NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using jig or hookandline gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the limit of Pacific cod for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using jig or hookandline gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area in the BSAI.

Applications for Exempted Fishing Permits:

Thu, Mar 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Tue, Mar 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Mon, Mar 11 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures described in Regulatory Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (FMP), as prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would establish minimum size limits for parrotfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The intent of this proposed rule is to provide additional protection from harvest to maturing parrotfish and to assist the stock in achieving optimum yield (OY).

Meetings:

Fri, Mar 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene scoping meetings to discuss a ForHire Red Snapper DaysatSea Pilot Program.

Permits:

Fri, Mar 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Dr. Jennifer Burns, University of Alaska Anchorage, Biology Department, Anchorage, AK, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals in Antarctica.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:

Fri, Mar 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has received an application from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals incidental to Russian River estuary management activities. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to SCWA to take, by Level B Harassment only, several species of marine mammals during the specified activity.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Fri, Mar 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut Corporation's pollock directed fishing allowance and the Community Development Quota from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea directed fisheries. These actions are necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and

Thu, Mar 7 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Fishing Restrictions and Observer Requirements:

Thu, Mar 7 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations under authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (WCPFC Implementation Act) to implement limits on fishing effort by U.S. purse seine vessels in the U.S. exclusive economic zone and on the high seas, restrictions on the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), and requirements for U.S. purse seine vessels to carry observers. This action is necessary for the United States to implement provisions of a conservation and management measure (CMM) adopted by the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC) and to satisfy the international obligations of the United States under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention), to which it is a Contracting Party.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species:

Wed, Mar 6 2013 11:00:00 GMT

On November 13, 2012, we published a notice inviting qualified commercial shark permit holders to submit applications to participate in the 2013 shark research fishery. The shark research fishery allows for the collection of fisherydependent 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 trips, 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, we are holding a mandatory permit holder meeting for selected participants. In this notice, we announce the date and time of that meeting.

Fishery Management Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:

Wed, Mar 6 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) (Coral FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would remove seagrasses from the Coral FMP. The intent of this rule and Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP is to address the future management of seagrasses in the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in accordance with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Stevens Act).

Gulf of Alaska Fishery Management Plan:

Wed, Mar 6 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 94 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP), which would amend certain sablefish provisions of the Individual Fishing Quota Program for the FixedGear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters in and off Alaska (IFQ Program). Amendment 94 and its proposed implementing regulations would revise the vessel use caps applicable to sablefish quota share (QS) held by Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Community Quota Entities (CQEs). NMFS is proposing the same regulatory revisions to the vessel use caps applicable to halibut QS held by GOA CQEs. In this action, NMFS is also proposing to revise the IFQ Program regulations to add three eligible communities to the CQE Program; to allow CQEs in International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory area 3A (Area 3A) to purchase vessel category D halibut QS; to revise CQE annual reporting requirements, including specifying requirements for the charter halibut program; to

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Wed, Mar 6 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2013 total allowable catch of pollock in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.

Requests for Nominations:

Tue, Mar 5 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Commercial Fishing. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen should expect to serve until February 2016.

Fisheries off West Coast States:

Tue, Mar 5 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this proposed rule for the 2013 Pacific whiting fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006. This proposed rule would establish a formula, specifically [17.5 percent * (U.S. Total Allowable Catch)] plus 16,000 metric tons (mt), for determining the Pacific whiting tribal allocation for 2013 for Pacific Coast Indian tribes that have a Treaty right to harvest groundfish.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Tue, Mar 5 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for commercial gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2013 fishing year through this temporary final rule. This temporary rule reduces the Gulf gray triggerfish 2013 commercial annual catch target (ACT) (equal to the commercial quota) to 51,602 lb (23,406 kg), based on the 2012 commercial annual catch limit (ACL) overage. This action is necessary to reduce overfishing of the gray triggerfish resource in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Tue, Mar 5 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This action expands on a previously approved sector exemption by allowing groundfish sector trawl vessels to harvest redfish using nets with codend mesh as small as 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). In addition, this action allows sectors to develop an industryfunded atsea monitoring program for sector trips targeting redfish with trawl nets with mesh sizes that are less than the regulated mesh size requirement. This action is necessary to expand an exemption from current regulations and is intended to allow sector vessels the opportunity to increase redfish harvest and subsequent profitability, above what is already being harvested.

Meetings:

Mon, Mar 4 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (CFMC) Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) will hold a meeting.

Permits:

Mon, Mar 4 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that David Lapota, Ph.D., Department of the Navy, SPAWAR Systems Center, Pacific, Environmental Sciences Division, 53475
[[Page 14079]]
Strothe Road, San Diego, CA 92152 has applied in due form for a permit to take black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) for purposes of scientific research.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Mon, Mar 4 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 9 (Amendment 9) to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 9 would revise the criteria and procedures by which South Atlantic states may request a concurrent closure of the penaeid shrimp (brown, pink, and white shrimp) commercial sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in order to protect overwintering white shrimp. Amendment 9 would also update the current overfished and overfishing status determination criteria for pink shrimp.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Mon, Mar 4 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS publishes the standard ex-vessel prices and fee percentage for cost recovery under the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program. This action is intended to provide participants in a rockfish cooperative with the standard prices and fee percentage for the 2012 fishing year, which was authorized from May 1 through November 15. The fee percentage is 1.4 percent. The fee liability payments were due from each rockfish cooperative by February 15, 2013.

Applications:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Hawaiian monk seal Research Program (Responsible Party, Frank Parrish), has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on and enhancement of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi).

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We announce the availability of public comments received regarding our intent to issue Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs), Scientific Research Permits (SRPs), Display Permits, Letters of Acknowledgment (LOAs), and Chartering Permits for the collection of Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) in 2013. On November 20, 2012, we published a Notice of Intent (NOI) announcing our intent to issue these permits in 2013. In general, EFPs and related permits would authorize collection of a limited number of tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico for the purposes of scientific data collection and public display. Comments were accepted on the NOI until December 20, 2012.

Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued oneyear LOAs to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Meetings:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Anchorage, AK.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels (CVs) using trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 48 hours. This action is necessary to fully use the A season allowance of the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to CVs using trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Fri, Mar 1 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2013 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the State of Rhode Island. NMFS is adjusting the quotas and announcing the revised commercial quota for each state involved.

Meetings:

Thu, Feb 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Council and its advisory entities will hold public meetings.

Permits:

Thu, Feb 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Karen G. Holloway-Adkins, East Coast Biologists, Inc. P.O. Box 33715, Indialantic, FL 32903, has applied in due form for a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriaceae) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife:

Thu, Feb 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We (NMFS) announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) as threatened or endangered and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Accordingly, we will conduct a review of the status of this species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, for 60 days we are soliciting information pertaining to this species from any interested party.

Meetings:

Wed, Feb 27 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Habitat 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.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Wed, Feb 27 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for commercial greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish fishery for the 2013 fishing year through this temporary final rule. This rule reduces the Gulf greater amberjack 2013 commercial annual catch target (ACT) (equal to the commercial quota) to 338,157 lb (153,385 kg) and reduces the 2013 commercial annual catch limit (ACL) to 410,157 lb (186,044 kg), based on the 2012 commercial ACL overage. These actions are necessary to reduce overfishing of the Gulf greater amberjack resource.

Whaling Provisions:

Tue, Feb 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS notifies the public of the aboriginal subsistence whaling quota for bowhead whales that it has 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 2013, the quota is 75 bowhead whales struck. This quota and other applicable limitations govern the harvest of bowhead whales by members of the AEWC.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Tue, Feb 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces final 2013 and 2014 harvest specifications, apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to establish harvest limits for groundfish during the 2013 and 2014 fishing years and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA. The intended effect of this action is to conserve and manage the groundfish resources in the GOA in accordance with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS publishes a regulatory amendment to modify the groundfish retention standard (GRS) program in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). This final rule removes certain regulatory requirements that mandate minimum levels of groundfish retention by the owners and operators of trawl catcher/processor (C/P) vessels not listed in the American Fisheries Act (AFA), commonly referred to as either nonAFA trawl C/Ps or Amendment 80 vessels, and Amendment 80 cooperatives participating in the BSAI groundfish fisheries. The GRS program was implemented to increase the retention and utilization of groundfish; however, NMFS has discovered that the regulatory methodology used to calculate compliance with the GRS requires individual Amendment 80 vessels and Amendment 80 cooperatives to retain groundfish at rates well above the minimum retention rates recommended by the Council or implemented by NMFS. As a result, the GRS imposes significantly higher than predicted compliance costs on vesse

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Apache Alaska Corporation (Apache) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to a proposed 3D seismic survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska, between March 2013 and March 2014.

2013 Ocean Salmon Fisheries:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) has announced its annual preseason management process for the 2013 ocean salmon fisheries. This notice informs the public of opportunities to provide comments on the 2013 ocean salmon management measures which will publish as a final rule and be effective May 1, 2013.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule would adjust the 2013 fishing season quotas for North and South Atlantic swordfish based upon 2012 commercial quota underharvests and international quota transfers consistent with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendations 1102 and 1201. This proposed rule could affect commercial and recreational fishing for swordfish in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. This action implements ICCAT recommendations, consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and furthers domestic management objectives under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act).

Endangered and Threatened Species:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS hereby extends the comment period on the proposed listing determinations of 66 reefbuilding coral species and the proposed reclassifications of elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) corals under the ESA until April 6, 2013, and announces a public hearing to be held in Silver Spring, MD, on March 12, 2013. [[Page 12703]]

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) (Coral FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP proposes to modify management of seagrasses in the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The intent of Amendment 4 to the Coral FMP is to address the future management of seagrasses in the U.S. Caribbean EEZ in accordance with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act).

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes to implement a temporary emergency action that would suspend existing monkfish possession limits for vessels issued both a Federal limited access Northeast multispecies permit and a limited access monkfish Category C or D permit that are fishing under a Northeast multispecies dayatsea in the monkfish Northern Fishery Management Area for 180 days beginning on May 1, 2013. This action is necessary to help mitigate expected adverse economic and social harm resulting from substantial reductions to the 2013 annual catch limits for several groundfish stocks managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The intended effect of this action is to provide additional fishing opportunities to vessels affected by reductions to groundfish catch limits, without resulting in overfishing monkfish within the Northern Fishery Management Area.

Meetings:

Fri, Feb 22 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils will convene a Science Workshop of the Goliath Grouper Joint Council Steering Committee.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:

Fri, Feb 22 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS received an application from ConocoPhillips Company (COP) for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to offshore exploration drilling on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to COP to take, by Level B harassment only, 12 species of marine mammals during the specified activity.

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska:

Fri, Feb 22 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 94 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) for review by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). Amendment 94 would revise the sablefish individual fishing quota program (IFQ Program) to align the annual harvest, or use caps that apply to vessels fishing IFQ leased from a community quota entity (CQE) with vessel use caps applicable to nonCQE participants in the IFQ Program. The proposed amendment would not change the sablefish vessel use cap applicable to the overall IFQ Program. Amendment 94 is necessary to increase the flexibility of the CQE and CQE community residents to participate in the IFQ Program. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act), the GOA FMP, and other applicable laws.

Highly Migratory Species:

Fri, Feb 22 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule to implement Amendment 8 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) addresses North Atlantic swordfish commercial fishery management measures. In recent years, the North Atlantic swordfish stock has experienced significant growth due to ongoing domestic and international conservation measures designed to reduce mortality, protect juvenile swordfish, monitor international trade, reduce bycatch, and improve data collection. The most recent stock assessment, conducted in 2009, indicates that the North Atlantic swordfish population is fully rebuilt (``not overfished'') and overfishing is no longer occurring. Despite ongoing efforts to revitalize the U.S. North Atlantic swordfish fishery, domestic catches have remained below the U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota allocated by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Fishing gears such as rod and reel, handline, harpoon, bandit gear, and green

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Thu, Feb 21 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures described in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this rule would (1) establish a closure date for the 2013 recreational sector for gag harvest based on the projected annual catch target (ACT), and (2) reduce the geographic extent of the recreational shallowwater grouper (SWG) fixed seasonal closure, which are in place to prevent overfishing of gag, and to reduce fishing pressure on other SWG species. The reduction in the geographic extent of the closure still would provide some spawning season protection for several SWG species, but provides a better opportunity for the recreational sector to achieve optimum yield (OY) from the stocks in the SWG complex in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). This proposed rule is intended to help achieve OY for the Gulf gag and other SWG resources and

Western Pacific Fisheries:

Thu, Feb 21 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes to establish requirements for fishing in the Marianas Trench, Pacific Remote Islands, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments. The proposed rule is intended to implement fishery management measures consistent with Presidential Proclamations 8335, 8336, and 8337 that established the Monuments.

Taking of Marine Mammals:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has received a request from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division (WSF) for an authorization to take small numbers of six species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to proposed construction activities for the replacement of wingwalls at the Bremerton ferry terminal in Washington State. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to WSDOT to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of marine mammals for a period of 1 year.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes specifications for the 2013 and 2014 Atlantic bluefish fishery, including an annual catch limit, total allowable landings, a commercial quota and recreational harvest limit, and a recreational possession limit. The intent of this action is to establish the allowable 2013 and 2014 harvest levels and other management measures to achieve the target fishing mortality rate, consistent with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS closes the General category fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) until the General category reopens on June 1, 2013. This action is being taken to prevent overharvest of the General category January BFT subquota.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 2013 total allowable catch of pollock for Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.

Meetings:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) VMS/ Enforcement Committee and Advisory Panel will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Requests for Applications:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following seats on the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (council): Recreation, Business/Economic Development, Tourism (primary seat only), Diving (alternate only), Higher Education, and CitizenatLarge. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has received an application from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a lowenergy marine geophysical (seismic) survey in the Gulf of Mexico, April to May, 2013. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an IHA to USGS to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment only, 19 species of marine mammals during the specified activity.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Tue, Feb 19 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces the receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. John R. Gold (Texas A&M University). If granted, the EFP would authorize the applicant to use the captain and crew of a charter vessel to collect a total of 125150 adult red snapper, south of the Florida Keys and near the Dry Tortugas, FL. Samples would be collected over multiple trips using conventional hook andline gear from deep water. Small pieces of fin tissue and otoliths would be collected from the fish for genetic analysis, and age and growth studies. Additional information on the geographic origin, degree of connectivity, and life history of red snapper would provide the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS data that may be used for future management of red snapper stocks in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). Collections would occur from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014.

Meetings:

Tue, Feb 19 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Executive and Budget Standing Committee and 156th Council to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.

Thu, Feb 14 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This temporary rule increases the possession limits for Georges Bank cod, Gulf of Maine cod, and Southern New England/Mid Atlantic yellowtail flounder for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2012 fishing year. This rule also decreases the trip limits for white hake and pollock. This is intended to facilitate the harvest of Georges Bank cod, Gulf of Maine cod, and Southern New England/MidAtlantic yellowtail flounder to allow the total catch of these stocks to approach their pertinent common pool subannual catch limits subannual catch limits and prevent the overharvest of the white hake and pollock subannual catch limits.

Wed, Feb 13 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Meetings:

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ad Hoc Amendment 24 Workgroup will hold an online webinar, which is open to the public.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic:

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the commercial sector for vermilion snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Commercial landings for vermilion snapper, as estimated by the Science Research Director (SRD), are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for the January 1 through June 30, 2013 fishing period on February 13, 2013. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic EEZ on February 13, 2013, and it will remain closed until the start of the July 1 through December 31, 2013, fishing period. This closure is necessary to protect the vermilion snapper resource.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska:

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 2013 total allowable catch of pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the GOA.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by pot catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season apportionment of the 2013 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for pot catcher/processors in the BSAI.

Mon, Jan 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is extending the deadline and seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Business Alternate, Nonconsumptive Recreation Alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve twoyear terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.

Availability of Seats:

Mon, Jan 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following positions on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Boating Industry (alternate), and FishingCommercialMarine/Tropical (alternate). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.

Permits:

Mon, Jan 28 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, South Carolina 29202 [Jennifer Rawlings, Responsible Party], has been issued a permit to hold shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for the purposes of enhancement.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and

Fri, Jan 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Meetings:

Fri, Jan 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Ecosystem and Ocean Planning Committee will hold public meetings.

Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.:

Permits:

Thu, Jan 17 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No. 13543.

Fisheries off West Coast States:

Thu, Jan 17 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is extending the temporary rule that delayed or revised several portions of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Trawl Rationalization Program (program) regulations. This emergency rule extension is necessary to enable the
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National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to comply with a court order requiring NMFS to reconsider the initial allocation of Pacific whiting (whiting) to the shorebased Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) fishery and the atsea mothership fishery. This extension of the temporary, emergency rule affects the transfer of Quota Share (QS) and Individual Bycatch Quota (IBQ) between QS accounts in the shorebased IFQ fishery, and severability in the mothership fishery, both of which will be delayed until NMFS can complete reconsideration of whiting allocations in the shorebased IFQ fishery and the atsea mothership fishery.

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS reviewed the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regional marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and solicited public comment on draft 2012 SARs. Subsequently, SARs for ten stocks of marine mammals in the Atlantic region have been updated with revised abundance estimates and some corrections to bycatch estimates. NMFS solicits public comments on revised draft 2012 SARs for these ten stocks.

Calls for Nominations:

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

In Spring 2012, NOAA Fisheries publicly solicited nominations for two presidential appointments to serve as U.S. Commissioners to the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). While the nomination list included many strong candidates, the combination of a number of factors resulted in the decision to reinitiate this public nomination process. These factors include heightened interest by diverse user groups, the lapse of time since original nominees expressed interest in an appointment, and considerations of balanced representation on the Commission. In their official IPHC duties, Commissioners represent the interests of the United States and all of its stakeholders in the Pacific halibut fishery, while working to develop the Pacific halibut stocks to levels that will permit the optimum yield from the Pacific halibut fishery. Thus, NOAA is again soliciting nominations for two individuals to serve as U.S. Commissioners to the IPHC.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Mid-Atlantic Council) announces its intention to prepare, in cooperation with NMFS, an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to assess potential effects on the human environment of alternative measures to protect deepsea corals in the MidAtlantic region.

This notice announces a public process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed, and for identifying the significant issues related to deepsea coral protections in the MidAtlantic. This notice is to alert the interested public of the scoping process, the development of the Draft EIS, and to provide for public participation in that process. If, during development of the Draft EIS, it can be determined that the alternatives are not expected to have significant impacts on the human environment, an Environmental Assessment (EA) may be prepared in place of an EIS. This determination will depend on the scope of issues raised and the alternatives developed. Information

Meetings:

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on issues outlined in the agenda below.

Permits:

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Eye of the Whale (Olga von Ziegesar, Responsible Party and Principal Investigator), P.O. Box 15191, Fitz Creek, AK 99603 to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

Endangered and Threatened Species:

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Mon, Jan 14 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to designate critical habitat for lower Columbia River coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and Puget Sound steelhead (O. mykiss), currently listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The specific areas proposed for designation for lower Columbia River coho include approximately 2,288 mi (3,681 km) of freshwater and estuarine habitat in Oregon and Washington. The specific areas proposed for designation for Puget Sound steelhead include approximately 1,880 mi (3,026 km) of freshwater and estuarine habitat in Puget Sound, Washington. We propose to exclude a number of particular areas from designation because the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion and exclusion will not result in the extinction of the species.

We are soliciting comments from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including information on the economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designat

Meetings:

Fri, Jan 11 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a fourday meeting on January 2831, 2013 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities:

Fri, Jan 11 2013 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) has been issued to the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) to take small numbers of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and gray whales, by harassment, incidental to construction of a replacement bridge for the East Span of the San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge (SF OBB) in California.

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a permit for scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation and survival of a listed species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and PacifiCorp for a 10 year period. As part of this permit application, the CDFG has submitted a
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draft HGMP. The HGMP specifies methods for the operation of the Iron Gate hatchery coho salmon program, located along the Klamath River, within the State of California. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application and HGMP for public review and comment prior to a decision by NMFS whether to issue the permit.

This notice also announces the availability for public review and comment of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding issuance of the permit, which involves take of coho salmon listed as threatened under the ESA.

Tue, Jan 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received six scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts. The applications may be viewed online at: https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/preview/preview_open_for_comment.cfm.

Tue, Jan 8 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued Permit 14808 to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Permit 15573 to the GlennColusa Irrigation District (GCID), Permit 16543 to the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR), Permit 13791 to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Permit 17077 to Dr. Peter Moyle with the University of California, Davis (UCD).

Wed, Jan 2 2013 11:00:00 GMT

This action proposes revisions to several portions of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Trawl Rationalization Program regulations and requests comments on NMFS' preliminary conclusion that the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council's) selection of the no action alternative regarding the reconsideration of initial allocation of Pacific whiting (whiting) is consistent with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and other applicable law.. This action is necessary to comply with a court order requiring NMFS to reconsider the initial allocation of whiting to the shorebased individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery and the atsea mothership fishery. These proposed regulatory changes would affect the transfer of quota share (QS) and individual bycatch quota (IBQ) between QS accounts in the shorebased IFQ fishery, and severability of catch history assignments in the mothership fishery, both of which would be

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States:

Wed, Jan 2 2013 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2012 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2012 commercial summer flounder quota to the State of Connecticut, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is transferring a portion of its 2012 commercial summer flounder quota to the State of Rhode Island. NMFS is adjusting the quotas and announcing the revised commercial quota for each state involved.