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

Results 701 - 750 of 1,105
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Precision Strike Weapon and Air-to-Surface Gunnery Training and Testing Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, FL
Document Number: 2013-10700
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the U.S. Department of the Air Force, Headquarters 96th Air Base Wing (U.S. Air Force), Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB) for authorization to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and training activities associated with Precision Strike Weapon (PSW) and Air-to-Surface (AS) gunnery missions, both of which are military readiness activities, at Eglin AFB, FL from approximately June 2013, to June 2018. Pursuant to Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and its implementing regulations, NMFS proposes regulations to govern that take. In order to implement the final rule and issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA), NMFS must determine, among other things, that the total taking will have a negligible impact on the affected species and stocks of marine mammals and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species for subsistence use. NMFS' proposed regulations would set forth the permissible methods of take and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stocks of marine mammals and their habitat. NMFS invites comments on the application and the proposed regulations.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Reef Fish Management Measures
Document Number: 2013-10699
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would revise the vermilion snapper recreational bag limit, revise the yellowtail snapper stock annual catch limit (ACL), and remove the requirement for reef fish vessels to have onboard and use a venting tool. This proposed rule is intended to help achieve optimum yield (OY) and prevent overfishing of vermilion and yellowtail snappers, reduce the regulatory burden to fishers associated with venting reef fish, and minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: 2013-10372
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty day public comment period for the Grand Bay, Mississippi National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan revisions. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), the revised plans will bring the reserves into compliance. The Grand Bay Reserve and Delaware Reserve revised plans will replace the plans approved in 1999 and 2004 respectively. Both revised management plans outline the administrative structure; the research & monitoring, education, training, and stewardship goals of the reserve; and the plans for future land acquisition and facility development to support reserve operations. The Grand Bay Reserve takes an integrated approach to management, linking research, education, training and stewardship functions to address high priority issues including climate change, threats to reserve resources and ecological functions, watershed development, and changes in water quality. Since the last management plan, the reserve has built out its core programs and monitoring infrastructure; constructed a L.E.E.D. certified Coastal Resources Center that includes laboratories, offices, classrooms, interpretative areas and dormitories; and created interpretive trails. With the approval of this management plan, the Grand Bay Reserve will decrease their total acreage from 18,400 acres to 18,049. The change is attributable to accuracy adjustments based on improved geographic information for the site. The revised management plan will serve as the guiding document for the 18,049 acre Grand Bay Reserve for the next five years. The Delaware management plan will focus on improving the scientific understanding of estuarine and coastal ecosystems; improving public awareness and environmental literacy to enable environmentally sustainable decision-making; and protecting, managing and restoring the reserve to serve as a model site for sustainable community stewardship. Notable changes in the revised plan include a boundary expansion, a new coastal training program, implementation of the Blackbird Creek Reserve Master Ecological Restoration Plan, the opening of the Blackbird Creek Stewardship Center and facility improvements to the St. Jones Coastal Training Center. With the approval of this management plan, the Delaware Reserve will increase their total acreage from 4,930 acres to 6,206. The change is attributable to acquisition of two parcels, totaling 64.3 acres, and increased mapping accuracy. The two parcels possess high ecological value and increased opportunities for research, education, and restoration. The revised management plan will serve as the guiding document for the 6,206 acre Delaware Reserve for the next five years. View the Grand Bay, Mississippi Reserve Management Plan revision at (https://grandbaynerr.org/reserve-management-plan) and provide comments to (dave.ruple@dmr.ms.gov). View the Delaware Reserve Management Plan revision at (https://de.gov/dnerr) and provide comments to (Kimberly.Cole@state.de.us).
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
Document Number: 2013-10698
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. This action, which is authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP), is intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill; Proposal of Future Early Restoration Projects and Environmental Reviews
Document Number: 2013-10693
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The federal and state natural resource trustees for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (Trustees) intend to propose the additional early restoration projects described below to continue the process of using early restoration funding to restore natural resources, ecological services, and human use services injured or lost as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. All early restoration projects will be selected and implemented in accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the Framework Agreement for Early Restoration Addressing Injuries Resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Framework Agreement), and all applicable legal requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Endangered Species; File No. 17183
Document Number: 2013-10540
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Raymond Carthy, Ph.D., University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 117 Newins-Ziegler Hall, P.O. Box 110450, Gainesville, FL 32611, has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Demolition and Construction Activities of the Children's Pool Lifeguard Station at La Jolla, California
Document Number: 2013-10529
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the City of San Diego for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to demolition and construction activities of the Children's Pool Lifeguard Station in La Jolla, California. NMFS has reviewed the application, including all supporting documents, and determined that it is adequate and complete. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to the City of San Diego to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, three species of marine mammals during the specified activities.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-10527
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
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 Island management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2013 Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10520
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold a conference call, which is open to the public.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10519
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a workshop of subject matter experts on Interrelationships between Coral Reef and Fisheries.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10518
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-10517
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a meeting of its Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team (CPSMT) and the Coastal Pelagic Species Subcommittee of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). One representative of the Council's Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel (CPSAS) will also attend. The purpose is to consider the possibility of using a different temperature index than is currently used, for the purposes of estimating Pacific sardine recruitment. Meeting participants will also discuss and consider an implementation plan for changing the start date of the Pacific sardine fishery, from January 1 to July 1.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2013-10477
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a direct take permit, in the form of a Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The application is for a hatchery program in Idaho, for the propagation of sockeye salmon. The proposed permit would be issued for a period of 10 years. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for public review, comment, and submission of written data, views, arguments, or other relevant information. This document also serves to notify the public of NMFS' intent to adopt an existing environmental assessment that addresses the proposed Snake River sockeye salmon hatchery program. All comments and other information received will become part of the public record and will be available for review pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 18016
Document Number: 2013-10476
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Tamara McGuire, LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., 2000 W International Airport Rd, Suite C1, Anchorage, AK 99502, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2013 Management Measures
Document Number: 2013-10462
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through this final rule NMFS establishes fishery management measures for the 2013 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California and the 2014 salmon seasons opening earlier than May 1, 2014. Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (3-200 NM) off Washington, Oregon, and California. The management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non- treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and inside fisheries (fisheries occurring in state internal waters). This document also announces the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the environmental impacts of implementing the 2013 ocean salmon management measures.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Final 2013-2015 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications
Document Number: 2013-10461
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule implements specifications and management measures for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2013-2015 fishing years consistent with the recommendations of the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. The approved commercial quotas represent increases over status quo levels, and the possession limit is also increased. The 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.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 50
Document Number: 2013-10460
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS partially approves Framework Adjustment 50 (Framework 50) to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and implements the approved measures. NMFS also implements three parallel emergency actions to set fishing year (FY) 2013 catch limits for Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail flounder and white hake, and to modify the maximum Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod carryover available to sectors from FY 2012 to FY 2013. Framework 50 sets specifications for FYs 2013-2015, including 2013 total allowable catches (TACs) for U.S./Canada stocks, and revises the rebuilding program and management measures for Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) winter flounder. This final rule also implements FY 2013 management measures for the recreational and common pool fisheries and clarifies how to account for sector carryover for FY 2013 and for FY 2014 and beyond. These actions are necessary to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield (OY), and ensure that management measures are based on the best available scientific information.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2013 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for South Atlantic Golden Tilefish
Document Number: 2013-10437
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures for the commercial sector for golden tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial landings for golden tilefish, as estimated by the Science and Research Director (SRD), are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for golden tilefish on May 5, 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for golden tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ on May 5, 2013, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing season, January 1, 2014. This closure is necessary to protect the golden tilefish resource.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 48
Document Number: 2013-10402
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through this interim final rule, NMFS announces that it partially approves Framework Adjustment 48 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and implements the approved measures in the regulations. Framework 48 is the first of two parallel and related actions developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to respond to updated stock status information and to adjust other management measures in the NE multispecies (groundfish) fishery beginning in fishing year (FY) 2013. This action implements new status determination criteria for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, Georges Bank (GB) cod, Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) yellowtail flounder, and white hake based on new benchmark assessments completed for these stocks in 2012 and 2013. NMFS is approving and implementing updated status determination criteria for white hake through this interim final rule and accepting further comment on this measure since it was not available for comment in the Framework 48 proposed rule. NMFS will publish a subsequent final rule to respond to any comments received, if necessary. Through this action, NMFS has also approved and is implementing the following Framework 48 measures: Elimination of dockside monitoring requirements for the groundfish fishery; lower minimum fish sizes for several groundfish stocks; clarified goals and performance standard for groundfish monitoring programs; revisions to the allocation of GB yellowtail flounder to the scallop fishery; and establishment of sub-annual catch limits (ACLs) of GB yellowtail flounder and SNE/MA windowpane flounder for the scallop and other non- groundfish fisheries. NMFS also approved revisions to recreational and commercial accountability measures (AMs), including amendments to existing AMs for windowpane flounder, ocean pout, and Atlantic halibut, and new ``reactive'' AMs for Atlantic wolffish and SNE/MA winter flounder, to address a remand by the U.S. District Court of Appeals. NMFS disapproved some measures in Framework 48: A provision for cost- sharing of monitoring costs between the industry and NMFS; a provision to delay industry-funded monitoring to FY 2014; finer scale discard rate strata for GB yellowtail flounder; and a provision to remove requirements for groundfish trawlers to stow their gear when transiting closed areas. Through this interim final rule, NMFS also withdraws a proposed correction to the regulations specific to monitoring of the Eastern U.S./Canada quotas, and will be accepting additional public comment on this issue. These measures are necessary to meet the requirements of the FMP and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, most notably preventing overfishing, ensuring that management measures are based on the best available science, and mitigating, to the extent practicable, potential negative economic impacts from reductions in catch limits anticipated for fishing year FY 2013.
Final Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System
Document Number: 2013-10380
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with a requirement of Public Law 106-513 (16 U.S.C. 1441(b)), NOAA hereby gives public notice of the final revised list of categories of activities subject to the special use permit requirements of Section 310 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Fisheries Research
Document Number: 2013-10442
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS' Office of Protected Resources has received a request from the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to conducting fisheries research, over the course of five years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of SWFSC's request under section 101(a)(5)(A) of the MMPA for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. We invite information, suggestions, and comments on SWFSC's application and request.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Document Number: 2013-10441
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (DPEA) for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC).'' Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period for this DPEA. The purpose of the DPEA is to evaluate, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of conducting and funding fisheries and ecosystem research along the U.S. West Coast, throughout the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, and in the Scotia Sea area off Antarctica.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Implementation of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010
Document Number: 2013-10439
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes a rule to implement the provisions of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010 (SCA) and 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.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2013 Sector Operations Plans and Contracts and Allocation of Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Document Number: 2013-10281
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-05-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We are partially approving 17 sector operations plans and contracts for fishing year (FY) 2013, providing allocations of Northeast (NE) multispecies to these sectors, and granting 23 regulatory exemptions. Approval of sector operations plans is necessary to allocate quotas to the sectors and for the sectors to operate. The NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) allows limited access permit holders to form sectors, and requires sectors to submit their operations plans and contracts to us, NMFS, for approval or disapproval. Approved sectors are exempt from certain effort control regulations and receive allocation of NE multispecies (groundfish) based on their members' fishing history. We are accepting additional public comment on the revised explanation of at-sea monitoring (ASM) coverage for FY 2013 for a 30-day period, and revisions to the exemption from the limits on the number of gillnets imposed on Day gillnet vessels for a 15-day period.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; American Fisheries Act, Amendment 80 Program, Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program; Public Workshops
Document Number: 2013-10303
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces two workshops to solicit input from participants in the pollock fishery in the Bering Sea authorized under the American Fisheries Act (AFA), the Aleutian Islands pollock fishery, the Amendment 80 trawl fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, and the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The workshops will address (1) The applicability of cost recovery fees mandated under section 304(d)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) to the AFA, Aleutian Islands pollock fishery, Amendment 80 Program, and CDQ Program, (2) an overview of the potential impacts of cost recovery programs, and (3) an overview of proposed regulatory approaches to implement cost recovery programs. The meeting is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly seeking participation by people who are knowledgeable about the AFA, Aleutian Islands pollock fishery, Amendment 80, and CDQ programs and who can discuss with NMFS the potential impacts of cost recovery programs and proposed regulatory approaches.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16388
Document Number: 2013-10223
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-05-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Mark Baumgartner, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MS33 Biology Department, Woods Hole, MA 02543, to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), blue whales (B. musculus), sei whales (B. borealis), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), North Pacific right whales (E. japonica), and Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus).
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.
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