Search Results for keywords:"National Marine Fisheries Service"

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) announced a change in the fee rate for the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery to help repay a loan related to their fishing capacity reduction program. Starting January 1, 2025, the fee rate will be lowered from 3.5% to 2.25% for all groundfish landings. This adjustment is necessary to make sure the loan is paid off within the planned 30-year period. Payments for these fees will be due by February 14, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Fishery Management Plan for Puerto Rico, which focuses on changing the annual catch limits (ACLs) for the triggerfish stock complex in Puerto Rico's federal waters. This is part of efforts to prevent overfishing and achieve the best use and conservation of these fish resources. The proposed rule intends to decrease the total ACL from 90,552 pounds to 87,220 pounds, affecting both commercial and recreational fishing limits. Public comments on this proposal are invited until January 16, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule to establish annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs) for bottomfish in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to promote sustainability. These measures, effective from 2020 to 2022 for Guam and 2020 to 2023 for the Northern Mariana Islands, aim to prevent overfishing and rebuild fish stocks if necessary. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, with a submission deadline of March 15, 2021. The NMFS plans to adjust catch limits in future years based on average catches to maintain healthy fish populations.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes a new regulation to enable electronic filing of the Certification of Admissibility (COA) form for importing certain fish and fish products to the United States. This rule aims to streamline the entry process for non-restricted seafood imports while maintaining adherence to laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enabling consistency across programs and reducing paperwork burdens. By automating the COA process through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal, NMFS intends to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with U.S. import restrictions on fisheries from foreign nations. Stakeholders, including importers and exporters, are encouraged to submit their comments on the proposal by February 18, 2025.

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 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a rule setting the 2021 allocation of Pacific whiting fishery resources. This rule allocates 17.5% of the U.S. total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific whiting to Pacific Coast Indian tribes, honoring their treaty rights. The remaining TAC will be divided among various non-tribal fishing sectors, with a focus on preventing overfishing and achieving optimal yields. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 18, 2021, emphasizing the importance of community input.

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 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) 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.