Search Results for keywords:"fisheries management"

The Department of Commerce is submitting a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extending the information collection related to the Alaska Region Permit Family of Forms under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves permits required for groundfish fishing activities in Alaska, including the Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP), Federal Processor Permit (FPP), and Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP). The permits are necessary for fisheries management, regulatory compliance, and to support projects that help both the fishing industry and the environment. Public comments on this proposal are invited for an additional 30 days.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary rule to stop directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This action, effective from March 10 to June 10, 2025, is necessary to ensure the Pacific cod catch does not exceed the allowed limit for the 2025 season. The imposed closure responds to recent data indicating that the catch quota is nearing its limit. The rule was implemented without prior public notice or delay to quickly address the situation as per the guidelines of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that Connecticut has used up its 2024 commercial quota for summer flounder, so boats with federal permits can't land these fish in the state for the rest of the year, unless more quota is transferred from another state. This rule, effective December 10, 2024, ensures that fishing stays within limits to help manage and conserve fish populations. Regulations require that when a state's quota is harvested, a notice must be published to inform those in the fishing industry about the closure and prevent any further landings or sales in that state.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is temporarily stopping fishing for Pacific cod by certain ships using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This step is to ensure that the limit for the amount of cod allowed to be caught isn't exceeded for the 2025 season. The prohibition is effective from March 17, 2025, until September 1, 2025. This action was taken quickly without prior public discussion because necessary data on the cod catch was only recently available.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on the Commercial Operator's Annual Report (COAR) as part of a routine information collection review. The COAR is mandated for certain fish processors and collectors in Alaska to report on their purchasing and production activities. This information helps assess the value of fisheries resources and is used by federal and state agencies for fisheries management. Comments are invited to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and usefulness of this information collection and to explore ways to reduce the reporting burden.

The New England Fishery Management Council is organizing a public meeting on March 21, 2025, at the Hampton Inn in South Kingstown, RI. This hybrid meeting involves the Groundfish Joint Committee and Advisory Panel, who will discuss various matters affecting New England fisheries. Key agenda items include updates on Amendment 23 Review Metrics and Indicators, and Framework Adjustment 68/Acceptable Biological Catch Control Rules. The meeting will be accessible to people with disabilities, and any additional issues requiring urgent attention following the notice will also be addressed.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is organizing a public meeting of the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel on March 31 and April 1, 2025. The meeting will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in North Charleston, SC, and can also be attended online via webinar. Participants will discuss topics like manta ray interactions with the cobia fishery, improvements in electronic reporting for For-Hire operations, and the Council's research priorities. The meeting will be accessible for people with disabilities, and registration is required for the webinar.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is holding a public meeting for the SEDAR 87 Assessment Webinar V to review data on the Gulf of Mexico's white, pink, and brown shrimp. The meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2025, and will be held online. This is part of a comprehensive assessment process involving workshops and webinars, aimed at evaluating fish stocks and providing recommendations for future research and management. Participants will include various experts, stakeholders, and representatives from related governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting via webinar on January 14, 2025, to discuss actions impacting New England fisheries within the exclusive economic zone. During the meeting, the Scallop Advisory Panel will review priorities and work on a strategic plan for 2025. The recommendations from this panel may later be discussed and acted upon by the full Council. The meeting will be accessible online to the public, including special accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

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.