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 New England Fishery Management Council will hold a public meeting from April 14-17, 2025, to discuss various issues affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone. The meeting, which will take place both in-person at the Hilton Hotel in Mystic, CT, and online, will cover topics such as risk policy implementation, fishery monitoring, essential fish habitat designations, and updates on several fish species and committees. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide public comments on relevant issues, and those with disabilities can request accommodations in advance. The meeting will also include a final day focus on scallop management and recent legislative updates.

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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has reclassified the pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) from "threatened" to "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act. This change is based on concerns about the coral's risk of extinction due to factors like ocean warming, disease, and habitat damage. The reclassification aims to provide enhanced protection and conservation efforts to prevent the coral's extinction. This decision was made following a 5-year review, expert opinions, and public comments, concluding that the coral is in danger throughout its range.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced a webinar for the SEDAR 101 assessment of the HMS sandbar shark. This assessment will include a Data Workshop and an Assessment Workshop as part of a larger process to evaluate the fish stock's status. The webinar will take place on March 19, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time, and is open to the public via invitation. Participants will discuss what data might be available for the assessment, and only issues mentioned in the notice or those requiring emergency action will be addressed during the meeting.

The Department of Commerce will submit a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of revised forms related to occupational health, safety, and readiness in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This request is part of a regular review process aimed at reducing the public's reporting burden, per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public comments are invited on the proposed revisions, especially regarding the changes to the Health Services Questionnaire used by NOAA to ensure comprehensive medical histories for personnel on NOAA vessels. These forms help NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations ensure that personnel are medically ready for deployment and can prevent and manage health issues in difficult operating conditions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2021 as part of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requirements. This list classifies commercial fisheries based on their interactions with marine mammals, categorizing them into three groups based on the potential for causing injury or death to these animals. The classifications help determine fishery participants' obligations, such as registering for observer coverage. Additionally, the NMFS reviewed comments from the public and organizations, resulting in some fisheries being reclassified and updates to the list of species that are incidentally harmed by these fisheries.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and NOAA are conducting a workshop to review data for the assessment of Gulf of Mexico gag grouper. The workshop will be held online from February 9 to February 11, 2021. This is part of the SEDAR 72 assessment process, which is a comprehensive method for evaluating fish stocks in the Southeast Region. The process includes data workshops, webinars, and review sessions to understand the status of the fish population and recommend future research and monitoring needs. The public can participate in the webinar by contacting Julie A. Neer at SEDAR in advance.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Social Science Planning Team (SSPT) will hold a web conference on March 4, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska Time. The meeting will focus on discussing Economic Data Reporting (EDR) stakeholder meetings and proposing alternatives for the Council. Attendees can join through a provided online link. Public comments can be submitted electronically before the meeting.

Leslie Hart, Ph.D., from the College of Charleston, has applied for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research. This permit would allow her to handle parts from up to 700 cetaceans and 700 pinnipeds each year, excluding walruses, to study their exposure to environmental microplastics. The application process falls under several laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Public comments on this application are open until January 16, 2025, and a public hearing can be requested.