National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration August 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 51 - 100 of 116
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2018 Atlantic Shark Commercial Fishing Season
Document Number: 2017-17575
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2017-08-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would establish quotas, opening dates, and retention limits for the 2018 fishing season for the Atlantic commercial shark fisheries. Quotas would be adjusted as required or allowable based on any over- and/or underharvests experienced during 2017 and previous fishing seasons. In addition, NMFS proposes season opening dates and commercial retention limits based on adaptive management measures to provide, to the extent practicable, fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in all regions and areas. The proposed measures could affect fishing opportunities for commercial shark fishermen in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel
Document Number: 2017-17636
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will hold a 2-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP) meeting in September 2017. The intent of the meeting is to consider options for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. The meeting is open to the public.
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-17625
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, and participants may provide comments at the appropriate time during the meeting.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Document Number: 2017-17615
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a 30-day public comment period for the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan revision. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), the revised plan will bring the reserve into compliance. The Jobos Bay Reserve revised plan will replace the plan approved in 2000. The revised management plan outlines the administrative structure; the research/monitoring, stewardship, education, and training programs and priorities of the reserve; plans for a proposed boundary expansion through future land acquisition; and facility development priorities to support reserve operations. The Jobos Bay Reserve takes an integrated approach to management, linking research and education, coastal training, and stewardship functions. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER) has outlined how it will administer the reserve and its core programs by providing detailed actions that will enable it to accomplish specific goals and objectives. Since the last management plan, the reserve has: developed core programs; expanded monitoring programs within Jobos Bay and its watershed; expanded its dorm, and remodeled the historic train depot and visitor center; conducted training workshops; implemented K-12 education programs; and built new and innovative partnerships with local, Commonwealth, and U.S. organizations and universities. The total number of acres within the boundary is 2800 acres, which is a slight modification of the original 2883 acres identified in the previous management plan. The revised acreage is a result of survey contracted by the PRDNER to clarify the boundary. The revised management plan will serve as the guiding document for the Jobos Bay Reserve for the next five years. View the Jobos Bay Reserve Management Plan revision at (https://drna.pr.gov/jbnerr/) and provide comments to the Reserve's Manager, Aitza Pabon (apabon@drna.pr.gov).
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Waterfront Construction
Document Number: 2017-17605
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the U.S. Navy (Navy) for the take of marine mammals incidental to waterfront construction activities at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-17541
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad Hoc Trawl Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Technical Advisory Committee (GEMTAC) and Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Policy Advisory Committee (GEMPAC) (GEM Committees) will hold a joint work session via webinar, which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-17531
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to review the Research Track stock assessment development procedure proposed by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Approval of Modifications to a Regulatory Exemption for Groundfish Sectors
Document Number: 2017-17522
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Through this action, NMFS approves a change to a regulatory
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea Subarea
Document Number: 2017-17501
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is reallocating projected unused amounts of Bering Sea
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Billfish Certificate of Eligibility
Document Number: 2017-17470
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2017-17388
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the coastwide General category fishery for large medium and giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) until the General category reopens on September 1, 2017. This action is being taken to prevent further overharvest of the General category June through August subquota and help ensure the fishery continues to the end of the calendar year.
Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals on the Pribilof Islands; Final Annual Subsistence Harvest Levels for 2017-2019
Document Number: 2017-17379
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Pursuant to the regulations governing the subsistence taking of North Pacific fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) (northern fur seals), NMFS is publishing the expected harvest levels from 2017-2019 on St. George and St. Paul Islands, Alaska (the Pribilof Islands) to satisfy subsistence requirements of the Alaska Natives residing on the Pribilof Islands (Pribilovians). NMFS is establishing the 2017-2019 harvest levels at 1,645 to 2,000 fur seals for St. Paul Island and 300 to 500 fur seals for St. George Island.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Low-Energy Geophysical Survey in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 2017-17378
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to a low-energy marine geophysical survey in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered New York Bight, Chesapeake Bay, Carolina and South Atlantic Distinct Population Segments of Atlantic Sturgeon and the Threatened Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Sturgeon
Document Number: 2017-17207
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We (NMFS) are issuing this final rule to designate critical habitat for the threatened Gulf of Maine distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic sturgeon, the endangered New York Bight DPS of Atlantic sturgeon, the endangered Chesapeake Bay DPS of Atlantic sturgeon, the endangered Carolina DPS of Atlantic sturgeon and the endangered South Atlantic DPS of Atlantic sturgeon pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specific occupied areas designated as critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic sturgeon contain approximately 244 kilometers (km; 152 miles) of aquatic habitat in the following rivers of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts: Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, Piscataqua, Cocheco, Salmon Falls, and Merrimack. Specific occupied areas designated as critical habitat for the New York Bight DPS of Atlantic sturgeon contain approximately 547 km (340 miles) of aquatic habitat in the following rivers of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware: Connecticut, Housatonic, Hudson, and Delaware. Specific occupied areas designated as critical habitat for the Chesapeake Bay DPS of Atlantic sturgeon contain approximately 773 km (480 miles) of aquatic habitat in the following rivers of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia: Potomac, Rappahannock, York, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, James, Nanticoke, and the following other water body: Marshyhope Creek. Specific occupied areas designated as critical habitat for the Carolina DPS of Atlantic sturgeon contain approximately 1,939 km (1,205 miles) of aquatic habitat in the following rivers of North Carolina and South Carolina: Roanoke, Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, Cape Fear, Northeast Cape Fear, Waccamaw, Pee Dee, Black, Santee, North Santee, South Santee, and Cooper, and the following other water body: Bull Creek. Specific occupied areas designated as critical habitat for the South Atlantic DPS of Atlantic sturgeon contain approximately 2,883 km (1,791 miles) of aquatic habitat in the following rivers of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida: Edisto, Combahee-Salkehatchie, Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Satilla, and St. Marys Rivers.
Pacific Island Fisheries; Marine Conservation Plan for Guam; Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund
Document Number: 2017-17347
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces approval of a Marine Conservation Plan (MCP) for Guam.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Subsea Cable Operations and Maintenance Activities in the Arctic Ocean
Document Number: 2017-17305
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an IHA to Quintillion Subsea Operations, LLC (Quintillion) to take, by harassment, small numbers of 13 species of marine mammals incidental to conducting subsea cable-laying and maintenance activities in the Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi seas, during the open-water season of 2017.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Fishermen's Contingency Fund
Document Number: 2017-17296
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-16
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.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2017-17295
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2017-17266
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is transferring 30 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category to the Harpoon category. With this transfer, the adjusted Harpoon category quota for the 2017 fishing season is 68.6 mt. The 2017 Harpoon category fishery is open until November 15, 2017, or until the Harpoon category quota is reached, whichever comes first. The action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, and applies to Atlantic tunas Harpoon category (commercial) permitted vessels.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a Status Review for Alewife and Blueback Herring Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Document Number: 2017-17218
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce the initiation of a new status review of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) to determine whether listing either species as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. A comprehensive status review must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we are asking the public to provide such information on alewife and blueback herring that has become available since the listing determination in 2013.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Establishment of Annual Catch Limits for the Subsistence Harvest of Bowhead Whales by Alaska Natives
Document Number: 2017-17173
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), in order to assess the impacts of issuing annual catch limits for the subsistence harvest of bowhead whales by Alaska Natives from 2019 onward. Publication of this document begins the official scoping period that will help identify issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sablefish in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2017-17137
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting retention of sablefish by vessels using trawl gear in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the 2017 total allowable catch of sablefish allocated to vessels using trawl gear in the West Yakutat District of the GOA will be reached.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2017-17133
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-15
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 2017 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; 2017 Bigeye Tuna Longline Fishery Closure
Document Number: 2017-17164
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is closing the U.S. pelagic longline fishery for bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean because the fishery has reached the 2017 catch limit. This action is necessary to ensure compliance with NMFS regulations that implement decisions of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2017-17122
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the northern 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 overharvest of the Angling category northern area trophy BFT subquota.
Permanent Advisory Committee To Advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission; Meeting Announcement
Document Number: 2017-17121
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces a public meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee (PAC) to advise the U.S. Commissioners to the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC) on September 12, 2017.
Endangered Species; File No. 21516
Document Number: 2017-17105
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, have received an application from Virginia Electric and Power Company, D.B.A. Dominion Virginia Power (Dominion) for an incidental take permit, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, for activities associated with the otherwise lawful continued operation and maintenance of the Dominion Chesterfield Power Station (CPS) in Chesterfield, VA. We are considering issuing a 10-year permit to the applicant that would authorize take of ESA-listed Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) from the Chesapeake Bay Distinct Population Segment (DPS) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the withdrawal of cooling water from the James River and entrainment and impingement sampling required by the Clean Water Act. Pursuant to the ESA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we announce the availability of Dominion's ITP application and draft habitat conservation plan (HCP), as well as our draft environmental assessment (EA), for public review and comment. We provide this notice to seek comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area
Document Number: 2017-17061
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the training and testing activities conducted in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area from October 2018 through October 2023. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing our receipt of the Navy's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy's application and request.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2017-16990
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the impacts of issuing an exempted fishing permit (EFP) to Dr. David Kerstetter of Nova Southeastern University to evaluate pelagic longline (PLL) catch and bycatch rates from within two different sub-areas in the northern portion of the East Florida Coast (EFC) Pelagic Longline (PLL) Closed Area (north and south of 29[deg]50' N. lat.) and compare those rates to rates obtained by authorized samplers from an area outside the EFC PLL Closed Area, with certain terms and conditions. The overall purpose of the research project is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing area closures at meeting current conservation and management goals under current conditions using standardized PLL gear on a specified number of commercial vessels. In response to terms and conditions established by NMFS, the research project is also structured to maximize the survival of shark species, collect data on shark species identification, collect data on PLL soak times to reduce bycatch mortality of species such as dusky sharks, and to increase the Agency's understanding of data poor shark stocks to improve future management of these species. NMFS considered public comments and decided to issue the EFP given the need to assess and compare current catch and bycatch rates during normal commercial fishing operations from areas inside and outside the EFC PLL Closed Area.
Marine Conservation Plan for Pacific Insular Areas Other Than American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands; Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund
Document Number: 2017-16988
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces approval of a Marine Conservation Plan (MCP) for Pacific Insular Areas other than American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Marine Mammals; File No. 21158
Document Number: 2017-16985
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Robert Garrott, Ph.D., Montana State University, 310 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptoncychotes weddellii).
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Post Data-Workshop Webinar Gulf of Mexico Gray Snapper; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2017-16933
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 51 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico gray snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop.
Marine Mammals; File No. 16609-01
Document Number: 2017-16900
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Zoological Society of San Diego [Douglas Myers, Responsible Party], P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 16609.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the South Atlantic States; Amendment 43
Document Number: 2017-16894
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NMFS Southeast Region, in collaboration with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), is preparing an EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper- Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). This notice is intended to inform the public of the change from the preparation of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) to an EA for Amendment 43. Additionally, this notice serves to announce the change of the scope of actions being considered in Amendment 43 by the Council. The purpose of Amendment 43 is to revise annual catch limits (ACLs) for red snapper in the South Atlantic to provide fishing access while preventing overfishing.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to US 101/Chehalis River Bridge-Scour Repair in Washington State
Document Number: 2017-16881
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to US 101/Chehalis River Bridge-Scour Repair in Washington State. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-16867
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and the SSC's Groundfish Subcommittee will convene two meetings, which are open to the public. The SSC meetings will also be streamed online for those who want to follow the proceedings remotely.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-16866
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical Team (STT) and Model Evaluation Workgroup (MEW) will hold a joint meeting via webinar to discuss and make recommendations on issues on the Council's September 2017 agenda. The meeting is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-16865
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Habitat Committee (HC) will hold a meeting via webinar that is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-16864
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Whiting Committee and Advisory Panel on August 29, 2017 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 Meetings
Document Number: 2017-16863
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel (AP) will meet to review recent fishery performance and develop a Fishery Performance Report and/or other recommendations in preparation for the Council's review of specifications at the October 2017 Council meeting.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2017-16862
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 50 assessment of the Atlantic stock of Blueline Tilefish will consist of a series of workshops and webinars: Data Workshops; an Assessment Workshop and webinars; and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery; Adjustment to the Northern Red Hake Inseason Possession Limit
Document Number: 2017-16850
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We announce the reduction of the commercial per-trip possession limit for northern red hake for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year. This action is required to prevent the northern red hake total allowable landing limit from being exceeded. This announcement informs the public that the northern red hake possession limit is reduced from 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) to 400 lb (181 kg).
Pacific Island Fisheries; Marine Conservation Plan for the Pacific Insular Area for the Northern Mariana Islands; Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund
Document Number: 2017-16797
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces approval of a Marine Conservation Plan (MCP) for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Integrating Electronic Monitoring Into the North Pacific Observer Program
Document Number: 2017-16703
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS hereby issues regulations to implement Amendment 114 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 104 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (collectively referred to as the FMPs). Amendments 114/104 and this final rule integrate electronic monitoring (EM) into the North Pacific Observer Program (Observer Program). This final rule establishes a process for owners or operators of vessels using nontrawl gear to request to participate in the EM selection pool and the requirements for vessel owners or operators while in the EM selection pool. This action is necessary to improve the collection of data needed for the conservation, management, and scientific understanding of managed fisheries. Amendments 114/104 are intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the FMPs, and other applicable laws.
Listing Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Pacific Bluefin Tuna as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 2017-16668
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to designate critical habitat concurrently with the listing. We have completed a comprehensive status review of the species in response to the petition. Based on the best scientific and commercial data available, including the status review report, and after taking into account efforts being made to protect the species, we have determined that listing of the Pacific bluefin tuna is not warranted. We conclude that the Pacific bluefin tuna is not an endangered species throughout all or a significant portion of its range, nor likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We also announce the availability of a status review report, prepared pursuant to the ESA, for Pacific bluefin tuna.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2017-16583
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit from four large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip to two large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year. This action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, and applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels when fishing commercially for BFT.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Restrictions on Fishing for Sharks in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
Document Number: 2017-16448
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2017-08-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act to implement Resolution C-16-05 (Resolution on the Management of Shark Species) of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) adopted in July 2016. Per the Resolution, this proposed rule would require purse seine vessel owners, operators, and crew to follow specified release requirements for sharks in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). The rule would also prohibit longline vessels targeting tuna or swordfish in the EPO from using ``shark lines'' (a type of fishing gear used on longline vessels to target sharks). This proposed rule is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.
Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing
Document Number: 2017-16470
Type: Notice
Date: 2017-08-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (``ACCRES'' or ``the Committee'') will meet August 24, 2017.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Framework Amendment 4
Document Number: 2017-16469
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in Framework Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (FMP) as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). For the recreational sector, this final rule establishes bag and vessel limits, and revises the minimum size limit and accountability measures (AMs) for Atlantic migratory group cobia (Atlantic cobia). This final rule also establishes a commercial trip limit for Atlantic cobia. Framework Amendment 4 and this final rule apply to the commercial and recreational harvest of Atlantic cobia in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) from Georgia through New York. The purpose of Framework Amendment 4 and this final rule is to slow the rate of harvest of Atlantic cobia and reduce the likelihood that landings will exceed the commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACL), thereby triggering the AMs and reducing harvest opportunities.
International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Bigeye Tuna Catch Limits in Longline Fisheries for 2017
Document Number: 2017-16456
Type: Rule
Date: 2017-08-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations under authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (WCPFC Implementation Act) to modify a limit on the amount of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) that may be captured by U.S. longline vessels in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), to 3,138 metric tons (mt) for calendar year 2017. The limit does not apply to vessels in the longline fisheries of American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Once the limit of 3,138 mt is reached in 2017, retaining, transshipping, or landing bigeye tuna caught in the area of application of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention), which comprises the majority of the WCPO, will be prohibited for the remainder of the calendar year, with certain exceptions. This action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations under the Convention, to which it is a Contracting Party.
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