Search Results for keywords:"Magnuson-Stevens Act"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released the final rule for the 2021 and 2022 harvest limits in the Gulf of Alaska's groundfish fishery. This rule sets the total allowable catch limits for various fish species to sustain fish populations and comply with management plans. The specifications are intended to balance environmental conservation with economic opportunities for fisheries and are in line with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These regulations take effect from February 19, 2021, ensuring the responsible management of fisheries resources in the region.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a final rule to implement Amendment 111, which reauthorizes the Central Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) Rockfish Program. This rule aims to preserve the program's existing benefits in conservation, management, safety, and economics. Key changes include removing the expiration date for the Rockfish Program, simplifying reporting requirements for fishing participants, and adjusting regulations to improve the program's efficiency. These updates are intended to continue promoting the goals of sustainable fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on an information collection related to observer programs for at-sea processing vessels involved in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. This initiative aims to ensure the efficient gathering of data by observers, which is important for monitoring fishery activities and managing resources to prevent overfishing, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The public is invited to submit comments by March 8, 2021, to assist in evaluating the necessity, efficiency, and burden of these data collection activities. The proposed methods of collection involve both electronic and paper forms, as well as interviews and phone calls.

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 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) 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 published the final 2021 and 2022 harvest specifications for groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. These specifications, which include catch limits and prohibitions on certain species' catch, are set to ensure sustainable fishing practices according to the Fishery Management Plan. The rules aim to conserve and manage marine resources in alignment with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The document also details the U.S. Department of Commerce's approach to balancing environmental, social, and economic factors in these fisheries management decisions.

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 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 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.