WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
National - NOAA Fisheries to Update Guidelines to Promote Safety in Fisheries Regulations; Seeks Public Input |
| NOAA Fisheries is asking for public input as it starts the process of updating the National Standard 10 guidelines that promote the safety of commercial and recreational fishermen in federal waters. These guidelines are used by federal fisheries managers as they draft fishing rules and regulations around the nation. The current guidelines were drafted in 1998 and since then fishery management and analytical methods to evaluate safety have changed and improved. Through the revision of these guidelines, NOAA Fisheries intends to enhance consideration of safety issues in fisheries management. NOAA is therefore issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register. The notice describes issues related to safety of human life at sea that NOAA’s Fisheries Service is considering addressing in the guidelines. In addition to inviting public comment and information through the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, NOAA is hosting a public meeting on May 19, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the NOAA Science Center, 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. NOAA Fisheries may hold additional public meetings at other locations around the country during the comment period. Read more or submit a comment. |
National - Commerce Appoints Marine Fisheries Advisors to National Committee; New Members from American Samoa, Florida, and Georgia |
| On April 21, the Department of Commerce announced the appointment of three new public advisors charged with counseling the Secretary of Commerce and NOAA on national saltwater fishery management and laws that protect marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean life. The three new members are part of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, or MAFAC, the only federal advisory panel charged with making recommendations to NOAA and the Secretary of Commerce on the department’s living marine resource responsibilities. The three new members are Phillip Dyskow (Canton, Ga.), Senior Advisor to the President and former President of the Yamaha Marine Group; Julie Morris (Sarasota, Fla.), Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, New College of Florida and former Member and Chair, Gulf of Mexico Regional Fishery Management Council; and Va'amua Henry Sesepasara (Pago Pago, American Samoa), Member, American Samoa House of Representatives and Vice-Chairman of the House Agricultural and Fishery Committee. Established in 1971, MAFAC consists of 15 to 21 individuals who are selected through a comprehensive public recruitment process. MAFAC members represent commercial and recreational fisheries interests, environmental organizations, academic institutions, tribes, and consumer groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions. Member terms are three years, and members may serve two consecutive terms. Read more. |
National – NOAA Celebrates 35th Anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act |
| April 13, 2011 marked the 35th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Read NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries Eric Schwaab’s thoughts on this visionary law and its role as a key driver for NOAA as we deliver on our nation's commitment to ocean stewardship, sustainable fisheries, and healthy marine ecosystems. |
National – All Federal Waters of the Gulf Once Closed to Fishing Due to Spill Now Open |
| On April 19, 2011, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 1,041 square miles of Gulf waters immediately surrounding the Deepwater Horizon wellhead, just east of Louisiana. This is the twelfth and final reopening in federal waters since July 22, and opens all of the areas in Federal waters formerly closed to fishing due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This reopening was announced after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and under a reopening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states. NOAA sampled this area several times between November 2010 and April 2011 for potentially affected finfish, including tuna, swordfish, and escolar. Sensory analyses of 86 finfish samples and chemical analyses of 112 finfish samples followed the methodology and procedures in the reopening protocol. Sensory analysis found no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis for oil-related compounds and dispersants were well below the levels of concern. All test results are publicly available. Read more. |
National - One Year Since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: FAQs on Sea Turtles, Dolphins, and Whales |
| These FAQs provide information on the efforts NOAA and its partners have made over the past year and the current status of response efforts. Read more. |
National - NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Board Release Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2010 |
| NOAA Fisheries and the National Fish Habitat Board recently released Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2010. This report is the result of a nationwide assessment of human effects on fish habitat in the rivers and estuaries of the United States, developed by the public/private partnership of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. This report provides an important picture of the challenges and opportunities facing fish and those engaged in fish habitat protection and restoration efforts. It also illustrates the need for strategic use of limited resources though partnerships—such as the Fish Habitat Partnerships established under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan—to identify the most effective use of funds and help the nation as a whole make progress in fish habitat conservation. Read more. |
National - Savannah Ocean Exchange Gulf Stream Award; Prescreening Application Due Date Extended to May 31 |
| Savannah Ocean Exchange, founded in 2010, unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact oceans and ocean life. The Board of Governors includes 27 leaders from around the world, who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean. The theme for the 2011 Savannah Ocean Exchange is "Shaping the Future of Our Coasts" and looks to share the best worldwide solutions that will drive sustainable change; improve ecological, economic, and worldwide connectivity; while respecting the unique cultures and sense of place of our coastal communities. To celebrate "Creators of Solutions Inspiring Action", a $100,000 Gulfstream Navigator Award will be given to the Solution Creator whose work demonstrates the greatest potential for "Shaping the Future of Our Coasts", and represents excellence and fulfills the purpose through the solution's feasibility and ease of implementation. The due date for prescreening applications has been extended to May 31, 2011. The award will be given at a Solutions Exchange event, September 7-8, in Savannah, GA. For more information about the Exchange, the award and other details, please visit www.savannahoceanexchange.org. |
Northeast - New England Fishing Season to Open with Higher Catch Limits and More Access for Small-vessel Fishermen |
| When the new fishing year kicks off on May 1, groundfish fishermen will have more opportunity to fish in Northeast waters, small-vessel owners will get a boost through permit banks, and stocks will continue on the path to rebuilding. This year’s higher catch limits will affect 12 groundfish stocks including Georges Bank cod, Gulf of Maine cod, Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, American plaice, witch flounder, Georges Bank winter flounder, Southern New England winter flounder, redfish, white hake, and halibut. Catch limit increases for 11 of the stocks are due to successful rebuilding efforts. The Georges Bank yellowtail flounder increase comes as a result of rebuilding and negotiations with Canada thanks to Congressional modifications to existing U.S. law. In addition to higher catch limits, other measures will go into effect on May 1. Read more. |
Northeast - Former Commercial Fisherman Named Compliance Assistance Liaison to Continue Outreach to Industry in Northeast |
| Building on NOAA's previous actions to improve its enforcement program and to strengthen its efforts to improve communication with and outreach to the fishing industry, a former commercial fisherman has been tapped as NOAA Office of Law Enforcement’s compliance assistance liaison in the Northeast. Selected through a competitive process, Don Frei began working as compliance assistance liaison in mid-April. As OLE's compliance assistance liaison, Frei will interact with stakeholders and work with them to solve problems. While Frei will work for OLE, he will not be an enforcement officer or a special agent. Read more. |
Northeast - Comprehensive Harbor Seal Survey Underway off New England Coast |
| The first comprehensive study of harbor seals in a decade gets underway this month off the coast of Cape Cod and mid-coast Maine to determine the distribution and abundance of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) along the New England coast. In the first phase of the study, researchers will live capture adult harbor seals, attach radio and flipper tags to these animals, and take biological samples. Aerial surveys along the Maine coast will be conducted in late May to relocate tagged seals and estimate the abundance of pups and non-pups. Read more. |
Northeast - New England Fishery Management Council Seeks Public Comment on Multispecies Fishery Management Plan Amendment 17; Comments due May 18 |
| Amendment 17 would explicitly define and facilitate the effective operation of permit banks operated by a New England state and funded, at least in part, through a Federal grant award from NOAA for this purpose (“NOAA-sponsored, state-operated permit banks”). This amendment will address the existing regulatory constraint that prevents the NOAA-sponsored, state-operated permit banks from operating as intended as the current provisions of the Multispecies Fishery Management Plan do not recognize NOAA-sponsored, state-operated permit banks. Comments on Amendment 17 must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern time on May 18, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Northeast – NOAA Seeks Comments on Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass; Due May 23 |
| NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on measures to increase the previously implemented scup commercial and recreational landing allowances for 2011 and on management measures for the 2011 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern time on May 23, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Southeast - NOAA Celebrates Recovery Act Project Restoring Wetlands, Creating Habitats and Supporting Local Jobs |
| On April 16, 2011, NOAA, the Ecosphere Restoration Institute, state and local partners celebrated in Ruskin, Fla. the completion of an American Reinvestment Recovery Act project that restored nearly 70 acres of wetlands that feed into Tampa Bay. The project restored fish and wildlife habitat lost in the 1950s when the wetlands were filled for development. NOAA provided $750,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding to Ecosphere Restoration Institute for the project. Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District also contributed funding for the restoration. Read more. |
Southeast – NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Gulf Gag Grouper Management Measures; Comments due May 6 |
| This proposed temporary rule would replace a temporary rule made effective January 1, 2011, and implement interim measures to reduce overfishing of gag in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule would reduce the commercial quota for gag and, thus, the combined commercial quota for shallow-water grouper species, and establish a 2-month recreational season for gag. This rule would also suspend red grouper multi-use allocation in the Gulf grouper and tilefish individual fishing quota program, as recommended by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to reduce overfishing of the gag resource in the Gulf. Written comments must be received on or before May 6, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Southeast - NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Comments due June 1 |
| NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. The statement addresses: 1) removal of four minor lobster species from the management plan; 2) modification of management reference points and status determination criteria; 3) establishment of sector allocations; 4) establishment of an acceptable biological catch rule, annual catch limits, annual catch targets, and accountability measures; 5) update of the Framework Procedure and Protocol for Enhanced Cooperative Management; 6) modification of regulations regarding use of undersized lobster as attractants; 7) modification of regulations regarding tailing permits; 8) closure of areas to protect threatened coral species; 9) requirement of trap line markings; and 10) removal of derelict traps. Written comments must be received no later than June 1, 2011, in order to be considered by NOAA Fisheries. Read more or submit a comment. |
Northwest - NOAA Finds Petition to List Chinook Salmon in Upper Klamath and Trinity Rivers Basin May Be Warranted; Seeks Public Input through June 13 |
| NOAA Fisheries recently announced that it will decide whether or not to list Chinook salmon in the Upper Klamath and Trinity rivers basin as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The agency found that a petition to list the fish contained substantial scientific information warranting federal review. As part of the review, NOAA Fisheries is asking the public for information pertaining to this species and its habitat to assist in completing the status review. Written comments, data and information must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. local time on June 13, 2011 and identified by the RIN 0648-XA272 by any of the following methods: • Electronic submissions: Via the eRulemaking portal, http://www.regulations.gov, and follow instructions for submitting comments. • Mail or hand-delivery to: Assistant Regional Administrator Protected Resources Division, Attention: Rosalie del Rosario National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200 Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 The review team, composed of scientists with diverse backgrounds, will use the best available scientific and commercial information to evaluate the status of the species. NOAA Fisheries will make a finding by January 28, 2012. Read more. |
Southwest - New Paper on North Pacific Albacore Migration |
| Southwest Fisheries Science Center researchers recently published a new paper on North Pacific albacore migration in the most recent issue of Fisheries Oceanography. The scientists used archival tags to study the seasonal movements, migration patterns and vertical distribution of juvenile North Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga). Their study provides a comprehensive examination of horizontal and vertical movements of juvenile albacore in the Northeast Pacific. The results reveal diverse behavior that varies regionally and seasonally as albacore move among different habitats throughout the entire North Pacific. Read more. |
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOAA Announces Workshops on Protected Species Release, Disentanglement, and Identification and Atlantic Shark Identification in April, May, and June 2011
NOAA Fisheries announces Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in April, May, and June of 2011. Click here for further information regarding workshop requirements or contact Rick Pearson, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, (727) 824-5399.NOAA Law Enforcement to Hold Public Meetings on 2011 Charter Halibut Regulations May 3-May 25
Fishing season is upon us! Do you have questions about the 2011 charter halibut management measures or other fishing regulations? Officers from NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement will hold public outreach meetings in several Southeast Alaska communities next month to discuss 2011 charter halibut fishing regulations and answer any questions from concerned parties. Click here for the schedule of meetings and other information.South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Seats Open to Applicants; Applications due May 16
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting applications for seats currently available on its advisory panels. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has 15 separate advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of, or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or group of fishes to be managed. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, conservationists, scientists, and concerned citizens.Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on the AP can reapply for their positions. These seats also become open to new applicants. AP members generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:
• Golden Crab Advisory Panel: (1) Open Seat
• Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel: (8) Open Seats and (2) Wreckfish Sub-panel Seats
• Spiny Lobster Advisory Panel: (10) Open Seats
If you are interested in serving as a member on the Council's advisory panels, please submit an application to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10. Application forms are also available online. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact area Council representatives to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available at www.safmc.net or through the Council office.
Applications must be received by May 16, 2011. Advisory panel members will be selected during the next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, scheduled for June 12-17, 2011 in Key West, Florida.
WWF Announces 2011 International Smart Gear Design Competition to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch; Open March 1 – August 31
The World Wildlife Fund recently launched the 2011 International Smart Gear Competition, to find innovative ways to reduce the amount of fisheries bycatch. NOAA, Fondation Segré, ISSF, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans are supporting the 2011 competition. Open to anyone from fisherman, backyard inventors and students, the competition will be open from March 1 to August 31, 2011. The 2011 International Smart Gear Competition is offering a grand prize of $30,000 and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Additionally, in partnership with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, the competition is offering a $7,500 special tuna prize that will be awarded to the idea that will reduce the amount of bycatch found in tuna fisheries. Tuna sustainability is the top WWF global fisheries conservation priority.FEDERAL REGISTER ACTIONS
For a list of only those actions open for public comment, go to http://www.regulations.gov and scroll search for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For a list of all daily actions, check the Federal register online
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