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🐬Renewal IHA Proposed for NOAA’s Construction Activities in RI

NMFS received a request from the U.S. Navy on behalf of the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) for the renewal of their currently active incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (hereinafter, the "Project") to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with the relocation of NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA) in Rhode Island. NOAA OMAO activities are nearly identical to those covered in the current authorization. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), prior to issuing the currently active IHA, NMFS requested comments on both the proposed IHA and the potential for renewing the initial authorization if certain requirements were satisfied. The renewal requirements have been satisfied, and NMFS is now providing an additional 15-day comment period to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal not previously provided during the initial 30- day comment period.

🦐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.

🌊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.

🐬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.

🌊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).

📋Notice of Information Collection for Occupational Health Forms

🐬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).

🌊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.

🐋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.

🌊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.