Search Results for keywords:"Florida Gulf

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.

North Florida Industrial Railroad, LLC (NFIR) has submitted a notice to lease and operate approximately 4,891 feet of inactive railroad track in Columbia County, Florida. This track connects the North Florida Mega Industrial Park with a rail line run by Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad. The lease will help the park's tenants by facilitating the shipment of goods. NFIR states that its projected revenues will remain under $5 million and that this arrangement will not affect its status as a Class III rail carrier. This plan is exempt from environmental and historic preservation reviews.

Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking permission for their Gulf Coast Storage Expansion Project in Harrison County, Texas. The project aims to enhance the gas storage capacity by converting 10 billion cubic feet of cushion gas to working gas and installing additional infrastructure, including a new compressor unit and a 30-inch-diameter pipeline. Individuals and organizations can participate in the proceedings by filing comments, protests, or motions to intervene by February 13, 2025. The FERC is facilitating public engagement and has made resources available online for those interested in the environmental review and procedural progression of the project.

The Department of Commerce is inviting public comments on the necessity and impact of collecting economic data from Gulf and South Atlantic shrimp fishers who hold federal permits. This data collection is part of a larger effort to meet the goals of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The collected information includes shrimp fishers’ revenues, costs, and investments, which will be used to analyze their response to federal regulations. The deadline for submitting comments is May 19, 2025, and the data will be gathered via a mail survey to about 650 participants.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to update the classification of the West Indian manatee by distinguishing between its two subspecies, listing the Florida manatee as a threatened species and the Antillean manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal involves removing the West Indian manatee from the list and replacing it with the two subspecies to provide them with distinct protections. The Florida manatee faces threats like habitat loss, watercraft collisions, and climate change, whereas the Antillean manatee is endangered by factors like poaching, low genetic diversity, and ineffective regulatory enforcement in some areas. Public comments are invited on this proposed rule until March 17, 2025.

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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to implement Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan for the 2025 and 2026 fishing years. This plan includes setting scallop catch limits, allocating fishing efforts, and modifying access area management to protect juvenile scallops. The adjustment also involves seasonal closures, area openings, and a research set-aside for scallop studies. The proposed rule aims to prevent overfishing, increase yield, and optimize the sustainability of scallop fisheries.

The Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management of the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a study evaluating the effects of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the economy, environment, and energy security. This study includes detailed analyses of potential impacts on domestic energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities where gas production occurs. DOE encourages public comments on the study but does not plan to make revisions based on these comments, aiming instead to use them to guide decisions on LNG exports in countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. Those interested can provide their feedback electronically by February 18, 2025.

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 seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to its Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program. This program, part of the Department of Commerce, aims to improve ocean and coastal environmental understanding through education grants. To achieve this, NOAA is extending its existing data collection efforts to monitor and improve B-WET activities by gathering feedback from grant recipients and teachers. Comments on the proposal are invited until February 18, 2025, to help evaluate and enhance the program’s effectiveness.