National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 27, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

NMFS announces an inseason action for the 2023 non-tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery that operates south of Point Chehalis, Washington (lat. 46[deg]53.30' N) in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. Specifically, this action adds an additional fishing period beginning on August 1, 2023 at 8 a.m. and closing on August 3, 2023 at 6 p.m. and implements a fishing period catch limit of 1,000 pounds (lb) (0.45 mt) dressed weight for all vessel size classes. This action is intended to conserve Pacific halibut and provide commercial fishing opportunity where available.