National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Implementation of Provisions of the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015, the Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act, and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
NMFS formally withdraws a proposed rule on the Implementation of Provisions of the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 and the Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act, which was published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2022. This proposed rule would have implemented certain provisions of the two acts and amended the definition of illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the regulations that implement the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (Moratorium Protection Act). After the proposed rule was issued, Congress amended the Moratorium Protection Act by the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA). NMFS has been developing a revised proposed rule in light of the NDAA to conform to the statutory changes, but does not have sufficient time to finalize the rule in this Administration.
Southeast Regional Office, Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Public Hearings
The NMFS Southeast Regional Office will hold a series of public hearings on Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic (Amendment 59). NMFS will review Amendment 59 and the proposed measures for management of red snapper and snapper-grouper species in South Atlantic Federal waters.
Public Meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board
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.
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Texas Trustee Implementation Group Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) natural resource Trustees for the Texas Trustee Implementation Group (Texas TIG) have prepared the Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats (Draft RP/EA #3). The Draft RP/EA #3 proposes alternatives to help restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats impacted by the DWH oil spill. The Draft RP/EA #3 evaluates eight restoration alternatives under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), including criteria set forth in the OPA Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. A No Action Alternative is also evaluated pursuant to the NEPA. The total estimated cost to implement the Texas TIG's seven preferred alternatives is approximately $40 million. The Texas TIG invites the public to comment on the Draft RP/EA #3.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will meet February 3, 2025 through February 11, 2025.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species
Notice is hereby given that permits, permit amendments, and permit modifications have been issued to the following entities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as applicable.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Licensing of Private Remote-Sensing Space Systems
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.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR Steering Committee will meet to discuss the SEDAR stock assessment process and assessment schedule. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (AP) in February.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of the Ad Hoc For-Hire Reporting Advisory Panel in January.
Whaling Provisions; Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Quotas
NMFS notifies the public of the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for bowhead whales assigned to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), and of limitations on the use of the quota deriving from regulations of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). For 2025, the AEWC quota is 93 bowhead whales struck. This quota and other applicable limitations govern the harvest of bowhead whales by licensed whaling captains of the AEWC.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Amendment 59
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic (Snapper-Grouper FMP) (Amendment 59). If approved, Amendment 59 and this proposed rule would, for South Atlantic red snapper: revise the fishing mortality (F) at maximum sustainable yield (MSY) proxy for determining overfishing, acceptable biological catch (ABC), sector annual catch limits (ACLs), fishing year, sector fishing season start dates, recreational fishing season structure, commercial trip limits, and establish an annual experimental studies program. Additionally, Amendment 59 and this proposed rule would establish a snapper-grouper discard reduction season in South Atlantic Federal waters. This action is intended to end and prevent overfishing of red snapper while reducing dead discards and providing additional fishing opportunities.
Federal Consistency Appeal by Robert Hagopian
This announcement provides notice that the Department of Commerce (DOC) has received a "Notice of Appeal" filed by Robert Hagopian, (Appellant) requesting that the Secretary override an objection by the New York State Department of State to a consistency certification for a proposed project to perform shoreline stabilization, dock installation, and dredging at a property along the Hudson River in Ulster, New York.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; 2025 Management Area 1B Possession Limit Adjustment
NMFS is implementing a 2,000-lb (907.2-kg) possession limit for Atlantic herring for Management Area 1B. This is required because NMFS projects that herring catch from Area 1B will reach 92 percent of the Area's sub-annual catch limit before the end of the fishing year. This action is intended to prevent overharvest of herring in Area 1B, which would result in additional catch limit reductions in a subsequent year.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category January Through March Quota Transfer
NMFS is transferring 20.5 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota from the General category December 2025 subquota to the January through March 2025 subquota period. The adjusted General category January through March 2025 subquota is 58.2 mt. This action is intended to provide further harvest opportunities for General category fishermen, based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments and applies to Atlantic Tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for BFT.
Marine Mammals; File No. 27514-02
Notice is hereby given that Heather E. Liwanag, Ph.D., California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0401, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 27514-01.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Announcement of a Recovery Planning Workshop and Request for Information To Inform Recovery Planning for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of Bearded Seal and the Arctic Ringed Seal
NMFS announces its intent to convene a workshop to solicit facts and information from experts to inform recovery planning for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment (DPS) bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus nauticus) and the Arctic ringed seal (Phoca hispida hispida). We will not be asking for any consensus recommendations on how to recover these species. This workshop will be open to the public. We also request submission of information that might inform the development of the recovery plans.
Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment on the Effects of Issuing Incidental Take Permit No. 27490
NMFS announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the effects of issuing an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) (No. 27490) to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, for the incidental take of ESA- listed sea turtles and sturgeon associated with the otherwise lawful fisheries survey activities within and adjacent to the Massachusetts/ Rhode Island Wind Energy Area. The duration of the requested permit is 10 years. NMFS is requesting comment on the draft EA.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Scientific Research, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted Educational Activity Submissions
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 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 the Office of Management and Budget.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) from vessels using jig gear, to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. This action is necessary to allow the A season apportionment of the 2025 total allowable catch of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Highly Migratory Species; Opening of Tier 9 Application Period
NMFS announces the opening of the permit application period for initial issuance of limited entry deep-set buoy gear permits under qualification tier 9. Authorized through implementation of Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) and its implementing regulations, tier 9 was established as the final tier in a ranking system for issuance of limited entry deep-set buoy gear permits. Tier 9 permits for deep-set buoy gear will be available through the National Permits System.
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a national marine sanctuary advisory council for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS), the designation of which became effective on November 30, 2024. The council will provide guidance to ONMS and will serve as liaisons with constituents and community groups. As a result, ONMS is adding the new council to the list of established national marine sanctuary advisory councils. ONMS solicits applications to fill council seats on an as needed basis and is seeking applicants for seats on the CHNMS Advisory Council. This notice contains web page links and contact information for CHNMS and application materials to apply for the newly established advisory council.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the City of Hoonah's Cargo Dock Project, Hoonah, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the City of Hoonah (Hoonah) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to pile driving and removal activities associated with the Hoonah Cargo Dock project in Hoonah, 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-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met. 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.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico
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 NMFS has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).
Notice of Cashes Ledge Site Added to the Inventory of Areas for Possible Designation as National Marine Sanctuaries
On June 13, 2014, NOAA published a final rule establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process, allowing communities to submit nominations to NOAA for consideration as new national marine sanctuaries. The rule outlined the review process, national significance criteria, and management considerations that NOAA uses to evaluate nominations for inclusion in the inventory of areas that could eventually be considered for designation. The rule also states that NOAA will publish a Federal Register notice when areas have been added to the inventory of successful nominations. This notice announces that NOAA has added the Cashes Ledge area to the inventory; the agency is not moving forward with a designation at this time.
North Pacific Albacore United States Stakeholder Meeting; Meeting Announcement
NMFS announces a U.S. stakeholder meeting to discuss North Pacific albacore (NPALB) management. This meeting is intended to prepare for potential discussions at the 2025 annual meetings of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Northern Committee (WCPFC NC) related to the results of the Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) for NPALB fisheries. The meeting topics are described under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public webinar of its Joint Herring 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.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of the 5-Year Review of the Daggernose Shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus)
We, NMFS, announce initiation of the 5-year review of the endangered daggernose shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires us to conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years to determine whether a species should be removed from the list (i.e., delisted), reclassified from an endangered species to a threatened species (i.e., downlisted), or reclassified from a threatened species to an endangered species (i.e., uplisted). The determination must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we request relevant information (e.g., biology, threats, and conservation efforts) that has become available since our previous review of the species.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) will hold a three-day hybrid meeting with both in-person and remote participation to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of the 5-Year Review of the Island Grouper (Mycteroperca fusca)
We, NMFS, announce the initiation of the 5-year review of the threatened island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires us to conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years to determine whether a species should be removed from the list (i.e., delisted), reclassified from an endangered species to a threatened species (i.e., downlisted), or reclassified from a threatened species to an endangered species (i.e., uplisted). The determination must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we request relevant information (e.g., biology, threats, and conservation efforts) that has become available since our previous review of the species.
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting
Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, and an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided.
Fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 98 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico red snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
The SEDAR 91 assessment of the U.S. Caribbean stock of Spiny Lobster will consist of a data scoping webinar, a workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a review workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) and the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center will convene an online pre- assessment workshop to review proposed data and modeling approaches to inform a groundfish stock assessment for yellowtail rockfish in the area north of 40[deg]10' N. latitude, scheduled for assessment during 2025. The workshop is open to the public.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a hybrid meeting of its Groundfish Committee 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.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Ad- hoc Sacramento River Fall Chinook (SRFC) Workgroup will hold a two-day online meeting in January, 2025.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public hybrid meeting of its Groundfish Recreational Advisory Panel Meeting to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This meeting will be held in-person with a webinar option. Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a joint meeting of its Archipelagic Plan Team (APT) and Pelagic Plan Team (PPT) to discuss fishery management issues and develop recommendations for future management of fisheries in the Western Pacific Region.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold three port meetings via webinar gathering input on Atlantic king mackerel and Atlantic Spanish mackerel as managed by the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.
Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment on the Effects of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources Coordination and Continued Operation of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network
NMFS announces the availability of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on NMFS Office of Protected Resources' (OPR) role coordinating the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN). The STSSN responds to and documents sick, injured, and dead sea turtles that are found in coastal areas under U.S. jurisdiction along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean Territories. Although the STSSN has been in operation for several decades, the National Coordination role formally shifted to the OPR in 2022, which prompted an evaluation of STSSN operations and development of a formal Operating Procedures Handbook, which are subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review. NMFS is requesting comments on the draft EA.
International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2025-2026 Commercial Fishing Restrictions for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
NMFS is proposing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, as amended (TCA), to implement Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Resolution C-24-02 (Measures for the Conservation and Management of Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean) adopted by the IATTC in September 2024. This proposed rule would implement annual and trip limits on United States commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) (PBF) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) for 2025-2026. This action is necessary to conserve PBF and for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NMFS also announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the potential effects of the associated proposed rule.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting via webinar of its Habitat Joint Committee and Advisory Panel to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This meeting will be held in- person with a webinar option. Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Crab Plan Team will meet January 14, 2025 to January 15, 2025.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) will hold a webinar, which is open to the public.
Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; 2025 Catch Sharing Plan and Recreational Fishery Management Measures
NMFS proposes to approve changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for the International Pacific Halibut Commission's regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. In addition, NMFS proposes to implement new management measures for the 2025 recreational fisheries in Area 2A that are not implemented through the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). These measures include the recreational fishery seasons and subarea allocations for Area 2A. This action would also add a new inseason management provision to transfer anticipated uncaught recreational fishery allocation from the Northern California subarea to the South of Point Arena subarea. These actions are intended to conserve Pacific halibut and provide angler opportunity where available.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Actions #4-16
NMFS announces 13 inseason actions for the 2024-2025 ocean salmon fishing season. These inseason actions modify the recreational and commercial salmon troll fisheries in the area from the U.S./Canada border to Humbug Mountain, OR.
Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in January, February, and March of 2025. 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 in 2025 and will be announced in a future notice. In addition, NMFS has implemented online recertification workshops for persons who have already taken an in-person training.
Final 2023 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has considered public comments for revisions of the 2023 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs). This notice announces the availability of 66 final 2023 SARs that were updated and finalized.
Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition
This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that Puerto Rico Caribbean spiny lobster and Mid-Atlantic Coast golden tilefish are now subject to overfishing, Klamath River fall Chinook salmon and Queets Spring/Summer Chinook salmon continue to be overfished, and the Western and Central North Pacific Ocean Striped Marlin continues to be subject to overfishing. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, is required to provide this notice whenever it determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold a half-day virtual meeting of its Law Enforcement Technical Committee (LETC).
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