Search Results for keywords:"Magnuson-Stevens Act"

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 (NMFS) has issued a final rule to implement measures for minimizing salmon bycatch in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. These measures aim to reduce the incidental catch of Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook and coho salmon. The rule introduces new management tools, including specific area closures and gear requirements, and establishes conditions under which fishery participants can access a Chinook salmon bycatch reserve. The rule also allows for the creation of Salmon Mitigation Plans (SMPs) by groups of fishing vessels to help manage bycatch while providing certain flexibilities to the industry.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is inviting public comments on a new information collection related to U.S. commercial fisheries. The goal is to gather economic data to better manage marine resources and support laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. They aim to collect information about costs, earnings, and other economic factors from various fisheries, focusing on a different set each year to reduce the burden on respondents. This data will help NOAA and other agencies make informed decisions regarding the fishing industry.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed harvest specifications for the groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for the years 2025 and 2026. This proposal outlines catch limits, apportionments, and prohibited species catch allowances necessary to manage groundfish resources sustainably, aligning with regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Public comments are invited until January 3, 2025, and these regulations include measures to protect species such as Pacific cod, halibut, and salmon, while ensuring fishing operations do not exceed scientific recommendations for conservation.

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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has set a 3.0% fee percentage for 2024 under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for halibut and sablefish in the North Pacific. This fee helps cover the costs involved in managing and enforcing the program. Fishermen must calculate their fees based on this percentage and the value of their catch, which they need to pay by January 31, 2025. Although management costs decreased, a significant drop in total fishery value keeps the fee percentage at this capped rate.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public input on its information collection activities related to vessel identification requirements in the West Coast region. This initiative, guided by the Paperwork Reduction Act, aims to minimize the reporting burden on businesses while ensuring regulatory compliance. Fishing vessels must display identification numbers in specific locations to assist with enforcing conservation laws. Public comments will help evaluate the necessity of this information, its data accuracy, and ways to improve collection and minimize respondent burden.

The Department of Commerce is asking for public comments on its information collection process related to the National Saltwater Angler Registry Program. This program gathers details from anglers and for-hire fishing vessels, such as names and contact information, to help estimate recreational fishing activities. The document invites comments for 60 days, offers details on how to send them, and describes the registration process, ensuring transparency about respondent obligations and legal authority. Comments will help assess and improve the accuracy and utility of the collection while seeking to minimize any reporting burden on the participants.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on the Commercial Operator's Annual Report (COAR) as part of a routine information collection review. The COAR is mandated for certain fish processors and collectors in Alaska to report on their purchasing and production activities. This information helps assess the value of fisheries resources and is used by federal and state agencies for fisheries management. Comments are invited to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and usefulness of this information collection and to explore ways to reduce the reporting burden.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final rule to establish harvest specifications and management measures for the 2025-26 Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. This rule sets limits on how much groundfish can be caught each year and revises management measures to prevent overfishing and help rebuild stock. Key changes include implementing a rebuilding plan for California quillback rockfish and updating allocation frameworks and fishing regulations. The rule also introduces a new permit system for the directed open access fishery and includes technical corrections and modifications to existing regulations.