National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 20, 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, NMFS, announce our intent to conduct a 5-year review for the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The DPS is listed as endangered under the ESA. We are required by the ESA to conduct 5-year reviews to ensure that the listing classifications of the species are accurate. The 5-year review must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. We request submission of any such information on the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic salmon, particularly information on the status, threats and recovery of the species that has become available since the final listing determination in 2009.

On April 20, 2017, NMFS published a final rule to implement the portions of the Pacific Halibut Catch Share Plan (Plan) and management measures that are not regulated through the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), including the sport fishery allocations and management measures for the IPHC's regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California (Area 2A). This regulation corrects the opening dates for the 2017 sport fishery in the Columbia River subarea (Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR); these were incorrect in the original rule.