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

Results 851 - 900 of 1,100
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in the West Yakutat District in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-7577
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2012 total allowable catch of pollock in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16621
Document Number: 2012-7600
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Alejandro Acevedo-Guti[eacute]rrez, Ph.D., Biology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA to conduct research on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery
Document Number: 2012-7592
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this notice to inform interested persons of the voting period for the fishing capacity reduction program referendum for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 47
Document Number: 2012-7075
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to approve Framework Adjustment 47 (Framework 47) to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and to implement its measures through the proposed regulations. Framework 47 was developed and adopted by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) based on the biennial review process established in the NE Multispecies FMP to develop annual catch limits (ACLs) and revise management measures necessary to rebuild overfished groundfish stocks and achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. NMFS also proposes management measures and revisions to existing regulations that are not included in Framework 47, including common pool management measures for fishing year (FY) 2012, modification of the Ruhle trawl definition, modification of the method used to estimate fillets or parts of fish landed for at-home consumption, and clarification of the regulations for charter/party and recreational groundfish vessels fishing in groundfish closed areas. The proposed regulations are intended to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best available scientific information.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17159
Document Number: 2012-7252
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Simon Nash, Parthenon Entertainment Ltd, 34 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2LG, United Kingdom, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct commercial or educational photography on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris).
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Observer Programs' Information that Can Be Gathered Only Through Questions
Document Number: 2012-7211
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-26
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.
Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-7165
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Council will convene a meeting of the Ecosystem Plan Development Team (EPDT) which is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-7164
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Oversight Committee on April 17, 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.
Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); Spring Species Working Group Meeting
Document Number: 2012-7064
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee (Committee) to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) announces its annual spring meeting on May 1-2, 2012. The Committee will meet with its Technical Advisors to discuss matters relating to ICCAT, including the 2011 Commission meeting results; research and management activities; global and domestic initiatives related to ICCAT; the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act-required report on any identification of countries that are diminishing the effectiveness of ICCAT; the results of meetings of the Committee's Species Working Groups; and other matters relating to the international management of ICCAT species.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 17
Document Number: 2012-7062
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements measures in Amendment 17 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan which was approved on March 8, 2012. This action amends the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to explicitly define and facilitate the effective operation of state-operated permit banks. As proposed in Amendment 17, state-operated permit banks may be allocated an annual catch entitlement and specifically authorized to provide their annual catch entitlement and/or days-at-sea to approved groundfish sectors to enhance the fishing opportunities available to sector members. This action also approves a provision allowing NMFS to issue a days-at-sea credit to a vessel that cancels a fishing trip prior to setting or hauling fishing gear.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-7046
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 72 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the B season allowance of the 2012 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 18A
Document Number: 2012-7045
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 18A to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 18A), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would update the current rebuilding strategy for black sea bass, modify the current system of accountability measures for black sea bass, limit effort in the black sea bass segment of the snapper- grouper fishery, and improve fisheries data in the for-hire sector of the snapper-grouper fishery. The intent of this rule is to reduce overcapacity in the black sea bass segment of the snapper-grouper fishery.
Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet (15.2 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-7043
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels (CVs) greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) in length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2012 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to CVs greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Navy's Training Activities at the Gulf of Mexico Range Complex
Document Number: 2012-7041
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a two-year Letter of Authorization (LOA) to the U.S. Navy (Navy) to take marine mammals by harassment incidental to its training activities at the Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex.
Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2012-6821
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued one-year LOAs to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-6816
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2012 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-6814
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2012 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 620 in the GOA.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6767
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Socioeconomic Scientific and Statistical Committee.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6761
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat Oversight Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Review for the North Atlantic Right Whale and the North Pacific Right Whale
Document Number: 2012-6575
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a 5-year review of North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on these whales that has become available since the last status review in 2006.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
Document Number: 2012-6456
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing final 2012 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel (mackerel), and 2012-2014 specifications for Illex and longfin squid, and interim final 2012 specifications and management measures for butterfish. This is the first year that the specifications are being set for Atlantic mackerel and butterfish under the provisions of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measure Omnibus Amendment. This action also adjusts the closure threshold for the commercial mackerel fishery to 95 percent (from 90 percent), and allows the use of jigging gear to target longfin squid if the longfin squid fishery is closed due to the butterfish mortality cap. Finally, this rule makes minor corrections in existing regulatory text to clarify the intent of the regulations. These specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries; Swordfish Retention Limits
Document Number: 2012-6577
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to modify retention limits for swordfish harvested in the U.S. West Coast-based deep-set tuna longline (DSLL) fishery. The DSLL fishery is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The final rule implements the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) recommendation to modify HMS FMP regulations governing the possession and landing limits of swordfish captured in the DSLL fishery as follows: if a vessel without an observer onboard uses any J-hooks (tuna hooks), the trip limit is 10 swordfish; if a vessel without an observer onboard uses only circle hooks, the trip limit is 25 swordfish; if the vessel carries a NMFS- approved observer during the entire fishing trip, there is no limit on swordfish retained.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Proposed 2012 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications
Document Number: 2012-6576
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule proposes a catch limit, commercial quota, and trip limit for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2012 fishing year. The proposed action was developed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils pursuant to the fishery specification requirements of the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan. The proposed management measures are supported by the best available scientific information and reflect recent increases in spiny dogfish biomass. The proposed action is expected to result in positive economic impacts for the spiny dogfish fishery while maintaining the conservation objectives of the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan.
Endangered Species; File No. 15672
Document Number: 2012-6574
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Molly Lutcavage, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 108 Main Street, Gloucester MA 01930 has been issued a permit to take leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) for purposes of scientific research.
Science Advisory Board (SAB); Notice of Open Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6485
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-19
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 Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Friday, April 6, 2012, from 9:15 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 Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, Washington, DC 20005 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 April 5 at 5 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 March 29, 2012 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by March 29, 2012 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after March 29, 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 March 29, 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) Update from the SAB Research and Development Portfolio Review Task Force; (2) External Review of the Cooperative Institute for Climate Science (CICS), Princeton University; (3) Proposed New Members for the Data Archive and Access Requirements Working Group (DAARWG); (4) Update from the SAB Satellite Task Force; (5) NOAA Response to the SAB Report on Fisheries Enterprise Data Management; (6) NOAA Response to Congress on Compensation Policy for Specialized Satellite Data Products and Services; (7) NOAA Report on Needs Assessment for Science Advisory Board Working Groups; (8) Use of the NOAA Logo by Affiliated Partners; and (9) Updates from SAB Working Groups.
Highly Migratory Species; 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
Document Number: 2012-6455
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This fishery management plan (FMP) amendment addresses Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fishery management measures in the U.S. Caribbean Region. There are substantial differences between some segments of the HMS fisheries in the Caribbean Region and the HMS fisheries that occur off the mainland of the United States, including: Limited fishing permit and dealer permit possession; smaller vessels; limited availability of processing and cold storage facilities; shorter trips; limited profit margins; and high local consumption of catches. These differences can sometimes create an awkward fit between current Federal HMS fishery regulations applicable to the whole Atlantic HMS fishery and the traditional operation of Caribbean fisheries, which has led to fewer Caribbean Region fishermen and vessels obtaining required permits and reporting data needed for effective fisheries management. NMFS is proposing management measures that would amend the HMS fishery management regulations for the U.S. Caribbean Region to better correspond with the traditional operation of the fishing fleet in the region and to provide NMFS with an improved capability to monitor and sustainably manage those fisheries. With this amendment, NMFS proposes to create an HMS Caribbean Small Boat Commercial Permit (CSBP) allowing fishing for and sales of bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack (BAYS) tunas, Atlantic swordfish, and Atlantic sharks within local Caribbean markets. The proposed CSBP management measures include specific authorized species and retention limits, modification of reporting requirements, authorization of specific gears, vessel size restrictions, and consideration of mandatory workshop training. Additionally, NMFS proposes to stipulate that the CSBP could not be held in combination with any other HMS permit. This proposed rule modifies regulatory text that is also proposed to be amended by the HMS Electronic Dealer Reporting System (E-dealer) rulemaking (RIN 0648-BA75). The proposed language included in the HMS E-dealer rulemaking is being utilized in the proposed rule for this action.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2012 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications
Document Number: 2012-6453
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2012 quota specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery. This action is necessary to implement binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Russian River Estuary Management Activities
Document Number: 2012-6452
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Russian River estuary management activities. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SCWA to take, by Level B Harassment only, several species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2012-6451
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has issued permit 15542 to Normandeau Associates, Incorporated [Responsible Party: Tim Salamunovich], 890 L Street, Arcata, CA 95521; permit 16608 to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) [Responsible Party: Michelle Banonis], 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-1727 Sacramento, CA 95825; and permit 16531 to FISHBIO Environmental, LLC [Responsible Party: Andrea Fuller], 599 Hi-Tech Pkwy, Oakdale, CA 95361; for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment for the South Atlantic
Document Number: 2012-6450
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement the Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment (Comprehensive ACL Amendment) to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Snapper-Grouper FMP), the Golden Crab Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Golden Crab FMP), the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery off the Atlantic States (Dolphin and Wahoo FMP), and the Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region (Sargassum FMP) as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule specifies annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for species in the Snapper-Grouper, Dolphin and Wahoo, and Golden Crab FMPs. This final rule also describes the current terminology and measures in place in the Sargassum FMP that are equivalent to ACLs and AMs. For Sargassum, this final rule does not specifically set an ACL because there is currently a commercial quota in place which functions as an ACL, and there are commercial closure provisions in the event the quota is met or projected to be met which functions as an AM. To implement the Snapper-Grouper FMP, this final rule revises the snapper-grouper fishery management unit (FMU), including the removal of some species, designation of ecosystem component (EC) species, and the development of species groups. This final rule also establishes a daily vessel limit for the recreational possession of wreckfish and creates a closed season for the wreckfish recreational sector. To implement the Dolphin and Wahoo FMP, this final rule prohibits recreational bag limit sales of dolphin from for-hire vessels, and sets a minimum size limit for dolphin off South Carolina that complements the existing minimum size limit off Georgia and Florida. The intent of this final rule is to specify ACLs for species not undergoing overfishing while maintaining catch levels consistent with achieving optimum yield (OY) for the resource.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6448
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
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 the following items: Fishery Management Plan (FMP) amendments under development; current landings and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) values for managed stocks including the effect of revised recreational catch estimates; ABC control rule approaches; research priorities; peer review procedures; and planning for update assessments of vermilion snapper and red porgy. The meeting will be held in Savannah, GA. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6404
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Advisory Panel 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.
Southern California Hook and Line Survey; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6403
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) will hold a peer review meeting to evaluate the Southern California Shelf Rockfish Hook and Line Survey which was designed to collect fishery-independent data for use in the stock assessments of groundfish associated with rocky habitats.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Notice
Document Number: 2012-6399
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council's) Groundfish Plan Teams and Crab Plan Team will hold a workshop on Assessment/Management Issues Related to Recruitment, April 4-5, 2012 at the Alaska Fishery Science Center.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-6398
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Monkfish Oversight Committee and Advisory Panel in April, 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.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Correction
Document Number: 2012-6198
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is correcting a temporary rule that published on February 29, 2012, reallocating the projected unused amounts of pollock directed fishing allowances from the Aleut Corporation and the Community Development Quota from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea directed fisheries. There are errors in the table for the pollock allocation in the Aleutian Island subarea and the Bogoslof District.
Groundfish Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska and Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Observer Program
Document Number: 2012-6197
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 86 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) and Amendment 76 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), (collectively referred to as the FMPs) to NMFS for review. If approved, Amendments 86 and 76 would add a funding and deployment system for observer coverage to the existing North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program) and amend existing observer coverage requirements for vessels and processing plants at 50 CFR 679.50. The new funding and deployment system would allow NMFS to determine when and where to deploy observers according to management and conservation needs, with funds provided through a system of fees based on the ex-vessel value of groundfish and halibut in fisheries covered by the new system. This action is necessary to resolve data quality and cost equity concerns with the Observer Program's existing funding and deployment structure. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the FMPs, and other applicable law.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Pile Placement for ORPC Maine's Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Pilot Project
Document Number: 2012-6196
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Ocean Renewable Power Company Maine, LLC (ORPC), allowing the take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to pile driving in Cobscook Bay, Maine.
Dataset Workshop-U.S. Billion Dollar Disasters Dataset (1980-2011): Assessing Dataset Strengths and Weaknesses for a Pathway to an Improved Dataset
Document Number: 2012-6069
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and topics of an upcoming workshop hosted by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Invited participants will discuss topics as outlined below. Members of the administrative public, private and academic sectors are invited to attend the workshop, and are required to fulfill a request to RSVP to Karen.L.Miller@noaa.gov by 5 p.m. EDT, Friday, April 27, 2012 if they wish to attend. The workshop is to be held in a federal facility; building-security restrictions preclude attendance for those who do not RSVP by the deadline. Space is also limited to the first 35 responses, but remote access via webinar will be made available for the first 50 participants requesting webinar participation. The remote access participation information will be provided on an individual basis once participation has been confirmed through RSVP. Workshop Date and Time: The workshop will be held on May 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 4, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RSVP Deadline: Anyone wishing to attend the workshop must RSVP no later than 5:00 pm EDT on April 27, 2012.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2012-6061
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2012 and 2013 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: 2012-6057
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces final 2012 and 2013 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2012 and 2013 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Incidental Take Permit and Habitat Conservation Plan for PacifiCorp Klamath Hydroelectric Project Interim Operations
Document Number: 2012-6078
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice announces the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) on the application from PacifiCorp Energy (PacifiCorp or applicant) for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for take of a threatened species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). NMFS and PacifiCorp have also developed an implementing agreement (IA) which details how NMFS and PacifiCorp will work together to implement the HCP. This notice also announces that NMFS has made a decision to issue an ITP to PacifiCorp for the covered activities described in their HCP, and has authorized the incidental take of Southern Oregon/ Northern California Coast (SONCC) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as a result of operation and maintenance of its Klamath Hydroelectric Project (Project) in and near the Klamath River in Southern Oregon and Northern California, and implementation of the HCP during a ten-year period. This notice is provided under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and NMFS ESA permit regulations to inform the public that the Final EA HCP, responses to public comments, and associated documents are available for review; and NMFS has made a decision to issue the ITP.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Pile Placement for Fishermen's Offshore Wind Farm
Document Number: 2012-6058
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, on behalf of Fishermen's Atlantic City Windfarm, LLC (Fishermen's) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to pile driving off the New Jersey coast. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing to issue an IHA to take, by Level B harassment, bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, and harbor seals during the specified activity within a specific geographic region and is requesting comments on its proposal.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Low-Energy Marine Geophysical Survey in the South-Eastern Pacific Ocean, May, 2012
Document Number: 2012-6054
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a low- energy marine geophysical (i.e., seismic) survey in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean, May, 2012. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SIO to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, 20 species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery
Document Number: 2012-6048
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS increases the possession limits for Georges Bank (GB) cod and Southern New England (SNE)/Mid-Atlantic (MA) yellowtail flounder for Northeast (NE) multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2011 fishing year (FY), through April 30, 2012. This is intended to facilitate the harvest of GB cod and SNE/MA yellowtail flounder to allow the total catch of these stocks to approach their pertinent common pool sub-annual catch limits (sub-ACLs).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2012-6046
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2012 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2012-5981
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Administrative Committee will hold meetings.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2012-5949
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2012-5921
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2012 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals
Document Number: 2012-5920
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, (Assistant Administrator) has granted an affirmative finding 2-year renewal to the Government of Ecuador under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This affirmative finding renewal will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Ecuadorian-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Ecuadorian jurisdiction to be imported into the United States. The affirmative finding renewal was based on review of documentary evidence submitted by the Government of Ecuador and obtained from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.