National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration October 7, 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, Federal dealer reporting, and Federal charter vessel and headboat (for-hire vessel) reporting specific to the reef fish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) fisheries in the Gulf and Atlantic, snapper-grouper fishery in the South Atlantic, and dolphin and wahoo fishery in the Atlantic, the Regional Administrator (RA), NMFS Southeast Region, has determined that Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic conditions in the Gulf for certain Florida counties and in the Atlantic for certain Georgia counties. This temporary rule authorizes, in the affected area described in this temporary rule, any Federal dealer or for-hire electronic reporting program participant who does not have access to electronic reporting to delay reporting, and any IFQ dealer to use paper-based forms, if necessary, for basic required administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions. This temporary rule is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ and electronic reporting operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2024 total allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a hybrid meeting of its Scallop Advisory Panel 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.