🦐Notice for SEDAR 87 Assessment Webinar on Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
The SEDAR 87 assessment process of Gulf of Mexico white, pink, and brown shrimp will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🌊Trident Seafoods Re-Authorized for Marine Mammal Protection in Alaska
NMFS has received a request from Trident Seafoods Corporation (Trident) 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 six species of marine mammals, by Level B harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Bunkhouse Dock replacement project in Kodiak, 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🐬NOAA Extends Comment Period for Dolphin Import Permit Application
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries Service is extending the public comment period associated with the notice of receipt for an application for a permit to import bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) submitted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Learn More🌊Notice on SeaWorld Permit Extension and Comment Period Update
Notice is hereby given that the National Marine Fisheries Service is extending the public comment period associated with the notice of receipt for an application for a permit (File No. 28286) to conduct research and enhancement activities on one stranded, non- releasable beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from the endangered Cook Inlet distinct population segment (DPS). The application has been updated to reflect additional information received from the applicant. Additionally, we propose extending SeaWorld's current permit, No. 22095-01, under which the subject beluga whale is currently held, for six months to allow additional processing of the updated application (File No. 28286).
Learn More🐬Compliance Regulations for Marine Surveys in Gulf of Mexico
In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the University of Texas at Austin (UT) to incidentally harass marine mammals during survey activities associated with a marine geophysical survey in coastal waters off Texas in the northwest (NW) Gulf of Mexico (GOM).
Learn More🌊Final Guidance on Regional Ocean Partnerships By NOAA Available Now
Under the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA), coastal States (including Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa), Indian Tribes (as defined in the final guidance), and other entities may form new partnerships and apply to NOAA (as delegated) for designation as a regional ocean partnership (ROP). ROPs coordinate the management of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. After inviting Tribal consultation and careful consideration of public comments, NOAA announces the final guidance on designating new ROPs under the NDAA.
Learn More🐋NMFS Withdraws Proposed Vessel Strike Reduction Regulations
NMFS withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2022 to amend the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) vessel speed regulations. NMFS withdraws this proposed rule in light of numerous and ongoing requests from the public for further opportunity to review and engage with the Agency on the proposal. NMFS's existing vessel speed regulations remain in effect.
Learn More🌊National Sea Grant Advisory Board Public Meeting Notice 2025
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (Board), a Federal Advisory Committee. Board members will discuss and provide advice on the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) in the areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension, science and technology programs, and other matters as described in the agenda found on the Sea Grant website.
Learn More🎣Amendment 59 Hearings
The NMFS Southeast Regional Office will hold a series of public hearings on Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic (Amendment 59). NMFS will review Amendment 59 and the proposed measures for management of red snapper and snapper-grouper species in South Atlantic Federal waters.
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