National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2022 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Amendment 122 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Program
Document Number: 2022-28467
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2022-12-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) submitted Amendment 122 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) to the Secretary of Commerce for review. If approved, Amendment 122 would implement the Pacific cod Trawl Cooperative (PCTC) Program, a limited access privilege program. Amendment 122 is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Amendment 122, and the BSAI FMP.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-28464
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Crab Plan Team will meet January 17, 2023, to January 20, 2023.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-28463
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) Ecosystem Committee will meet January 18, 2023 through January 19, 2023.
Marine Mammals; File No. 27079
Document Number: 2022-28444
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Cantata Bio, 100 Enterprise Way, Suite A10, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (Responsible Party: Jordan Zhang), has applied in due form for a permit to import a specimen from a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) for scientific research.
Marine Mammals; File No. 24378
Document Number: 2022-28443
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that The University of Alaska Southeast, 1332 Seward Ave, Sitka, AK 99835 (Responsible Party: Jan Straley), has applied for an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 24378.
Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Central Valley Spring-Run Chinook Salmon in the Upper Yuba River Upstream of Englebright Dam, Authorization for Release, and Adoption of Limited Protective Regulations Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: 2022-27953
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, NMFS, designate and authorize the release of a nonessential experimental population (NEP or experimental population) of Central Valley (CV) spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the upper Yuba River and its tributaries upstream of Englebright Dam, California, and under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), establish a limited set of take exceptions for the experimental population. Successful reintroduction of a population within the species' historical range would contribute to its viability and further its conservation. The issuance of limited protective regulations for the conservation of the species would provide assurances to the people of the upper Yuba River watershed. This document also announces the availability of a final environmental assessment (EA) that analyzed the environmental impacts of promulgating the experimental population rule and associated take exceptions.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Seafood Import Monitoring Program
Document Number: 2022-27741
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2022-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would add species or groups of species to the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) established pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). In addition, this proposed rule would amend SIMP regulations to clarify the responsibilities of the importer of record; amend the definition of importer of record to more closely align with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) definition; amend the language requiring chain of custody records to be made available for audit or inspection to add a requirement that such records be made available through digital means if requested by NMFS; clarify the Aggregated Harvest Report criteria; and clarify the application of SIMP requirements to imports into the Pacific Insular Areas.
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument; Proposed Joint Monument Management Plan
Document Number: 2022-28203
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration intend to prepare a draft monument management plan for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which was established by Presidential Proclamation 9496 and updated by Presidential Proclamation 10287. When the draft plan is complete, we will advertise its availability and seek public comment. We furnish this notice to advise the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments and agencies of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider during the planning process. An environmental assessment to evaluate the potential effects of various management alternatives will also be prepared. The environmental assessment will provide resource managers with the information needed to determine if the potential effects may be significant and warrant preparation of an environmental impact statement, or if the potential impacts lead to a finding of no significant impact.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; North Pacific Halibut and Sablefish Individual Fishing Quota Cost Recovery Program
Document Number: 2022-28261
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS publishes the individual fishing quota (IFQ) standard prices and fee percentage for cost recovery for the IFQ Program for the halibut and sablefish fisheries of the North Pacific (IFQ Program). The fee percentage for 2022 is 1.9 percent. This action is intended to provide holders of halibut and sablefish IFQ permits with the 2022 standard prices and fee percentage to calculate the required payment for IFQ cost recovery fees due by January 31, 2023.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Forms
Document Number: 2022-28149
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-27
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.
Pacific Island Fisheries; 2022-2025 Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for Main Hawaiian Islands Uku (Gray Jobfish)
Document Number: C1-2022-06285
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2022-2023 Commercial Quota Reduction for King Mackerel in the Run-Around Gillnet Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2022-27915
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-23
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 Gulf southern zone exceeded the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) in the 2021-2022 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 2022-2023 fishing year. This commercial ACL reduction is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From NC to VA
Document Number: 2022-27914
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2022 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This adjustment to the 2022 fishing year quota is necessary to comply with the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised 2022 commercial quotas for North Carolina and Virginia.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Farm Project Offshore Rhode Island
Document Number: 2022-27491
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2022-12-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from Revolution Wind, LLC (Revolution Wind), a 50/50 joint venture between [Oslash]rsted North America, Inc. ([Oslash]rsted) and Eversource Investment, LLC, for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take, by Level A harassment and/or Level B harassment, of small numbers of marine mammals over the course of 5 years (2023- 2028) incidental to construction of the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Farm Project offshore of Rhode Island in a designated lease area on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A-0486), within the Rhode Island- Massachusetts Wind Energy Area (RI/MA WEA). Project activities likely to result in incidental take include pile driving (impact and vibratory), potential unexploded ordnance (UXO/MEC) detonation, and vessel-based site assessment surveys using high-resolution geophysical (HRG) equipment. NMFS requests comments on its proposed rule. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA; agency responses to public comments will be summarized in the final notice of our decision. The proposed regulations would be effective October 5, 2023-October 4, 2028.
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: 2022-27777
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-22
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 a Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Naval Base Point Loma Fuel Pier Inboard Pile Removal Project
Document Number: 2022-27776
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Fuel Pier Inboard Pile Removal Project at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego Bay, California. These activities consist of activities that are covered by the current authorization but will not be completed prior to its expiration. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, prior to issuing the currently active IHA, 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.
Endangered Species; File No. 27106
Document Number: 2022-27799
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) has applied in due form for a permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). As required by the ESA, NCDMF's application includes a conservation plan designed to minimize and mitigate take of endangered or threatened species. The permit application is for the incidental take of ESA-listed sea turtles and sturgeon associated with the otherwise lawful gill net fisheries operating in the inshore waters of North Carolina. The duration of the requested permit is 10 years. NMFS is providing this notice in order to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on the application materials. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John; Spiny Lobster Management Measures
Document Number: 2022-27846
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in Framework Amendment 1 under the Fishery Management Plans for Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John (collectively, the island- based FMPs) (Framework Amendment 1). If implemented, this proposed rule would modify annual catch limits (ACLs) for spiny lobster in the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John. The proposed rule would also revise the accountability measure (AM) trigger for spiny lobster in the EEZ around each island group. The purpose of this proposed rule is to update management reference points for spiny lobster under the island-based FMPs, consistent with the best scientific information available to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield (OY).
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-27889
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Local Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, and Subsistence Taskforce (LKTKS) will be held January 5, 2023.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Research Vessel Relocation at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Document Number: 2022-27727
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-21
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 NOAA Office of Marine Aviation Operations (OMAO) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during construction activities associated with vessel relocation at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA) in Newport, Rhode Island.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Marine Site Characterization Surveys Offshore of North Carolina and South Carolina
Document Number: 2022-27722
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from TerraSond Limited (TerraSond) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to marine site characterization surveys in federal waters offshore of North Carolina and South Carolina in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (Lease) Areas OCS-A 0545 and OCS-A 0546 (also referred to [by BOEM] as the ``Carolina Long Bay Lease Areas.'' 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-time, 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 authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; 2023 Specifications
Document Number: 2022-27661
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues final specifications for the 2023 Atlantic bluefish fishery, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This action is necessary to establish allowable harvest levels for the stock to prevent overfishing and promote rebuilding, while enabling optimum yield, using the best scientific information available.
Space Weather Advisory Group Meeting
Document Number: 2022-27733
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Space Weather Advisory Group (SWAG) will meet for 2 and a half-days on January 18-20, 2023.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to a Geophysical Survey in the Ross Sea, Antarctica
Document Number: 2022-27498
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-20
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 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to incidentally harass marine mammals during geophysical surveys in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Amendment 50
Document Number: 2022-27485
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 50 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). For red porgy, this final rule revises the sector annual catch limits (ACLs), commercial seasonal quotas, commercial trip limits, recreational bag and possession limits, recreational fishing season, and recreational accountability measures (AMs). In addition, Amendment 50 establishes a new rebuilding plan, and revises the acceptable biological catch (ABC), annual optimum yield (OY), and sector allocations. The purpose of this final rule and Amendment 50 is to end overfishing of red porgy, rebuild the stock, and achieve OY while minimizing, to the extent practicable, adverse social and economic effects.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: 2022-27395
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is extending the public comment period for the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). NMFS is reviewing the Incidental Take Permit (ITP) application submitted by the Oregon Department of State Lands (ODSL), who is seeking authorization from NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for the incidental take of three species (two under FWS jurisdiction, and one under NMFS jurisdiction). The FWS is the lead federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and NMFS is a cooperating agency. FWS is extending the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and proposed HCP until January 10, 2023; therefore, NMFS is also extending its public comment period on the proposed HCP until January 10, 2023.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Wage Mariner Hiring Portal
Document Number: 2022-27408
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-19
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.
Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center
Document Number: 2022-27451
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces the availability of the ``Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for Fisheries Research Conducted and Funded by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.'' Publication of this notice begins the official public comment period for this SPEA. The purpose of this Draft SPEA is to evaluate potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of changes in research that were not analyzed in the 2018 Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA), or new research activities along the U.S. West Coast, from California US-Mexico Border to Washington US-Canada Border. Select surveys in partnership with Department of Fisheries and Oceans-Canada extend this research area through British Columbia, Canada to Alaska. Where necessary, updates to certain information on species, stock status or other components of the affected environment that may result in different conclusions from the 2018 PEA are presented in this analysis.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures
Document Number: 2022-27353
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule to extend the expiration date of emergency measures implemented for the greater amberjack stock in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). As requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council), NMFS published a temporary rule for emergency action on July 25, 2022, to modify the greater amberjack recreational fixed closed season for the 2022-2023 fishing year in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to be August 1 through 31, 2022, and November 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023 (open September 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022). The purpose of this rulemaking is to extend the measures implemented in the emergency action while the Council develops long term management measures to reduce overfishing of Gulf greater amberjack.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23644
Document Number: 2022-27343
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Iain Kerr, D.H.L., Ocean Alliance, 32 Horton Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 23644-01.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Whiting Utilization in the At-Sea Sectors
Document Number: 2022-27117
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule implements regulatory amendments that apply to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program participants that operate in the non-tribal Pacific whiting fishery. This rulemaking adjusts the primary Pacific whiting season start date for all sectors of the Pacific whiting fishery north of 40[deg]30' N latitude (lat.) from May 15 to May 1, removes from regulation the mothership catcher vessel (MSCV) processor obligation deadline of November 30, removes from regulation the Mothership (MS) processor cap of 45 percent, and provides the ability to operate as a Catcher/Processor (CP) and an MS in the same year. This action is necessary to provide MS sector participants with greater operational flexibility by modifying specific regulations that have been identified as potentially contributing to lower attainment of the Pacific whiting allocation compared to the CP and shoreside Pacific whiting sectors. This final 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.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 30; 2023-24 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures
Document Number: 2022-26904
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This final rule establishes the 2023-24 harvest specifications for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. This final rule also revises management measures intended to keep the total annual catch of each groundfish stock or stock complex within the annual catch limits. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure management measures are based on the best scientific information available. This final rule also makes minor corrections to the regulations. This action also implements portions of Amendment 30 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which specifies a shortbelly rockfish catch threshold to initiate Council review; extends the length of the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season; changes the use of Rockfish Conservation Area boundaries; expands the use of Block Area Closures to control catch of groundfish; and corrects the definition of Block Area Closures.
Implementation of Import Restrictions; Certification of Admissibility for Certain Fish Products From New Zealand
Document Number: 2022-27155
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and pursuant to a court order, the NMFS Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (Assistant Administrator) has implemented import restrictions on the products harvested in certain Government of New Zealand (GNZ) regulated fisheries: West Coast North Island multi- species set-net fishery, and West Coast North Island multi-species trawl fishery. Similar fish products harvested from other areas or with other types of fishing gear are eligible for entry into the U.S. market only when accompanied by Certification of Admissibility validating origin from other than the restricted fisheries.
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 2022-27188
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a sanctuary advisory council (council) for the proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary to provide advice and recommendations to ONMS regarding the sanctuary's designation. With this notice, ONMS is soliciting applications for seats on the council. ONMS will add this new council to the list of established national marine sanctuary advisory councils.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 17 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, and Framework Adjustment 6 to the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan
Document Number: 2022-27118
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2022-12-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework Adjustment 17 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan and Framework Adjustment 6 to the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan. This framework was developed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council in conjunction with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to revise the process for setting recreational management measures, and recreational accountability measures, for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Proposed 2023 and 2024 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
Document Number: 2022-27119
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes 2023 and 2024 harvest specifications, apportionments, and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2023 and 2024 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 2023 harvest specifications supersede those previously set in the final 2022 and 2023 harvest specifications, and the 2024 harvest specifications will be superseded in early 2024 when the final 2024 and 2025 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).
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category December Fishery for 2022
Document Number: 2022-27073
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the General category fishery for large medium and giant (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters) curved fork length or greater) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for the December subquota time period, and thus for the remainder of 2022. This action applies to 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. Fishermen aboard General category permitted vessels and HMS Charter/ Headboat permitted vessels may tag-and-release BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and- release programs. On January 1, 2023, the fishery will reopen automatically.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-27114
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a three-day in-person meeting of its Standing, Reef Fish, Socioeconomic, and Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC).
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2022-27113
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a Seminar Series presentation on NOAA's Recent Deep-Sea Coral Related Research, Exploration, and Mapping in the U.S. South Atlantic via webinar on January 10, 2023.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: 2022-27112
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP) to discuss the Proposed Rule for the Restoration Blueprint for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-27111
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The SEDAR 76 assessment of the South Atlantic stock of Black Sea Bass will consist of a series of assessment webinars. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Document Number: 2022-27110
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Partial Holdback of Commercial Quota for Gag in the Gulf of Mexico
Document Number: 2022-26999
Type: Rule
Date: 2022-12-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this temporary rule to withhold a portion of the commercial allocation of gag for the 2023 fishing year in anticipation of an upcoming rulemaking that would amend the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) by implementing interim measures to reduce overfishing of gag. These interim measures would, in part, reduce the commercial sector annual catch limit (ACL) and quota. This temporary rule will withhold the distribution of gag individual fishing quota (IFQ) allocation on January 1, 2023, to shareholders in the Groupers and Tilefishes IFQ (GT-IFQ) program in the amount equal to the anticipated reduction in the commercial quota.
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