The Federal Register

Endangered Species; File No. 14604

Thu, Nov 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Harold Brundage, Environmental Research and Consulting, Inc, 126 Bancroft Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.

2010 Annual Determination for Sea Turtle Observer Requirement

Wed, Nov 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its proposed Annual Determination (AD) for 2010, pursuant to its authority under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Through this proposed AD, NMFS would identify commercial fisheries operating in state and Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that would be required to take observers upon NMFS' request. The purpose of observing identified fisheries is to learn more about sea turtle interactions in a given fishery, evaluate existing measures to reduce or prevent sea turtle takes, and to determine whether additional measures to address prohibited sea turtle takes may be necessary. Fisheries identified through this process would remain on the AD, and therefore required to carry observers upon NMFS' request, for 5 years.

List of Fisheries for 2010

Mon, Nov 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2010, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The final LOF for 2010 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements.

Notice of Indirect Cost Rates for the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program for Fiscal Years 2007

Mon, Nov 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) is announcing new indirect cost rates on the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities for fiscal years (FY) 2007 and 2008. The indirect cost rates for these fiscal years and dates of implementation are provided in this notice. More information on these rates and the DARRP policy can be found at the DARRP Web site at http:/ /www.darrp.noaa.gov.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fri, Nov 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), proposed MultiSpecies Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and associated Implementation Agreement (IA), for public review and comment. Fruit Growers Supply Company has submitted separate applications to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for 50 year incidental take permits under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Logbook Family of Forms

Tue, Nov 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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 [[Page 57993]]
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southwest Region Permit Family of Forms

Thu, Nov 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Subsistence Fishing

Wed, Nov 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a final rule to revise the criteria for rural residents to participate in the subsistence fishery for Pacific halibut in waters in and off Alaska. This action is necessary to allow subsistence halibut fishing opportunities for rural residents who reside in locations outside the legal boundaries of specified communities and who were prohibited from participating in the subsistence halibut fishery by previous regulations. This action is intended to allow these inadvertentlyexcluded rural residents to participate in the subsistence halibut fishery and to support the conservation and management provisions of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2010 Summer

Wed, Nov 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes specifications for the 2010 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries and provides notice of three projects that may be requesting Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) as part of the MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Research SetAside (RSA) program. The implementing regulations for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year for each of these species and to provide an opportunity for public comment. Furthermore, regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act) require a notice to be published to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for EFPs. The intent of this action is as follows: To establish 2010 harvest levels that assure that the target fishing mortality rates (F) specified for these species in the most recent stock assessment updates are not exceeded; to allow for summer

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Wed, Nov 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirtyday public comment period on the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision.

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve was designated in 1998 pursuant to section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey under a management plan approved in 1997. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise its management plan at least every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. A previous draft of the management plan revision

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Fish and Seafood Promotion

Wed, Oct 28 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Availability of Seats for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Mon, Oct 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or sanctuary) Advisory Council (council): Sport Diving. 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 threeyear terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.

Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Mon, Oct 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seat on the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: The Conservation/Environmental seat. ONMS is seeking both a primary member and an alternate for this seat. The selected applicants will serve out the remainder of the current terms which expire December 31, 2011. 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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Processed Products Family of Forms

Tue, Oct 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Region Dealer Purchase Reports

Tue, Oct 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal

Mon, Oct 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), are issuing this notice to advise the public that NMFS is extending the public comment period for proposed regulations under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit vessels from approaching killer whales within 200 yards and from parking in the path of whales for vessels in inland waters of Washington State. The proposed regulations would also prohibit vessels from entering a conservation area during a defined season. The proposed rule was published July 29, 2009, opening a 90day public comment period and noticing two public meetings. In response to requests from the public, on September 17, 2009, we published a notice in the Federal Register announcing an additional public meeting. We are issuing this notice to announce an 80day extension of the public comment period in response to requests to provide more time for the public to review the proposed regulation and provide comments.

We recognize that by extendi

Endangered Species; File No. 14394

Fri, Oct 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Douglas Peterson, Ph.D., Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.

Marine Mammals; File No. 14676

Thu, Oct 15 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).

Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Wed, Oct 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: The Commercial Fishing seat and the Education seat. 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.

Availability of Seats for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Thu, Oct 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Agriculture, AtLarge (2), Business/Industry, Commercial Fishing, Recreation (Non extractive), Recreational Fishing, Research, and Conservation. 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 2013.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans

Wed, Oct 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces availability for public review and comment of the Draft Central Valley Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan (Draft Plan). The Draft Plan addresses the Sacramento River winterrun Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), the Central Valley springrun Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) ESU, and the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Central Valley Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). NMFS is soliciting review and comment from the public and all interested parties on the Draft Plan. In addition, four public meetings will be held in October 2009 as opportunities for providing comments on the Draft Plan (dates to be determined).

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Four sites along the Hudson River comprise the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve: Piermont Marsh, Iona Island, Tivoli Bays, and Stockport Flats. The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve was designated in 1982 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under a management plan approved in 1993. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a State must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the reserve. Ne

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Four sites in coastal North Carolina comprise the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve: Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson and Zeke's Island were designated in 1985, and Masonboro Island was designated in 1991, as the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources under a management plan approved in 1998. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States;

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). For South Atlantic rock shrimp, this final rule renames the rock shrimp permit and endorsement; requires all South Atlantic shrimp permit holders to provide economic data if selected; reinstates all limited access rock shrimp endorsements for those vessel owners who renewed their open access permit in the year in which they failed to renew their limited access endorsement; removes the 15,000lb (6,804kg) rock shrimp landing requirement; and reinstates all limited access rock shrimp endorsements lost due to not meeting the landing requirement. NMFS also implements several non substantive changes in codified text through this final rule. NMFS also informs the public of the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the collectionofinformation requirement conta

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component of the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to revise its regulations on the introduction of introduced species into the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS and MBNMS, respectively). This action is being taken in response to a letter received by the Governor of California on December 23, 2008. The Governor certified that the terms of designation to regulate introduced species in these sanctuaries were unacceptable in State waters of the sanctuaries. In response to the Governor's letter, NOAA is proposing to modify its regulations to except all Statepermitted aquaculture activities in the two sanctuaries.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is proposing to implement a regulatory amendment to modify the fishing vessel permit regulations to include specific terms and conditions for Federal fishing vessel permits obtained through the purchase of fishing vessels using Federal grant awards. The terms and conditions would authorize the NMFS Administrator, Northeast Region (Regional Administrator), to suspend, cancel, fail to renew, modify, or otherwise rescind any Federal fishing vessel permit, or the rights thereto, if the terms and conditions of any Federal grant award used to obtain said permit, or an associated memorandum of understanding, are violated by the grant recipient.

Exception to Final Guidelines for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service publishes this notice of exception to the Final Guidelines for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). For those grants issued in fiscal year 2006 that are due to expire on September 30, 2009, NOAA may extend the financial assistance award period for up to 6 additional months, providing for a potential maximum award duration of three years and six months.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene public meetings.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Thu, Oct 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Louisiana/Mississippi Habitat Protection Advisory Panel (AP).

Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans

Wed, Sep 30 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the adoption of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plan for the Middle Columbia River Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which spawns and rears in tributaries to the Columbia River in central and eastern Washington and Oregon. The Plan includes four locally developed management unit plans that address tributary conditions, included as appendices to the Plan, as well as two ``modules'' developed by NMFS to address conditions affecting all steelhead populations in the Columbia River mainstem and estuary the Hydro Module, based on the NMFS 2008 Biological Opinion on the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS BiOP), and the Estuary Module (NMFS 2007). The Plan also incorporates Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs); sitespecific actions in the FCRPS BiOp Reasonable and Prudent Alternative 39 for updating HGMPs, Artificial Production for Pacific Salmon (FCRPS BiOp, Appendix C of Supplemental Co

Marine Mammals; File No. 605-1904

Thu, Sep 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Whale Center of New England (WCNE), [Mason Weinrich, Principal Investigator], P.O. Box 159, Gloucester, MA 01930, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 6051904.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Mon, Sep 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received three 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.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Mon, Sep 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of the availability of a Routine Road Maintenance Program (RMP) that Clackamas County, Oregon, has submitted pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA Fisheries promulgated a protective rule for 14 threatened salmon and steelhead Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). The RMP would affect four ESUs of threatened salmonids identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. The 4(d) rule provides for limits on ESA take prohibitions for the various activities set out in the rule. The RMP addresses the limit for routine road maintenance activities of any state, city, county or port. This Notice serves to notify the public of the availability of the Clackamas County RMP for review and comment before a final approval or disapproval is made by NOAA Fisheries.

Membership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Performance Review Board

Mon, Sep 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4), NOAA announces the appointment of three new members to serve with the current membership on the NOAA Performance Review Board (PRB). The NOAA PRB is responsible for reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service and Senior Professional members and making written recommendations to the appointing authority on retention and compensation matters, including performancebased pay adjustments, awarding of bonuses and reviewing recommendations for potential Presidential Rank Award nominees. The appointment of members to the NOAA PRB will be for a period of 12 months.

Hydrographic Services Review Panel Charter Renewal

Wed, Sep 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The charter for NOAA's Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a Federal Advisory Panel, has been renewed. The charter is available for review on the following Web site: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ ocs/hsrp/charter.htm.

Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Wed, Sep 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following seats on The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Member and Alternate threeyear terms for (1) Research; (1) Conservation; (1) Education; (1) Marine Transportation; (1) Recreational Fishing; (1) Mobile Gear Commercial Fishing; (1) AtLarge, and (1) AtLarge (Member only). Additionally seeking applications for twoyear term (1) Education (Member) and (1) Conservation (Alternate) seats. 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 two and three year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter. The Council consists also of three state and three Federal non voting exofficio seats.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States;

Tue, Sep 15 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) scallop fishery will close to individual fishing quota (IFQ) scallop vessels (including vessels issued an IFQ letter of authorization (LOA) to fish under appeal), effective 0001 hours, September 15, 2009, until it reopens on December 1, 2009, under current regulations. This action is based on the determination that the third quarter scallop total allowable catch (TAC) for LAGC IFQ scallop vessels is projected to be landed. This will prevent IFQ scallop vessels from exceeding the 2009 third quarter TAC, in accordance with the regulations implementing Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), enacted by Framework 19 to the FMP, and the
[[Page 47118]]
MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Gear Requirements

Tue, Sep 15 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This action modifies the gear requirements for the U.S./Canada Management Area to prohibit all limited access Northeast (NE) multispecies vessels fishing on a NE multispecies dayatsea (DAS) with trawl gear in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area from using flounder trawl nets. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and is intended to decrease the likelihood of exceeding the total allowable catch (TAC) for Eastern Georges Bank (GB) cod and GB yellowtail flounder during the 2009 fishing year (FY). This action is being taken to optimize the harvest of transboundary stocks of GB yellowtail flounder, haddock, and cod under the authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act).

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Scup Fishery; Adjustment to the 2009 Winter II Quota

Tue, Sep 15 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS adjusts the 2009 Winter II commercial scup quota. This action complies with Framework Adjustment 3 (Framework 3) to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, which established a process to allow the rollover of unused commercial scup quota from the Winter I period to the Winter II period.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit

Mon, Sep 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject programmatic Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application for the Study Fleet Program contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. Study Fleet projects are managed by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST). The programmatic EFP would grant exemptions from minimum fish sizes, and possession and landing limits. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to issue a programmatic EFP that would allow seven vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States.

Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conse

Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and

Thu, Sep 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in October, November, and December of 2009. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be held in 2010 and announced in the Federal Register.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Thu, Sep 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA and the Coast Guard are defining ``marine debris'' for purposes of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (the Act). The Act requires NOAA and the Coast Guard to jointly develop a definition and promulgate it through regulations; this rule represents the agencies' compliance with the Act. For the purposes of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act only, marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is
[[Page 45556]]
manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.

Marine Mammals; File No. 14301

Wed, Sep 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the University of Alaska Museum of the North, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 997756960 (Dr. Link E. Olson, Responsible Party), has applied in due form for a permit to collect, acquire, import and export various marine mammal and endangered species specimens, including partial and whole carcasses from species of marine mammals under the jurisdiction of NMFS for the purpose of curating samples for future scientific research.

Endangered Species; File No. 1556

Wed, Sep 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, USA (CNMI), Division of Fish and Wildlife, [Sylvan Igisomar, responsible official] P.O. Box 10007, Saipan, Mariana Islands, 96950, has requested a modification to scientific research Permit No.155601.

Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Wed, Sep 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the North Carolina and Old Woman Creek (Ohio) National Estuarine Research Reserves.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR Part 921, Subpart E and Part 923, Subpart L. Evaluation of National Estuarine Research Reserves requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Reserve final management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA.

Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. When the evaluation is completed, OCRM will place a notice in the Federal Registe

Applications for the FY 2010 Ocean Exploration (OE) Program

Thu, Aug 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

OER is seeking pre-proposals and full proposals to support its mission, consistent with NOAA's Strategic Plan to search, investigate, and document poorlyknown and unknown areas of the ocean and Great Lakes through interdisciplinary exploration, and to advance and disseminate knowledge of the ocean environment and its physical, chemical, and biological resources.

Competitive OE proposals will be bold, innovative and interdisciplinary in their approach. OER anticipates a total of approximately $3,000,000 including costs for ship and submersible assets will be available through this announcement. Only exploratory proposals will be funded; any other types of projects will not be reviewed. The office priorities for this opportunity support NOAA's mission support goal of: EcosystemsProtect, Restore, and Manage Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources through EcosystemBased Management.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Experimental Permitting Process, Exempted Fishing Permits, and Scientific Research

Tue, Aug 25 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues new and revised definitions for certain regulatory terms, and procedural and technical changes to the regulations addressing scientific research activities, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activities under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This action is necessary to provide better administration of these activities and to revise the regulations consistent with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA). NMFS intends to clarify the regulations, ensure necessary information to complete required analyses is requested and made available, and provide for expedited review of permit applications where possible.

Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public

Mon, Aug 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), as amended, NOAA is releasing the Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

NOAA Ocean and Coastal Mapping Contracting Policy

Wed, Aug 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) is soliciting public comments on the draft NOAA Ocean and Coastal Mapping Contracting Policy. Current NOAA contracting policy and relevant legislation are available for review on the following Web site: http:// www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ocs/hsrp/hsrp.htm. Written public comments should be submitted to Roger L. Parsons by September 9, 2009.

Date and Time: Written public comments are due by September 9, 2009.

Notice of Modifications for the GOES Data Collection Platform Radio Set (DCPRS) Certification Standards at 300 bps

Fri, Aug 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA is making a change to the certification standards for the transmitters that participate in the GOES Data Collection System (DCS). The primary purpose of this change is to enhance the flexibility of the system, to provide better messaging capabilities, additional system capacity, improve timing and frequency stability, and conform to the regulations for outofband emissions specified by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). The GOES DCS will operate under new certification procedures that will allow new data collection platforms to use a frequency channel with half the current bandwidth (.75 Hz), though existing platforms will continue to use frequency channels with 1.5 Hz bandwidth until suitable replacements are ascertained. The owners of the existing platforms are invited to upgrade their units as soon as possible. New data collection platforms will be assigned a narrow band channel in the restructured GOES DCS. These new certification standards may be revi

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Thu, Aug 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty day public comment period on the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision.

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve consists of public lands within the Mullica RiverGreat Bay watershed of New Jersey and managed by a variety of local, state, and federal agencies. The site was designated as the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1998 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with The Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey under a management plan approved in 1997. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan eve

Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals

Thu, Aug 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS (Assistant Administrator), has renewed the affirmative findings for the Government of Ecuador, the Government of El Salvador, the Government of Mexico and the Government of Spain under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). These affirmative findings will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Ecuadorianflag, El Salvadorianflag, Mexicanflag or Spanishflag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Ecuadorian, El Salvadorian, Mexican, or Spanish jurisdiction to be imported into the United States. These affirmative findings were based on review of documentary evidence submitted separately by the Governments of Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain and obtained from the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the U.S. Department of State.

Marine Mammals; File No. 1054-1731

Wed, Aug 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610 [Dr. Ruth FrancisFloyd, Responsible Party] has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 10541731.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Dealer and Interview Family of Forms

Wed, Aug 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Information for Share Transfer in the Wreckfish Fishery

Wed, Aug 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Subsistence Fishery for Pacific Halibut in Waters Off Alaska:

Wed, Aug 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Availability of Seats for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Mon, Aug 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Citizen at LargeLower Keys (member), Citizen at LargeLower Keys (alternate), Citizen at LargeMiddle Keys (member), Conservation and Environment [1 of 2] (member), Conservation and Environment [2 of 2] (member), Conservation and Environment [2 of 2] (alternate), Diving Lower Keys (member), DivingLower Keys (alternate), Education and Outreach (member), Education and Outreach (alternate), FishingCharter Fishing Flats Guide (member), FishingCharter Fishing Flats Guide (alternate), FishingCommercialShell/Scale (member), Fishing CommercialShell/Scale (alternate), South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (alternate), Submerged Cultural Resources (member), Submerged Cultural Resources (alternate), TourismUpper Keys (member) and Tourism Upper Keys (alternate). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applyin

Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Thu, Jul 30 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Maine Coastal Management Program, the Washington Coastal Management Program, and the Padilla Bay (Washington) National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, Subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Management Programs requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regul

Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery

Wed, Jul 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces new Federal American lobster (Homarus americanus) regulations which implement a mandatory Federal lobster dealer electronic reporting requirement, changes to the maximum carapace length regulations for several lobster conservation management areas (LCMAs/Areas), and a modification of the vnotch definition for protection of eggbearing female American lobsters in certain LCMAs.

Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal

Wed, Jul 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose regulations under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit vessels from approaching killer whales within 200 yards and from parking in the path of whales for vessels in inland waters of Washington State. The proposed regulations would also prohibit vessels from entering a conservation area during a defined season. Certain vessels would
[[Page 37675]]
be exempt from the prohibitions. The purpose of this action is to protect killer whales from interference and noise associated with vessels. In the final rule announcing the endangered listing of Southern Resident killer whales we identified disturbance and sound associated with vessels as a potential contributing factor in the recent decline of this population. The Recovery Plan for Southern Resident killer whales calls for evaluating current guidelines and assessing the need for regulations and/or protected areas. We developed this proposed rule after conside

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Wed, Jul 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty day public comment period on the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision.

Four sites along the Hudson River comprise the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve; Piermont Marsh, Iona Island, Tivoli Bays, and Stockport Flats. The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve was designated in 1982 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation under a management plan approved in 1993. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan fulfills this requirement and sets a course for succe

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Wed, Jul 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce is announcing a thirty day public comment period on the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision.

Four sites in coastal North Carolina comprise the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve; Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island. Currituck Banks, Rachel Carson and Zeke's Island were designated in 1985, and Masonboro Island was designated in 1991, as the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources under a management plan approved in 1998. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 921.33(c), a state must

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States;

Tue, Jul 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) Scallop Fishery will close to individual fishing quota (IFQ) scallop vessels (including vessels issued an IFQ letter of authorization (LOA) to fish under appeal), until it reopens on September 1, 2009, under current regulations. This action is based on the determination that the second quarter scallop total allowable catch (TAC) for LAGC IFQ scallop vessels is projected to be landed. This action is being taken to prevent IFQ scallop vessels from exceeding the 2009 second quarter TAC, in accordance with the regulations implementing Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), enacted by Framework 19 to the FMP, and the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Publication of North American Datum of 1983 State Plane Coordinates in Feet in Utah

Thu, Jul 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) will publish North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) State Plane
[[Page 34558]]
Coordinate (SPC) grid values in both meters and U.S. Survey Feet (1 ft = 1200/3937 m) in Utah, for all well defined geodetic survey control monuments maintained by NGS in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and computed from various geodetic positioning utilities. The adoption of this standard is implemented in accordance with NGS policy and a request from the Utah Department of Transportation, the Utah Council of Land Surveyors, and the Utah Automated Geographic Reference Center.

Notice of Solicitation for Members of the NOAA Science Advisory Board

Thu, Jul 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA is soliciting nominations for members of the NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB is the only Federal Advisory Committee with the responsibility to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator on long and shortrange strategies for research, education, and application of science to resource management and environmental assessment and prediction. The SAB consists of 15 members reflecting the full breadth of NOAA's areas of responsibility and assists NOAA in maintaining a complete and accurate understanding of scientific issues critical to the agency's missions. As a Federal Advisory Committee the SAB's membership is required to be balanced in terms of viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed as well as including the interests of geographic regions of the country and the diverse sectors of our society (business and industry, science, academia, and the public at large).

Hydrographic Services Review Panel Membership Solicitation

Thu, Jul 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published a document in the Federal Register of June 29, 2009, entitled Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting. The title of the notice is incorrect. The correct title is Hydrographic Services Review Panel Membership Solicitation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting nominations for membership on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (the Panel), a Federal advisory committee. NOAA is extending the time period for submission of membership applications from Friday, June 26, 2009, to Friday, July 24, 2009. This notice responds to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002, Public Law 107372, which requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to solicit nominations for Panel membership. The Panel will advise the Under Secretary on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 a

Draft Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Science Plan; Public Meetings

Fri, Jul 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawai`i's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a draft monument natural resources science plan (NRSP) for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (Monument) located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). The State of Hawai`i also participated in the development of the NRSP. The monument's research activities, ongoing and proposed, are described in the Draft NRSP. The NRSP is available for public review and comments. Two public meetings are scheduled to obtain your comments on the Draft NRSP, see DATES for details.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal Ocean Program Grants Proposal Application Package

Tue, Jul 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14197 and 782-1812

Mon, Jul 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Air Force, 30th Space Wing Civil Engineer Environmental Flight, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA has been issued a permit to conduct research on marine mammals (File No. 14197); and NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, WA, has been issued a major amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 7821812 for research on marine mammals.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Region Permit Family of Forms

Thu, Jul 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Chinook Salmon Bycatch Data Collection Program

Thu, Jul 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces a workshop to solicit comments from the Bering Sea Pollock fishing industry and other interested persons/parties on draft reporting forms for a proposed Chinook salmon bycatch data collection program.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Paperwork Submissions Under the Coastal Zone Management Act Federal

Wed, Jul 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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, Public Law 10413 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

Marine Mammals; File No. 774-1847

Wed, Jul 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program (Michael Gobel, Ph D, Principal Investigator), 3333 N Torrey Pines Ct, La Jolla, CA 92037, has requested an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 7741847 03.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Wed, Jul 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the revised Guana Tolomato Matanzas, Florida National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in St. Johns and Flagler counties and is geographically separated into a northern and southern component separated by the City of St. Augustine. The Reserve was designated in 1999. Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), a state must revise their management plan every five years. The submission of this plan brings the Reserve into compliance and sets a course for successful implementation of the goals and objectives of the Reserve.

The revised management plan outlines the administrative structure; the education, stewardship, and research goals of the reserve; and the plans for future land acquisition

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Socioeconomic Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys National

Fri, Jun 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Notice of Availability of Draft Stock Assessment Reports

Fri, Jun 26 2009 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. SARs for marine mammals in the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regions were revised according to new information. NMFS solicits public comments on draft 2009 SARs.

Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting

Fri, Jun 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting nominations for membership on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (the Panel), a Federal advisory committee. NOAA is extending the time period for submission of membership applications from Friday, June 26, 2009 to Friday, July 24, 2009. This notice responds to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002,
[[Page 30530]]
Public Law 107372, which requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to solicit nominations for Panel membership. The Panel will advise the Under Secretary on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and such other appropriate matters as the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. To apply for membership on the Panel, applicants should submit a resume as indicated in the ADDRESSES section.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Wed, Jun 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has submitted a Fishery Management and Evaluation Plan (FMEP) pursuant to the protective regulations promulgated for Oregon Coast (OC) coho salmon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The FMEP specifies the future management of freshwater inland recreational fisheries potentially affecting coho salmon on the Oregon coast. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the FMEP for review and comment before final approval or disapproval is made by NMFS.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Wed, Jun 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application for a permit to conduct research for scientific purposes from Thomas R. Payne and Associates (TRPA) in Arcata, California. The requested permit would affect the endangered Southern California Coast Distinct Population Segment of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The public is hereby notified of the availability of the permit application for review and comment before NMFS either approves or disapproves the application.

2009 Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program

Wed, Jun 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS notifies the public of the reallocation of monkfish research daysatsea (DAS) as exempted DAS. These are DAS that were set aside under the 2009 Monkfish Research SetAside (RSA) Program, but were not distributed through the NOAA grant process. These exempted DAS may be used for the conduct of monkfish related research activities during fishing year (FY) 2009 (May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010). Requests for a monkfish DAS exemption must be submitted with a complete application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP).

New Conservation and Management Measures and Resolutions for Antarctic Marine Living Resources Under the Auspices of

Wed, Jun 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS notifies the public that the United States has accepted conservation and management measures and resolutions pertaining to fishing in Antarctic waters managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (Commission or CCAMLR). The Commission adopted these measures at its twentyseventh meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, October 27 to November 7, 2008. The measures have been agreed upon by the Member countries of CCAMLR, including the United States, in accordance with Article IX of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (the Convention). The measures include: measures previously adopted by the Commission and remaining in force; measures adopted for the 2008/ 2009 fishing season to restrict overall catches, research catch and bycatch of certain species of finfish, squid, krill and crabs; restrict fishing in certain areas; restrict use of certain fishing gear; specify implementation and inspection obligations supporting the Catch Docu

List of Fisheries for 2010

Thu, Jun 11 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2010, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2010 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements.

Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and

Wed, Jun 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in July, August, and September of 2009. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be held in 2009 and announced in the Federal Register.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal Zone Management Act External Review

Tue, Jun 9 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14210 and 782-1719

Fri, Jun 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that LGL Alaska Research Associates (Dr. Tamara McGuire, Principal Investigator), 1101 E. 76th Ave. Suite B, Anchorage, Alaska 99518 (File No. 14210), and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Dr. Phillip J. Clapham, Principal Investigator), 7600 Sand Point Way, NE., Seattle, Washington 98115 6349 (File No. 782 1719) have been issued a permit and a permit amendment, respectively, to conduct research on the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NOAA Teacher at Sea Alumni Survey

Thu, Jun 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Antarctic Marine Living Resources Conservation and Management

Thu, Jun 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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 continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Wed, Jun 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Natural Resource Scientists, Incorporated (NRS), P.O. Box 1210, Red Bluff, CA, 96080, has been issued a permit to take Sacramento River winterrun Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Central Valley springrun Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), and California steelhead (O. mykiss) for purposes of scientific research.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Wed, Jun 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received applications for scientific research from the Fishery Foundation of California (FFC) in Elk Grove, CA (13675), and from the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) in Sacramento, CA (14240). These permits would affect the federally endangered Sacramento River winterrun Chinook salmon and the threatened Central Valley springrun Chinook salmon Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs), the federally threatened Central Valley steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), and the federally threatened southern DPS of North American green sturgeon (North American green sturgeon). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit applications for review and comment.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; National Estuaries Restoration Inventory

Mon, Jun 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal Zone Management Act Walter B. Jones and NOAA Excellence

Fri, May 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Region Logbook Family of Forms

Fri, May 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Notice Requesting Nominations for the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES)

Tue, May 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) was constituted to advise the Secretary of Commerce through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters relating to the U.S. commercial remote sensing industry and NOAA's activities to carry out responsibilities of the Department of Commerce set forth in the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. Secs 56215625). The Committee is composed of leaders in the commercial spacebased remote sensing industry, spacebased remote sensing data users, government (federal, state, local), and academia. The Department of Commerce is seeking up to five highly qualified individuals knowledgeable about the commercial spacebased remote sensing industry and uses of spacebased remote sensing data to serve on the Committee.

Hydrographic Services Review Panel; Membership Solicitation

Tue, May 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice responds to the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002, Public Law 107372, which requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to solicit nominations for membership on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (the Panel). This advisory committee will advise the Under Secretary on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and [[Page 24799]]
such other appropriate matters as the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice.

International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Initial Implementation

Fri, May 22 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement, in part, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (Act), which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations needed to carry out the 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), including implementing the decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC). NMFS has determined that this action is necessary for the United States to satisfy its international obligations under the Convention, to which it is a Contracting Party. It would have the effect of requiring that all relevant U.S. fishing vessels are operated in conformance with the provisions of the Convention.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Fri, May 22 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies and Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern Unit

Marine Mammals; File No. 14352

Wed, May 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Dr. Gregory Bossart, Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Proposed Information Collection; Northwest Region Logbook Family of Forms

Tue, May 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NMFS Alaska Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Program

Tue, May 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14324 through 14337, except 14333

Wed, May 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the following institutions, organizations, and individuals have applied for permits to conduct research on Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus): Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), Seward, AK; Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, Alaska; NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Seattle, WA; North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium (NPUMMRC), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (ACSPI), Tribal Government, Ecosystem Conservation Office, St. Paul Island, AK; Aleut Community of St. George Island (ACSGI), St. George Traditional Council, St. George Island, AK; and Markus Horning, Ph.D., Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program Vessel/Plant Operator's

Tue, May 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Notice of Web Site Publication

Mon, May 11 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of public access via http:// www.climate.noaa.gov to information
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pertaining to an upcoming Climate Program Office solicitation of grant proposals.

Electronic Filing of Trade Documents for Fishery Products

Fri, May 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this advance notice of proposed rulemaking to announce that it is revising procedures to file import and export documentation for certain fishery products to meet requirements of the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, other applicable statutes, and obligations that arise from U.S. participation in regional fishery management organizations. Specifically, NMFS intends to integrate the collection of trade documentation within the governmentwide International Trade Data System and require electronic information collection through the automated internet portal maintained by the United States Customs and Border Protection. NMFS is seeking advance public comment on the feasibility of electronic reporting by parties involved in an import or export transaction for applicable seafood products.

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Sea Turtle Conservation and Recovery in Relation to

Fri, May 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and to conduct public scoping meetings to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by assessing potential impacts resulting from the proposed implementation of new sea turtle regulations in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico trawl fisheries. These requirements are proposed to protect threatened and endangered sea turtles in the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from incidental capture, and would be implemented under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NMFS announced consideration of rulemaking for these new sea turtle regulations February 15, 2007 in an Advance Notice of Public Rulemaking.

Notice of Availability of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Record of Decision

Fri, May 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP). This ROD announces NMFS' decisions for implementing the MMHSRP. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations, NMFS prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) that evaluated the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects associated with alternatives for the MMHSRP's activities.

Endangered Species; File No. 13543

Wed, May 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, has been issued a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.

Implementation of New Competitive Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Program and

Mon, May 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA announces the implementation, under the authorities of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) of 1998, as reauthorized in 2004, of a new competitive research program on Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms (PCM HAB). This third national competitive program is a companion to the two existing national harmful algal bloom (HAB) programs, Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) and Monitoring and Event Response of Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB), already implemented under the authorities of HABHRCA. PCM HAB will transition promising technologies and strategies for prevention, control, and mitigation, arising from these and other HAB research programs, to endusers. In addition, NOAA is announcing that funding opportunity announcements for ECOHAB, MERHAB, and HAB PCM will be rotated regionally on a three year basis. The three regional groupings are: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean/ Pacific Islands; West Coast, Alaska, and Great

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Mon, May 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

With this final rule, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). In accordance with the statutory authority set forth in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 1118), this rule implements the regulations that were in effect immediately before the effective date of the regulation issued on December 16, 2008, entitled ``Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act.''

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Deep-Water Species Fishery by Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for species that comprise the deepwater species fishery by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary because the second seasonal apportionment of the Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the deepwater species fishery in the GOA has been reached.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfers

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2009 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the Commonwealth of Virginia is transferring a portion of its 2009 commercial summer flounder quota to the State of New Jersey. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application submitted by the University of Rhode Island/Rhode Island Sea Grant (URI/RISG) contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under this EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and Butterfish Fishery Management Plans (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue an EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow two commercial fishing vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application submitted by Coonamessett Farm, which would exempt Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) vessels participating in a modified scallop dredge twine top
[[Page 19527]]
(twine top) study from minimum twine top mesh sizes, Closed Area I Access Area (CAI) and Closed Area II Access Area (CAII) scallop vessel trip restrictions, and fish possession restrictions, should be issued for public comment. Although the Assistant Regional Administrator has not made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), NMFS seeks public comment on the exemptions the EFP is requesting. Further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made.

Listing Endangered and Threatened Species: Initiation of Status Review for the Oregon Coast Evolutionarily

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, NMFS, initiate a status review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the Oregon Coast coho
[[Page 19529]]
salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). To ensure that the status review is complete and based upon the best available scientific and commercial information, we solicit information regarding the population structure, status and trends, and limiting factors and threats of this coho salmon ESU.

Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports

Wed, Apr 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs). These reports for 2008 are now final and available to the public.

Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Training Operations

Tue, Apr 28 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorizations for the take of marine mammals incidental to training and operational activities conducted by the Navy Atlantic Fleet within Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex for the period beginning December 3, 2009 and ending December 2, 2014. Pursuant to the implementing regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing our receipt of the Navy request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the Navy application and request.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hookandline or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to fully use the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod specified for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hookandline or pot gear in the BSAI.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (< 18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hookandline or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the B season apportionment of the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule announces inseason changes to management measures in the commercial Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. These actions, which are authorized by the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), are intended to allow fisheries to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks. The rule also implements changes to the incidental retention allowance for halibut in the primary sablefish fishery under the authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act.

Marine Mammals; File No. 14497

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that The Mirage Casino-Hotel, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, has applied in due form for a permit to import two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for the purposes of public display.

RIN: 0648-XO91

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a public meeting.

RIN: 0648-XO90

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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

RIN: 0648-XO89

Mon, Apr 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Crab Plan Team will meet May 11, 12, 15, 2009. Additionally, a public workshop on Alaska Crab Stock Assessments will be held May 1314.

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan; Correction

Fri, Apr 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This action corrects the text of a final rule published on March 19, 2009, that implemented annual management measures governing the Pacific halibut fishery. This final rule established season dates off of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. This action is necessary to correct errors in dates listed in the areas from Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR and from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, OR.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northwest Region Federal Fisheries Permits

Fri, Apr 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Proposed Endangered, Threatened, and Not Warranted Status for Distinct

Thu, Apr 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, the NMFS, have completed Endangered Species Act (ESA) status reviews for five species of rockfish (Sebastes spp.) occurring in Puget Sound, Washington, in response to a petition submitted by Mr. Sam Wright of Olympia, Washington, to list these species in Puget Sound as threatened or endangered species. We reviewed best available scientific and commercial information on the status of these five stocks and considered whether they are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges, or are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges. For bocaccio (S. paucispinis), we have determined that the members of this species in the Georgia Basin are a distinct population segment (DPS) and are endangered throughout all of their range. We propose to list this bocaccio DPS as endangered. We have determined that yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus) and canary rockfish (S. pinniger) in the Georgia Basin are DP

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of Anchorage Marine Terminal

Thu, Apr 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has received an application from the Port of Anchorage [[Page 18493]]
(herein after ``POA'') and the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (herein after ``MARAD'') for issuance of regulations governing the take of small numbers of marine mammals incidental to the Port's Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project (herein after ``MTRP''), Anchorage, Alaska. The MTRP includes expanding the current POA by 135 acres and replacing and expanding the current dock to accommodate additional berths. Construction activities which have the potential to harass marine mammals include inwater pile driving and demolition of the existing dock. Species which could potentially be taken from the MTRP include the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and killer whale (Orcinus orca).

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Oral History Project: Preserving Research and Cultural Heritage for

Thu, Apr 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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 Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit

Thu, Apr 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces the public comment period for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from the Best Use Cooperative (BUC). If granted, this permit would allow three BUC vessels to remove halibut from a codend on the deck, and release those fish back to the water after determining the physical condition of the halibut with the International Pacific Halibut Commission method for predicting halibut mortality. The EFP would allow operators of BUC nonpelagic trawl vessels to study methods for reducing halibut mortality in trawl fisheries by evaluating various fishing and handling practices. This activity has the potential to promote the objectives of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by assessing techniques for reducing halibut discard mortality in nonpelagic trawl fisheries.

List of National System Marine Protected Areas

Thu, Apr 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) invited federal, state, commonwealth, and territorial MPA programs with potentially eligible existing MPAs to nominate their sites to the national system of MPAs (national system). A total of 225 nominations were received. Following a 30day public review period, 26 public comments were received by the National Marine Protected Areas Center and forwarded to the relevant managing agencies. After review of the public comments, managing agencies were asked to make a final determination of sites to nominate to the national system. All the nominations were confirmed by the managing agencies. Finding them to be eligible for the national system, the National Marine Protected Areas Center has accepted the nominations for 225 sites and placed them on the List of National System MPAs.

The national system and the nomination process are described in the Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States of America (Framework), d

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revisions to the Pollock Trip Limit Regulations in the Gulf of

Tue, Apr 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a final rule to prohibit a catcher vessel from landing more than 300,000 lb (136 mt) of unprocessed pollock during a calendar day, and from landing a cumulative amount of unprocessed pollock from any Gulf of Alaska reporting area that exceeds 300,000 lb multiplied by the number of calendar days the pollock fishery is open to directed fishing in a season. This rule will prevent catcher vessels from circumventing the intent of current trip limit regulations when making deliveries of pollock. Amending the current trip limit regulation to limit a vessel to 300,000 lb of pollock caught in a day will continue to disperse catches of pollock in a manner that is consistent with the intent of Steller sea lion protection measures in the Gulf of Alaska. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable laws.

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Interim Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects

Tue, Apr 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA is proposing interim policy and permit guidance for submarine cable projects proposed in national marine sanctuaries. This action identifies the criteria the ONMS will use to ensure that applications to install and maintain submarine cables in sanctuaries are reviewed consistently and in a manner that adheres to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ONMS regulations (15 CFR part 922).

Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

Tue, Apr 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Nominations are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC or Committee) beginning in October 2009. MAFAC is the only Federal advisory committee with the responsibility to advise the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on all matters concerning living marine resources that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary to assist in the development and implementation of Departmental regulations, policies and programs critical to the mission and goals of the NMFS. Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties involved with or representing interests affected by NMFS actions in managing living marine resources. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in a field related to the management of living marine resources and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocket Launches from Kodiak, AK

Tue, Apr 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a 1 year Letter of Authorization (LOA) has been issued to the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC), to take Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) incidental to rocket launches from the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC).

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States;

Mon, Apr 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces a temporary closure of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to limited access NE multispecies daysatsea (DAS) vessels. Based upon Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reports and other available information, the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has projected that 100 percent of the total allowable catch (TAC) of Georges Bank (GB) cod allocated to be harvested from the Eastern U.S./Canada Area would be harvested in the next few days, if current catch rates continue. This action is being taken to prevent the 2008 TAC for GB cod in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area from being exceeded during the 2008 fishing year in accordance with the regulations implemented under Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Identification and Certification of Nations Whose Fishing Vessels Are Engaged in Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated

Thu, Apr 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

On January 14, 2009, NMFS published a proposed rule for developing identification and certification procedures to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMRs) pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (Moratorium Protection Act). On March 3, 2009, NMFS announced five public hearings to discuss and collect comments on the issues described in the proposed rule. This notice is to announce an additional public hearing.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Directed Fishing With Trawl Gear by American Fisheries Act

Tue, Apr 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing with trawl gear, other than pelagic trawl gear for walleye pollock, by American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher processors in Bycatch Limitation Zone 1 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the sideboard limit of the 2009 bycatch allowance of red king crab in Zone 1 specified for AFA trawl catcher processors in the BSAI.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska, Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Correction

Tue, Apr 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is correcting the preamble to a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2009 (74 FR 3446). The final rule implemented a regulatory amendment to exempt fishermen using dinglebar fishing gear in federal waters of the Gulf of Alaska from the requirement to carry a vessel monitoring system (VMS). This correction is necessary to summarize and respond to public comments received on the proposed rule. No changes to the requirements of the final rule result from this correction.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska

Tue, Apr 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is reopening directed fishing for pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to fully use the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for the West Yakutat District of the GOA.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska

Tue, Apr 14 2009 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 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in the West Yakutat District of the GOA.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Herring Fishery; Total Allowable Catch Harvested for Management

Tue, Apr 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that, effective 0001 hours, April 15, 2009, federally permitted vessels may not fish for, catch, possess, transfer, or land more than 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring in or from Management Area 2 (Area 2) per trip or calendar day until January 1, 2010, when the 2010 total allowable catch (TAC) becomes
[[Page 17107]]
available, except for transiting purposes as described in this notice. This action is based on the determination that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring TAC allocated to Area 2 for 2009 is projected to be harvested by April 14, 2009. Regulations governing the Atlantic herring fishery require publication of this notification to advise vessel and dealer permit holders that no TAC is available for the directed fishery for Atlantic herring harvested from Area 2.

Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings

Mon, Apr 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold scoping meetings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the local agencies representatives on the Document for Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment X to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Including the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulatory Impact Review, and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis).

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch for Vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian

Wed, Apr 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch for vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access fishery in the Central Aleutian District of the BSAI. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery in the Central Aleutian District of the BSAI.

Marine Mammals; File No. 14241

Wed, Apr 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Dr. Peter Tyack, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals.

Notice of Intent To Conduct Restoration Planning To Evaluate Potential Injuries to Natural Resources and Services

Wed, Apr 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has determined that the impacts of the November 11, 2005, discharge of slurry oil from the Tank Barge (T/B) DBL 152, over which NOAA has jurisdiction as a natural resource trustee, warrant performing a natural resource damage assessment. NOAA is hereby providing notice of its intent to conduct restoration planning to evaluate potential injuries to natural resources and services resulting from this incident and to use that information to determine the need for and the scale of restoration actions to address these potential injuries.

NOAA seeks public involvement in the restoration planning for this spill. Opportunities for public involvement are provided through public review and comment on documents contained in the Administrative Record, as well as on the Draft and Final Restoration Plans when they have been prepared.

Public Involvement and Further Information: Pursuant to 15 CFR 990.44(c), NOAA seeks public involvement in resto

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment 29

Wed, Apr 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 29 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 29 proposes actions to establish an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for grouper and tilefish species, establish design elements of the program, allow permit stacking, and establish dual classifications to the shallow water and deepwater management units for speckled hind and warsaw grouper. The measures contained in the subject amendment are intended to reduce effort in the Gulf of Mexico grouper and tilefish fisheries.

RIN: 0648-XO49

Wed, Apr 8 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold public meetings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the local agencies representatives on the Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands Concerning Bajo de Sico Seasonal Closure including a Regulatory Impact Review and an Environmental Assessment.

Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Compensation to Commercial Bottomfish and Lobster Fishermen due to Fishery Closures

Tue, Apr 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), through NMFS, to provide monetary compensation to eligible Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) commercial lobster permit holders who were, and commercial bottomfish permit holders who will be, displaced by fishery closures resulting from establishment of the Papah naumoku kea Marine National Monument (Monument) in the NWHI. This proposed rule describes and seeks public comment on a permit compensation proposal, which identifies eligible permit holders and describes the permit valuation methodology. Holders of NWHI commercial Federal bottomfish and lobster permits who voluntarily accept monetary compensation would be required to surrender their permits and leave the fisheries.

Marine Mammals; File No. 881-1724

Tue, Apr 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Alaska SeaLife Center, 301 Railway
[[Page 15709]]
Avenue, Seward, AK 99664 [Dr. Ian Dutton, Responsible Party] has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 8811724.

RIN: 0648-XO48

Tue, Apr 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

RIN: 0648-XO50

Tue, Apr 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Habitat/MPA/Ecosystems Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Swordfish Quotas

Tue, Apr 7 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule would adjust the North and South Atlantic swordfish quotas for the 2008 fishing year (January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008) to account for 2007 underharvests, to the extent allowable, and transfer 18.8 metric tons (mt) dressed weight (dw) to Canada per the 2006 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recommendations 0602 and 0603. The North Atlantic 2008 directed baseline quotas plus the 2007 underharvest would be divided equally between the semiannual periods of January through June, and July through December. The adjustment of the swordfish quotas, to account for underharvests is administrative in nature and does not require a change to regulatory text.

Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish; Management Measures for the Northern Mariana

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of collectionofinformation requirements contained in regulations implementing Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region. The intent of this final rule is to inform the public that the associated permitting, reporting, and vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirements for vessels in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have been approved by OMB.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program; Amendment 85

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The proposed regulations would amend the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program to remove a restriction that prohibits certain catcher/ processors from participation in directed groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area in July. This action is necessary to improve flexibility and reduce operating costs for catcher/processors that participate in the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, and other applicable law.

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Cherry Point Range Complex

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

On March 16, 2009, the NMFS published its proposed regulations to govern the take of marine mammals incidental to training activities conducted within the U.S.
[[Page 15420]]
Navy's Cherry Point Range Complex for the period of May 2009 through May 2014. The Federal Register notice indicated that written comments were due by April 6, 2009, which allowed 21 days for public input. In response to a request from the Marine Mammal Commission, NMFS has decided to extend the public comment period by 7 days, to April 13, 2009, which allows 28 days for public input.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Basic Requirements for Special Exemption Permits and Authorizations

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Reporting Requirements for Commercial Fisheries Authorization Under

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Groundfish Tagging Program

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14197 and 782-1812

Mon, Apr 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Air Force, 30th Space Wing Civil Engineer Environmental Flight, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals (File No. 14187); and NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, WA, has applied for a major amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 7821812 for research on marine mammals.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States;

Thu, Apr 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the Delmarva Scallop Access Area will close to general category scallop vessels for the remainder of the 2009 fishing year. This action is based on the determination that 728 general category scallop trips into the Delmarva Access Area are projected to be taken as of 0001, April 1, 2009. This action is being taken to prevent the allocation of general category trips in the Delmarva Scallop Access Area from being exceeded during the 2009 fishing year, in accordance with the regulations implementing Framework 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Catcher Vessel Operational Area and Inshore/Offshore Provisions

Thu, Apr 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 62 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP). If approved, Amendments 62/62 would revise the BSAI FMP description of the Catcher Vessel Operational Area (CVOA) and remove the obsolete sunset date for inshore/offshore sector allocations of pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA FMP. This action is necessary to amend outdated FMP text so that both FMPs are consistent with the American Fisheries Act (AFA) and other applicable law. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMPs, and other applicable laws.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Limits on Applications of Take Prohibitions

Thu, Apr 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Region Permit Family of Forms

Wed, Apr 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Wed, Apr 1 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Tijuana River (California), North Carolina, and Kachemak Bay (Alaska) National Estuarine Research Reserves.

Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluatio

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management

Tue, Mar 31 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is announcing the opening and closing dates of the Amendment 80 cooperative's Atka mackerel directed fishery within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Areas 542 and 543 (Area 542 and Area 543), and the opening and closing dates of the BSAI Trawl Limited Access Atka mackerel directed fishery within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Area 542 . This action is necessary to fully use the 2009 A season HLA limits of Atka mackerel in Areas 542 and 543 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI).

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Landings Reports

Tue, Mar 31 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Socio-Economic Assessment of Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Under the

Tue, Mar 31 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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 Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fri, Mar 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a final rule that revises the seabird avoidance requirements for the hookandline groundfish and halibut fisheries in International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 4E. The final rule eliminates seabird avoidance requirements for hookandline vessels less than or equal to 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall in portions of Area 4E in the eastern Bering Sea. This action is necessary to revise seabird avoidance measures based on the latest scientific information and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and associated costs.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revise Maximum Retainable Amounts of Groundfish Using Arrowtooth

Fri, Mar 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a regulation to revise the maximum retainable amounts
[[Page 13349]]
(MRAs) of groundfish using arrowtooth flounder as a basis species in the Gulf of Alaska. This action increases the MRAs from 0 percent to 20 percent for deepwater flatfish, rex sole, flathead sole, shallowwater flatfish, Atka mackerel, and skates; from 0 percent to 5 percent for aggregated rockfish; and from 0 percent to 1 percent for sablefish. The intended effect of this action is to reduce regulatory discards of otherwise marketable groundfish in the arrowtooth flounder fishery. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, and other applicable law.

Endangered Species; File No. 1547-02

Fri, Mar 27 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Kathryn Hattala, Principal Investigator), 21 South Putt Corners Road; New Paltz, NY 12561, has been issued a modification to scientific research Permit No. 154702.

RIN: 0648-XO35

Wed, Mar 25 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene public meetings.

Taking and Exporting Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Knik Arm Crossing

Wed, Mar 25 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Knik Arm Bridge Toll Authority (KABATA), 550 West 7th Ave, Suite 1850, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501, has withdrawn its application for regulations and subsequent Letters of Authorization (LOAs) regarding the harassment of marine mammals incidental to construction of the Knik Arm Crossing.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering

Wed, Mar 25 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by trawl catcher vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2009 Pacific cod allowable catch (TAC) specified for trawl catcher vessels in the BSAI.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch for Vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian

Wed, Mar 25 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch for vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access fishery in the Eastern Aleutian District of the BSAI. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2009 Pacific ocean perch total allowable catch (TAC) specified for vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access fishery in the Eastern Aleutian District of the BSAI.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Notice of Effective Date

Mon, Mar 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA published a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) January 16, 2009 (74 FR 3216). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on January 16, 2009. The 45 day period ends on March 19, 2009. This document provides notice of the effective date, March 19, 2009.

RINs 0648-AT14, 0648-AT15, 0648-AT16

Mon, Mar 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA published final revised management plans and revised regulations for the Gulf of the Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS, CBNMS, and MBNMS respectively) on November 20, 2008 (73 FR 70488). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations would automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning from November 20, 2008. (Given the break in the 110th Congress, the period was reset and began again with the 111th Congress. For purposes of this action, the 45 days of continuous session of Congress ended on March 9, 2009.) The period allows a governor for a state affected by modified term(s) of designation to certify to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) whether any of the modified terms of designation are unacceptable, and if such a term is certified as unacceptable, it does not take effect in the area of the national marine sanctuary lying within the seaward boundary of the State. During the 45day perio

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit

Mon, Mar 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice announces receipt of an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from the Best Use Cooperative (BUC). If granted, this permit would allow three BUC vessels to remove halibut from a codend on the deck, and release those fish back to the water after determining the physical condition of the halibut with the International Pacific Halibut Commission method for predicting halibut mortality. The EFP would allow operators of BUC nonpelagic trawl vessels to study methods for reducing halibut mortality in trawl fisheries by evaluating various fishing and handling practices. This activity has the potential to promote the objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by assessing techniques for reducing halibut discard mortality in nonpelagic trawl fisheries. Comments will be accepted at the April 1 to April 7, 2009, North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting in Anchorage, AK.

Permits; Foreign Fishing

Mon, Mar 23 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS publishes for public review and comment information regarding a permit application for transshipment of Atlantic herring by Canadian vessels, submitted under provisions of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act).

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan

Thu, Mar 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), on behalf of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), publishes annual management measures promulgated as regulations by the IPHC and approved by the Secretary of State governing the Pacific halibut fishery. The AA also announces modifications to the Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) for Area 2A (waters off the U.S. West Coast) and implementing regulations for 2009, and announces approval of the Area 2A CSP. These actions are intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut and further the goals and objectives of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) (Councils).

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Proposed 2009 Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery

Thu, Mar 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2009 fishing year (FY) (May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010). The implementing regulations for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) require NMFS to publish specifications for up to a period of 5 years and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this rulemaking is to specify the commercial quota and other management measures, such as possession limits, to rebuild the spiny dogfish resource. NMFS proposes that the annual quota be set at 12 million lb (5,443.11 mt), and that the possession limits for dogfish be set at 3,000 lb (1.36 mt).

New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Thu, Mar 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Scallop Survey Advisory Panel in April, 2009 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.

National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council); April 2-9, 2009 Council

Thu, Mar 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Thu, Mar 19 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting of its Marine Mammal Advisory Committee (MMAC).

Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Hawaii-based Shallow-set Longline Fishery

Wed, Mar 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) proposes to amend the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (FMP). If approved by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), Amendment 18 would remove the annual limit on the number of fishing gear deployments (sets) for the Hawaiibased pelagic longline fishery. The amendment would also revise the current maximum limit on the number of physical interactions that occur annually between loggerhead sea turtles and vessels registered for use under Hawaii longline limited access permits while shallow setting. Other measures currently applicable to the fishery would remain unchanged. Amendment 18 is intended to increase opportunities for the shallowset fishery to sustainably harvest swordfish and other fish species, without jeopardizing the continued existence of sea turtles and other protected resources.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Commercial

Wed, Mar 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that it is establishing a revised control date that may be used to control future access to the commercial sector of the reef fish fishery operating in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). If changes to the management regime are developed and implemented under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act), a control date could be used to limit the number of participants in the fishery. This announcement is intended, in part, to promote awareness of the potential eligibility criteria for future access so as to discourage speculative entry into the fishery while the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS consider whether and how access to the commercial sector of the reef fish fishery should be controlled.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska

Tue, Mar 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the B season allowance of the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock for Statistical Area 610 in the GOA.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Scup Fishery; Reduction of Winter I Commercial Possession Limit

Tue, Mar 17 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces the reduction of the scup coastwide commercial possession limit from Maine through North Carolina for the Winter I period. Regulations governing the scup fishery require publication of this notification to advise the coastal states from Maine through North Carolina that 80 percent of the commercial quota allocated to the Winter I period is projected to be harvested and to announce that the possession limit for a Federal vessel permit holder is reduced.

Schedule of Fees for Access to NOAA Environmental Data, Information, and Related Products and Services

Mon, Mar 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In this final rule, NESDIS establishes a new schedule of fees for the sale of its data, information, and related products and services to users. NESDIS is revising the fee schedule to ensure that the fees accurately reflect the costs of providing access to the environmental data, information, and related products and services. NESDIS is authorized under 15 U.S.C. 1534 to assess fees, up to fair market value, for access to environmental data, information, and products derived from, collected, and/or archived by NOAA. Other than depreciation, costs to upgrade computer hardware and software systems will not be included in the fees charged to users.

Identification and Certification of Nations Whose Fishing vessels Are Engaged in Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated

Mon, Mar 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS published a document in the Federal Register of March 3, 2009, announcing five public hearings to discuss and collect comments on issues described in a proposed rule for developing identification and certification procedures to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing activities and bycatch of protected living marine resources pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. This document corrects a hotel name, address, and phone number of an April 6, 2009, meeting.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Surveys of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of

Mon, Mar 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Federal Consistency Appeal by Broadwater Energy LLC and Broadwater Pipeline LLC

Fri, Mar 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This announcement provides notice that the decision record has closed for an administrative appeal filed with the Department of Commerce by Broadwater Energy LLC and Broadwater Pipeline LLC (collectively, ``Broadwater'').

Notice of Decision to Expand Scope of the Environmental Impact Statement Analyzing Mitchell Act Funding and Operation

Thu, Mar 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces its decision to expand the scope of the Mitchell Act Hatchery Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to include analysis of the environmental effects of hatchery programs in a way that will inform future NMFS decisions about Endangered Species Act compliance for all Columbia River hatchery programs. Our previous notice of intent to prepare an EIS on the funding and operation of Columbia River hatcheries under the Mitchell Act was published on September 3, 2004. We are opening a 30day comment period on our decision to expand the scope.

Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Amendment 15

Tue, Mar 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) which was approved by NMFS on June 18, 2008. Amendment 15 revised the FMP to include provisions for a vessel license limitation program for the non tribal sectors of the Pacific whiting fishery. Amendment 15 is intended to serve as an interim measure to limit potential participation in the Pacific whiting fishery within the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone until implementation of a trawl rationalization program under Amendment 20 to the Groundfish FMP.

Incidental Take of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Conducting Precision Strike Weapons Testing

Tue, Mar 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, notification is hereby given that a letter of authorization (LOA) to take four species of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to testing and training during Precision Strike Weapons (PSW) tests in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a military readiness activity, has been issued to Eglin Air Force Base (AFB).

NOAA Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Project Grants

Fri, Mar 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA delivers funding and technical expertise to restore coastal and marine habitats. These habitats support valuable fisheries and protected resources, improve the quality of our water, provide recreational opportunities for the public's use and enjoyment, and buffer our coastal communities from the impacts of storms and sea level rise. Projects funded through NOAA have strong ontheground habitat restoration components that provide social and economic benefits for people and their communities in addition to longterm ecological habitat improvements. Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks to openly compete funding available for habitat restoration under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications should be submitted for any project that is to be considered for this funding, even for those projects put forth to the Federal Government as examples by internal and external restoration partners or submitted as applications to other NOAA competitions. Competition will ensure that t

Nomination of Existing Marine Protected Areas to the National System of Marine Protected Areas

Fri, Mar 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) invited Federal, State, commonwealth, and territorial marine protected areas (MPA) programs with potentially eligible existing MPAs to nominate their sites to the national system of MPAs. The national system and the nomination process are described in the Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States (Framework), developed in response to Executive Order 13158 on Marine Protected Areas. The final Framework was published on November 19, 2008, and provides guidance for collaborative efforts among Federal, State, commonwealth, territorial, Tribal and local governments and stakeholders to develop an effective and well coordinated National System of MPAs (national system) that includes existing MPAs meeting national system criteria as well as new sites that may be established by managing agencies to fill key conservation gaps in important ocean areas.

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear

Wed, Mar 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to prohibit the use of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Spearfishing is often used to selectively target larger fish, and can significantly reduce abundance and alter the relative size structure of target species toward smaller fish. Therefore, the proposed prohibition would provide protection to the fishes and natural livebottom community for which the sanctuary was designated. The proposal also would facilitate enforcement of an existing prohibition against the use of powerheads within the sanctuary. A draft environmental assessment has been prepared for this proposed action. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule and draft environmental assessment.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Observer Programs' Information That Can Be Gathered Only Through

Wed, Mar 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Availability of Seats for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Wed, Mar 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: North Carolina Maritime Museums. 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.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Spiny Dogfish; Framework Adjustment 2

Tue, Mar 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes to implement Framework Adjustment 2 (Framework 2) to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), developed by the MidAtlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils (Councils). Framework 2 would broaden the FMP stock status determination criteria for spiny dogfish, while maintaining objective and measurable criteria to identify when the stock is overfished or approaching an overfished condition. The framework action would also establish acceptable categories of peer review of new or revised stock status determination criteria for the Council to use in its specificationsetting process for spiny dogfish. This action is necessary to ensure that changes or modification to the stock status determination criteria, constituting the best available, peer
[[Page 9209]]
reviewed scientific information, are accessible to the management process in a timely and efficient manner, consistent with National Standards 1 and 2 of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (

Identification and Certification of Nations Whose Fishing Vessels Are Engaged in Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated

Tue, Mar 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS published a proposed rule for developing identification and certification procedures to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMRs) pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (Moratorium Protection Act). This notice is to announce five public hearings and to discuss and collect comments on the issues described in the proposed rule.

Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals; Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Explosive Removal of Offshore

Tue, Mar 3 2009 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 Letters of Authorization (LOA) to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fisheries; 2009 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications

Mon, Mar 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes 2009 specifications for the Atlantic bluefish fishery, including statebystate commercial quotas, a recreational harvest limit, and recreational possession limits for Atlantic bluefish off the east coast of the United States. The intent of these specifications is to establish the allowable 2009 harvest levels and possession limits to attain the target fishing mortality rate (F), consistent with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Application for an

Mon, Mar 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces the intent to issue exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to Pacific whiting shoreside vessels and first receivers that participate in a maximized retention and monitor program for the 2009 Pacific whiting shoreside fishery. EFPs are needed to allow vessels to retain catch in excess of the cumulative limits and to retain prohibited species until offloading. EFPs are also needed to allow first receivers to possess Pacific whiting deliveries with prohibited species and catch that is in excess of cumulative limits, and to used hopper type scales to derive accurate catch weights prior to sorting. Issuance of the EFPs would allow NMFS to collect catch data on incidentally caught species, including salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act, and would allow new components of an overall monitoring program to be investigated before implementation of a regulatory program.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Mon, Mar 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic and the New England Fishery Management Councils' (MAFMC/NEFMC) Joint Spiny Dogfish Committee.
[[Page 9081]]

New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Mon, Mar 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Mon, Mar 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), American Samoa Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC), Advisory Panel (AP), and Plan Team (PT). The Council will also hold its 144th meeting to consider advisory group recommendations and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region.

Availability of Seats for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Thu, Feb 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Citizen at LargeMiddle Keys (alternate), DivingUpper Keys (member), FishingRecreational (alternate), and TourismUpper Keys (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.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is announcing the opening and closing dates of the Atka mackerel directed fisheries within the harvest limit area (HLA) in Statistical Area 542. This action is necessary to fully use the 2009 A season HLA limits of Atka mackerel in Statistical Area 542 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is reopening 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 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock specified for Statistical Area 610 of the GOA.

Endangered Species; File No. 14249

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Ronald Smolowitz, Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc., 277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536, has applied in due form for a permit to take loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.

Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), as amended, NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Marine Mammals; File No. 473-1700-02

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Janice Straley, University of Alaska, 1332 Seward Ave, Sitka, AK 99835, has been issued an amendment to Permit No. 473170001 to conduct research on marine mammals.

Pacific Halibut Fishery; Guideline Harvest Levels for the Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut

Tue, Feb 24 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS provides notice of Pacific halibut guideline harvest levels (GHLs) for the guided sport charter vessel fishery in the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) regulatory areas 2C and 3A. The GHLs are benchmark harvest levels for participants in the charter vessel fishery for halibut in each area. This notice is necessary to meet the management and regulatory requirements for the GHLs and to inform the public about the 2009 GHLs for the charter halibut fishery.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Fri, Feb 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received a revised application for scientific research from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USFWS Red Bluff (RBFWO), in Red Bluff, CA, and USFWS Sacramento (SFWO), in Sacramento, CA (1415). The permit would affect the federally endangered Sacramento River winterrun Chinook salmon and threatened Central Valley springrun Chinook salmon Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs), the federally threatened Central Valley steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), and the federally threatened southern Distinct Population of North American green sturgeon (southern DPS of green sturgeon). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment.

Availability of Grants Funds for Fiscal Year 2009; Amendment

Fri, Feb 20 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA publishes this notice to amend the solicitation ``NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (BWET) Program,'' which was originally announced in the Federal Register on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Due to technical difficulties, potential applicants may have experienced problems when attempting to submit applications for the ``NOAA Bay
[[Page 7878]]
Watershed Education and Training (BWET) Program,'' solicitation (73 FR 76341) through Grants.gov. This notice announces that the BWET Program will accept applications from applicants who were unsuccessful in submitting their application through Grants.gov during the original solicitation period.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2009 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications and Effort Controls

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes 2009 fishing year specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery to set BFT quotas for each of the established domestic fishing categories and to set effort controls (daily retention limits) for the General and Angling categories. This action is necessary to implement recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic management objectives under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act). NMFS solicits written comments and will hold public hearings to receive oral comments on these proposed actions.

Availability of Seats for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seat on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: Tourism 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;
[[Page 7589]]
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 until February 2011, pursuant to the council's Charter.

Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009; Correction

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published a document in the Federal Register of January 2, 2009 entitled Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009. The information concerning the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program FY 2010 competition, which appears in the program listing for the National Ocean Service, contained a reference to an incorrect fiscal year. The correct fiscal year for the program is FY 2009.

Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; On-ice Marine Geophysical and Seismic Operations in

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that CGGVeritas Land, Inc. (Veritas) has withdrawn its application for an Incidental Harassment
Authorization (IHA). The following action is related to a proposed IHA to Veritas for the take of small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to conducting an onice marine geophysical research and seismic survey in the U.S. Beaufort Sea off Alaska from February to May, 2009.

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST)

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a 1year letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued to the U.S Navy (Navy) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the Navy's Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST) activities conducted off the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. These activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA).

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Navy Training in the Southern California Range Complex

Wed, Feb 18 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a 1year letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued to the U.S Navy (Navy) for the incidental take of marine mammals during training, maintenance, and research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities conducted within the Navy's Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex. These activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the
[[Page 7591]]
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004 (NDAA).

Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries; 2008-09 Main Hawaiian Islands

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS specifies a total allowable catch (TAC) for the 2008-09 fishing year of 241,000 lb (109,316 kg) of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI).

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processors using hookandline gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2009 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher processors using hookand line gear in the BSAI.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring a portion of its 2009 commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of New Jersey. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.

Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Whiting Allocation

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS has determined that 4,000 metric tons (mt) of the shore- based sector allocation and 6,000 mt of the mothership sector allocation would not be used by December 31, 2008. Therefore, NMFS has reapportioned the surplus whiting to the catcher/processor sector of the fishery.

Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Orders

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS publishes Fraser River salmon inseason orders to regulate salmon fisheries in U.S. waters. The orders were issued by the Fraser River Panel (Panel) of the Pacific Salmon Commission (Commission) and subsequently approved and issued by NMFS during the 2008 salmon fisheries within the U.S. Fraser River Panel Area. These orders established fishing dates, times, and areas for the gear types of U.S. treaty Indian and all citizen fisheries during the period the Panel exercised jurisdiction over these fisheries.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; 2009

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This proposed rule provides interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed sector operations plan and supplemental environmental assessment (EA) prior to final approval or disapproval of the sector operations plan and allocation of a Georges Bank (GB) cod total allowable catch (TAC) to the GB Cod Fixed Gear Sector (Fixed Gear Sector) for fishing year (FY) 2009.

Framework Adjustment (FW) 42 to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) implemented the Fixed Gear Sector and authorized allocation of up to 20 percent of the annual GB cod TAC to the Fixed Gear Sector. Pursuant to that authorization, a representative of the Fixed Gear Sector has submitted an operations plan and sector agreement (contract), and requested an allocation of GB cod to the Fixed Gear Sector for FY 2009.

RIN: 0648-XN26

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold meetings of its ACLG and SSC.

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities

Thu, Feb 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that a letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued to the 30th Space Wing, U.S. Air Force, to take four species of seals and sea lions incidental to rocket and missile launches on Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California, a military readiness activity.DATES: Effective February 7, 2009, through February 6, 2010.

National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Wed, Feb 11 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan Revision. Notice and an opportunity for public comment on the Revised Management Plan was first published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2008 (73 FR 65837).

Four sites along the York River comprise the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve; Sweet Hall Marsh, Taskinas Creek, the Catlett Islands, and the Goodwin Islands. The four sites were designated as the Chesapeake Bay Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1991 pursuant to Section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1461. The reserve has been operating in partnership with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science under a management plan approved in 1991. Pursuant to 15 CFR Section 92 1.33(c), a state mu

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Economic Surveys for U.S. Commercial Fisheries

Tue, Feb 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Tue, Feb 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Mississippi Coastal Management Program and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the California State Coastal Conservancy components of the California Coastal Management Program.

The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR Part 923, Subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Management Programs requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA.

Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments

Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14210 and 782-1719

Tue, Feb 10 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that LGL Alaska Research Associates (Dr. Tamara McGuire, Principal Investigator), 1101 E. 76\th\ Ave, Suite B, Anchorage, Alaska 99518 (File No. 14210), and the National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (Dr. John L. Bengtson, Principal Investigator), 7600 Sand Point Way, NE., Seattle, Washington 981156349 (File No. 7821719) have applied in due form for a permit and a permit amendment, respectively, to conduct research on the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program

Fri, Feb 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

NOAA to Transfer Ownership of John N. Cobb to Seattle Maritime Academy

Wed, Feb 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations propose to donate NOAA Ship John N. Cobb to Seattle Central Community College: Seattle Maritime Academy under the StevensonWydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.

Notification of Receipt of a Petition for Rulemaking to Implement the Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Wed, Feb 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In order to provide additional opportunities for the public, foreign nations that export swordfish to the United States, and other interested parties to comment on the petition for rulemaking to implement the provisions of section 101(a)(2)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act for swordfish imports, NMFS is reopening the comment period. On December 15, 2008, NMFS published a notification of receipt of the petition. Based on the December 15, 2008 document, the comment period was scheduled to conclude on January 29, 2009. NMFS is now reopening the comment period until March 23, 2009. Comments received will be considered by NMFS as it determines whether to proceed with [[Page 6011]]
the request by Center for Biological Diversity and Turtle Island Restoration Network. In addition to general comments on the petition, NMFS specifically requests comments on how to define ``United States standards'' as referenced in MMPA section 101(a)(2).

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Application for the NOAA Commissioned Corps

Wed, Feb 4 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Council Coordination Committee Meeting

Tue, Feb 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS will host a meeting of the Council Coordination Committee (CCC), consisting of the Regional Fishery Management Council chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors in February 2009. The intent of this meeting is to discuss issues of relevance to the Councils, including FY 2009 budget allocations, budgetary planning and performance metrics, the upcoming 5year grants awards cycle, and implementation of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act).

National Marine Fisheries Service; Public Meeting

Tue, Feb 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS will hold a workshop for participants that are required to submit an Economic Data Report for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program.

National Marine Fisheries Service; Public Meeting

Tue, Feb 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS will hold a workshop for participants that are required to submit an Economic Data Report (EDR) for the Amendment 80 Cooperative Program.

New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Tue, Feb 3 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Joint Skate Committee and Advisory Panel, in February, 2009, 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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2009 Coastal Resource Management Customer Survey

Fri, Jan 30 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit

Fri, Jan 30 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application submitted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), which would exempt participating vessels from Scallop gear restrictions, possession restrictions, Great South Channel (GSC) Southern New England (SNE)/Georges Bank (GB) Yellowtail Flounder Peak Spawning Closure restrictions, and GSC Cape Cod (CC)/Gulf of Maine (GOM) Yellowtail Flounder Peak Spawning Closure restrictions, should be issued for public comment. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), the Northeast Multispecies FMP, and other Northeast Regional FMPs. However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast Multispecies Days-at-Sea Leasing Program

Thu, Jan 29 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NOAA Community- based Restoration Program Progress Reports

Wed, Jan 28 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Continued Information Collection; Comment Request; Questionnaire To Support Review of Federal Assistance Applications

Wed, Jan 28 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Marine Mammals; File No. 14142

Wed, Jan 28 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Niladri Basu, Ph.D., Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory Road, Ann Arbor, MI 481092029, has applied in due form for a permit to import marine mammal parts for scientific research.

Marine Mammals; File No. 87-1591

Mon, Jan 26 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Daniel P. Costa, Ph.D., Department of Biology and Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 has been issued an amendment to Permit No. 87 185100.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Thu, Jan 22 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued Permits 10093 and 10094 to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Region 1 and Region 3; respectively.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska, Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

Wed, Jan 21 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a regulatory amendment to exempt fishermen using dinglebar fishing gear in federal waters of the Gulf of Alaska from the requirement to carry a vessel monitoring system (VMS). This action is necessary because the risk of damage posed to protected corals in the Gulf of Alaska by the dinglebar gear fishery is minor and insufficient to justify the costs of VMS. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, and other applicable law.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Catching

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for the A season allowance of the 2009 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to non American Fisheries Act (AFA) crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2009 Pacific cod sideboard limits apportioned to nonAFA crab vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a proposed rule that would revise the seabird avoidance requirements for the hookandline groundfish and halibut fisheries in International Pacific Halibut Commission Area 4E. The proposed rule would eliminate seabird avoidance requirements for hook andline vessels less than or equal to 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall in portions of Area 4E in the eastern Bering Sea. This action is necessary to revise seabird avoidance measures based on the latest scientific information and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and associated costs.

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Secretarial Interim Action

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes a temporary Secretarial interim action under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Stevens Act) to implement measures intended to immediately reduce overfishing in the Northeast (NE) multispecies fishery, while addressing the need to help sustain fishing communities, without compromising rebuilding objectives. Measures proposed for the commercial fishery include the following: A differential daysatsea (DAS) area north of 41[deg]30' N. lat., whereby a vessel would be charged 2 days for every day fished; a large Southern New England (SNE) Closure Area; and modified groundfish trip limits. This action does not change the scheduled DAS reduction in the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which would result in an approximate 18percent reduction in DAS. For private recreational vessels fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and for federally permitted charter/party vessels, this action would extend in time a seasonal prohibition on the po

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, NMFS and USFWS, announce the availability of the revised Recovery Plan for the Northwest Atlantic Population of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). The revised recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to delist this species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in Southeast Asia,

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

On December 22, 2008, the NMFS announced notice of its proposed issuance of an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to LamontDoherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), a part of Columbia University, to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment incidental to conducting a marine seismic survey in Southeast Asia during MarchJuly 2009. Written comments were due by January 21, 2009. Under the unique circumstances of the timing of the publication of the Federal Register notice relative to several Federal holidays, NMFS has decided to extend the public comment period by 15 days, to February 5, 2009.

National Marine Fisheries Service; Public Meeting

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS will hold a workshop for participants that are required to submit an Economic Data Report for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program.

North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Fri, Jan 16 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory committees will hold public meetings.

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act; Disaster Assistance Programs; Fisheries Assistance

Thu, Jan 15 2009 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), as amended, and the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act (IFA), NMFS (on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce) proposes regulations to govern the requests for determinations of fishery resource disasters as a basis for acquiring potential disaster assistance. The regulations would establish definitions, and characteristics of commercial fishery failures, fishery resource disasters, serious disruptions affecting future production, and harm incurred by fishermen, as well as requirements for initiating a review by NMFS, and the administrative process it will follow in processing such applications. The intended result of these procedures and requirements is to clarify and interpret the fishery disaster assistance provisions of the MSA and the IFA through rulemaking and thereby ensure consistency and facilitate the processing of requests.

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for Black Abalone

Wed, Jan 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Following completion of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) status review for black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), we, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), published a proposed rule to list black abalone as endangered on January 11, 2008. After considering public comments on the proposed rule, we issue this final rule to list black abalone as endangered under the ESA. We also solicit information relevant to the designation of critical habitat for black abalone.

Notice

Wed, Jan 14 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice responds to Section 209 of the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94461, 33 U.S.C. 1128), which requires the Secretary of Commerce to solicit
[[Page 2060]]
nominations at least once a year for membership on the Sea Grant Advisory Board, and advisory committee provides advice on the implementation of the National Sea Grant College Program. This notice also sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Sea Grant Advisory Board.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This rule establishes eight marine protected areas (MPAs) in which fishing for or possession of South Atlantic snappergrouper are prohibited. The prohibition on possession does not apply to a person aboard a vessel that is in transit with fishing gear appropriately stowed. The proposal in Amendment 14 to prohibit shark bottom longlines within these MPAs has been implemented by NMFS in a separate rulemaking. The intended effects of this final rule are to protect a portion of the population and habitat of longlived, slow growing, deepwater snappergrouper from fishing pressure to achieve a more natural sex ratio, age, and size structure within the proposed MPAs, while minimizing adverse social and economic effects.

International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Revisions to Regulations for Vessels Authorized to Fish for Tuna and

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to revise regulations governing vessels authorized by the United States to fish for tuna and tunalike species in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). This final rule updates and clarifies regulations promulgated by NMFS to implement the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Tuna Conventions Act, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, and resolutions adopted by the InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and by the Parties to the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP). This rule modifies the procedures and requirements for the Vessel Register, the list of vessels authorized to fish for tuna and tunalike species in the ETP. Requirements for the submission of certifications by importers are also revised. This rule is intended to clarify the regulations, facilitate management of U.S. vessels, [[Page 1608]]
and update the regulations to be consistent with resolutions adopted by the members of the IATTC and the Parties to the A

Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fisheries; Groundfish Fisheries of

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This action corrects the regulatory text of a final rule published on December 15, 2008 (73 FR 76136). Among its measures, the final rule will implement new recordkeeping and reporting requirements; a new electronic groundfish catch reporting system, the Interagency Electronic Reporting System, and its data entry component, eLandings. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Stevens Act) and other applicable law.

Availability of Draft Guidelines for Use of Pesticide-Treated Wood Products

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is providing this notice in order to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and provide comments on a draft guideline document regarding the use of pesticidetreated wood products in aquatic environments. The intent of the guidelines is to aid NMFS personnel conducting Endangered Species Act (ESA) and MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act) Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations in making consistent determinations regarding projects proposing to use pesticidetreated wood products in habitats utilized by NOAA trust resources. The guidelines attempt to convey a summary of information that should be considered when examining the effects determinations made by the action agency, and to direct personnel to documents containing more detailed information when needed. NMFS is requesting comment on the draft guideline document before it is finalized. All comments received before the due date will be considered before finalizing the guid

International Whaling Commission; Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the International Whaling Commission;

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice calls for nominees for one non-federal position to the U.S. Delegation to the Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that will be held in March 2009, in Rome, Italy. The nonfederal representative selected as a result of this nomination process is responsible for providing input and recommendations to the U.S. IWC Commissioner representing the positions of nongovernmental organizations.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council); Public Meetings; Correction

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings. The original document published on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 and this document adds additional discussions that will take place at the Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8:30 am12:00 pm & 1:30 pm3:00 pm meeting and is corrected in the SUMMARY section. All other information remains unchanged.

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a one day meeting of its Pelagics Plan Team (PPT), in Honolulu, HI, to discuss fishery issues and develop recommendations for future management.

U.S. Climate Change Science Program Draft Unified Synthesis Product Report: Global Climate Change Impacts in the

Tue, Jan 13 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce a 45day public comment period for the second draft of the report titled, U.S. Climate Change Science Program Unified Synthesis Product (USP). This draft report is being released solely for the purpose of predissemination review under applicable information quality guidelines. This document has not been formally disseminated by NOAA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency policy or determination. After consideration of comments received on the draft report, a revised version along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendments to the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Caribbean FMP) prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Caribbean
[[Page 1149]]
Council) and Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (Gulf and South Atlantic FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Gulf and South Atlantic Councils). This final rule establishes two minimum size restrictions for importation of spiny lobster into the United States one applicable to spiny lobster imported into any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a more restrictive minimum size limit that applies to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, this final rule prohibits importation of eggbearing spiny lobsters and importation of spiny lobster tail m

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Mandatory Shrimp Vessel and Gear Characterization Survey

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; StormReady and TsunamiReady/StormReady Application Forms

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southeast Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Related

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (AP).

New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council(s (Council) Groundfish Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Mon, Jan 12 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Joint Canada-U.S. Review Panel for Pacific hake/whiting will hold a work session which is open to the public.

Marine Mammals; File No. 1128-1922

Fri, Jan 9 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Eduardo Mercado III, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, 350 Park Hall, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York, 14260, has been issued a permit to conduct research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

RIN: 0648-XM57

Fri, Jan 9 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Allocation Committee
[[Page 890]]
(GAC) will hold a working meeting, which is open to the public.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2009 Bering Sea Pollock Total

Fri, Jan 9 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This document corrects the comment period and a date for a temporary rule that published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2009 (74 FR 38). That rule adjusted the 2009 total allowable catch amount (TAC) for the Bering Sea pollock fishery to ensure the Bering Sea pollock TAC does not exceed the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for pollock in the Bering Sea subarea. One typographical error specifies that comments are due on the date of publication and another typographical error specifies that comments are due on January 13, 2008. The correct date is January 13, 2009. The date that data became available is also corrected.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Designation of Fishery Management Council Members and Application

Fri, Jan 9 2009 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Notice of Availability of a Draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the M/V

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Natural Resource Trustees (Trustees) for this project (identified below) have written a Draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft DARP/EA) that describes proposed alternatives for restoring natural resource injuries and compensating for recreational losses resulting from the November 26, 2004, oil spill at a refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey, into the Delaware River. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the Draft DARP/EA and to seek written comments on the proposed restoration alternatives.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene public meetings.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee will hold a public meeting regarding Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold a public meeting.

New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Herring Oversight Committee will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:00:00 GMT

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a series of public hearings regarding its Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) and Comprehensive EcosystemBased Amendment 1. The Council will also conduct scoping meetings regarding a Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Amendment, Amendment 18 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the South Atlantic, and a Comprehensive EcosystemBased Amendment 2. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2009 Gulf of Alaska Pollock and

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is adjusting the 2009 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined these TACs are incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the GOA pollock and Pacific cod TACs do not exceed the appropriate amounts based on the best available scientific information for pollock and Pacific cod in the GOA. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area (FMP).

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia from its 2008 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.

Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline (HG) for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Pacific coast for the fishing season of January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009. This HG is proposed according to the regulations implementing the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and establishes allowable harvest levels for Pacific sardine off the Pacific coast. The proposed initial HG for the 2009 fishing year is 65,732 mt and is proposed to be divided across the seasonal allocation periods in the following way: January 1June 30, 22,006 mt would be allocated for directed harvest with an incidental setaside of 1,000 mt; July 1September 14, 25,293 mt would be allocated for directed harvest with an incidental setaside of 1,000 mt; September 15December 31, 11,933 mt would be allocated for directed harvest with an incidental setaside of 4,500 mt. If during any of the seasonal allocation periods the applicable adjusted directed

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Groundfish;

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS proposes regulations implementing Amendment 90 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 78 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This proposed regulation would amend the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Amendment 80 Program and the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program to allow postdelivery transfers of cooperative quota to cover overages. This action is necessary to mitigate potential overages, reduce enforcement costs, and provide for more precise total allowable catch management. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Fishery Management Plans, and other applicable law.

Listing Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List Atlantic Wolffish as

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding for a petition to list Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. We will conduct a status review of Atlantic wolffish to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the review is comprehensive, we solicit information pertaining to this species from any interested party.

Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that NMFS has issued Permit 1075 Modification 1 to the Eel River Salmon Restoration Project (ERSRP) in Miranda, California.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Mon, Jan 5 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, the State of Hawai`i's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the Office of Hawai`ian Affairs have completed a Monument Management Plan (MMP) for the Papahaanaumokuaakea Marine National Monument (Monument) located in the Northwestern Hawai`ian Islands (NWHI). The Monument's resources, and current and future management activities, are described in the MMP and associated environmental assessment (EA). The NOAA and FWS developed separate findings of no significant impact (FONSIs) to address each agency's MMP/EA findings. Both FONSIs are available with the MMP/EA.

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Inseason Adjustment to the 2009 Bering Sea Pollock Total

Fri, Jan 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS is adjusting the 2009 total allowable catch amount (TAC) for the Bering Sea pollock fishery. This action is necessary because NMFS has determined this TAC is incorrectly specified. This action will ensure the Bering Sea pollock TAC does not exceed the appropriate amount based on the best available scientific information for pollock in the Bering Sea subarea. This action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP).

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2009 Summer

Fri, Jan 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues final specifications for the 2009 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. This final rule specifies allowed harvest limits for both commercial and recreational fisheries, including commercial scup possession limits. This action prohibits federally permitted commercial vessels from landing summer flounder in Delaware in 2009 due to continued quota repayment from previous years' overages.

The actions of this final rule are necessary to comply with regulations implementing the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as well as to ensure compliance with the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Stevens Act).

The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels and other management measures to ensure that target fishing mortality rates (F) or exploitation rates, as specified for these species in the FMP, are not exceeded. In addition, this action implements measures that ensure continued rebuilding of th

Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery; Control Date for American

Fri, Jan 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that it is considering, and is seeking public comment on a proposed rulemaking that would limit or restrict future access to the American lobster (Homarus americanus) trap fishery in the Federal waters of Lobster Management Area 1 (Area 1), the inshore Gulf of Maine, based upon a permit holder's ability to document a history of fishing with lobster traps in Area 1 prior to the date of this notice . This notice should discourage American lobster nontrap vessels from entering the lobster trap fishery, and discourage American lobster trap vessels fishing in other lobster management areas from entering the Area 1 lobster trap fishery, based upon economic speculation while NMFS, in consultation with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission), considers whether and how access and effort should be controlled. This document, therefore, gives the public two fold notification: first, that interested participants should locate and preserve records that substantiate and ver

[Docket No. 0612242720-81597 RIN 0648-ZB55

Fri, Jan 2 2009 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA publishes this notice to supplement the agency's solicitation
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for applications published on July 11, 2008 in an action entitled ``Omnibus Notice Announcing the Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009''. This notice announces 13 additional programs that are soliciting applications for FY 2009 funding.