National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-03911
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 139th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Pelagic and International Standing Committee, Executive and Budget Standing Committee, and 185th Council meetings to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. A portion of the Council's Executive and Budget Standing Committee meeting will be closed to the public for a briefing on litigation by counsel.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Review for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas
Document Number: 2021-03890
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces its intent to conduct a 5-year review of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) distinct population segment (DPS). NMFS is required by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to conduct 5-year reviews to ensure that listing classifications of 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 Cook Inlet beluga whale DPS, particularly information on its status, threats, and recovery, that has become available since the previous 5- year review was issued in February 2017.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: 2021-03889
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. David Portnoy, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. If granted, the EFP would allow a limited harvest of speckled hind in South Atlantic Federal waters by select commercial fishermen. The samples collected would be used to assess the speckled hind population structure, genetic diversity, and life history in the South Atlantic.
Fisheries of the U.S. Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting; Cancellation
Document Number: 2021-03856
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 80 stock assessment of U.S. Caribbean queen triggerfish will consist of a series of data webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2021 and 2022 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: 2021-03564
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-25
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces final 2021 and 2022 harvest specifications, apportionments, and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the remainder of the 2021 and the start of the 2022 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). The 2021 harvest specifications supersede those previously set in the final 2020 and 2021 harvest specifications, and the 2022 harvest specifications will be superseded in early 2022 when the final 2022 and 2023 harvest specifications are published. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the BSAI in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03828
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a webinar meeting of its Groundfish Management Team (GMT) to discuss items on the Pacific Council's April 2021 meeting agenda. This meeting is open to the public.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03822
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and the NMFS Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers will hold an online workshop to review data and analyses proposed to inform new assessments for lingcod and vermilion/sunset rockfishes scheduled to be conducted this year. The workshop is open to the public.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Site Characterization Surveys Off of Delaware
Document Number: 2021-03821
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Skipjack Offshore Energy, LLC (Skipjack) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to marine site characterization surveys offshore of Delaware in the area of the Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A 0519) and along potential submarine cable routes to a landfall location in Delaware. 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 is also requesting comments on a possible one-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03820
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC's) Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP) will hold a public meeting.
Marianas Trench Marine National Monument; Monument Management Plan
Document Number: 2021-03642
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The FWS and NOAA announce the availability of a draft monument management plan (MMP) for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (Monument). The draft MMP describes proposed goals, objectives, and strategies for managing the Monument over a 15-year period.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region and Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Possession Limits for Federally-Permitted Charter Vessels and Headboats
Document Number: 2021-03300
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-24
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures as described in an abbreviated framework action to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Reef Fish FMP) and the Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (CMP FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council). This final rule modifies the on-board multi-day recreational possession limit regulations for Federal charter vessel and headboat (for-hire) trips in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). This final rule also makes an administrative change to the reporting requirement for Gulf's individual fishing quota (IFQ) program during catastrophic conditions. The purposes of this final rule are to promote efficiency in the utilization of the reef fish and CMP resources and reduce regulatory discards, and to update the IFQ reporting requirements.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03645
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat Joint Committee and Advisory Panel via webinar 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: 2021-03644
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a one- day meeting via webinar of its Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03643
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad Hoc Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) Coho Workgroup (Workgroup) will host an online meeting that is open to the public.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03641
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR Procedural Workshop 8 for Fishery Independent Index Development will consist of a series of webinars and an in-person workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03640
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 68 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic scamp will consist of a series of data and assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; U.S. Caribbean Commercial Fishermen Census
Document Number: 2021-03628
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the NMFS Saltonstall-Kennedy Research and Development Program
Document Number: 2021-03626
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces its intent to prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the implementation of projects that foster the promotion, marketing, research, and development of U.S. Fisheries and their associated fishing sectors, as consistent with NOAA's Saltonstall-Kennedy Research and Development Program (S-K Program). The focus of this action will be activities and projects under the S-K Program, which interfaces with numerous programs within NOAA, and it is NOAA's intention that this PEIS may also cover those activities and projects implemented by other NOAA programs and offices that are consistent with the scope of the S-K Program. The S-K Program funds projects that address the needs of fishing communities, optimize economic benefits by building and maintaining sustainable fisheries (where the term ``fisheries'' includes commercial wild capture, recreational fishing, cultural and subsistence fishing, and marine aquaculture), and increase other opportunities to keep working waterfronts viable. This notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a PEIS initiates the public scoping process and invites interested parties to provide comments on the proposed project, its potential to affect the human environment, means for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating those effects, the preliminary range of alternatives, and any additional reasonable alternatives that should be considered.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Salmon Bycatch Minimization
Document Number: 2021-03204
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rule implements salmon bycatch minimization measures to minimize incidental take of Endangered Species Act-listed salmon by vessels in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. The rule establishes additional management tools to minimize incidental Chinook and coho salmon bycatch to keep fishery sectors within guidelines, establishes rules to allow industry to access the Chinook salmon bycatch reserve, and creates Chinook salmon bycatch closure thresholds for the trawl fishery. This rule fulfills the terms and conditions of a 2017 National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion. This rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, and other applicable laws, including the Endangered Species Act.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Alaska Groundfish and Halibut Seabird Working Group; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03515
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS Alaska Groundfish and Halibut Seabird Working Group will meet to discuss seabird/fisheries interactions (vessel collisions), development of an Alaska coordinated strategic plan for reporting and monitoring fisheries interactions with birds listed under the Endangered Species Act, and an update on whether or not the short- tailed albatross is actually two distinct species.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Dry Dock 1 Modification and Expansion
Document Number: 2021-03507
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Dry Dock 1 modification and expansion in Kittery, Maine. These activities are nearly identical to those covered in the current authorization. The project has been delayed and a small portion of the activities covered in the initial IHA have not been completed. The Navy also proposes to drive an additional number of piles for which the installation methods are identical and pile types are nearly identical to those covered in the initial IHA. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30-day comment period.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental To Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to West Dock Facility Construction Activities Associated With the Alaska LNG Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Document Number: 2021-03472
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-22
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 Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during a particular activity (West Dock facility construction) associated with construction of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (AK LNG) Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Pacific Island Fisheries; Mariana Archipelago Bottomfish Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
Document Number: 2021-03240
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This rulemaking proposes to establish annual catch limits (ACL) and annual catch targets (ACT) for bottomfish in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and accountability measures (AM) to correct or mitigate any overages by reducing the ACL and or ACT for the subsequent year. The proposed ACLs, ACTs, and AMs would be effective for fishing years 2020-2022 in Guam and for fishing years 2020-2023 in the CNMI. The proposed action supports the long-term sustainability of the bottomfish fishery in the Mariana Islands.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Southeast Region Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements
Document Number: 2021-03366
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Marine Sanctuary Permits
Document Number: 2021-03364
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2020-2021 Commercial Hook-and-Line Closure for King Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone
Document Number: 2021-03351
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) to close the hook-and-line component of the commercial sector for king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) southern zone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; Final 2021 and 2022 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: 2021-03194
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces final 2021 and 2022 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the remainder of the 2021 and the start of the 2022 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). The 2021 harvest specifications supersede those previously set in the final 2020 and 2021 harvest specifications, and the 2022 harvest specifications will be superseded in early 2022 when the final 2022 and 2023 harvest specifications are published. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Program; Public Meeting; Request for Comments
Document Number: 2021-03201
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office for Coastal Management will hold a public meeting and solicit written comments on the performance evaluation of Indiana's Lake Michigan Coastal Management Program.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2021-03200
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Pursuant to limits 5 and 6 of the Endangered Species Act's Rule, notice is hereby given that NMFS has made determinations on 17 Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs). The HGMPs describe salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and associated monitoring in the Duwamish, Green, Stillaguamish, Lower Columbia, and Upper Salmon River Basins of Washington and Idaho. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NMFS also announces the availability of the following NEPA documents: The Record of Decision (ROD) for 10 Duwamish-Green River hatchery programs; the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for four hatchery programs in the Stillaguamish River; and the FONSI for two hatchery programs in the Upper Salmon River Basin.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-03195
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 72 stock assessment process for Gulf of Mexico gag grouper will consist of a series of data and assessment webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-03193
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Plan Team (PT) to discuss fishery management issues and develop recommendations to the Council for future management of pelagic fisheries in the Western Pacific region.
Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
Document Number: 2021-03147
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that Gulf of Mexico cobia, Gulf of Mexico lane snapper, the Gulf of Mexico jacks complex, South Atlantic golden tilefish, and Western and Central Pacific Ocean silky shark are now subject to overfishing; Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon, Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, and Saint Matthew Island blue king crab are still overfished; and Pacific bluefin tuna is still subject to overfishing and overfished. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate regional fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; Proposed 2021-2026 Fishing Quotas
Document Number: 2021-02984
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-17
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes status quo commercial quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2021 and projected status quo quotas for 2022-2026. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels of Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs that will prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield. This action would also continue to suspend the minimum shell size for Atlantic surfclams for the 2021 fishing year. The intended effect of this action is to provide benefit to the industry from stable quotas to maintain a consistent market.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2021-02989
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received 25 scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, rockfish, and eulachon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https:/ /apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Abalone
Document Number: 2021-02987
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a request to renew an existing scientific research permit relating to black abalone. The proposed work is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management, conservation, and recovery efforts. The application may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/ preview_open_for_comment.cfm.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2021 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting, and 2021 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation
Document Number: 2021-02814
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues the proposed rule for the 2021 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, and other applicable laws. This proposed rule would allocate 17.5 percent of the U.S. total allowable catch of Pacific whiting for 2021 to Pacific Coast Indian tribes that have a treaty right to harvest groundfish, and implement set-asides for Pacific whiting research and incidental mortality in other fisheries. The proposed measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Rebuilding Coho Salmon Stocks
Document Number: 2021-02834
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to approve and implement rebuilding plans recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) for three overfished salmon stocks: Juan de Fuca, Queets, and Snohomish natural coho salmon. NMFS determined in 2018 that these stocks were overfished under the MSA, due to spawning escapement falling below the required level for the 3-year period 2014-2016. The MSA requires overfished stocks to be rebuilt, generally within 10 years.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan
Document Number: 2021-02831
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-12
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to approve changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's regulatory Area 2A off of Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition, NMFS proposes to implement management measures governing the 2021 recreational fisheries that are not implemented through the International Pacific Halibut Commission. These measures include the recreational fishery seasons, allocations, and management measures for Area 2A. These actions are intended to conserve Pacific halibut and provide angler opportunity where available.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-02828
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Citizen Science Program will hold two town hall meetings to assist in the development of a customizable citizen science mobile application via webinar March 9 and March 11, 2021.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-02827
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting via webinar of its Law Enforcement Technical Committee (LETC), in conjunction with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission's Law Enforcement Committee (LEC).
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-02826
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) will hold a 2-day public virtual meeting in March to discuss the items contained in the agenda in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2021 Commercial Longline Closure for South Atlantic Golden Tilefish
Document Number: 2021-02727
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-10
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure for the commercial longline component for golden tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial longline landings for golden tilefish are projected to reach the longline component's commercial quota by February 10, 2021. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial longline component of golden tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ on February 10, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. local time. This closure is necessary to protect the golden tilefish resource.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2021-02674
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce. If approved, Amendment 20 would modify the preseason schedule for implementing annual management measures and would move the southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone (KMZ) 5 nautical miles (nmi) (9.3 km) north of its current location. In addition, Amendment 20 would update out-of-date language in the FMP. NMFS will consider public comments in deciding whether to approve, disapprove, or partially approve Amendment 20. NMFS also announces the availability for public review and comment of a draft environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the environmental impacts of implementing the actions under Amendment 20.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet (15.2 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 2021-02639
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2021 total allowable catch (TAC) of catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting; Correction
Document Number: 2021-02604
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of the following: Law Enforcement Committee; Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Committee, Mackerel Cobia Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee; Dolphin Wahoo Committee; Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Committee (partially Closed Session); and Executive Committee. The meeting week will also include a formal public comment session and a meeting of the Full Council. Due to public health concerns associated with COVID-19 and current travel restrictions the meeting will be held via webinar.
National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP) Notice of Solicitation of Letters of Intent
Document Number: 2021-02579
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Sea Grant College Program is requesting letters of intent from eligible applicants to become a Sea Grant Institutional Program serving the United States territory of Guam. An Institutional Program can be defined as a program that has demonstrated competence as a Coherent Area Program and has shown the ability to support broad responsibilities for the development of Sea Grant state, regional, and national activities, engaging all of the institutions of higher learning in the region. Only institutions that have been the host entity of a Sea Grant Coherent Area Program for at least three years are eligible to apply. The National Sea Grant College Act of 1976, as amended by 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq. (the ``Act'' hereinafter) authorizes the NOAA to designate a Sea Grant institution on the basis of merit and that such designation is consistent with the goals of the Act.
Science Advisory Board
Document Number: 2021-02578
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda for the meeting of the Science Advisory Board (SAB). The members will discuss issues outlined in the section on Matters to be considered.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for the Threatened Indo-Pacific Corals, Extension of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2021-02540
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-02-09
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, are extending the public comment period by 30 days for our proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on November 27, 2020, to designate critical habitat for seven threatened corals in U.S. waters in the Indo-Pacific (Acropora globiceps, Acropora jacquelineae, Acropora retusa, Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, Isopora crateriformis, and Seriatopora aculeata) under the Endangered Species Act. On December 23, 2020 the comment period was extended 30 days. The end of the public comment period is extended again from February 25, 2021, to March 27, 2021.
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