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The National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced a series of free workshops on Atlantic Shark Identification and Safe Handling, Release, and Identification. These workshops will take place in various locations from April to June 2021. Atlantic shark dealers and vessel operators with specific permits are required to attend these workshops to maintain their permits. The workshops aim to improve shark species identification and teach safe handling techniques to protect endangered marine wildlife.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering an authorization request from the City of Ketchikan, Alaska, to permit incidental harassment of marine mammals during the Berth III Mooring Dolphins Project. This project involves construction activities that might disturb marine mammals, and NMFS is looking for public comments on this proposal as well as a potential 1-year renewal. The main goal is to ensure that the construction does not have a significant negative impact on the marine mammals or their habitat. The proposed measures include monitoring, mitigation efforts, and the use of the specified methods to minimize disturbance to the animals.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the public comment period for a proposed land exchange involving lands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and King Cove Corporation. The exchange could lead to the construction of a road for noncommercial use, mainly for health, safety, and subsistence purposes, connecting King Cove with Cold Bay, Alaska. This proposal has a complex history involving previous evaluations and legal actions. Interested parties, including the public and various agencies, are invited to submit their comments by February 13, 2025.

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.

The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is adopting six categorical exclusions (CXs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from other federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These CXs relate to managing public lands, including activities like habitat improvement, land acquisition, and handling rights-of-way, without needing extensive environmental evaluations. They worked with these agencies to ensure the exclusions are appropriate, and any actions taken will be considered to avoid extraordinary circumstances that could cause significant environmental impacts. The public can view documentation of this adoption online.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to conduct scientific research aimed at conserving endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, certain activities affecting endangered species are restricted unless a federal permit is granted. These permits may allow activities like capturing and collecting endangered species to help with their recovery and survival. The public can submit comments until February 12, 2025, and should refer to the permit application number when doing so.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced the receipt of applications for permits to conduct activities involving marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are seeking public comments on these applications, which aim to study and film northern sea otters in Washington State and Southeast Alaska. The public comment period ends on January 21, 2025. Details on how to submit comments and review applications are available online. The FWS will publish a notice regarding issued permits after the public comment period concludes.

Sappi North America, Inc. has applied to transfer several hydroelectric projects on the Presumpscot River in Maine to its subsidiary, Presumpscot Hydro LLC. The transfer involves projects like Saccarappa, Gambo, and others, with related land leases for transmission lines and fish passage facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is accepting public comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding this application within 30 days of the notice's issuance. Interested individuals can view the application documents on FERC's website and follow procedures to participate in the review process.

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.

Puget Sound Energy, Inc. has proposed improvements for the Upper Baker Dam that involve reinforcing the spillway and removing debris to prevent flooding and enhance power generation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project while collaborating with environmental agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. A key environmental consideration addressed in these consultations is the impact of the project on endangered species and their habitats, as well as essential fish habitats, particularly for Pacific coast salmon. The EA is expected to be issued by March 2025, and FERC is encouraging public participation and providing resources for those interested in engaging with the process.