Search Results for keywords:"National Marine Fisheries Service"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issued a correction to two temporary rules that were initially published in March 2025. These rules, which concern the recreational fishing closures for golden tilefish and gag in the South Atlantic, had errors in their subject headings. The corrections clarify exactly which fishing rules apply during the specified dates in the U.S. exclusive economic zone. This correction became effective on March 31, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has granted a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Hilcorp Alaska LLC. This authorization allows the incidental, unintentional take—or disturbance—of four species of marine mammals during Hilcorp's oil and gas activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska. This LOA is issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and incorporates necessary conditions related to the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of any incidents. The authorization is valid until April 21, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to the Murphy Exploration and Production Company for activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA allows the company to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals while conducting geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities. The authorization is based on specific regulations ensuring any impact on marine life is negligible, and it includes mitigating measures like monitoring and reporting. The survey is planned to last seven days within designated areas and is expected to comply with all applicable rules regarding the protection of marine mammals.

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 is holding free workshops in 2025 for fishermen and shark dealers. These workshops include Atlantic Shark Identification and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops aimed at meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining valid permits. The workshops are mandatory for certain individuals, like shark dealers and vessel owners, who use certain types of fishing gear. Additional online recertification workshops are available for those who have already attended in-person training.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that Massachusetts is transferring 65,000 pounds of its 2024 commercial bluefish quota to North Carolina. This change complies with the rules of the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan and ensures North Carolina does not exceed its state quota. The revised quotas are 155,862 pounds for Massachusetts and 1,030,996 pounds for North Carolina. The transfer was mutually agreed upon by the two states and approved by the Regional Administrator.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are holding a third assessment webinar for the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 68 process. This process focuses on evaluating the population status and management of the scamp grouper in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic. The webinar will take place on March 22, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Participants will discuss and recommend methods for assessing the fish stock using data gathered in previous webinars.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to South Fork Wind, LLC, which would allow the company to take certain marine mammals incidentally during the construction of the South Fork Offshore Wind Project. This project involves pile driving and high-resolution geophysical surveys off the coast of Rhode Island, which may affect marine mammals. NMFS evaluated potential impacts to marine mammals, including endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale, and proposed stringent mitigation measures, such as seasonal restrictions and monitoring, to minimize potential harm. Public comments are requested on this proposal, with the possibility of a one-year renewal under certain conditions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a notice about various fish stocks that are either currently overfished or undergoing overfishing. This includes the Gulf of Mexico cobia, lane snapper, South Atlantic golden tilefish, and silky shark in the Pacific Ocean, which have been identified as subject to overfishing. Also highlighted are the Sacramento River Chinook salmon and other species, which remain overfished, while Pacific bluefin tuna is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. The NMFS is working with regional fishery management councils to address these issues.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA, is organizing three public hearings to discuss proposed critical habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act. These habitats are for the Arctic ringed seal and the Beringia segment of the bearded seal. The hearings will be conducted via conference call on February 23, 24, and 25, 2021. People can submit their comments online or by mail by March 9, 2021, and these comments will become part of the public record.