Search Results for keywords:"marine conservation"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that Connecticut has used up its 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder, so boats with federal permits can't land these fish in the state for the rest of the year, unless more quota is transferred from another state. This rule, effective December 10, 2024, ensures that fishing stays within limits to help manage and conserve fish populations. Regulations require that when a state's quota is harvested, a notice must be published to inform those in the fishing industry about the closure and prevent any further landings or sales in that state.

NOAA is expanding the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary by about 104 square miles, adding 14 new reefs and banks in the Gulf of Mexico. This expansion will bring the total sanctuary area to approximately 160.4 square miles, and existing regulations will apply to these new areas. The expansion aims to protect the unique marine biodiversity, including coral reefs and habitats for endangered species like sea turtles and whale sharks. This decision follows extensive public consultation and scientific research to enhance marine conservation while balancing oil, gas, and fishing interests.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are extending the public comment period for a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for seven threatened coral species in U.S. Indo-Pacific waters. The comment period is extended by 30 days, now closing on March 27, 2021. This extension follows public hearings and requests, including a letter from the Governors of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, to allow more time for public review and feedback on the proposed rule. The critical habitat designation aims to protect essential substrate and water column habitat important for the reproduction and growth of these coral species.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule intended to change speed regulations for vessels to better protect the endangered North Atlantic right whales. This decision was made because the public expressed a significant interest in further engagement, shown by approximately 90,000 comments. NMFS was unable to finalize the rule due to the large volume and complexity of the feedback within the current administration. The existing speed regulations for vessels, designed to prevent collisions with whales, will remain as they are, but NMFS may consider new actions in the future to address the issue.