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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is inviting public comments on a new information collection related to U.S. commercial fisheries. The goal is to gather economic data to better manage marine resources and support laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. They aim to collect information about costs, earnings, and other economic factors from various fisheries, focusing on a different set each year to reduce the burden on respondents. This data will help NOAA and other agencies make informed decisions regarding the fishing industry.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting comments from the public on its plan to extend an information collection about small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The study aims to gather data on demographics, fishing practices, and economic conditions to help improve fishery management and comply with legal standards. Participation is voluntary, and the surveys will be conducted in person. They anticipate a total of 1,500 respondents, with each survey taking about 30 minutes, leading to an estimated 750 total hours of public engagement annually. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 26, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has temporarily banned fishing for Pacific cod with jig gear in a specific area of the Gulf of Alaska. This decision aims to ensure that the amount of fish caught does not exceed the allowed limit for the A season of 2025. The restriction is active from April 14, 2025, to June 10, 2025, and is based on regulations established to protect fish populations. The agency expedited the rule's implementation due to urgent, recent data indicating the catch limit was nearly reached.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA and the Commerce Department, has announced a temporary rule to stop directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in a specific part of the Gulf of Alaska. This decision is to ensure the 2025 total allowable catch for this area is not exceeded and will be in effect from February 28, 2025, to June 10, 2025. The rule was enacted quickly without prior public notice or comment due to the urgent nature of the situation, based on data that became available in January 2025.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, announced a pilot program for matching funds to support hydrographic surveys, encouraging partnerships with non-Federal entities like state governments and universities. The program aims to enhance ocean and coastal mapping, contributing to safe navigation, climate adaptation, and more. NOAA will match funds provided by partners and ensure all data collected is publicly accessible. Interested parties must submit proposals by February 26, 2021, highlighting their project plans and funding sources. This initiative is part of NOAA's broader efforts to map U.S. waters by 2040.

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils are hosting a joint public meeting of the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel on January 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This meeting will address updates on fishery surveys and discuss projects like the Industry Based Multispecies Bottom Trawl Survey. It will take place at the Embassy Suites in Philadelphia, PA, with an option to join virtually. The meeting is open to the public and accessible for people with disabilities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments on information collection related to scientific research and exemptions under fishing regulations, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Interested parties have until March 10, 2025, to submit their comments, which will help NOAA assess and minimize the reporting burden. This request is an extension of an existing collection and involves submitting reports and requests for permits regarding scientific and educational activities that require temporary exemptions from regular fishing rules. Comments will assist in evaluating the necessity, feasibility, and impact of these collections.

On February 13, 2025, a notice was published announcing the cancellation of a virtual U.S. stakeholder meeting originally scheduled for February 20, 2025, to discuss the management of North Pacific albacore. This meeting was initially announced in the Federal Register on January 3, 2025. For additional information, individuals can contact Emily Reynolds or Tyler Lawson from NOAA, via phone or email as provided. The cancellation was confirmed by Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries at the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking nominations for its Permanent Advisory Committee. This committee is involved with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which focuses on managing fish stocks in the Pacific Ocean. The advisory committee will have 15-20 members from various groups concerned with these fisheries and will provide input to U.S. Commissioners. Nominations are open until February 18, 2021, and members will serve a two-year term starting August 3, 2021, without pay but will receive travel expenses.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) will hold a public webinar meeting for its Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel on April 23, 2025. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the performance of fisheries such as Atlantic mackerel and squid and to develop Fishery Performance Reports. The meeting's findings will help set fishing limits and measures for the upcoming years, and public comments are welcome. For more details or to join the meeting, information will be provided on the MAFMC website. The meeting is accessible for people with disabilities.