National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 901 - 950 of 1,270
International Fisheries; Tuna and Tuna-Like Species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean; Fishing Restrictions Regarding Mobulid Rays
Document Number: 2016-09309
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act to implement Resolution C-15-04 (Resolution on the Conservation of Mobulid Rays Caught in Association with Fisheries in the IATTC Convention Area) of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). Per the Resolution, this rule would prohibit any part or whole carcass of mobulid rays (i.e., the family Mobulidae, which includes manta rays (Manta spp.) and devil rays (Mobula spp.)) caught in the IATTC Convention Area from being retained on board, transshipped, landed, stored, sold, or offered for sale. In accordance with the Resolution, the proposed rule also includes requirements for release of mobulid rays. This proposed rule would also revise related codified text for consistency with the recent amendments to the Tuna Conventions Act. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Fixed-Gear Commercial Halibut and Sablefish Fisheries; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program; Cost Recovery Authorized Payment Methods
Document Number: 2016-09308
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to revise the authorized methods for payment of cost recovery fees for the Halibut and Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Program and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program. These regulations are necessary to improve data security procedures and to reduce administrative costs of processing cost recovery fee payments. This final rule 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 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs, and other applicable laws.
General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the General Advisory Committee; Meetings and Call Announcement
Document Number: 2016-09284
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a public meeting of the General Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) on May 27, 2016, and a public meeting of the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee (SAS) to the GAC on May 26, 2016. Additionally, NMFS announces a public conference call of the GAC and SAS on May 3, 2016. The meeting and call topics are described under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2016-09283
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has determined that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limit that applies to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally for BFT) should be adjusted for the remainder of 2016, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments. NMFS is adjusting the Angling category BFT daily retention limit to two school BFT and one large school/small medium BFT per vessel per day/trip for private vessels (i.e., those with HMS Angling category permits); and three school BFT and one large school/small medium BFT per vessel per day/trip for charter vessels (i.e., those with HMS Charter/Headboat permits when fishing recreationally). These retention limits are effective in all areas, except for the Gulf of Mexico, where NMFS prohibits targeted fishing for BFT.
Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment for Changes in Regulations for Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
Document Number: 2016-09248
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (now renamed Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary or GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) to an area north and west of their previous boundaries with a final rule published on March 12, 2015. The final rule entered into effect on June 9, 2015. Pursuant to a request from USCG, NOAA is considering developing future rulemaking to allow the following USCG discharges within part or all of GFNMS and CBNMS: 1. Untreated vessel sewage, 2. vessel graywater that does not meet the definition of clean as defined by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), and 3. ammunition and pyrotechnics (flare) materials used in USCG training exercises for use of force and search and rescue. NOAA will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and other comments to determine the relevant scope of issues and range of alternatives to be addressed in the environmental process from individuals, organizations, tribes, and government agencies on this topic. The scoping meetings are scheduled as detailed below.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program
Document Number: 2016-09246
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-21
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; Alaska American Fisheries Act (AFA) Permits
Document Number: 2016-09245
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Petitions
Document Number: 2016-09200
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-21
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 (Services), announce revisions to the May 21, 2015, proposed rule that would revise the regulations pertaining to submission of petitions and the reopening of the public comment period. In this document, we are setting forth modified proposed amendments to the regulations based on comments and information we received during the May 21, 2015, proposed rule's public comment period. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on these revisions, as described in this document, and on the information collection requirements. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they have been considered in development of this revised proposed rule and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2016-09168
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This Exempted Fishing Permit would allow eight commercial fishing vessels to fish outside of the limited access sea scallop regulations in support of bycatch reduction research by using a bi-directional extended link apron. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed Exempted Fishing Permits.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Document Number: 2016-09154
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (DPEA) for Fisheries and Ecosystem Research Conducted and Funded by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC).'' 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 in the southeastern coast of the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea marine waters of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustment for the Common Pool Fishery
Document Number: 2016-09016
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action increases the trip limit for Gulf of Maine cod, Gulf of Maine haddock, and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2015 fishing year. The regulations authorize the Regional Administrator to adjust the trip limits for common pool vessels in order to facilitate harvest of, or prevent exceeding, the pertinent common pool quotas during the fishing year. Increasing these trip limits is intended to provide additional fishing opportunities and help allow the common pool fishery to catch its allowable quota for this stock.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, 2016-2017
Document Number: 2016-09008
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Lamont-Doherty) in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (Authorization) to take marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to conducting three marine geophysical (seismic) surveys in the southeast Pacific Ocean, in the latter half of 2016 and/or the beginning half of 2017. The proposed dates are between June 2016 and June 2017, to account for logistical and scheduling needs of the applicant. Per the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), we are requesting comments on our proposal to issue an Authorization to Lamont-Doherty to incidentally take, by level B harassment, 44 species of marine mammal during the specified activity and to incidentally take, by Level A harassment, 26 species of marine mammals. Although considered unlikely, any Level A harassment potentially incurred would be expected to be in the form of some smaller degree of permanent hearing loss due in part to the required monitoring measures for detecting marine mammals and required mitigation measures for power downs or shut downs of the airgun array if any animal is likely to enter the Level A exclusion zone. NMFS does not expect any serious injury, mortality, or deafness to occur in marine mammals as a result of this proposed survey.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08971
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Ecosystem and Ocean Planning Advisory Panel (AP) will hold a public meeting.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2016-08905
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an update to an application for a direct take permit, in the form of a Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP), from the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The HGMP specifies the operation of a portion of a hatchery program rearing salmon in the Methow Basin within the State of Washington. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the update to the existing permit application for comment prior to a decision by NMFS whether to issue the permit for the proposed hatchery program. NMFS also notifies the public of the intention to issue a separate ESA permit to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for operation of a component of the program described in the application update.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08779
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, will hold a Question and Answer (Q&A) public meeting to address cobia management issues in Kill Devil Hills, NC.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: 2016-08778
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold two public hearings and one webinar to solicit public comments on Reef Fish Amendment 43Hogfish stock definition, status determination criteria, annual catch limits, and size limit.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08743
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR Steering Committee will meet via webinar to discuss the SEDAR assessment schedule and progress on SEDAR projects. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08742
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Ad Hoc Reef Fish Headboat Advisory Panel (AP).
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Installation of the Block Island Wind Farm Export and Inter-Array Cables
Document Number: 2016-08729
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received an application from Deepwater Wind Block Island, LLC (DWBI) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to the installation of the Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF) Export and Inter-Array Cables. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to DWBI to incidentally take, by Level B harassment only, small numbers of marine mammals during the specified activity.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08714
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Plan Development Team and Advisory Panel on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 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.
Notice Requesting Nominations for the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES)
Document Number: 2016-08693
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce is seeking highly qualified individuals who are knowledgeable about the commercial space-based remote sensing industry and uses of space-based remote sensing data to serve on the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES). The Committee is comprised of leaders in the commercial space-based remote sensing industry, space-based remote sensing data users, government, and academia. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice provides committee and membership criteria.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 2016-08616
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2016 commercial summer flounder quota to the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These quota adjustments are necessary to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provision. This announcement informs the public of the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 17A
Document Number: 2016-08607
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council). This proposed rule would extend the current Gulf commercial shrimp permit moratorium. The intent of this proposed rule and Amendment 17A is to protect federally managed Gulf shrimp stocks while promoting catch efficiency, economic efficiency, and stability in the fishery.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Russian River Estuary Management Activities
Document Number: 2016-08587
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, three species of marine mammals during estuary management activities conducted at the mouth of the Russian River, Sonoma County, California.
Endangered Species Act; Public Meeting Addendum
Document Number: 2016-08561
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The purpose of the program review is to ensure that recovery program priorities and implementation are aligned with resources and mission mandates; enhance and align strategic management of NMFS regulatory programs; and provide transparency in the operation of NMFS recovery program. The purpose of this notice is to provide the final agenda and remote access information for the public meeting.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Archival Tag Management Measures
Document Number: 2016-08535
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is proposing to revise the regulations that currently require persons surgically implanting archival tags in Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) or externally affixing archival tags to such species to obtain written authorization from NMFS and that require fishermen to report their catches of Atlantic HMS with such tags to NMFS. Archival tags are tags that record scientific information about the migratory behavior of a fish and include tags that are surgically implanted in a fish and tags that are externally affixed, such as pop-up satellite (PSAT) and smart position and temperature tags (SPOT). Specifically, this rule would remove the requirement for researchers to obtain written authorization from NMFS to implant or affix an archival tag but would continue to allow persons who catch a fish with a surgically implanted archival tag to retain the fish while requiring them to return the tag to the person indicated on the tag or to NMFS. The regulation would no longer require the person retaining the fish to submit to NMFS a landing report or make the fish available for inspection and tag recovery by a NMFS scientist, enforcement agent, or other person designated in writing by NMFS. Any persons who land an Atlantic HMS with an externally affixed archival tag would be encouraged to follow the instructions on the tag to return the tag to the appropriate research entity or to NMFS. This action could affect any researchers wishing to place archival tags on Atlantic HMS and any fishermen who might catch such a tagged fish.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2016-08487
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the B season apportionment of the 2016 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to trawl catcher vessels in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council)-Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting; Social and Economic Sciences Panel Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08480
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee and its Socio-Economic Panel will meet May 3, 2016 through May 5, 2016.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR); Gulf of Mexico Data-limited Species (Red Drum, Lane Snapper, Wenchman, Yellowmouth Grouper, Speckled Hind, Snowy Grouper, Almaco Jack, Lesser Amberjack)
Document Number: 2016-08479
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 49 assessment of the Gulf of Mexico Data-limited Species will consist of: A Data Workshop; A series of Assessment Webinars; and a Review Workshop.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08465
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet to review recent fishery performance and develop Fishery Performance Reports for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish fisheries in preparation for the Council's review of existing 2015-2017 multi-year MSB specifications.
Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
Document Number: 2016-08430
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). OEAB members will discuss and provide advice on Federal ocean exploration programs, with a particular emphasis on National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) activities; federal ocean exploration partners, including the National Science Foundation and the National Atmospheric and Space Administration; advising NOAA on out-year budget development with respect to ocean exploration; and other matters as described in the agenda found on the OEAB Web site at https://oeab.noaa.gov. Time and Dates: The announced meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 8:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. EDT, and Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. EDT.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2016-08419
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is exchanging unused rock sole Community Development Quota (CDQ) for yellowfin sole CDQ acceptable biological catch (ABC) reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to allow the 2016 total allowable catch of rock sole, and yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area to be harvested.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2016-08386
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the southern area Angling category fishery for large medium and giant (``trophy'' (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action is being taken to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category southern area trophy BFT subquota.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2016-08257
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Exempted Fishing Permit would allow commercial fishing vessels to fish outside of the limited access scallop regulations in support of research conducted by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation. These exemptions are in support of research conducted on trips to test gear modifications for bycatch reduction in the scallop dredge 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 Exempted Fishing Permits.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2016-08256
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application submitted by The Nature Conservancy contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This Exempted Fishing Permit would allow participants to use electronic monitoring systems in lieu of at- sea monitors in support of a study to develop electronic monitoring for the purposes of catch monitoring in the groundfish 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 Exempted Fishing Permits.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08221
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the proposed schedule and agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: 2016-08207
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office for Coastal Management will hold two separate public meetings to solicit comments on the performance evaluation of the Oregon Coastal Management Program and the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Notice is also hereby given of the availability of the final evaluation findings for Maryland, Puerto Rico and Ohio Coastal Management Programs.
Marine Mammals; File No. 18537
Document Number: 2016-08169
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that a major amendment to Permit No. 18537 has been issued to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK [Responsible Party: Robert Small, Ph.D.].
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-08166
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2016-08165
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
Document Number: 2016-08129
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-08128
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and the NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) will convene a workshop to develop methods for conducting stock assessments of short- lived coastal pelagic species (CPS) on the U.S. West Coast. The meeting is open to the public.
List of Fisheries for 2016
Document Number: 2016-08114
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2016, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2016 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 mortality and serious injury 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. In addition, NMFS begins publishing online fact sheets for Category III fisheries on a rolling basis.
Notice of Availability of a Draft NOAA/NESDIS Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process
Document Number: 2016-08063
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On January 8, 2016, NOAA released the NOAA Commercial Space Policy. Consistent with that policy, the Draft National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process identifies the NESDIS process for engagement with the commercial sector by which NESDIS will assess and pursue commercial opportunities to support NOAA's space-based observational information requirements. In order to ensure consideration of a broad range of ideas for optimal methods of engaging with the commercial sector, NESDIS seeks comments on the Draft NESDIS Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process. Through https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NESDIS-2015-0132, the public can view the Draft NESDIS Commercial Space Activities Assessment Process, submit ideas, review submissions from other parties, and make comments. All comments are welcome. In particular, NOAA would like comments on the following areas: What contractual or other mechanisms could NOAA use to work with commercial sector data providers beyond traditional acquisition approaches? What steps should NOAA take to consider the long-term viability of a commercial data provider prior to an operational data purchase? What are the key aspects of demonstration projects that allow the commercial sector to gain necessary insights? What are the key aspects of demonstration projects that would allow NOAA to perform the necessary data validation for the continued success of NOAA's public safety mission?
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2016-07998
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) will hold a three-day meeting to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2016-07984
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This exempted fishing permit would allow a commercial lobster fishing vessel in collaboration with the University of New England to conduct research on the injury and mortality of Atlantic cod caught as bycatch in lobster traps fished in the Gulf of Maine. 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 a proposed exempted fishing permit.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; International Dolphin Conservation Program
Document Number: 2016-07976
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-04-07
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.
Pacific Island Fisheries; 2015-16 Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures; Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish
Document Number: 2016-07971
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS specifies an annual catch limit (ACL) of 326,000 lb for Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) for the 2015-16 fishing year. As an accountability measure (AM), if the ACL is projected to be reached, NMFS would close the commercial and non- commercial fisheries for MHI Deep 7 bottomfish for the remainder of the fishing year. The ACL and AM specifications support the long-term sustainability of Hawaii bottomfish.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Small-Mesh Multispecies Specifications
Document Number: 2016-07968
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-04-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The purpose of this action is to modify the specifications for northern and southern red hake for fishing years 2016 and 2017. This action is necessary to implement the Council's recommended measures in response to updated scientific information. The proposed specifications are intended to help achieve sustainable yield and prevent overfishing.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 2016-07905
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-04-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season apportionment of the 2016 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to trawl catcher vessels in the BSAI.
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