National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration April 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Temporary Rule To Extend the Increase of the Commercial Annual Catch Limit for South Atlantic Yellowtail Snapper
Document Number: 2013-10153
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule to extend the effectiveness of the increase of the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for yellowtail snapper implemented by a temporary rule published by NMFS on November 7, 2012. The commercial ACL for yellowtail snapper of 1,596,510 lb (724,165 kg), round weight, will be extended for up to an additional 186 days, until permanent measures are implemented, as requested by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). The intent of this temporary rule is to ensure the commercial ACL for yellowtail snapper is based on the best scientific information available and to help achieve optimum yield (OY) for the yellowtail snapper resource.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10143
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Groundfish Committee and Habitat Committee on May 17, 2013 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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Public Conference Call and Webinar Regarding Updates to the HMS Recreational Fishing Action Plan
Document Number: 2013-10142
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a public conference call to discuss progress on current goals and objectives in the 2011 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Recreational Fishing Action Agenda and potential updates to the Agenda. The 2011 Atlantic HMS Recreational Fishing Action Agenda was developed as part of a national effort to provide a comprehensive perspective of our efforts relating to recreational fisheries.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10092
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a meeting of the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish Fishery; Emergency Action
Document Number: 2013-10023
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements a temporary emergency action that suspends existing monkfish possession limits for vessels issued both a Federal limited access Northeast multispecies permit and a limited access monkfish Category C or D permit that are fishing under a monkfish day- at-sea in the monkfish Northern Fishery Management Area. This action is necessary to help mitigate expected adverse economic and social harm resulting from substantial reductions to the 2013 annual catch limits for several stocks managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The intent is to provide additional fishing opportunities to vessels affected by reductions to groundfish catch limits, without resulting in overfishing monkfish within the Northern or Southern Fishery Management Areas.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2013
Document Number: 2013-10033
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes management measures for the 2013 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. This rule also proposes to implement an increase in the 2013 and 2014 black sea bass specifications, consistent with a new acceptable biological catch recommendation. The implementing regulations for these fisheries require NMFS to publish recreational measures for the fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of these measures is to prevent overfishing of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass resources.
Listing Endangered or Threatened Species: 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Include the Killer Whale Known as Lolita in the Endangered Species Act Listing of Southern Resident Killer Whales, Request for Information
Document Number: 2013-10024
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to include the Orcinus orca known as Lolita in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of the Southern Resident killer whales. Lolita is a female killer whale, captured from the Southern Resident population in 1970, who resides at the Miami Seaquarium in Miami, Florida. The Southern Resident killer whale Distinct Population Segment (DPS) was listed as endangered under the ESA in 2005. We find that the petition, viewed in the context of information readily available in our files, presents substantial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. We are currently conducting a status review of Southern Resident killer whales. During this review, we will examine the application of the DPS policy and the listing with respect to Lolita. To ensure that the status review and our determination are comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information pertaining to Lolita.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2013-10022
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2013 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the State of Rhode Island; and that the Commonwealth of Virginia is transferring a portion of its 2013 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the State of New Jersey. NMFS is adjusting the quotas and announcing the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-10021
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels (CVs) using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to CVs using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 28
Document Number: 2013-10000
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 28 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). If implemented, this rule would establish a process for determining whether the limited harvest and possession of red snapper in or from the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) could occur during a given fishing year and establish a process for setting commercial and recreational fishing seasons for red snapper beginning in 2013. Amendment 28 also specifies the process and formulas for setting commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) for red snapper if limited fishing seasons may occur. This rule would implement those ACLs and specify accountability measures (AMs) when the limited harvest and possession of red snapper is allowed. During limited fishing seasons, the rule would also eliminate the current red snapper minimum size limit, establish a recreational bag limit and establish a commercial trip limit for red snapper. In this rule, NMFS intends to continue the rebuilding of the red snapper stock and to provide socio-economic benefits to snapper-grouper fishermen and communities that utilize the red snapper resource.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-09957
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Groundfish Plan Teams will meet by teleconference and webcast at https://npfmc.webex.com to allow the public to watch and hear presentations.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on Petitions To List the Great Hammerhead Shark as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 2013-09943
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on two petitions to list the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) range-wide or, in the alternative, the Northwest Atlantic distinct population segment (DPS) or any other identified DPSs as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and to designate critical habitat. We find that the petitions and information in our files present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We will conduct a status review of the species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information pertaining to this species from any interested party.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Fixed-Gear Commercial Halibut and Sablefish Fisheries; Limitations on Use of Quota Share and the Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: 2013-09939
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to amend the hired master regulations of the Individual Fishing Quota Program (IFQ Program) for the fixed-gear commercial Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). The IFQ Program allows initial recipients of catcher vessel halibut and sablefish quota share (QS) to hire a vessel master to harvest an annual allocation of individual fishing quota (IFQ) derived from the QS. If this action is approved, an initial QS recipient would not be allowed to use a hired master to harvest IFQ derived from catcher vessel QS that they received by transfer after February 12, 2010, with a limited exception for small amounts of QS. This action is necessary to maintain a predominantly owner-operated fishery. In addition, this action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the BSAI, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA, and other applicable laws.
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09918
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) on May 16, 2013 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 Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-09917
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 33 assessment of the Gulf of Mexico stocks of gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) and greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) will consist of: a Data Workshop; an Assessment process conducted via webinars; and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to an Exploration Drilling Program in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska
Document Number: 2013-09871
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that ConocoPhillips Company (COP) has withdrawn its application for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA). The following action is related to a proposed IHA to COP for the take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to conducting offshore exploration drilling on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, during the 2014 open-water season.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-09820
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 Greenland turbot initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-09810
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Greenland turbot in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 Greenland turbot initial total allowable catch (ITAC) in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modifications of the West Coast Commercial and Recreational Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #1 and #2
Document Number: 2013-09808
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries announces two inseason actions in the ocean salmon fisheries. These inseason actions modified the commercial fisheries in the area from Cape Falcon, Oregon to Point Arena, California.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2013-09803
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received 15 scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, sturgeon, and eulachon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/previewopen forcomment.cfm.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures
Document Number: 2013-09671
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On October 7, 2011, we published an NOI to prepare an EIS for Amendment 5 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to address the results of recent shark stock assessments for several shark species, including dusky sharks. In that notice, based on the 2010/2011 Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) assessments for sandbar, dusky, and blacknose sharks, we declared that the status of the dusky shark stock is still overfished and still experiencing overfishing (i.e., their stock status has not changed). On November 26, 2012, we published a proposed rule for draft Amendment 5 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP. After fully considering the public comments received on draft Amendment 5 and its proposed rule, we decided that further analysis and consideration of management approaches, data sources, and available information are needed for dusky sharks beyond those considered in the proposed rule. Thus, we announce our intent to prepare a separate EIS under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to conduct further analyses and explore management options specific to rebuilding and ending overfishing of dusky sharks. This EIS would assess the potential effects on the human environment of action to rebuild and end overfishing of the dusky shark stock, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Through the rulemaking process, we would amend the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and examine management alternatives available to rebuild dusky sharks and end overfishing, as necessary.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Navy Training Conducted at the Silver Strand Training Complex, San Diego Bay
Document Number: 2013-09618
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a complete application from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting training exercises at the Silver Strand Training Complex (SSTC) in the vicinity of San Diego Bay, California. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to the Navy to incidentally harass, by Level B Harassment only, eight species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 18B
Document Number: 2013-09574
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement management measures described in Amendment 18B to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 18B), as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule: establishes a longline endorsement program for the commercial golden tilefish component of the snapper-grouper fishery; establishes initial eligibility requirements for a golden tilefish longline endorsement; establishes an appeals process; allocates the commercial golden tilefish annual catch limit (ACL) among gear groups; establishes a procedure for the transfer of golden tilefish endorsements; and modifies the golden tilefish trip limits; and establishes a trip limit for commercial fishermen who do not receive a golden tilefish longline endorsement. The intent of this rule is to reduce overcapacity in the commercial golden tilefish component of the snapper-grouper fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-09520
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors (C/Ps) using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to C/Ps using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor Ferry Terminals
Document Number: 2013-09492
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to take, by harassment, small numbers of 11 species of marine mammals incidental to vibratory pile driving and pile removal activities at the Orcas Island and Friday Harbor ferry terminals in Washington State between September 2013 and February 2014.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09490
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) is a Federal Advisory Committee established to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, as amended, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. Date and Time: The public meeting will be held on May 7-8, 2013. May 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT; May 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14809
Document Number: 2013-09485
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke UniversityMarine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 34 cetacean species.
Endangered Species; Permit No. 16507-01
Document Number: 2013-09478
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a request for modification of scientific research Permit No. 16507 submitted by Dewayne Fox, Ph.D., of Delaware State University, 1200 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 has been granted.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09397
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a special webinar meeting in order to address Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 19 as well as the Proposed Rule for Gulf Council Permit Transfer and Renewal Requirements. The Council will take action as necessary. The Council will also hold a public comment session via webinar.
List of Fisheries for 2013
Document Number: 2013-09391
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2013, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2013 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The classification of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan (TRP) requirements. The fishery classifications and list of marine mammal stocks incidentally injured or killed described in the Final LOF for 2012 remain in effect until the effective date of the Final LOF for 2013.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Amendment 5
Document Number: 2013-09390
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (Amendment 5), incorporating the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), for review by the Secretary of Commerce and is requesting comments from the public.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-09389
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors (C/Ps) using trawl 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 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to C/Ps using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17298
Document Number: 2013-09297
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 [Responsible Party: Stephen Coan, Ph.D.] to collect, import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Russian River Estuary Management Activities
Document Number: 2013-09273
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, three species of marine mammals during estuary management activities conducted at the mouth of the Russian River, Sonoma County, California.
General Advisory Committee and Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission; Meeting Announcement
Document Number: 2013-09251
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a combined meeting of the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee (SAS) and the General Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) on May 15, 2013. Meeting topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17312
Document Number: 2013-09249
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Scripps Institution of Oceanography [Responsible Party: John Hildebrand, Ph.D.], University of California, 8635 Discovery Way, La Jolla, CA 92093, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on 35 cetacean species/stocks, including the following endangered whales: blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), sei (B. borealis), Southern Resident stock of killer (Orcinus orca), Hawaii insular stock of false killer (Pseudorca crassidens), sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), North Pacific right (Eubalaena japonica), and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; American Samoa Pelagic Longline Limited Entry Program
Document Number: 2013-09247
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of, and is soliciting applications for, American Samoa pelagic longline limited entry fishing permits. At least 12 permits in two size classes are available for 2013.
National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); May 6 and 9-10, 2013 Council Coordination Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09188
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Council will host a meeting of the Council Coordination Committee (CCC) consisting of the eight Regional Fishery Management Council (RFMC) chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors and its subcommittees in May 2013. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the Councils, including: budget issues, CCC meeting protocols, Managing Our Nation's Fisheries 3 (MONF3) conference results, Endangered Species Act transparency, electronic monitoring, allocation review process, Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General report action plan, new environmental review process, other topics of concern to the RFMC, and decisions and follow- up activities.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09148
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.
Endangered Species; File Nos. 14759-01 and 16375-01
Document Number: 2013-09142
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 [Joseph Hightower: Responsible Party], has applied in due form for permit modifications to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) for purposes of scientific research.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09112
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2013-09107
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued scientific research Permit 15610 to the Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (OSU).
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-09073
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold the AP meetings in North Charleston, SC.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the South Atlantic States; Regulatory Amendment 14
Document Number: 2013-09052
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, Southeast Region, in collaboration with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), intends to prepare a DEIS to describe and analyze a range of alternatives for management actions to be included in Regulatory Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 14). In Regulatory Amendment 14, the Council is considering management measures to modify the fishing year for greater amberjack; revise the minimum size limit measurement for gray triggerfish; increase the minimum size limit for hogfish; modify the commercial and recreational fishing years for black sea bass; adjust the commercial fishing season for vermilion snapper; modify the aggregate grouper bag limit; and revise the accountability measures (AMs) for gag and vermilion snapper. The intent of Regulatory Amendment 14 is to achieve optimum yield (OY) for snapper-grouper species and enhance socio-economic opportunities within the snapper- grouper fishery. The purpose of this NOI is to solicit public comments on the scope of issues to be addressed in the DEIS.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic
Document Number: 2013-08127
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-04-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS hereby reorganizes the regulations implementing the fishery management plans (FMPs) for the following domestic fisheries in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic: Caribbean coral, Caribbean reef fish, Caribbean spiny lobster, Caribbean queen conch, Gulf red drum, Gulf reef fish, Gulf shrimp, Gulf coral, Gulf and South Atlantic coastal migratory pelagics, Gulf and South Atlantic spiny lobster, South Atlantic coral, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, South Atlantic shrimp, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, South Atlantic golden crab, and South Atlantic pelagic sargassum. This interim final rule does not create any new rights or obligations; it reorganizes the existing regulatory requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations in a more logical format, i.e., by fishery, so constituents and other interested parties can locate regulatory requirements applicable to them more easily. As a part of this reorganization, the implementing regulations for the Gulf and South Atlantic spiny lobster FMP have been consolidated into the same CFR part as all other regulations implementing FMPs in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic. This interim final rule also amends references to Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) collection-of-information requirements to reflect the reorganization. Additionally, this interim final rule also amends references to incorporation by reference (IBR) to reflect updated regulatory references for the Florida Administrative Code. The intended effect of this interim final rule is to improve the organization of these regulations and make them easier for constituents and others to use.
Endangered Species; File No. 16549
Document Number: 2013-08870
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey; Box 796, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376 [Barnaby Watten: Responsible Party], has been issued a permit [File No. 16549] to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2013-08857
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-16
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 LOAs to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean, April 2013, Through June 2013
Document Number: 2013-08795
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulation, we hereby give notification that we have issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Observatory), a part of Columbia University, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (Foundation), to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical (seismic) survey on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the north Atlantic Ocean in international waters, from April 2013 through June 2013.
Endangered Species; File No. 16556
Document Number: 2013-08786
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC; Responsible Party: Dr. William Karp), 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543 has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2013-08659
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-04-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This exempted fishing permit would facilitate compensation fishing under the monkfish Research Set-Aside Program by exempting vessels from monkfish days-at-sea possession limits. The compensation fishing is in support of a 2012 Monkfish Research Set- Aside project that is attempting to validate monkfish aging methods. The project is being conducted by the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, School for Marine Science and Technology. 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 exempted fishing permits.
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