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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Clear Lake hitch, a type of fish found only in California's Clear Lake watershed, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes after reviewing scientific data showing threats such as habitat loss, predation, and climate change impacts. The proposal includes protective measures to help conserve the species, such as controlling illegal pesticide use and managing habitats. The agency is accepting public comments on this proposed rule until March 17, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented a final rule that allows hook-and-line catcher/processors to use longline pot gear when targeting Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea. This regulation aims to improve fishing efficiency, boost economic benefits, and reduce interactions with killer whales, which have negatively impacted this fishery. With the approval of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the rule addresses gear restrictions, whale depredation, and species retention, promoting effective fishery management and conservation. The new rules will be effective from April 28, 2025, and include requirements for gear marking and reporting to aid in monitoring and enforcement.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued permits that allow certain activities with endangered and threatened species. These permits were issued under the Endangered Species Act after reviewing permit applications and considering public comments. Each permit applicant demonstrated good faith, ensured no disadvantage to the species, and aligned with the Act's purposes. Details and documents related to these permits are accessible online at regulations.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering issuing permits for scientific research to help protect and support endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are inviting public input on these permit applications to take into account any feedback or information before making their decision. This notice encourages public, local, and governmental agencies to review and comment by January 16, 2025. The agency highlights that comments may be publicly accessible and urges those interested to submit quantitative evidence or studies to aid in decision-making.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that they are accepting applications for special permits aimed at helping endangered species recover and survive, as allowed by the Endangered Species Act. They are asking for comments from the public and various government agencies on these applications until February 20, 2025. This public input will be used to decide whether or not to issue the permits, which will enable certain activities that are normally prohibited with endangered species. The comments received, unless requested otherwise, may be made publicly available.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the receipt of an application for a permit to help conserve endangered species, as allowed under the Endangered Species Act. The agency is inviting public comments on this application until January 27, 2025. The permit would let the applicant perform actions that could aid the survival and growth of endangered species in the wild. Public input on such proposals can influence whether the permit is issued, and individuals are encouraged to provide information or studies that support their comments.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the receipt of an application from the Alaska Seafood Cooperative for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), aiming to reduce bycatch of halibut in the North Pacific flatfish fishery by testing new excluder devices. This permit would allow the Cooperative to conduct field testing between August 2021 and December 2022 to develop a design that minimizes target species loss while reducing halibut bycatch. Public comments on this application can be submitted through February 12, 2021, and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider the application during its meeting from February 1 to February 12, 2021. This experiment aligns with the goals of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is proposing to remove certain products and services from its Procurement List. These products and services are currently provided by nonprofit agencies that employ individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities. The items include various types of file folders and specialized bulk equipment kits. Additionally, janitorial services at specific locations are under review for removal. Public comments on these proposed deletions are welcome until April 27, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the schedule for upcoming workshops in 2025 concerning Atlantic shark identification and safe handling of protected species. These workshops are mandatory for specific fishermen and shark dealers to comply with regulatory requirements. Three Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are scheduled in Kenner, LA; Fort Pierce, FL; and Wilmington, NC. Three Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will take place in Marathon, FL; Portsmouth, NH; and Houston, TX. Both workshops aim to improve species identification skills and ensure safe handling practices to help sustain marine species.

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.