National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the A season allowance of the 2020 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the A season allowance of the 2020 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.
Notice of Approval of the Final Management Plan for the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Notice is hereby given that the Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce approves the revised Management Plan for the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is comprised of four component sites along the Hudson River in New York. In accordance with applicable Federal regulations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation revised its management plan. The revised Management Plan will replace the plan previously approved in 2009. View the approved Hudson River, NY, National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan at https://coast.noaa.gov/data/docs/ nerrs/Reserves_HUD_MgmtPlan.pdf .
Approval of a Boundary Expansion for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
In accordance with applicable federal regulations, notice is hereby given that NOAA's Office for Coastal Management approved the final environmental assessment of a proposed boundary expansion for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve in Florida. NOAA determined that the boundary expansion would not have significant environmental impacts and, therefore, issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI). The final environmental assessment describes the alternatives considered, including the preferred alternative to add three parcels to the existing approved boundary, which would result in a net increase in size of 3,346.44 acres to the boundary. NOAA prepared a draft environmental assessment to analyze the effects of the requested expansion and solicited public comment before approving the request. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of NOAA's approval of the boundary expansion and of the availability of the final environmental assessment.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that a PEPD is available for public comment on three hatchery and genetic management plans (HGMPs) for Dungeness River hatchery programs submitted for review and determination under Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 4(d), Limit 6 for Puget Sound Chinook salmon, Puget Sound steelhead, and Hood Canal summer chum salmon.
Implementation of Fish and Fish Product Import Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act-Notification of Revocation of Comparability Findings and Implementation of Import Restrictions; Certification of Admissibility for Certain Fish Products From Mexico
Under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the NMFS Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (Assistant Administrator) is revoking the comparability findings for the following fisheries authorized by the Government of Mexico: Upper Gulf of California shrimp trawl fishery for both small and large vessels; Upper Gulf of California shrimp suripera fishery; Upper Gulf of California sierra purse seine fishery; Upper Gulf of California sierra hook and line fishery; Upper Gulf of California chano trawl fishery, for small vessels; Upper Gulf of California curvina purse seine fishery; and Upper Gulf of California sardine/curvina purse seine fishery for both small and large vessels. The Assistant Administrator continues the determination to deny a comparability finding for the El Golfo de Santa Clara curvina rodeo-style gillnet fishery.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Adjust the North Pacific Observer Program Fee
NMFS proposes regulations to adjust the North Pacific Observer Program fee. This proposed rule is intended to increase funds available to support observer and EM deployment in the partial coverage category of the Observer Program and increase the likelihood of meeting desired monitoring objectives. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the IFQ Program, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and other applicable law.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From NC to VA
NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2020 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This quota adjustment 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 2020 commercial quotas for North Carolina and Virginia.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2020 and 2021 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
NMFS announces final 2020 and 2021 harvest specifications, apportionments, and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the remainder of the 2020 and the start of the 2021 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 2020 harvest specifications supersede those previously set in the final 2019 and 2020 harvest specifications, and the 2021 harvest specifications will be superseded in early 2021 when the final 2021 and 2022 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).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
NMFS proposes to approve and implement measures included in Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan, as submitted by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This action would integrate Atlantic chub mackerel as a stock in the fishery under the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. This amendment would identify goals and objectives for managing Atlantic chub mackerel; specify status determination criteria; designate essential fish habitat; establish a specifications process; set annual catch limits for 2020-2022; and implement accountability measures, possession limits, permitting and reporting requirements, and other administrative measures for Atlantic chub mackerel caught from Maine through North Carolina.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will meet in Anchorage, AK.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a 4-day meeting to consider actions affecting the Gulf of Mexico fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
At the request of the public, NMFS is reopening the comment period for an Exempted Fishing Permit application. The Exempted Fishing Permit would allow commercial fishing vessels to use dredge fishing gear with a forward facing camera within the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area to characterize habitat substrate types where dredge fishing occurs, and conduct compensation fishing that would support research conducted by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed Exempted Fishing Permits.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Pacific Halibut Fisheries: Subsistence
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Proposed Information Collection; Greater Atlantic Region, Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan Data Collection
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2019-2020 Commercial Hook-and-Line Closure for King Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone
NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) to close the hook-and-line component of the commercial sector for king mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) southern zone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery; 2020 Spiny Dogfish Specifications
We are implementing specifications for the 2020 spiny dogfish fishery, including an annual catch limit and commercial quota. This action is necessary to ensure allowable harvest levels to prevent overfishing while allowing harvest of optimum yield, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This action is intended to establish 2020 specifications, consistent with the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan and previously announced multi-year specifications.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Approval of New Gear Under Small-Mesh Fisheries Accountability Measures
This action approves new selective trawl gear for use in several non-groundfish fisheries when subject to the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder accountability measure. The selective gear reduces bycatch of groundfish species, while allowing the target fisheries to continue operating when selective trawl gear is required. This selective trawl gear will provide the fishing industry with more flexibility when accountability measures are triggered because there are limited selective trawl gears currently approved for use.
U.S. Stakeholder Call To Discuss Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Tropical Tuna Management; Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a public meeting with U.S. stakeholders to discuss issues related to Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) tropical tuna management in the eastern Pacific Ocean on May 22, 2020. The meeting topics are described under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. The meeting will be held via conference call.
General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and Scientific Advisory Subcommittee to the General Advisory Committee; Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a public meeting of the General Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Section to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) on June 18, 2020, and a public meeting of the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee (SAS) to the GAC on June 17, 2020. The meeting topics are described under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Determination on the Designation of Critical Habitat for Oceanic Whitetip Shark
We, NMFS, have determined that a designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is not prudent at this time. Based on a comprehensive review of the best scientific data available, we find there are no identifiable physical or biological features that are essential to the conservation of the oceanic whitetip shark within areas under U.S. jurisdiction. We also find that there are no areas outside of the geographical area occupied by the species under U.S. jurisdiction that are essential to its conservation. As such, we find there are no areas within the jurisdiction of the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat for the oceanic whitetip shark.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews for Eulachon, Yelloweye Rockfish, Bocaccio, and Green Sturgeon
We, NMFS, are announcing 5-year reviews of four species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. The four distinct population segments (DPSs) included in this notice are the southern DPS of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), the Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin DPSs of yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) and bocaccio (S. paucispinis), and the southern DPS of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris). The purpose of these reviews is to ensure the accuracy of the listing classifications of these threatened and endangered species. The 5-year reviews will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the reviews; therefore, we are requesting that interested parties submit any new relevant information on these DPSs that has become available since the original listing determinations or since the species' status was last updated. Based on the results of these 5-year reviews, we will make the requisite determinations under the ESA.
Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands American Fisheries Act Pollock
NMFS issues this notice to inform interested parties that the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) American Fisheries Act (AFA) Pollock loan in the fishing capacity reduction program for the inshore component of the BSAI Pollock Fishery has been repaid. Therefore, buyback fee collections on AFA Pollock will cease for all landings after February 29, 2020.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Climate and Communities Core Team (CCCT) will hold a webinar, which is open to the public.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Citizen Science Operations Committee via webinar.
43rd Meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) will hold a public meeting of the 43rd U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). NOAA and DOI will be accepting oral and written comments.
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) District Advisory Panels (DAPs) of St. Thomas/St. John, USVI, will hold a one- day meeting in March 25, 2020, to discuss the items contained in the agenda SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Joint Skate Committee and 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.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures; 2020 Research Fishery
On November 22, 2019, NMFS published a notice inviting qualified commercial shark permit holders to submit applications to participate in the 2020 shark research fishery. The shark research fishery allows for the collection of fishery-dependent data for future stock assessments and cooperative research with commercial fishermen to meet the shark research objectives of the Agency. Every year, the permit terms and permitted activities (e.g., number of hooks and retention limits) specifically authorized for selected participants in the shark research fishery are designated depending on the scientific and research needs of the Agency, as well as the number of NMFS- approved observers available. In order to inform selected participants of this year's specific permit requirements and ensure all terms and conditions of the permit are met, NMFS is holding a mandatory meeting (via conference call) for selected participants. The date and time of that meeting is announced in this notice.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ward Cove Cruise Ship Dock Project, Juneau, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from Power Systems & Supplies of Alaska (PSSA) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Ward Cove Cruise Ship Dock Project near Ketchikan, Alaska. 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 notice. 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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued a renewed ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) scientific enhancement permit (permit 14159-2R) to NMFS' California Coastal Office in Long Beach, California. Authorized activities under this permit are expected to enhance the survival of the endangered Southern California Distinct Population Segment of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through rescue and relocation of at- risk steelhead, ecological research, and invasive species management.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene a webinar meeting of its Groundfish Management Team (GMT) to discuss items on the Pacific Council's March 2020 meeting agenda. The meeting is open to the public.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a one- day meeting of its Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP).
Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
NOAA is soliciting applications to fill up to six membership vacancies on the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB). The new OEAB members will serve initial three-year terms, renewable once.
U.S. Stakeholder Meeting on Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishery Management Framework; Meeting Announcement
NMFS is holding a meeting to discuss the future management of the U.S. West Coast Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) fishery, including management objectives and a management framework.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; 2019-2020 Closure of Commercial Run-Around Gillnet for King Mackerel
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 the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) (equivalent to the commercial quota) for king mackerel using run-around gillnet gear in the southern zone of the Gulf EEZ has been reached. Therefore, NMFS closes the southern zone to commercial king mackerel fishing using run-around gillnet gear in the Gulf EEZ on February 25, 2020. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 51
The Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 51 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), Amendment 51 would establish and modify status determination criteria and harvest levels for the gray snapper stock. The purposes of Amendment 51 are to end overfishing of gray snapper and achieve optimum yield (OY) for the stock.
Marine Mammals; File No. 23283
Notice is hereby given that NMFS' Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115 (Responsible Party: John Bengtson, Ph.D.), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).
Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing
The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (``ACCRES'' or ``the Committee'') will meet March 18, 2020.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Modifying Seasonal Allocations of Pollock and Pacific Cod for Trawl Catcher Vessels in the Central and Western Gulf of Alaska
NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement Amendment 109 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) and to implement a regulatory amendment to the regulations governing pollock fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. This proposed rule will reduce operational and management inefficiencies in the Central Gulf of Alaska and Western Gulf of Alaska trawl catcher vessel pollock and Pacific cod fisheries by reducing regulatory time gaps between the pollock seasons, and changing Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod seasonal apportionments to allow greater harvest opportunities earlier in the year. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the GOA FMP, and other applicable laws.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Interim 2020 Recreational Measures
This temporary rule implements interim recreational management measures for the 2020 Atlantic Bluefish Fishery to prevent overfishing. This action is necessary to constrain recreational harvest at the start of the fishing year while final 2020 measures are developed and implemented. These measures are expected to help ensure the long-term recovery and sustainability of the bluefish stock.
Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this notice announces that NMFS is preparing a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) to supplement information in the 2015 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the Makah Tribe Request to Hunt Gray Whales, which was prepared in response to the Makah Indian Tribe's request that NMFS authorize a limited ceremonial and subsistence hunt of eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whales in the Makah Tribe's usual and accustomed (U&A) fishing grounds off the coast of Washington State.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in April, May, and June of 2020. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2020 and will be announced in a future notice.
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard Solicitation for Revisions
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; 2020 Specifications
Through this rule, NMFS maintains previously approved Illex squid, longfin squid, and butterfish specifications for the 2020 fishing year and maintains the 2019 Atlantic mackerel acceptable biological catch for 2020 based on updated scientific advice. This action is required to promote the sustainable utilization and conservation of the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish resources.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Regulatory Amendment 26
NMFS implements management measures described in Vision Blueprint Recreational Regulatory Amendment 26 (Regulatory Amendment 26) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Snapper-Grouper FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). For the recreational sector, this final rule removes the minimum size limits for queen snapper, silk snapper, and blackfin snapper, reduces the minimum size limit for gray triggerfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the east coast of Florida, and modifies the 20-fish snapper-grouper aggregate bag limit. The purpose of this final rule is to minimize regulatory discards to the extent practicable, improve regulatory compliance among fishers, and increase consistency among regulations.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2020 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
NMFS closes the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category fishery for the January subquota period. The intent of this closure is to prevent overharvest of the adjusted January subquota.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Tilefish Monitoring Committee will hold a meeting.
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