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

Results 251 - 300 of 1,243
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-22558
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Citizen Science Operations and Projects Advisory Committees via webinar on November 1, 2021.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Lane Snapper Management Measures and Proposed Rule
Document Number: 2021-22509
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-18
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). For Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) lane snapper, this proposed rule would modify the annual catch limit (ACL) and revise an accountability measure (AM). The purposes of this proposed rule are to prevent overfishing of lane snapper and achieve optimum yield (OY). This proposed rule would also make minor administrative changes to replace outdated NMFS website addresses and language about required software for the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) programs.
Marine Mammals; File No. 25943
Document Number: 2021-22539
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Stephen John Trumble, Ph.D., Baylor University, 101 Bagby Ave., Waco, TX 76706, has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and receive parts from cetaceans for scientific research.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; West Coast Region Permit Family of Forms
Document Number: 2021-22533
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-15
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.
Membership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Performance Review Board
Document Number: 2021-22491
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA announces the appointment of members who will serve on the NOAA Performance Review Board (PRB). The NOAA PRB is responsible for reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Level (SL), and Scientific and Professional (ST) members and making written recommendations to the appointing authority on retention and compensation matters, including performance-based pay adjustments, awarding of bonuses, and reviewing recommendations for potential Presidential Rank Award nominees. The appointment of members to the NOAA PRB will be for a period of 2 years.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel; Incidental Possession Limit Implemented for the Remainder of 2021
Document Number: 2021-22458
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing a catch limit of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) for all Atlantic mackerel permit holders for the remainder of the 2021 fishing year. This action is intended to reduce potential Atlantic mackerel overfishing based on new 2021 assessment findings.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2021-22290
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This Exempted Fishing Permit would allow a single commercial fishing vessel to participate in exploratory fishing Gulf of Maine, targeting haddock with 6-inch (15.24-cm) mesh gillnet gear. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notice to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on Exempted Fishing Permit applications.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Document Number: 2021-22191
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture (CTJV) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project (PTST) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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 document. 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.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species
Document Number: 2021-22190
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that permits and permit amendments have been issued to the following entities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as applicable.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Construction at Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island
Document Number: 2021-21426
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-13
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 construction activities for bulkhead replacement and repairs at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA Newport) over the course of five years (2022-2027). As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take, and requests comments on the proposed regulations. 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Grants Proposal Application Package: Correction
Document Number: 2021-22073
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-08
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 an additional 30 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB, and to serve as a correction of the public comment period incorrectly published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2021 (86 FR 54941).
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-22017
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public joint meeting of its Habitat 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.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: 2021-21982
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-08
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. Matthew Ajermian of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute of Florida Atlantic University (FAU). If granted, the EFP would authorize the captain and crew of certain federally permitted charter vessels to collect limited numbers of snapper-grouper, coastal migratory pelagic, and dolphin and wahoo species in the waters of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Florida east coast. The purpose of the EFP is to quantify shark depredation impacts in the recreational fisheries off the Atlantic using a citizen science approach.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2021-21935
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico, notification is hereby given that three Letters of Authorization (LOA) have been issued to bp Exploration & Production Inc. (bp) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21918
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a webinar question and answer session for stakeholders regarding electronic vessel trip reporting (eVTR) in preparation for required commercial electronic reporting.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21917
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Scallop 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.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21914
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a joint public meeting of its Scallop Committee 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.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21913
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-07
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).
Pacific Island Fisheries; Modifications to the American Samoa Longline Fishery Limited Entry Program
Document Number: 2021-21662
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements Amendment 9 to the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific (FEP). It modifies the American Samoa longline fishery limited entry program to consolidate vessel class sizes, modify permit eligibility requirements, and reduce the minimum harvest requirements for small vessels. This final rule also makes several housekeeping changes to the program's regulations. The intent of this rule is to reduce regulatory barriers that may be limiting small vessel participation in the fishery, and provide for sustained community and American Samoan participation in the fishery.
International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fish Aggregating Device Design Requirements in Purse Seine Fisheries, IMO Number Requirements, and Bycatch Restrictions
Document Number: 2021-21646
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS seeks comments on this proposed rule issued under authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (WCPFC Implementation Act). The proposed rule would implement recent decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC or Commission) on fish aggregating device (FAD) design requirements, International Maritime Organization (IMO) number requirements, and bycatch restrictions for sharks and rays. This action is necessary to satisfy the obligations of the United States under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention), to which it is a Contracting Party. The proposed rule would apply to owners and operators of U.S. fishing vessels used for commercial fishing for highly migratory species (HMS) in the area of application of the Convention.
Solicitation for New Members: Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB)
Document Number: 2021-21792
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up to four membership vacancies on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB).
Public Meeting and Solicitation of Nominations for the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board)
Document Number: 2021-21791
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board), a Federal Advisory Committee. Board members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the agenda found on the Sea Grant website. For more information on this Federal Advisory Committee please visit the Federal Advisory Committee database: https://www.facadatabase.gov/FACA/ FACAPublicPage. This notice also responds to the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976, which requires the Secretary of Commerce to solicit nominations at least once a year for membership on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board. To apply for membership to the Board, applicants should submit a current resume. A cover letter highlighting specific areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the Board is helpful, but not required. Nominations will be accepted by email. NOAA is an equal opportunity employer.
Nominations to the Marine Mammal Scientific Review Groups
Document Number: 2021-21778
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Secretary of Commerce established three independent regional scientific review groups (SRG) to provide advice on a range of marine mammal science and management issues. NMFS conducted a membership review of the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific SRGs, and is soliciting nominations for new members to fill vacancies and gaps in expertise (see below).
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Effective Dates of West Coast Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Program
Document Number: 2021-21754
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This interim final rule revises regulations to delay implementation of the Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program for the West Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program. This action will delay implementation of the EM program until at least January 1, 2024. This change will provide additional time for industry and prospective service providers to prepare for implementation. The change is expected to strengthen Pacific Fishery Management Council and industry support for the EM program and may increase participation when the EM program is implemented.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21748
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a four-day meeting to consider actions affecting the Gulf of Mexico fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The meeting is a hybrid meeting open to the public offering both in-person and virtual options for participation.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21737
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-06
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 Focus Group on Shrimp Data Collection Framework Action.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Regulatory Amendment To Remove GOA Sablefish IFQ Pot Gear Tags and Notary Certification Requirements
Document Number: 2021-21721
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-06
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a proposed rule to modify recordkeeping and reporting requirements to remove pot gear tag requirements in the sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) fishery in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and remove requirements to obtain and submit a notary certification on various programs' application forms. This action is intended to reduce administrative burden on the regulated fishing industry and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Halibut Act, fishery management plans (FMPs), and other applicable laws.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21736
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's is convening its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) 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.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-21734
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) District Advisory Panels (DAPs) will hold public virtual meetings to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2021-2022 Commercial Quota Reduction for King Mackerel in the Run-Around Gillnet Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2021-21719
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) through this temporary rule for commercial harvest of king mackerel in the southern zone of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) using run-around gillnet gear. NMFS has determined that landings of king mackerel harvested by run- around gillnet gear in the southern zone of the Gulf EEZ exceeded the commercial annual catch limit (ACL), equivalent to the commercial quota, in the 2020-2021 fishing year. Therefore, NMFS reduces the southern zone commercial ACL for king mackerel fishing using run-around gillnet gear in the Gulf EEZ during the 2021-2022 fishing year. This commercial ACL reduction is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Document Number: 2021-21718
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is transferring 140 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the Reserve category to the General category. This action is intended to provide further opportunities for General category fishermen to participate in the October through November General category fishery, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments. This action would affect Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Long Beach Cruise Terminal Improvement Project in the Port of Long Beach, California
Document Number: 2021-21717
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the Carnival Corporation & PLC (Carnival) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of five species of marine mammals, by Level A and Level B harassment, incidental to construction associated with the Port of Long Beach Cruise Terminal Improvement Project in Port of Long Beach, California. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The initial IHA was effective from November 19, 2019, through November 18, 2020, and was re-issued with new effective dates of December 10, 2020 through December 9, 2021. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a third identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2021-21714
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a scientific research permit (Permit 19571-2R) to the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, California, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The research is intended to increase knowledge of black abalone listed under the ESA and to help guide management, conservation, and recovery efforts.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfers From VA to RI and NJ to MA
Document Number: 2021-21676
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of New Jersey are transferring a portion of their 2021 commercial bluefish quota to the State of Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, respectively. These quota adjustments are necessary to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised commercial bluefish quotas for Virginia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Reopening of the Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Fishing Season in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2021-21674
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is temporarily reopening the recreational fishing season for the Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. The most recent landings data for the red snapper for-hire component in the Gulf indicates the component annual catch target (ACT) for the 2021 fishing year has not yet been reached. The red snapper recreational for-hire component in the Gulf EEZ will reopen for 22 days to allow harvest of the remaining for-hire component ACT. NMFS intends this action to increase benefits to for- hire fisherman while protecting the Gulf red snapper resource by continuing to constrain harvest to the component quota.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Office of Naval Research's Arctic Research Activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas (Year 4)
Document Number: 2021-21672
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
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 IHA to the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, marine mammals during oceanographic research activities associated with the Arctic Research Activities (Year 4) in the Beaufort and eastern Chukchi Seas. The Navy's activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (NDAA).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Announcement of Workshop To Inform Recovery Planning for ESA Listed Rice's Whale (Balaenoptera Ricei)
Document Number: 2021-21661
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, are convening a workshop to solicit information from experts to inform recovery planning for Rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei) under section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This workshop will be open to the public.
Marine Mammals; File No. 25794
Document Number: 2021-21647
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Jennifer Burns, Ph.D., Texas Tech University, Biology Department, 2901 Main Street Lubbock, TX 79409-3131 has applied in due form for a permit to import and export specimens of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) for scientific research.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Grants Proposal Application Package
Document Number: 2021-21645
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
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 an additional 30 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. A 60-day notice of request for comment on the extension of this collection was published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2021. This additional notice alerts the public that NOAA intends to revise the information.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Amendment 21
Document Number: 2021-20462
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to approve and implement through regulations measures included in Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, which the New England Fishery Management Council adopted and submitted to NMFS for approval. This action would allow for more controlled access to the scallop resource by the limited access and limited access general category fleets and increase monitoring to a growing directed scallop fishery in Federal waters, including the Northern Gulf of Maine Management Area. These proposed management measures are intended to promote conservation of the scallop resource in the Northern Gulf of Maine Management Area and to manage total removals from the area by all fishery components. Amendment 21 would also expand flexibility in the limited access general category individual fishing quota fishery to reduce impacts of potential decreases in ex-vessel price and increases in operating costs.
Revised Reporting Requirements Due to Catastrophic Conditions for Federal Seafood Dealers, Individual Fishing Quota Dealers, and Charter Vessels and Headboats in Portions of Louisiana
Document Number: 2021-21544
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ), Federal dealer reporting, and Federal charter vessel and headboat (for-hire vessel) reporting programs specific to the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and the coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) fisheries in the Gulf, the Regional Administrator (RA), Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined that the catastrophic conditions caused by Hurricane Ida in the Gulf for certain Louisiana parishes still exist. This temporary rule authorizes any dealer in the affected area described in this temporary rule who does not have access to electronic reporting to delay reporting of trip tickets to NMFS and authorizes IFQ participants within the affected area to use paper-based forms, if necessary, for basic required administrative functions. This rule also authorizes any Federal for- hire owner or operator in the affected area described in this temporary rule who does not have access to electronic reporting to delay reporting of logbook records to NMFS. This temporary rule is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ, dealer, and Federal for-hire reporting operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2021 Commercial and Recreational Accountability Measure and Closures for Gulf of Mexico Lane Snapper
Document Number: 2021-21527
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the lane snapper commercial and recreational sectors in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2021 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has projected that the 2021 stock annual catch limit (ACL) for Gulf lane snapper will be reached by October 18, 2021. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial and recreational sectors for Gulf lane snapper on October 18, 2021, and they will remain closed through the end of the current fishing year on December 31, 2021. These closures are necessary to protect the Gulf lane snapper resource.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Adjustments to 2021 Northern Albacore Tuna, North and South Atlantic Swordfish, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Reserve Category Quotas
Document Number: 2021-21508
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS adjusts the 2021 baseline quotas for U.S. North Atlantic albacore tuna (northern albacore), North and South Atlantic swordfish, and the Atlantic bluefin Reserve category based on available underharvest of the 2020 adjusted U.S. quotas. This action is necessary to implement binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This action to adjust the quotas is only temporary and will be effective through December 31, 2021. On January 1, 2022, full annual baseline allocations of northern albacore, North and South Atlantic swordfish, and the Atlantic bluefin tuna will renew and be available to U.S. harvest.
Fall Meeting of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
Document Number: 2021-21463
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is announcing the convening of its fall meeting.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2021-21414
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold its 188th Council meeting to take final action on the American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species Rebuilding Plan.
Council Coordination Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21413
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Pacific Fishery Management Council will host a virtual meeting of the Council Coordination Committee (CCC), consisting of the Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors from October 19 to October 21, 2021. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the Councils and NMFS, including issues related to the implementation of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSA).
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings
Document Number: 2021-21412
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold four in-person public hearings pertaining to Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. The amendment addresses modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group Cobia catch limits, possession limits, size limits, and framework procedure.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2021-21411
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-01
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Charter Halibut Management Committee will meet October 26, 2021, through October 27, 2021.
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