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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new hunting regulations for migratory game birds for the 2025-26 season. These regulations are part of an annual process where they set general guidelines, called frameworks, within which individual states can decide specifics like hunting season dates. The proposal includes various regulatory alternatives, particularly for duck hunting, and potential changes to the system of zones and split seasons. The Service is also exploring a new administrative process to streamline regulation, aiming to increase efficiency and save costs while maintaining conservation goals. Public comments are encouraged on all aspects of the proposal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has updated its rules to allow the general public, educators, and government agencies to possess migratory birds and eagles under certain conditions without needing a permit. This change improves clarity and reduces administrative burdens by moving from a permit system to regulatory authorizations for various activities, such as the salvage of dead birds, exhibition use of bird specimens, and relocating birds trapped in buildings. The revisions also address specific rules for handling, possessing, and using eagle specimens for educational purposes, and clarify situations under which these birds can be handled. The updates aim to streamline processes while ensuring the protection of migratory birds and eagles.

The United States, on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the State of Iowa, is seeking public comments on a proposed settlement with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). This settlement addresses the damage to natural resources caused by an ethanol spill from a derailed CP train near the Mississippi River in 2015. CP has agreed to pay $282,391 for restoration efforts, and in return, will not face legal action from the trustees for these claims. The public has 30 days from the notice's publication date to submit comments, which can be sent via email or mail.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule to set annual catch limits for Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean for 2021. This rule follows an international agreement to help preserve this overfished species. The total limit for U.S. commercial fishing is set at 425 metric tons with specific trip limits that decrease as cumulative catches increase throughout the year, ensuring tighter control over the fishing activities. Comments on this proposal must be submitted by February 4, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for Area 2A, which includes waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. These changes aim to manage recreational fisheries better and include adjustments to fishing seasons, allocations, and management measures. The proposed rule is intended to conserve the Pacific halibut while allowing for more angler opportunities. The public is invited to submit comments on this proposal by March 15, 2021.

The Coast Guard has established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a rule to designate critical habitat for four distinct population segments of the foothill yellow-legged frog in California under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal outlines the locations and features necessary for the conservation of this frog species, covering around 760,071 acres. The proposal also considers potential impacts on land use, such as economic and national security concerns, as well as existing conservation plans. Public comments are invited until March 17, 2025, with requests for a public hearing due by February 28, 2025.

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing amendments to the consultation regulations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These changes pertain to land management plans by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The proposed revisions aim to make it clear that when new information emerges which could affect species or habitats in ways not previously considered, reinitiating consultation won't always be necessary, as long as a separate action-specific consultation is conducted for any related actions. The goal is to improve the efficiency and consistency of interagency cooperation procedures.

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies on their data collection activities. This request is related to the identification requirements for fishing gear on the West Coast, which are necessary for effective fisheries management and regulatory compliance. The comments are invited to help improve this process and reduce the public's reporting burden. Interested parties have until March 26, 2021, to submit their feedback via email.