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

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan for Guided Sport and Commercial Fisheries in Alaska
Document Number: 2013-15543
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations that would implement a catch sharing plan for the guided sport (charter) and commercial fisheries for Pacific halibut in waters of International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Regulatory Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska). If approved, this catch sharing plan will replace the Guideline Harvest Level program, define an annual process for allocating halibut between the charter and commercial fisheries in Area 2C and Area 3A, and establish allocations for each fishery. The commercial fishery will continue to be managed under the Individual Fishing Quota system. To allow flexibility for individual commercial and charter fishery participants, the proposed catch sharing plan also will authorize annual transfers of commercial halibut quota to charter halibut permit holders for harvest in the charter fishery. This action is necessary to achieve the halibut fishery management goals of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-15508
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Council to establish the 2013 red snapper quotas and supplemental recreational red snapper season. The Council will also hold a formal public comment session.
Endangered Species; File No. 17506
Document Number: 2013-15503
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Karen G. Holloway-Adkins, East Coast Biologists, Inc. P.O. Box 33715, Indialantic, FL 32903 has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriaceae) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Re-establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process
Document Number: 2013-15488
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA's ONMS is announcing that it is re-establishing the sanctuary nomination process and is proposing to amend its regulations governing the process for nominating and evaluating sites for eligibility as a national marine sanctuary. This action would replace the currently inactive Sanctuary Evaluation List (SEL) with a new process for local communities and other interested parties to provide NOAA with robust, criteria-driven proposals for new national marine sanctuaries. To implement this process, NOAA is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the sanctuary nomination and designation procedures, and on the criteria by which the agency would analyze nominations for potential new national marine sanctuaries. Once these criteria have been made final, NOAA intends to solicit nominations for areas of the marine and Great Lakes environments that satisfy those criteria for possible designation as a national marine sanctuary.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2013-15480
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-27
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 and that the activities authorized under this Exempted Fishing Permit would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an Exempted Fishing Permit. The Exempted Fishing Permit would grant exemptions from monkfish days-at-sea possession limits. The primary goal of this study, by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is to investigate the influence of temperature on monkfish distribution and abundance. 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.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2013-15474
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-27
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 2013 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.
Science Advisory Board (SAB)
Document Number: 2013-15279
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-26
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 Tuesday, July 23, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT and Wednesday, July 24, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. EDT. 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: Conference call. Public access is available at 1315 East- West Highway, Room 11836 in Silver Spring, MD. Please check the SAB Web site https://www.sab.noaa.gov/Meetings/meetings.html for address and directions to the meeting location. Members of the public will not be able to dial in to this meeting. Status: The meeting will be open to public participation with a 10 minute public comment period on July 24 from 1:05-1:15 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 two (2) minutes. Individuals or groups planning to make a verbal presentation should contact the SAB Executive Director by July 17, 2013 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the SAB Executive Director's Office by July 17, 2013 to provide sufficient time for SAB review. Written comments received by the SAB Executive Director after July 17, 2013 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 17, 2013, 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) NOAA Response to the SAB Review of the Ocean Exploration and Research Program; (2) NOAA Social Science Needs Assessment; (3) Terms of Reference and Membership Approach for Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science Program Advisory Working Group; (4) National Academy of Public Administration Report: Forecasting the Future- Assuring the Capacity of the National Weather Service; (5) Arctic Policy and Management; (6) Arctic Science; (7) Climate Working Group- Proposed Change in Terms of Reference and Working Group Update; (8) Ecosystem Sciences and Management Working Group-Proposed New Member and Working Group Update; (9) Environmental Information Services Working Group-Membership and Working Group Update; and (10) Updates from Data Archive and Access Requirements and Ocean Exploration Advisory Working Groups.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; California Recreational Groundfish Survey
Document Number: 2013-15276
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-26
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Proposed Rule To Revise the Code of Federal Regulations for Species Under the Jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service
Document Number: 2013-15015
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce proposed revisions to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to clarify and update the descriptions of species under NMFS' jurisdiction that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Revisions include format changes to our lists of threatened and endangered species, revisions to regulatory language explaining our lists, updates to the descriptions of certain listed West Coast salmonid species to add or remove hatchery stocks consistent with our recently completed five-year reviews under ESA section 4(c)(2), and corrections to regulatory text to fix inadvertent errors from previous rulemakings and update cross-references. We do not propose to add or remove any species to or from our lists, change the status of any listed species, or add or revise any critical habitat designation.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Online Webinar
Document Number: 2013-15109
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) will hold an online Pre-Assessment Workshop webinar to provide an overview of the data sources, data trends and population models that will be used in the upcoming Pacific coast groundfish stock assessments for Pacific sanddab and cowcod (rockfish). The online SWFSC Pre-Assessment Workshop webinar is open to the public, although space for online access is limited to the first 20 participants.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Intent To Prepare a Recovery Plan for Oregon Coast Coho Salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit
Document Number: 2013-15106
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is announcing its intent to prepare a recovery plan for Oregon Coast coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) (OC coho) and requests information from the public. We are required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended, to develop plans for the conservation and survival of federally listed species, i.e., recovery plans.
Endangered Species; File No. 15661
Document Number: 2013-15085
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Lands and Natural Resources, PO Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950 (Arnold Palacios, Responsible Party), has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 15661.
Draft NOAA Procedures for Government to Government Consultation With Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
Document Number: 2013-15011
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces the availability of and request for comments on the Draft NOAA Procedures for Government-to-Government Consultation With Federally Recognized Indian Tribes. This Draft Handbook is intended to assist NOAA staff in conducting effective government-to- government consultations and fulfilling NOAA's obligations under Executive Order 13175 and Department Administrative Order (DAO) 218-8 on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, and the Department of Commerce Tribal Consultation Policy adopted on May 21, 2013 and published in the Federal Register on June 4, 2013.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17952
Document Number: 2013-14972
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Daniel P. Costa, Ph.D., Department of Biology and Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 to conduct scientific research on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-14934
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has cancelled the public meeting of its Ad hoc Sturgeon Committee that was scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2013 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Holiday Inn, Peabody, MA.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2013
Document Number: 2013-14919
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing management measures for the 2013 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. This rule also implements 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. The intent of these measures is to prevent overfishing of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass resources.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Abbreviated Framework
Document Number: 2013-14907
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in an abbreviated framework to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council), and Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resource prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council). If implemented, this rule would eliminate the requirement to submit a current certificate of inspection (COI) provided by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with the application to renew or transfer a Federal Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) or reef fish charter vessel/ headboat permit (hereafter referred to as a for-hire permit). The rule would eliminate the restriction on transferring for-hire permits to a vessel of greater authorized passenger capacity than specified on the permit. The rule would also prohibit the harvest or possession of CMP or reef fish species on a vessel with a Gulf for-hire permit that is carrying more passengers than is specified on the permit. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to simplify the passenger capacity requirements for transfers and renewals of Gulf CMP and reef fish for- hire permits to provide more flexibility in the use of these permitted vessels.
Plan for Periodic Review of Regulations
Document Number: 2013-14759
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) periodically review existing regulations that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, such as small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. This plan describes how NMFS will perform this review and describes the regulations that are being proposed for review during the current review-cycle.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2013-14756
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-20
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 (EFP) application submitted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow participants of an Electronic Monitoring (EM) Study to retain all catch brought on board, including sub-legal groundfish, prohibited species (with some exceptions), and fish that would otherwise be discarded. All catch would be sampled at the dock by a dockside monitor. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on EFP applications.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2013-14750
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PR DNER). If granted, the EFP would authorize the PR DNER to harvest reef fish by hook-and-line gear at 10 stations off the west coast and 1 station off the east coast of Puerto Rico in Federal waters. All reef fish caught during the duration of the EFP, including undersized and seasonally prohibited reef fish species, would be retained, except for goliath grouper, Nassau grouper, and any parrotfish species. The purpose of the exempted fishing activities is to obtain additional life history information for the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS to use when making future management decisions for Caribbean reef fish.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2013 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack
Document Number: 2013-14745
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for commercial greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2013 fishing year through this temporary final rule. Commercial landings for greater amberjack, as estimated by the Science and Research Director (SRD), are projected to reach the commercial ACT (commercial quota) on July 1, 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for greater amberjack in the Gulf on July 1, 2013, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing season, January 1, 2014. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf greater amberjack resource.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2013 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications
Document Number: 2013-14661
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS establishes 2013 quota specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery and closes the incidental Longline category northern and southern area fisheries for large medium and giant BFT for the remainder of 2013. These actions are 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). Under the closure, fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT in the Longline category northern and southern areas is prohibited for the remainder of 2013. The Longline fishery in the Northeast Distant gear restricted area (NED) remains open at this time. The closure is necessary to prevent overharvest of the adjusted Longline category subquotas as finalized in this action.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings
Document Number: 2013-14568
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold scoping meetings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the local agencies representatives on the development of island-specific fishery management plans for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, USVI and St. Croix, USVI.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction at Bremerton Ferry Terminal
Document Number: 2013-14494
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-18
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 six species of marine mammals incidental to vibratory pile driving and pile removal activities at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal in Washington State between September 2013 and August 2014.
Fisheries of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-14478
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 34 assessment of HMS Atlantic Sharpnose and Bonnethead sharks will consist of an in-person workshop and a series of webinars. This notice is for the webinars associated with the assessment portion of the SEDAR process. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Permits; Foreign Fishing
Document Number: 2013-14477
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes for public review and comment information regarding a permit application for transshipment of Atlantic herring by Canadian vessels, submitted under provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This action is necessary for NMFS to make a determination that the permit application can be approved.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2013 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for the South Atlantic Lesser Amberjack, Almaco Jack, and Banded Rudderfish Complex
Document Number: 2013-14476
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-18
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 2013 fishing year through this temporary rule. Commercial landings for the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish complex, as estimated by the Science and Research Director (SRD), have reached their combined commercial annual catch limit (ACL) at this time. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for this complex on June 18, 2013, 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.
International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit in Longline Fisheries for 2013 and 2014
Document Number: 2013-14337
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations under authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (WCPFC Implementation Act) to establish a catch limit of 3,763 metric tons (mt) of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) for vessels in the U.S. pelagic longline fisheries operating in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) for each of the calendar years 2013 and 2014. The limit would not apply to vessels in the longline fisheries of American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Once the limit of 3,763 mt is reached in 2013 or 2014, retaining, transshipping, or landing bigeye tuna caught in the area of application of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention), which comprises the majority of the WCPO, would be prohibited for the remainder of the calendar year, with certain exceptions. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the Convention, to which it is a Contracting Party.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications
Document Number: 2013-14335
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement the annual catch limit (ACL), harvest guideline (HG), and associated annual reference points for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013. These specifications were determined according to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The 2013 maximum HG for Pacific sardine is 66,495 metric tons (mt). The initial overall commercial fishing HG, which has been distributed across the three allocation periods for sardine management, is 57,495 mt. This amount has been divided across the three seasonal allocation periods for the directed fishery the following way: January 1-June 3019,123 mt; July 1-September 1421,998 mt; and September 15- December 3113,374 mt with an incidental set-aside of 1,000 mt for each of the three periods. This rule is intended to conserve and manage the Pacific sardine stock off the U.S. West Coast.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Regulatory Amendment 13
Document Number: 2013-14334
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements management measures described in a regulatory amendment (Regulatory Amendment 13) 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 revises the annual catch limits (ACLs), including sector ACLs, for 37 snapper-grouper species based on updated landings data. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that the ACLs are based on the best scientific information available, and to prevent unnecessary negative socio-economic impacts to participants in the snapper-grouper fishery and fishing community that could occur if the ACLs are not revised, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program
Document Number: 2013-14332
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 42 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). These regulations revise the annual economic data reports (EDRs) currently required of participants in the Crab Rationalization Program (CR Program) fisheries. The EDRs include cost, revenue, ownership, and employment data the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS use to study the economic impacts of the CR Program on harvesters, processors, and affected communities. This action is necessary to eliminate redundant reporting requirements, standardize reporting across participants, and reduce costs associated with the data collection. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the FMP, and other applicable laws.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Implementation of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010; Correction
Document Number: 2013-14331
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS published a proposed rule on May 2, 2013, to implement provisions of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010 (SCA) that prohibit any person from removing any of the fins of a shark at sea, possessing shark fins on board a fishing vessel unless they are naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, transferring or receiving fins from one vessel to another at sea unless the fins are naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, landing shark fins unless they are naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, or landing shark carcasses without their fins naturally attached. NMFS proposes this action to amend existing regulations and make them consistent with the SCA. The public comment period for the proposed rule ends on June 17, 2013. NMFS is extending the public comment period for an additional 21 days, to July 8, 2013, to provide additional time for various stakeholders and other members of the public to submit comments. Additionally, this action corrects technical errors found on page 25688 under the Classification section of the proposed rule.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Tanner Crab Area Closure in the Gulf of Alaska and Gear Modification Requirements for the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea Groundfish Fisheries
Document Number: 2013-14328
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations that would implement Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) and that would revise current regulations governing the configuration of modified nonpelagic trawl gear. First, this proposed rule would establish a protection area in Marmot Bay, northeast of Kodiak Island, and close that area to fishing with trawl gear except for directed fishing for pollock with pelagic trawl gear. The proposed closure would reduce bycatch of Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) in Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fisheries. Second, this proposed rule would require that nonpelagic trawl gear used in the directed flatfish fisheries in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA be modified to raise portions of the gear off the sea floor. The proposed modifications to nonpelagic trawl gear used in these fisheries would reduce the unobserved injury and mortality of Tanner crab, and would reduce the potential adverse impacts of nonpelagic trawl gear on bottom habitat. Finally, this proposed rule would make a minor technical revision to the modified nonpelagic trawl gear construction regulations to facilitate gear construction for those vessels required to use modified nonpelagic trawl gear in the GOA and Bering Sea groundfish fisheries. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Seismic Survey in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska
Document Number: 2013-14188
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an application from SAExploration, Inc. (SAE) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to a marine 3-dimensional (3D) ocean bottom cable (OBC) seismic surveys program in the state and federal waters of the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, during the open water season of 2013. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SAE to take, by Level B harassment, nine species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-14185
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of Atka mackerel in this area allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Document Number: 2013-13908
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes to expand the boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS or sanctuary) and revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation. The proposed new boundary for TBNMS would increase the size of the sanctuary from 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles and would extend protection to 47 additional known historic shipwrecks of national significance. A draft environmental impact statement has been prepared for this proposed action. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-13990
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2013 total allowable catch (TAC) of northern rockfish in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 9
Document Number: 2013-13692
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 9 (Amendment 9) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule revises the criteria and procedures by which a South Atlantic state may request a concurrent closure of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to the commercial harvest of penaeid shrimp (brown, pink, and white shrimp) when state waters close as a result of severe winter weather. Amendment 9 also revises the overfished and overfishing status determination criteria for pink shrimp. The purpose of this rule is to increase the flexibility and timeliness of the criteria and process for implementing a concurrent closure of penaeid shrimp harvest in the EEZ to maximize protection of overwintering white shrimp in the South Atlantic.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Seismic Survey in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska
Document Number: 2013-13988
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received an application from TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (TGS) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to a marine 2- dimensional (2D) seismic survey program in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska, during the open water season of 2013. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to TGS to take, by Level B harassment, 12 species of marine mammals during the specified activity.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modifications of the West Coast Commercial Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #4 and #5
Document Number: 2013-13986
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-12
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 U.S./Canada Border to Queets River.
National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC)
Document Number: 2013-13943
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (NCADAC) was established by the Secretary of Commerce under the authority of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to synthesize and summarize the science and information pertaining to current and future impacts of climate. Time And Date: The meeting will be held July 9, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT and July 10, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These times are subject to change. Please refer to the Web page https:// www.globalchange.gov/ for changes and for the most up-to-date meeting agenda. Location: The meeting will be held at NASA Headquarters, Room 2E39, 300 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20546. Please check the Web site https://www.globalchange.gov/for confirmation of the venue and for directions. Status: Seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Members of the public must RSVP in order to attend all or a portion of the meeting by contacting the NCADAC DFO (Cynthia.Decker@noaa.gov) by Monday, July 1, 2013. The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15 minute public comment period on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. (check Web site to confirm time). The NCADAC 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 NCADAC DFO (Cynthia.Decker@noaa.gov) by Monday, July 1, 2013 to schedule their presentation. Written comments should be received in the NCADAC DFO's Office by Monday, July 1, 2013 to provide sufficient time for NCADAC review. Written comments received by the NCADAC DFO after Monday, July 1, 2013 will be distributed to the NCADAC, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Special Accommodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Dr. Cynthia Decker (301-563- 6162, Cynthia.decker@noaa.gov) by Monday, July 1, 2013.
Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery
Document Number: 2013-13709
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-06-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes new Federal American lobster regulations that would control lobster trap fishing effort by limiting access into the lobster trap fishery in Lobster Conservation Management Area 2 (Federal nearshore waters in Southern New England; Area 2), and in the Outer Cape Cod Lobster Conservation Management Area (Federal nearshore waters east of Cape Cod, MA; Outer Cape Area). Additionally, this action would implement an individual transferable trap program for Area 2, the Outer Cape Area, and Lobster Conservation Management Area 3 (Federal offshore waters; Area 3). The proposed trap transfer program would allow Federal lobster permit holders to buy and sell all or part of a permit's trap allocation, subject to the restrictions set forth in the proposed rule.
Revisions to Framework Adjustment 50 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 2013
Document Number: 2013-13866
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Based on the final Northeast (NE) multispecies sector rosters submitted as of May 1, 2013, we are adjusting the fishing year (FY) 2013 specification of annual catch limits for commercial groundfish vessels, as well as sector annual catch entitlements for groundfish stocks. This revision to fishing year 2013 catch levels is necessary to account for changes in the number of participants electing to fish in either sectors or the common pool fishery.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Multispecies Days-at-Sea Leasing Program
Document Number: 2013-13681
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Adjusted Closure of the 2013 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Sector for Red Snapper
Document Number: 2013-13680
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces an adjusted closure of the recreational sector for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2013 fishing season through this temporary rule. On May 31, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the southern district of Texas, Brownsville Division, set aside a March 25, 2013, emergency rule that gave the NMFS Regional Administrator the authority to close the recreational sector for red snapper in the EEZ off individual Gulf states. Therefore, NMFS adjusts the closure of the recreational sector for red snapper by closing the entire Gulf EEZ on June 29, 2013, instead of closing the EEZ on different days off individual Gulf states. This Gulf-wide EEZ closure is based on the Court decision and is necessary to prevent the recreational sector from exceeding its quota for the fishing year and prevent overfishing of the Gulf red snapper resource.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Reporting Requirements for Sea Otter Interactions With the Pacific Sardine Fishery; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2013-13678
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-10
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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2013-13642
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice advises the public that two direct take permits have been issued pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for continued operation, monitoring, and evaluation of hatchery programs rearing and releasing fall Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin of Idaho, and that the decision documents are available upon request.
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-13605
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-06-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Ad hoc Sturgeon 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.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 48; Final Rule; Correction
Document Number: 2013-13195
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-06-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action corrects the ``Dates'' section in the interim final rule for Northeast (NE) Multispecies Framework Adjustment 48, published on May 3, 2013. It also stays a provision that inadvertently was made effective on May 1, 2013.
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