Search Results for keywords:"Pennsylvania Fish

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to add all species of Asian pond mussels (Sinanodonta), golden mussels (Limnoperna), and marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) to the list of injurious wildlife. This action aims to prohibit the importation and transport of these species within certain U.S. jurisdictions due to their potential to harm native ecosystems by competing for resources, spreading quickly, and carrying pathogens. The proposed listings are part of efforts to protect U.S. interests by preventing these invasive species from establishing themselves and causing ecological damage. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 11, 2025.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing a rule that would require alcohol beverage labels to disclose the presence of major food allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. This initiative aims to give consumers who are allergic to these foods essential information to make informed choices about alcohol consumption. The proposal is part of a broader push to standardize labeling with other food products, and TTB is considering an extended compliance period to reduce the impact on the industry, particularly small businesses. Comments on the proposal are being sought until April 17, 2025.

On January 7, 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule concerning the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) which aimed to exclude incidental take of migratory birds from prohibited activities. However, the rule's effective date, initially set for February 8, 2021, has been delayed to March 8, 2021. This decision follows the Congressional Review Act, ongoing litigation, and concerns from the Canadian government. The delay allows for further review and public comment on whether the rule should be amended, further delayed, or rescinded entirely.

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to renew its information collection process for the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests without any changes. These programs, which began in the 1930s and 1990s respectively, help preserve habitats and promote conservation education through art contests that allow participants to submit duck-themed artwork. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is open to adults, while the Junior Duck Stamp Contest is for students in kindergarten to grade 12, and both programs have contributed significantly to wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The Service is requesting public comments on the collection process to ensure it minimizes burdens and serves its intended purpose.

Avalon Motor Coaches, LLC, along with its affiliates, is planning to acquire most of the assets and contracts of Rose Chauffeured Transportation, Inc. The Surface Transportation Board has tentatively approved this transaction, stating it aligns with the public interest. Comments on the deal are invited until February 24, 2025; if none are received, the approval will become final on February 25, 2025. Avalon plans to maintain the current workforce of Rose and aims to improve service efficiency by integrating Rose's services with its own.

The Department of the Interior is inviting the public to comment on the Florida Trustee Implementation Group's Draft Restoration Plan 2 and Environmental Assessment. This plan suggests projects to restore natural habitats, sea turtles, marine mammals, and birds, and to boost recreational activities in Florida following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The proposals, which cost around $62.2 million, also aim to compensate for the lost recreational opportunities caused by the spill. Public comments are accepted until March 29, 2021, and a public webinar will be held on March 11, 2021, to discuss the proposal and gather feedback.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Tuna Conventions Act that would set annual and trip limits on the U.S. commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna for 2025-2026. These measures aim to conserve the tuna population and meet the U.S.'s international commitments with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The proposed rule outlines specific trip limits that decrease as the cumulative catch approaches annual limits, and details a system for announcing and managing in-season actions to adjust these limits. Public comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment are invited until January 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has approved and implemented Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. This rule sets fishing specifications and management measures for 2025 and 2026, including allocations of fishing effort, opening and closure of certain areas to protect juvenile scallops, and clarifications to research set-aside program regulations. The aim is to prevent overfishing, improve scallop yields, and optimize management of the fishery. Framework 39 increases opportunities for harvesting while managing bycatch and preserving scallop stock sustainability.

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.