WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
National – Alabama chef wins NOAA-sponsored Great American Seafood Cook-off |
| Chef Jim Smith, executive chef of the Alabama Governor's Mansion, took first place at the eighth annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans today. He impressed the judges with a dish titled "Late Summer Alabama Bounty" that featured sous vide shrimp and marinated crab with garam masala, scented yellow squash puree, farmers market lady peas, bacon-peach relish and Spanish basil oil. The event, sponsored by the NOAA Fisheries and presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, is known for pitting chefs from around the country in New Orleans which is legendary for its own seafood chefs. This year chefs from 14 states competed. The chefs were asked to create unique dishes with domestic seafood, and utilize fish that's native to their home states. NOAA Fisheries uses the cook-off to highlight to American seafood consumers the agency's commitment to sustainable fishing and a healthy marine environment. Read more |
National - Teachers return from walleye pollock survey |
| Anne Mortimer, a science teacher at Mount Vernon High School, and Kathleen Harrison, a science teacher at Hampton High School, both recently returned from their Teacher at Sea missions assisting researchers for 19 days as they surveyed walleye pollock in the Gulf of Alaska. The teachers boarded the NOAA ship Oscar Dyson, on July 4th in Kodiak, Alaska. During their 12-hour shifts, they assisted the scientists as they searched, fished, and measured the walleye pollock they caught. Both teachers kept blogs of their experiences, available on the NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog. Now in its 21st year, NOAA's Teacher at Sea program has provided over 600 teachers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience participating in science at sea. This year, NOAA received applications from more than 250 teachers, and chose 33 to participate in research cruises. The educators chosen are able to enrich their curricula with the depth of understanding they gain by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with scientists studying the marine environment. |
Northeast – NOAA proposes measures for monkfish fishery, seeks public comment through September 6 |
| NOAA Fisheries proposes to implement measures in Framework Adjustment 7 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan. The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils developed Framework 7 to adjust the annual catch target for the Northern Fishery Management Area to be consistent with the most recent scientific advice regarding the acceptable biological catch for monkfish. The New England Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee has recommended a revision to the acceptable biological catch based on information from a 2010 stock assessment (50th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC 50)). Framework 7 would also specify a new day-at-sea allocation and trip limits for the northern area corresponding with the new annual catch target and Framework 7, and would also adopt revised biomass reference points for the both management areas, based on the recommendations of SARC 50 and the Scientific and Statistical Committee. Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., EST, on September 6, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Northeast - NOAA seeks input on coordinated approach to help private dam owners comply with federal laws to recover endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine |
| NOAA is holding a series of informal public meetings in Maine to seek input on a new process to make it easier for non-federally licensed dam owners to meet their obligations under federal environmental laws and help restore endangered Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot, Merrymeeting, and Downeast watersheds. Because dam owners are responsible for impacts on salmon due to their dams, NOAA is encouraging removal of dams or installation of fish passage devices (fishways) so fish can reach spawning and rearing habitats that are critical to their survival. NOAA has scheduled public meetings in Maine to discuss this plan: • August 15 at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta, Maine; and • August 18 at the University of Maine in Machias, Maine. All meetings will occur between 6-8 pm. Read more |
Northeast - NOAA proposes new measures for Atlantic squid, mackerel and butterfish fishery, seeks public comment through September 15 |
| NOAA Fisheries proposes to implement measures in Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed Amendment 11 to establish a tiered limited access program for the Atlantic mackerel fishery, and to make other changes to the management of the mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. The Amendment 11 management measures include: • a limited access program for mackerel; • an open access incidental catch permit for mackerel; • an update to essential fish habitat designations for all life stages of mackerel, Loligo squid, Illex squid, and butterfish; • and the establishment of a recreational allocation for mackerel. This rule also proposes minor, technical corrections to the existing regulations pertaining to the mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., EST, on September 15, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Northeast - Atlantic herring population trends linked to egg predation by haddock |
| NOAA scientists have developed a population model for Atlantic herring that links herring population trends to the size of the haddock population. The model also provides evidence that egg predation by haddock can cause alternate stable population levels in Georges Bank herring. These results have significant ecological and management implications. Read more |
Northeast/Southeast - 2011 Blue Crab Stock Assessment released; Bay's blue crabs on the rebound |
| A new scientific report, the 2011 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Stock Assessment, confirms that Chesapeake Bay adult blue crab populations have increased since the last complete stock assessment in 2005 and provides important new data for state officials to consider in continuing to fully rebuild this iconic regional stock. According to the report, blue crab management measures, which Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission implemented in 2008 to reduce female crab harvest by 34%, likely led to an increase in abundance of adult female crabs, in turn resulting in a higher overall crab population and having a positive impact towards the long-term goal of a fully rebuilt stock. Read more |
Southeast - NOAA-supported scientists find large dead zone in Gulf of Mexico |
| NOAA-supported scientists found the size of this year's Gulf of Mexico dead zone to be 6,765 square miles. Researchers had predicted the potential for a record sized dead zone between 8,500 and 9,421 square miles due to the spring flooding of the Mississippi River and the associated large loads of nutrients running off into the Gulf, but strong winds and waves associated with Tropical Storm Don disrupted the western portion of the dead zone. Averaging 6,688 square miles over the past five years, the dead zone is fueled by nutrient runoff from agricultural and other human activities in the Mississippi River watershed, which stimulates an overgrowth of algae that sinks, decomposes and consumes most of the life-giving oxygen supply in bottom waters. The hypoxic zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas forms each summer and threatens valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. Read more |
Southeast - New NOAA report highlights economic and ecological value of the Gulf coastal region |
| A new report, The Gulf of Mexico at a Glance: A Second Glance, will provide coastal managers, planners, policy officials, and others with a reference to support regional decision-making and communications about the importance of healthy Gulf coastal ecosystems to a robust national economy, a safe population, and a high quality of life. The report, released by NOAA, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides economic and ecological highlights about the Gulf's coastal communities, economy, and ecosystems. This report is an update to NOAA's original Gulf of Mexico at a Glance, published in June 2008. The updated version includes nineteen topics that reveal highlights about the region, such as changes in the Gulf's coastal population from 1970 to 2020, the impact the Gulf's coastal areas have on the U.S. economy, the extent of land-based and marine protected areas in the Gulf coast region, and the vulnerability of the Gulf coast to long-term sea level rise. Read more |
Southeast – Updated data on Dolphin/ Whale (Cetacean) Unusual Mortality Event in Northern Gulf of Mexico and increase in Sea Turtle Strandings in the Gulf of Mexico |
| NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources has posted updated data on both the Dolphin/ Whale (Cetacean) Unusual Mortality Event in Northern Gulf of Mexico and the Increase in Sea Turtle Strandings in the Gulf of Mexico. |
Southeast – NOAA and USFWS announce finding on petition to list saltmarsh topminnow under the Endangered Species Act, seek information and comments through October 11 |
| NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the saltmarsh topminnow (topminnow; Fundulus jenkinsi) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The agencies have found that the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. The agencies will conduct a status review of the species to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, the agencies are soliciting scientific and commercial data on the species. Information and comments on the subject action must be received by October 11, 2011. Read more or submit information and comments. |
Alaska - Alaska scientists identify shoreline 'mystery goo' |
| Scientists at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Auke Bay Laboratories have determined the mysterious orange substance that washed ashore last week near the village of Kivalina is microscopic eggs. Although the eggs are natural, scientists could not rule out the possibility that the microscopic eggs were toxic. Samples have been sent to a NOAA lab on the east coast for further testing. Read more |
Alaska – NOAA proposes to modify Groundfish Limited Access Privilege Program in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, seeks public comment through September 9 |
| NOAA Fisheries has proposed to implement Amendment 93 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. This amendment would modify the criteria for forming and participating in a harvesting cooperative. This action is necessary to encourage greater participation in harvesting cooperatives, which enable members to more efficiently target species, avoid areas with undesirable bycatch, and improve the quality of products produced. Comments on the proposed amendment must be received no later than September 9, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Alaska – NOAA proposes to modify Crab Rationalization Program in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, seeks public comment through September 9 |
| NOAA Fisheries has proposed to implement Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs. This proposed amendment would modify procedures for producing and submitting documents that are required under the Arbitration System to resolve price, delivery, and other disputes between harvesters and processors under the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program. This action is necessary to improve the quality and timeliness of market information used to conduct arbitration proceedings. Comments on the proposed amendment must be received no later than September 9, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Alaska – North Pacific Fishery Management Council proposes to establish Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, seeks public comment through September 26 |
| The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 88 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska for review by the Secretary of Commerce. If approved, Amendment 88 would establish the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program. This proposed program would allocate exclusive harvest privileges to a select group of License Limitation Program license holders who used trawl gear to target Pacific ocean perch, pelagic shelf rockfish, and northern rockfish during specific qualifying years. Amendment 88 would modify the management plan to retain the conservation, management, safety, and economic gains realized under the Rockfish Pilot Program and viability of the Gulf of Alaska fisheries. This action is necessary to replace particular Rockfish Pilot Program regulations that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2011. Comments on Amendment 88 must be received on or before September 26, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
Southwest - Researchers map long-range migration of leatherback sea turtles |
| An international team of scientists from NOAA Fisheries and several western Pacific research and conservation organizations recently published a paper in the journal Ecosphere that reveals how leatherback turtles use vast areas of the Pacific Ocean and Indo-Pacific seas. The study, based on data from 126 leatherbacks tracked by satellite, is part of continuing research to understand how oceanographic features influence migration and foraging behavior of leatherbacks in order to improve conservation efforts for this endangered species. Read more |
Pacific Islands – NOAA proposes annual catch limits and accountability measures for Hawaii bottomfish fishery, seeks public comment through August 18 |
| NOAA Fisheries proposes to specify a quota (annual catch target) of 325,000 pounds (147,418 kg) of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands for the 2011-12 fishing year, based on a proposed annual catch limit (ACL) of 346,000 pounds (156,943 kg). When the fishery is projected to reach the quota, NOAA Fisheries would close, as an accountability measure, the commercial and non-commercial fisheries for Deep 7 bottomfish for the remainder of the fishing year. The proposed specifications and fishery closure support the long-term sustainability of Hawaii bottomfish. Comments must be received by August 18, 2011. Read more or submit a comment. |
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOAA Fisheries Holds Public Hearings on August 15 and 16 on Proposed Revisions to Critical Habitat for the Hawaiian Monk Seal; Written Comments Due by August 31
NOAA Fisheries will hold six public hearings for the proposed rule to revise critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal, which was published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2011. Remaining meetings will be held:• August 15, 2011—Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 308 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite 109, Hilo, Hawaii 96720—5:30-8 p.m.
• August 16, 2011—Kahakai Elementary School, 76-147 Royal Poinciana Drive, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740—6:30-9 p.m.
Read more
As noted in the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries will also consider written comments received on or before August 31, 2011. Submit a written comment.
NOAA Fisheries Announces Workshops on Protected Species Release, Disentanglement, and Identification and Atlantic Shark Identification in August and September
NOAA Fisheries will hold free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops in August and September of 2011. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. 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 who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2011. Click here for more information, dates, and locations.NOAA Fisheries Holding Several Public Meetings in August on Reducing Risk of Serious Injury or Mortality of Large Whales Due to Entanglements in Vertical Lines August 22-24
NOAA Fisheries is holding several public scoping meetings to solicit public comments on ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or mortality of North Atlantic right, humpback and fin whales as a result of vertical lines (buoy lines) in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries. NOAA Fisheries is committed to publishing a final rule to address vertical line entanglement by 2014. Remaining meetings will be held:• August 22nd from 5-8pm, Cape Canaveral, FL , Cape Canaveral Public Library, 201 Polk Avenue
• August 23rd from 6-9 pm, Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Port Authority Board Room, 2831 Talleyrand Avenue
• August 24th from 6-9pm, Garden City, GA, Garden City City Hall, 100 Central Avenue
Read more
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Holds Public Hearings on Proposed Red Grouper Management Measures August 22-25, Accepting Written Comments through September 1
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings from North Carolina to Florida regarding management measures proposed for red grouper. Amendment 24 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan for the South Atlantic would implement a rebuilding plan for red grouper in the South Atlantic and establish Annual Catch Limits (in pounds or numbers of fish) and Accountability Measures (should the catch limits be exceeded) for both recreational and commercial sectors of the red grouper fishery.Council staff will present an overview of the amendment and will be available for informal discussions and to answer questions. Local Council representatives will attend the meetings and take public comment regarding the amendment. Members of the public will have an opportunity to go on record at any time during the meeting hours to record their comments regarding Snapper Grouper Amendment 24 for consideration by the Council. A copy of the Public Hearing document for Amendment 24 will be available from the Council's website or by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10. The schedule of public hearings is available online. All hearings will take place from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Written comments should be sent to Bob Mahood, Executive Director, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405, or via email to: SGAmend24PHcomment@safmc.net. Written comments will be accepted from August 12, 2011 until 5:00 PM on September 1, 2011.
Due August 26: Nominations for Open Positions on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
Nominations are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) beginning in January 2012. MAFAC advises the Secretary of Commerce on all living marine resource matters 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 NOAA Fisheries. MAFAC members represent a wide spectrum of fisheries interests, environmental, academic, state, tribal, consumer and other related national interests. Members draw on their expertise, experience and other appropriate sources to conduct their work.Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties involved with or representing interests affected by NOAA Fisheries 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 consecutive terms if re-appointed. NOAA Fisheries is seeking qualified nominees to fill upcoming vacancies being created by term limits.
Full nomination instructions and guidelines are detailed in the Federal Register notice. For more information please contact: Executive Director, MAFAC
Deadline for Smart Gear Design Competition is August 31; $30K in Prize Money Available
The deadline for the 2011 International Smart Gear Competition is August 31. The competition is designed to find and highlight innovative ways to reduce fisheries bycatch. Along with the organizer the World Wildlife Fund, NOAA, Fondation Segré, ISSF, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans are supporting the 2011 competition which is open to anyone from fishermen to backyard inventors and students. The 2011 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 (ISSF), 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.Sept. 20-22: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting, Silver Spring, MD
NOAA Fisheries will hold a meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel on September 20-22, 2011, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Information on the venue and agenda will be provided at a later date. The meeting is open to the public.At the September 2011 meeting, NOAA Fisheries plans to discuss Atlantic bluefin tuna management, revitalizing the swordfish fishery, the future of the shark fishery, other shark fishery management issues, and items contained in the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that published June 1, 2009. The meeting may also continue discussions on the implementation of 2010 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas measures, an update on the recreational action plan for Atlantic highly migratory species, permitting and management options for swordfish and smoothhound sharks in trawl fisheries, electronic dealer reporting, vessel monitoring systems, and monitoring methods for Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries. NOAA Fisheries also plans to hold a shark catch share workshop for interested fishermen after the advisory panel meeting. Read more
Due Sept. 30: Proposals for Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Program
NOAA Fisheries is now accepting proposals for the 2012 Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Program. This program supports tribally led recovery efforts that directly benefit the following eligible species under NOAA Fisheries or joint NOAA Fisheries-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jurisdiction:• species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), excluding Pacific salmonids (proposals focusing on listed Pacific salmon or steelhead will not be considered for funding under this grant program; such projects may be supported through Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund)
• recently de-listed species
• candidate species
• species proposed for listing under the ESA
Recovery efforts supported by the program may involve management, research, outreach activities, and any combination thereof. Eligible applicants are federally recognized tribes. Proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov. For applicants without internet access, hard copies may be submitted (by postal mail or commercial delivery) to:
NMFS Office of Protected Resources
Attn: Sean Ledwin
1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3
Silver Spring, MD 20910
The deadline for the 2012 application is September 30, 2011. Read more
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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