Search Results for agency_names:"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as requested by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has issued regulations to allow the oil and gas industry to unintentionally take marine mammals during geophysical survey activities in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years. This means that companies can get special permissions to conduct surveys that might disturb marine mammals, as long as they follow guidelines to minimize the impact on these animals and their habitats. This includes using monitoring and reporting methods to ensure compliance with the rules, and taking measures like stopping activities to avoid harming the animals. These regulations aim to balance industrial activities with the protection of marine life.

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking public feedback on their information collection process associated with the National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. In line with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the goal is to revise the application process and gather comments to minimize the public's reporting burden. The NOAA is inviting comments until April 6, 2021, and feedback will help in evaluating the necessity and effectiveness of the information collected. The collected data will assist in the selection of members for advisory councils that provide guidance on the management of marine sanctuaries.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is asking for public comments on an information collection related to fisheries in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Fishers will work with NOAA to voluntarily collect detailed data during fishing trips using specific software. This data helps improve understanding of fish populations and can inform management decisions based on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Public comments on this information collection are open until May 19, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is announcing the standard prices and the fee percentage for cost recovery for the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program for the 2024 fishing year, which runs from May 1 to November 15. The fee percentage is set at 3.00 percent, which is the maximum allowable by law, even though the calculated cost recovery rate was higher. These fees are used to cover management and enforcement costs and must be paid by February 15, 2025. The significant increase in program costs and the decrease in fishery value led to the higher calculated recovery rate.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting comments from the public on its plan to extend an information collection about small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The study aims to gather data on demographics, fishing practices, and economic conditions to help improve fishery management and comply with legal standards. Participation is voluntary, and the surveys will be conducted in person. They anticipate a total of 1,500 respondents, with each survey taking about 30 minutes, leading to an estimated 750 total hours of public engagement annually. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 26, 2021.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, announced a pilot program for matching funds to support hydrographic surveys, encouraging partnerships with non-Federal entities like state governments and universities. The program aims to enhance ocean and coastal mapping, contributing to safe navigation, climate adaptation, and more. NOAA will match funds provided by partners and ensure all data collected is publicly accessible. Interested parties must submit proposals by February 26, 2021, highlighting their project plans and funding sources. This initiative is part of NOAA's broader efforts to map U.S. waters by 2040.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection related to identifying vessels and gear in the Southeast Region. This is part of a regular collection review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The purpose of these markings is to aid in the enforcement of fishing regulations and to ensure that activities are carried out legally. The comment period is open until April 20, 2021, and aims to evaluate the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden of the information collection.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Commerce Department, is seeking public comments on revisions to information collection practices for licensing private remote-sensing space systems, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The changes include a new online platform, the Commerce Licensing and Compliance System for Space (CLCSS), to simplify how licensees submit applications, modifications, and notifications. The goal is to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency, while ensuring these activities align with U.S. national security and international responsibilities. Public comments can help evaluate the necessity, accuracy, and burden of this information collection.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented a final rule that allows hook-and-line catcher/processors to use longline pot gear when targeting Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea. This regulation aims to improve fishing efficiency, boost economic benefits, and reduce interactions with killer whales, which have negatively impacted this fishery. With the approval of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the rule addresses gear restrictions, whale depredation, and species retention, promoting effective fishery management and conservation. The new rules will be effective from April 28, 2025, and include requirements for gear marking and reporting to aid in monitoring and enforcement.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public feedback on a revision of information collection activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information is needed to manage and protect national marine sanctuaries by evaluating permit applications for activities usually prohibited unless permitted. Changes include revising the permit application process and a reduction in the number of permits issued yearly. Comments can be submitted to NOAA's PRA officer, and are encouraged to focus on whether the information collection is necessary, accurate, and effectively minimizes reporting burdens.