National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 9, 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish complex (Other Jacks Complex) commercial sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic for the 2019 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS projects that commercial landings of the Other Jacks Complex will reach the combined commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by July 16, 2019. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for this complex in the South Atlantic EEZ, on July 16, 2019, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing year on January 1, 2020. This closure is necessary to protect the lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish resources.

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), are reopening the public comment period on the proposed rule under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to authorize the taking of marine mammals, by mortality, serious injury, Level A harassment, and Level B harassment, incidental to the construction and operation of the Liberty Drilling and Production Island, Beaufort Sea, Alaska. The comment period for the proposed rule that published on May 29, 2019 closed on June 28, 2019. NMFS is reopening the public comment period until July 31, 2019, to provide the public with additional time to submit information and to comment on this proposed rule.

The SEDAR 64 stock assessment process for SE yellowtail snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of data and assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a two day in-person meeting of its Standing, Reef Fish, Mackerel and Socioeconomic Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).