🌊Incidental Take Authorization for Hydaburg Seaplane Base Project
NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of nine species of marine mammals by Level A and Level B harassment incidental to construction associated with the Hydaburg Seaplane Base Refurbishment Project in Hydaburg, Alaska. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Learn More📊Greater Atlantic Region Logbook Information Collection Notice
The Department of Commerce, through NOAA, is requesting public comments on an information collection for the Greater Atlantic Region Logbook Family of Forms. This request for review involves regulatory changes related to marine fisheries management, focusing on data collection crucial for compliance and resource conservation efforts.
Learn More🐟Notice of SEDAR 90 for South Atlantic Red Snapper Assessment
The SEDAR 90 assessment process of South Atlantic red snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣Inseason Action for Pacific Halibut Commercial Fishery 2025
NMFS announces inseason action for the 2025 Pacific halibut non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's (IPHC) regulatory Area 2A. This action adds a fishing period, July 22 through July 24, 2025, with a fishing period catch limit of 5,000 pounds (2.3 metric tons (mt)) per vessel, dressed weight. This action is intended to provide opportunity to achieve the 2025 non-Tribal directed commercial fishery allocation.
Learn More🎣Comments Requested on Exempted Fishing Permits for U.S. West Coast
During the June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) meeting, the Council reviewed and made recommendations to NMFS regarding applications received in 2025 for exempted fishing permits (EFPs) for U.S. West Coast highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries. All EFP applicants request exemptions from regulatory provisions pertaining to the use of authorized gear types under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). The applicants propose to test the effects and efficacy of using alternative fishing practices to harvest swordfish and other HMS off of the U.S. West Coast. The applications include requests to fish with a gear configuration including modified standard and linked deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) at night, or night-set buoy gear (NSBG). NMFS has determined that these applications warrant further consideration and is requesting public comment on them.
Learn More🐬IHA for Oregon's Marine Mammal Impact from Construction Project
NMFS has received a request from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities for the Yaquina Bay Dolphin Replacement Project in Newport, Oregon. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Learn More🐋NOAA Issues Permit for Marine Mammal Photography Operations
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued to Passion Planet, 33-34 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JN, United Kingdom (Responsible Party: David Allen) to conduct commercial and educational photography of marine mammals.
Learn More🎣Inseason Adjustments to Sablefish Fishing Regulations for 2025
This final rule announces routine inseason adjustments to management measures in commercial groundfish fisheries. These inseason adjustments will increase sablefish trip limits in the limited entry fixed gear and open access groundfish fisheries to allow more attainment of sablefish within the sector allocations. This action is intended to allow commercial fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
Learn More🌊Marine Mammal Protection Act Compliance for Geophysical Surveys
NMFS has received a request from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to a geophysical survey in the Cascadia Subduction Zone of the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.
Learn More🐢NOAA Issues Research Permit for Endangered Sea Turtles
Notice is hereby given that Kristen Hart, Ph.D., U.S. Geological Survey, Wetlands and Aquatic Research Center, 3321 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314, has been issued a permit to take green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles for purposes of scientific research.
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