National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 51 - 100 of 101
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2014-16907
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold meetings.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16906
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Advisory Panel (AP) will hold a meeting.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17157
Document Number: 2014-16889
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Stephen John Trumble, Ph.D., Baylor University, 101 Bagby Ave, Waco, TX 76706, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 17157.
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations and Management Plan
Document Number: 2014-16632
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA is updating the regulations and management plan for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or Sanctuary). The regulations are revised to clarify the prohibition on anchoring and add an exemption to allow the use of weighted marker buoys that are continuously tended by vessel operators during otherwise lawful fishing or diving activities, not attached to a vessel, and not capable of holding a boat at anchor. An environmental assessment has been prepared that includes analysis of the consequences of this action. A revised management plan outlining management priorities for GRNMS for the next 5-10 years has also been prepared. No changes were made from the proposed to final rule.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Region Permit Family of Forms
Document Number: 2014-16788
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-17
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; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2014-16716
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Aleutian district (WAI) 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 2014 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in this area allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2014-16715
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Special Management Zones for Five Delaware Artificial Reefs
Document Number: 2014-16704
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS extends for 15 days the comment period on the proposed rule to implement special management zones for five Delaware artificial reefs.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16680
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Groundfish Oversight Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from these groups will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17115
Document Number: 2014-16666
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that James Lloyd-Smith, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 610 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Box 723905, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 17115-02.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish Fishery; Amendment 3
Document Number: 2014-16477
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS approves and implements measures in Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, which was developed by the Mid- Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. The approved management measures include implementing a research set-aside program, updating essential fish habitat definitions, allowing rollover of specifications, and eliminating the seasonal allocation of the commercial quota. These administrative measures are intended to improve the implementation of the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan and provide benefits to the spiny dogfish fishery.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Marine Corps Training Exercises at Brant Island Bombing Target and Piney Island Bombing Range, USMC Cherry Point Range Complex, North Carolina
Document Number: 2014-16454
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Marine Corps (Marine Corps) for authorization to take marine mammals, specifically bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), by harassment, incidental to training operations at the Marine Corps' Cherry Point Range Complex, North Carolina from September 2014 to September 2019. In this action, NMFS proposes to amend the regulations to establish a framework for authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to the Marine Corps' military training operations, and to issue a subsequent Letter of Authorization to the Marine Corps, which would contain mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. Per the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS requests comments on its proposal to issue regulations and a subsequent Letter of Authorization to the Marine Corps.
Determination of Observer Programs as Qualified and Authorized by the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
Document Number: 2014-16455
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NMFS Assistant Administrator (AA) has determined that observers participating in observer programs, in the seven domestic fisheries in which tuna is regularly harvested, are qualified to issue observer statements for purposes of the dolphin-safe labeling program under the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act (DPCIA). These seven domestic fisheries are: The American Samoa Pelagic Longline Fishery, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Purse Seine Fishery, the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Pelagic Longline Fishery, the California Deep- set Pelagic Longline Fishery, the California Large-mesh Drift Gillnet Fishery, the Hawaii Deep-set Longline Fishery, and the Hawaii Shallow- set Longline Fishery. Observer statements will certify that no dolphins were killed or seriously injured in the sets or other gear deployments in which the tuna were caught and, in purse seine fisheries, that the net was not intentionally deployed on or used to encircle dolphins during the fishing trip in which the tuna were caught. The AA makes the determinations pursuant to new observer criteria, which are published in this notice, and were developed after consideration of public comment. This notice announces that these NMFS observer programs are authorized by the AA to issue observer statements for dolphin-safe labeling purposes for fishing trips that begin on or after the effective date of this notice.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Environmental Review Process for Fishery Management Actions
Document Number: 2014-16426
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS withdraws a proposed rule that would have established new regulations pertaining to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the context of fishery management actions developed pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Instead of going forward with a final rule directly resulting from the 2008 proposed rule, NMFS issued an internal policy on February 19, 2013. This policy, entitled ``National Environmental Policy Act Compliance for Council-Initiated Fishery Management Actions under the Magnuson-Stevens Act'' clarifies roles and responsibilities of NMFS and the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), explains timing and procedural linkages, provides guidance on documentation needs, and fosters partnerships and cooperation between NMFS and Councils on NEPA compliance. NMFS consulted with the Councils and with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on proposed revisions to the 2013 NMFS NEPA policy directive, and based on those consultations NMFS now proposes to use this policy as a basis for issuing revised and updated NEPA procedures for MSA actions in the form of a line-office supplement to NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6. On June 30, 2014, NMFS published a Federal Register notice of availability of the draft revised and updated NEPA procedures for MSA actions and requested public comments, with a 90-day public comment period.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16423
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Ecosystem Based Fishery Management (EBFM) 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.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16402
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Red Snapper Advisory Panel.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16401
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR assessment of the HMS Smoothhound Sharks will consist of several workshops and a series of webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Upper Columbia River Spring-run Chinook Salmon in the Okanogan River Subbasin, Washington, and Protective Regulations
Document Number: 2014-16255
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), designate and authorize the release of a nonessential experimental population of Upper Columbia River (UCR) spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Okanogan River subbasin, and establish a limited set of take prohibitions for the nonessential experimental population under section 4(d) of the ESA. Successful reintroduction of a population within the species' historic range would contribute to its viability and further its conservation. The issuance of limited protective regulations will provide for the conservation of the species while providing assurances to people in the Okanogan River subbasin. The geographic boundary for the NEP is the main stem and all tributaries of the Okanogan River between the Canada-United States border and to the confluence of the Okanogan River with the Columbia River, Washington (hereafter ``Okanogan River NEP Area''). We have prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the proposed action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (see ADDRESSES: section below).
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; “Other Flatfish” in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2014-16254
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS apportions amounts of the non-specified reserve to the initial total allowable catch (TAC) and TAC of ``other flatfish'' in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. This action is necessary to allow the fisheries to continue operating. It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan for the BSAI management area.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16216
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Reef Fish Advisory Panel.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16215
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-11
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 webinar, which is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16214
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Risk Policy Working Group will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Capacity Limits in Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries
Document Number: 2014-16202
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that persons who bring a U.S. purse seine or longline vessel into the fisheries in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) after July 11, 2014 (``control date''), or who, after the control date, expand the carrying capacity or well volume of a purse seine vessel already in the fishery, are not guaranteed the future participation of that vessel in the fishery if NMFS decides to limit the number of fishing vessels in the fishery or, with respect to purse seine vessels, the fishing capacity of the fleet or of vessels in the fleet in terms of carrying capacity or well volume. Furthermore, with respect to purse seine vessels, even if the future participation of such a vessel is allowed, the vessel's future allowable level of fishing effort and/or catch might be limited if NMFS decides to limit vessels' individual or collective allowable levels of fishing effort or catch. NMFS is considering the need to undertake such actions to implement provisions of a conservation and management measure adopted by the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC or Commission).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Identify the Central North Pacific Population of Humpback Whale as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and Delist the DPS Under the Endangered Species Act; Extension of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2014-16150
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce the extension of the public comment period on our June 26, 2014, 90-day finding on a petition to designate the Central North Pacific population of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and delist the DPS under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As part of that finding, we solicited scientific and commercial information about the status of this population and announced a 30-day comment period to end on July 28, 2014. Today, we extend the public comment period to August 27, 2014. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in the agency's final determination.
Science Advisory Board Meeting
Document Number: 2014-16170
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-10
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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management-Based Research Needs and Priorities Document
Document Number: 2014-16168
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management-Based Research Needs and Priorities document. The purpose of this document is to communicate key research needs that directly support Atlantic HMS management. Atlantic HMS are defined as bluefin, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas, swordfish, billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, roundscale spearfish, longbill spearfish, and sailfish), and sharks.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to San Nicolas Island Roads and Airfield Repairs Project
Document Number: 2014-16148
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-10
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 Department of the Navy (Navy), Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), California, to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the San Nicolas Island (SNI) roads and airfield repairs project.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental To Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Seismic Survey in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska
Document Number: 2014-16010
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from SAExploration, Inc. (SAE) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a marine 3-dimensional (3D) ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic surveys program in the state and federal waters of the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, during the open-water season of 2014. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SAE to incidentally take, by Level B Harassment only, marine mammals during the specified activity.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and Determination Regarding Critical Habitat for the North Pacific Ocean Loggerhead DPS
Document Number: 2014-15748
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final rule to designate critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) within the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). Specific areas for designation include 38 occupied marine areas within the range of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS. These areas contain one or a combination of habitat types: Nearshore reproductive habitat, winter area, breeding areas, constricted migratory corridors, and/or Sargassum habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is issuing a final rule for loggerhead critical habitat for terrestrial areas (nesting beaches) in a separate document. No marine areas meeting the definition of critical habitat were identified within the jurisdiction of the United States for the North Pacific Ocean DPS, and therefore we are not designating critical habitat for that DPS.
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; 2014 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for the South Atlantic Lesser Amberjack, Almaco Jack, and Banded Rudderfish Complex
Document Number: 2014-15929
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-08
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 2014 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), are projected to reach their combined commercial annual catch limit (ACL) on July 15, 2014. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for this complex on July 15, 2014, 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.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2014 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for Deep-Water Complex in the South Atlantic Region
Document Number: 2014-15907
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the commercial deep-water complex in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial landings for the deep-water complex, as estimated by the Science and Research Director, are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) on July 10, 2014. Therefore, NMFS is closing the commercial sector for the deep-water complex in the South Atlantic EEZ on July 10, 2014, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing season, January 1, 2015. This closure is necessary to protect the deep-water complex resource.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-15850
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 41 assessments of the South Atlantic stocks of red snapper and gray triggerfish will consist of: A Data Workshop; an Assessment Workshop; and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental To Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Offshore New Jersey, July to August 2014
Document Number: 2014-15842
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implementing regulations, we hereby give notice that we have issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Observatory), a component of Columbia University, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (Foundation), to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical (seismic) survey in the northwest Atlantic Ocean off the New Jersey coast July through August, 2014.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery
Document Number: 2014-15803
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Based on request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NMFS proposes to lift the closure area referred to as the Northern Temporary Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Closed Area for bivalve harvesting. NMFS takes this action because this area has not been subject to a toxic algal bloom for several years and testing of bivalve shellfish has demonstrated toxin levels well below those known to cause human illness. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has developed an agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to conduct paralytic shellfish poisoning monitoring of bivalves from the area in accordance with currently accepted paralytic shellfish poisoning testing procedures.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2014
Document Number: 2014-15799
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing management measures for the 2014 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. 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.
Marine Mammals; File No. 17754
Document Number: 2014-15778
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a public display permit has been issued to Sea World, Inc., 9205 South Park Circle, Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32819.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2014-15777
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) will hold a meeting of its Joint Council Committee on South Florida Management Issues and the Ad Hoc Goliath Grouper Joint Council Steering Committee in Key Largo, FL.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-15776
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting 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.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-15775
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Bluefish Monitoring Committee and Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee will hold public meetings.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2014 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications
Document Number: 2014-15773
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS establishes 2014 quota specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery. This action is necessary to implement binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened and Endangered Status for Distinct Population Segments of Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Document Number: 2014-15710
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In response to a petition submitted by WildEarth Guardians and Friends of Animals, we, NMFS, are issuing a final determination to list the Central and Southwest (SW) Atlantic Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and the Indo-West Pacific DPS of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We are also issuing a final determination to list the Eastern Atlantic DPS and Eastern Pacific DPS of scalloped hammerhead sharks as endangered species under the ESA. We intend to consider critical habitat for the Central & SW Atlantic, Indo-West Pacific, and Eastern Pacific DPSs in a separate rulemaking.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2014-15708
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Alabama Charter Fishing Association cooperative (ACFAC). The ACFAC proposes to evaluate the efficacy of an allocation-based management system, using a limited number of charter vessels in a 2-year pilot study. This study, to be conducted in the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), is intended to assess whether such a system can better achieve conservation goals established in the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; evaluate the effectiveness of a more timely electronic data reporting system; and evaluate the potential social and economic benefits of an alternative management strategy for the charter vessel segment of the recreational fishing sector within the Gulf reef fish fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2014-15665
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of dusky rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Northern Rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2014-15663
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of northern rockfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2014-15658
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-03
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2014 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Marine Mammals; File No. 18523
Document Number: 2014-15483
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-02
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Heather Liwanag, Ph.D., Adelphi University, Biology Department, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export specimens of marine mammals for scientific research purposes.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region; Correction
Document Number: 2014-15417
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS published a notice of availability (NOA) for Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/ Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region (FMP) (Amendment 8) on May 20, 2014. Amendment 8, in part, would expand portions of the northern and western boundaries of the Oculina Bank habitat area of particular concern (HAPC) (Oculina Bank HAPC). The NOA stated ``Amendment 8 would increase the size of the Oculina Bank HAPC by 405.42 square miles (1,050 square km), for a total area of 694.42 square miles (1,798.5 square km)''. However, this is incorrect. Amendment 8 would actually increase the size of the Oculina Bank HAPC by 343.42 square miles (889.5 square km), for a total area of 632.42 square miles (1,638 square km). This notification corrects these two values published in the NOA.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region; Amendment 8; Correction
Document Number: 2014-15414
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2014-07-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS published a proposed rule on June 3, 2014, to, in part, implement provisions that would expand portions of the northern and western boundaries of the Oculina Bank habitat area of particular concern (HAPC) (Oculina Bank HAPC). The proposed rule stated ``the proposed rule would increase the size of the Oculina Bank HAPC by 405.42 square miles (1,050 square km), for a total area of 694.42 square miles (1,798.5 square km)''. However, this is incorrect. The proposed rule would actually increase the size of the Oculina Bank HAPC by 343.42 square miles (889.5 square km), for a total area of 632.42 square miles (1,638 square km). This notification corrects these two values published in the proposed rule.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2014-15395
Type: Notice
Date: 2014-07-01
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 meetings.
Final Policy on Interpretation of the Phrase “Significant Portion of Its Range” in the Endangered Species Act's Definitions of “Endangered Species” and “Threatened Species”
Document Number: 2014-15216
Type: Rule
Date: 2014-07-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, the Services), announce a policy to provide our interpretation of the phrase ``significant portion of its range'' in the Endangered Species Act's (Act's) definitions of ``endangered species'' and ``threatened species.'' The purpose of this final policy is to provide an interpretation and application of ``significant portion of its range'' that reflects a permissible reading of the law and minimizes undesirable policy outcomes, while fulfilling the conservation purposes of the Act. This final policy provides a consistent standard for interpretation of the phrase and its role in listing determinations.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.