National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 15, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS published a final rule on April 2, 2020, that, among other things, established the Spring Gulf of Mexico Monitoring Area in an area previously closed to pelagic longline fishing in April and May annually. This Monitoring Area is open to pelagic longline fishing to collect fishery-dependent data during a 3-year evaluation period. The rule also established a threshold amount of bluefin tuna incidental catch in the pelagic longline fishery in the area that, if reached, would close the area to pelagic longline fishing. Subsequently, the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) that accompanied the 2021 Appropriations Act included text on ``Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna'' directing NMFS to reconsider the decision in the final rule to open the Spring Gulf of Mexico Monitoring Area to pelagic longline fishing or to take additional monitoring action. This notice announces NMFS's request for public input and two public webinars to gather information regarding the Spring Gulf of Mexico Monitoring Area that may not have been considered in the final rule.

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 construction activities at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.