on a petition to list the bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have completed a status review of the bumphead parrotfish in response to the petition submitted by WildEarth Guardians and considered the best scientific and commercial data available. The bumphead parrotfish is a coral reef-associated species that occurs in 45 countries in the Indo-Pacific area, including some U.S. Territories. After reviewing the best scientific and commercial data available, we have determined that the bumphead parrotfish is not warranted for listing under the ESA because the species still occupies its historical range, although at a lower and declining abundance, but with biological characteristics and management measures that support the population above the viability threshold. Based on these considerations, described in more detail in this notice, we conclude that the bumphead parrotfish is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and not likely to become so within the foreseeable future.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Sub-ACL (Annual Catch Limit) Harvested for Management Area 1A
NMFS is closing the directed herring fishery in Management Area 1A, because 95 percent of the catch limit for that area has been caught. Effective 1200 hr, November 5, 2012, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per calendar day of Atlantic herring in or from Area 1A until January 1, 2013, when the 2013 allocation for Area 1A becomes available.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Assessment Process Webinar for Gulf of Mexico Spanish Mackerel and Cobia
The SEDAR 28 assessment of the Gulf of Mexico Spanish mackerel and cobia fisheries will consist of a series of workshops and supplemental webinars. This notice is for a webinar associated with the Assessment portion of the SEDAR process.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This EFP application would exempt 11 commercial fishing vessels from the following Federal American lobster regulations: (1) Gear specifications, including escape vents; (2) trap limits; and (3) trap tag requirements. In order to understand patterns of larval dispersal and settlement in the offshore Lobster Management Area 3 (Area 3), 11 federally permitted vessels would utilize a maximum combined total of 50 modified lobster traps to target juvenile American lobsters. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Essential Fish Habitat Amendments
NMFS announces approval of Amendment 98 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI Groundfish FMP); Amendment 90 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA Groundfish FMP); Amendment 40 to the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (BSAI Crab FMP); Amendment 15 to the FMP for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska (Scallop FMP); and Amendment 1 to the FMP for Fish Resources of the Arctic Management Area (Arctic FMP). These amendments update the existing essential fish habitat (EFH) provisions in the FMPs based on a 5-year EFH review. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMPs, and other applicable laws.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Missile Launch Operations From San Nicolas Island, CA
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, U.S. Navy (Navy), to take three species of seals and sea lions incidental to missile launch operations from San Nicolas Island (SNI), California, a military readiness activity.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Trawl Rationalization Program; Notice of Non-Whiting At-Sea Processing Prohibition Exemption
NMFS announces the receipt of applications for, and the issuance of, exemptions to the prohibition of at-sea processing for non-whiting groundfish caught in the Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program, a prohibition implemented as part of the trawl rationalization program.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from catcher vessels using trawl gear and hook-and-line catcher/ processors (C/Ps) to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska management area (GOA). This action is necessary to allow the 2012 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA to be harvested.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Joint Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Joint Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) 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.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 19
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 19 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, if approved. The New England Fishery Management Council developed Amendment 19 to modify management measures that currently govern the small-mesh multispecies fishery, including the accountability measures, the year-round possession limits and total allowable landings process.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee on November 19, 2012 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.
Availability of Seats for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Recreational/Commercial Fishing and Education seats. 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 two-year terms, pursuant to the council's charter.
Availability of Seats for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Commercial Fishing member and alternate, Conservation member and alternate, Non-consumptive recreation member and alternate, Research member and alternate, Public at large members (2) and Business member. 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 two-year terms, pursuant to the council's charter.
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