📜Proposed Removal of Non-Binding Interpretive Rules for Labor Regulations
The Department of Labor (Department) proposes to remove parts located in Title 29, Chapter V, Subchapter B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that were not originally issued, or subsequently amended, through notice-and-comment rulemaking. Because these parts consist of interpretive rules and policy statements regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which do not carry the force and effect of law, the Department believes that these parts, to the extent that they have not benefitted from public comment, should be repurposed as sub- regulatory guidance. The Department seeks comment on what provisions in Subchapter B should be retained in the CFR, as well as what kind of sub-regulatory guidance the Department should use to preserve interpretive rules and policy statements that are removed from the CFR. This summary can be found at https://www.regulations.gov by searching by the RIN: 1235-AA52.
Learn More🍗USDA Updates State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program Lists
FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to remove its lists of states that do not operate their own meat or poultry inspection (MPI) programs that are "at least equal to" FSIS' Federal inspection programs and have therefore been designated for FSIS' Federal inspection. FSIS is also amending the regulations to remove or revise related cross references to the lists. Going forward, FSIS will maintain lists of states with and without MPI programs on its website to ensure that the public has accurate and timely access to information about State and Federal inspection programs.
Learn More🐟2025-2026 Pacific Sardine Fishing Regulation Specifications
NMFS proposes to implement annual harvest specifications and management measures for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine (hereafter, Pacific sardine), for the fishing year from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This proposed rule would prohibit most directed commercial fishing for Pacific sardine off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. Pacific sardine harvest would be allowed only for use as live bait, in minor directed fisheries, as incidental catch in other fisheries, or as authorized under exempted fishing permits. The proposed harvest specifications for 2025-2026 include an overfishing limit of 4,645 metric tons (mt), an acceptable biological catch of 3,957 mt, an annual catch limit of 2,200 mt, and an annual catch target of 2,100 mt. This proposed rule is intended to conserve, manage, and rebuild the Pacific sardine stock off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.
Learn More🐬NOAA Issues Regulations for Incidental Taking of Marine Mammals
NMFS, upon request from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), hereby issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to rocky intertidal monitoring surveys along the Oregon and California coasts over the course of 5 years (2025-2030). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the described activities and specified timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.
Learn More🦐FDA Issues 5-Year Debarment Order Against Quality Poultry & Seafood
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an order under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) debarring Quality Poultry and Seafood, Incorporated (QPS) for a period of 5 years from importing articles of food or offering such articles for importation into the United States. FDA bases this order on a finding that QPS was convicted of a felony count under Federal law for conduct relating to the importation into the United States of an article of food. QPS was given notice of the proposed debarment and an opportunity to request a hearing within the timeframe prescribed by regulation. As of March 15, 2025 (30 days after receipt of the notice), QPS has not responded. QPS' failure to respond and request a hearing constitutes a waiver of its right to a hearing concerning this matter.
Learn More🦐Notice of Gulf Shrimp Assessment Workshop by NOAA
The SEDAR 87 assessment process of Gulf brown, pink, and white shrimp will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Learn More🎣Applications Open for American Fisheries Advisory Committee Membership
Applications are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for 7 membership positions to serve on the 22- member American Fisheries Advisory Committee (AFAC or Committee). Individuals selected to serve on the Committee will serve a term of three years, unless otherwise stipulated.
Learn More🦐Executive Order 14276
Executive Order 14276 focuses on revitalizing American seafood competitiveness through reduced regulatory burdens, addressing unfair trade practices, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. It aims to modernize fishery management and bolster the domestic seafood supply chain, while also protecting against illegal fishing practices and ensuring healthier seafood options for consumers.
Learn More🐟Gulf Fishery Management Council Meeting Notice for 2025
The Gulf Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) will hold a one-day in-person meeting of their Standing and Shrimp Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs).
Learn More🐟NOAA Cancels SEDAR 98 Assessment Webinar for Gulf of America Red Snapper
The SEDAR 98 assessment process for Gulf of America red snapper will consist of a Data Workshop, a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
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