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

Results 301 - 350 of 1,105
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-21874
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Non-Commercial Fisheries Advisory Committee which may make recommendations on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21873
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting.
U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2013-21805
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a virtual meeting of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS[supreg]) Advisory Committee (Committee). Dates and Times: The public meeting will be held on Tuesday September 24, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Refer to the Web page listed below for the most up-to-date meeting agenda.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Expanded Vessel Monitoring System Requirement in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
Document Number: 2013-21800
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Applications and Reports for Registration as a Tanner or Agent
Document Number: 2013-21799
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
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.
Solicitation for Members of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science Program Advisory Working Group (RSPAWG)
Document Number: 2013-21759
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is publishing this notice to solicit nominations for the NOAA Science Advisory Board Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science Program Advisory Working Group (RSPAWG). The RSPAWG is being formed to provide independent guidance and review of the RESTORE Act Science Program along with general programmatic advice and recommendations. The RSPAWG will also provide a mechanism for formal coordination between the multiple organizations conducting RESTORE-related science within the Gulf of Mexico. Members appointed to the RSPAWG will serve for three- year terms.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21703
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a three-day meeting on September 24-26, 2013 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21702
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR Steering Committee will meet to discuss the SEDAR process and assessment schedule. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-21701
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-06
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. This notice is for additional Assessment Workshop webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, Level A Stranding and Rehabilitation Disposition Data Sheet
Document Number: 2013-21671
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-06
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.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Applications and Reporting Requirements for the Incidental Take of Marine Mammals by Specified Activities (Other Than Commercial Fishing Operations) Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Document Number: 2013-21660
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-06
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 Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; American Fisheries Act, Amendment 80 Program, Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program, Freezer Longline Cooperative; Public Workshop
Document Number: 2013-21617
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a workshop 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, the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program, and the hook-and-line catcher/processor (freezer longline) Pacific cod fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The workshop 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, CDQ Program, and the freezer longline Pacific cod fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; (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, CDQ Program, and the freezer longline Pacific cod fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and who can discuss with NMFS the potential impacts of cost recovery programs and proposed regulatory approaches.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2013-21616
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors (C/Ps) using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to C/ Ps using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-21615
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening 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 fully use the 2013 initial total allowable catch (ITAC) of Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea subarea of the BSAI.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Fisheries; California Drift Gillnet Fishery; Sperm Whale Interaction Restriction
Document Number: 2013-21487
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is issuing temporary regulations under the authority of Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to: implement an immediate closure of the California thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (mesh size >=14 inches) (DGN) fishery if one sperm whale is observed killed or seriously injured in DGN gear off California, and require all DGN fishing vessels to carry a NMFS-trained observer from August 15, 2013 to January 31, 2014 in a 100% observer coverage area (Zone). The Zone covers nearly all areas in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) deeper than the 1,100 fathoms (fm) (2,012 meters (m)) depth contour. Owners/operators of vessels intending to fish with DGN gear will be required to install, activate, carry and operate a vessel monitoring system (VMS) prior to embarking on a DGN fishing trip after the effective date of this rule.
Taking of Threatened or Endangered Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Issuance of Permit
Document Number: 2013-21485
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS hereby issues a permit for a period of three years to authorize the incidental, but not intentional, taking of individuals of three stocks of marine mammals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the California (CA) thresher shark/ swordfish drift gillnet (DGN) fishery (>=14 inch mesh) and the incidental, but not intentional, taking of individuals from one stock by the Washington/Oregon/California (WA/OR/CA) sablefish pot fishery.
Permanent Advisory Committee to Advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission; Meeting Announcement
Document Number: 2013-21484
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee (PAC) to advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) on October 28-October 29, 2013. Meeting topics are provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
Document Number: 2013-21479
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted the Recreational Accountability Measures Omnibus Amendment incorporating a draft Environmental Assessment, for review by the Secretary of Commerce. NMFS is requesting comments from the public on the Recreational Accountability Measures Omnibus Amendment, which was developed by the Council to modify the accountability measures for the Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic bluefish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2013-21466
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-04
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 bluefish quota to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Document Number: 2013-21462
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in October, November, and December of 2013. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2014 and will be announced in a future notice.
Interagency Cooperation-Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended; Incidental Take Statements
Document Number: 2013-21423
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively, the Services), propose to amend the regulations governing consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), regarding incidental take statements. The purpose of the proposed changes is to address the use of surrogates to express the amount or extent of anticipated incidental take, and incidental take statements for programmatic actions where implementation of the program requires later authorization, funding, or implementation of site-specific actions that will be subject to section 7 consultation and incidental take statements, as appropriate. These changes are proposed to improve the flexibility and clarify the development of incidental take statements. The Services believe these proposed regulatory changes are a reasonable exercise of their discretion in interpreting particularly challenging aspects of section 7 of the ESA related to incidental take statements.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2013-21385
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application submitted by the Maine Department of Marine Resources contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This would exempt participating commercial fishing vessels from gear restrictions for the purpose of developing an alternative gear for the directed silver hake fishery. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Commercial Shark Fisheries
Document Number: 2013-21387
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is transferring 68 metric tons (mt) dressed weight (dw) of non-blacknose small coastal shark (SCS) quota from the Atlantic region to the Gulf of Mexico region for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year. This action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, and applies to commercial Atlantic shark permitted vessels.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery
Document Number: 2013-21381
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action decreases the possession limit for Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder and Gulf of Maine haddock for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year. NMFS is taking this action because the common pool has caught 73 percent of its Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder quota, and 96 percent of its Gulf of Maine haddock quota. This action is intended to prevent the overharvest of the common pool's FY 2013 allocation of Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder and Gulf of Maine haddock.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21369
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Skate Advisory Panel and Skate Oversight Committee on September 20, 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.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2013-21368
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Observer Advisory Committee (OAC) will meet in Seattle, WA.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21367
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21333
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-09-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) Bering Sea Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Plan Team (CPT) will meet in Seattle, WA.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: 2013-21220
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
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 approves the Grand Bay, Mississippi and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revisions. The revised management plans outline the administrative structure; the research, 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 focuses 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. These parcels have high ecological value and provide 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. The Grand Bay, Mississippi Reserve Management Plan revision is available at (https://grandbaynerr.org/reserve-management-plan) and the Delaware Reserve Management Plan revision is available at (https:// de.gov/dnerr).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21170
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Advisory Panel on September 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.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21169
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting.
Marine Mammals; File No. 14325
Document Number: 2013-21155
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK, (Principal Investigator: Michael Rehberg), has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 14325-02 for taking Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21150
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Ecosystem Committee will meet in Seattle, WA.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21149
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Advisory Panel and Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-21148
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-30
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 September 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 Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-21137
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2013 total allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Amendment 95 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish
Document Number: 2013-21068
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 95 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce. If approved, Amendment 95 would modify the FMP to: establish halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) in Federal regulation; reduce the GOA halibut PSC limits for trawl and hook-and-line gear; reduce trawl halibut PSC sideboard limits for American Fisheries Act, Amendment 80, and Central GOA Rockfish Program vessels; and provide two additional management measures associated with halibut PSC accounting for Amendment 80 vessels subject to halibut PSC sideboards and for halibut PSC made by trawl vessels from May 15 through June 30, which would maintain groundfish harvest while achieving the halibut PSC limit reductions intended by this action. This action is necessary to reduce halibut bycatch in the GOA, and is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Vessel Monitoring Systems
Document Number: 2013-21067
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to modify the declaration requirements for vessels required to use Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries. This proposed rule would require operators of vessels that have been issued HMS permits and are required to use VMS to use their VMS units to provide hourly position reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). The proposed rule would also allow the operators of such vessels to make declarations out of the fishery when not retaining or fishing for HMS for specified periods of time encompassing two or more trips. These changes would make the current Atlantic HMS VMS requirements consistent with other VMS-monitored Atlantic fisheries and provide additional reporting flexibility for vessel operators by eliminating the requirement to hail-out two hours in advance of leaving port. Additionally, these changes will continue to provide NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) with information necessary to facilitate enforcement of HMS regulations. This rule would affect all commercial fishermen who fish for Atlantic HMS who are required to use VMS.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Delist the North Pacific Population of the Humpback Whale and Notice of Status Review
Document Number: 2013-21066
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to identify the North Pacific population of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and delist the DPS under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The humpback whale was listed as an endangered species in 1970 under the Endangered Species and Conservation Act of 1969, which was later superseded by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We find that the petition viewed in the context of information readily available in our files presents substantial scientific and commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We are hereby initiating a status review of the North Pacific population of the humpback whale to determine whether the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information pertaining to this population from any interested party.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 48, Framework Adjustment 50; 2013 Sector Operations Plans, Contracts, and Allocation Annual Catch Entitlements
Document Number: 2013-21065
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule finalizes interim measures put in place for the May 1, 2013, start of the Northeast (NE) multispecies fishing year. This action intends to do the following: Finalize interim rule measures put in place by Framework Adjustment (FW) 48, FW 50, and in the 2013 Sector Operations Plan rulemakings; respond to public comments received on the interim measures; and notify the public of changes being made to Eastern U.S./Canada Area quota monitoring and associated reporting requirements.
List of Fisheries for 2013
Document Number: 2013-21054
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2013, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2013 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan (TRP) requirements. The fishery classifications and list of marine mammal stocks incidentally injured or killed described in the Final LOF for 2012 remain in effect until the effective date of the Final LOF for 2013.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 14
Document Number: 2013-21052
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-08-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed Amendment 14 to improve catch monitoring for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries and to address incidental catch of river herring and shad through responsible management. Amendment 14 management measures include: Revising dealer and vessel reporting requirements, and requirements for vessel monitoring systems; increasing observer coverage on midwater trawl mackerel and Tier 1, 2 and 3 small-mesh bottom trawl mackerel vessels; implementing partial industry funding for observer coverage; revising vessel requirements to improve at-sea sampling by observers; establishing slippage caps to discourage the discarding of catch prior to sampling by observers; and establishing a mortality cap for river herring and shad with amounts to be set during specifications.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-21018
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear and catcher vessels greater than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2013 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Impact Analyses of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2013-20994
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), are finalizing a revision to our regulations pertaining to impact analyses conducted for designations of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (the Act). This regulation is being finalized as directed by the President's February 28, 2012, memorandum, which directed us to take prompt steps to revise our regulations to provide that the economic analysis be completed and made available for public comment at the time of publication of a proposed rule to designate critical habitat.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meeting; Correction
Document Number: 2013-20987
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel (AP) will meet to develop a Fishery Performance Report for the Spiny Dogfish fishery in preparation for the Council and the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee review of specifications that have been set for the 2014 fishing year. The meeting date and time are being corrected in this document. All other information previously- published is repeated here.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2013-20892
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Pacific cod from catcher vessels using trawl gear to American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processors and Amendment 80 catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2013 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan; Northern Red Hake Quota Harvested
Document Number: 2013-20762
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Beginning August 26, 2013, the northern red hake possession limit is reduced to the incidental possession limit for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Regulations
Document Number: 2013-20759
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS hereby proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (Plan). This proposed rule would revise the Plan by eliminating the consequence closure strategy enacted in 2010 based on deliberations by the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team. This action is necessary to prevent the improper triggering of consequence closure areas based on target harbor porpoise bycatch rates that no longer accurately reflect actual bycatch in New England sink gillnets due to fishery-wide changes in fishing practices.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2013-20737
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a conference call of its Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team (CPSMT) and its Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel (CPSAS). There may be opportunities for the public to attend the meeting remotely, and a public listening station will be made available.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meetings; Correction
Document Number: 2013-20736
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-08-26
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.
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