that agencies use to create their documents. electronic version on GPOs govinfo.gov. While we recognize this variety within the fishery at large, there are not clear boundaries to divide gear use across the wider area as suggested by this comment. MHI insular false killer whales have been satellite tracked as far as 115 km from the MHI, while pelagic stock animals have been tracked to within 11 kilometers (km) of the MHI and throughout the NWHI. Gulf of Maine Atlantic herring purse seine. Because HSFCA permits are valid for 5 years, permits obtained in past years exist in the HSFCA permit database for gear types that are now unauthorized. They experience more pronounced boom and bust population dynamics. Therefore, the Commission reiterates its recommendation that NMFS reclassify the SE Alaska salmon drift gillnet as a Category I fishery. Theseare used to record fishing activity at sea. NMFS adds the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands stock of bottlenose dolphin to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in Category III Caribbean mixed species trap/pot fishery. Therefore, the EEZ components of these fisheries pose the same risk to marine mammals as the components operating on the high seas. developer tools pages. Australia and one reaching the north-west coast of the North Island, New Zealand. As of 2004, NMFS issues HSFCA permits only for high seas fisheries analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The seal had injuries consistent from dog bites, and was transported to SR3 for rehabilitation. These tribes, all located in Washington State, include the Quinault Indian Nation, the Hoh Tribe, the Quileute Nation, and the Makah Tribe. It also oversees and coordinates several cross-division activities, such as communications, aquaculture, and National Environmental Policy Act review that requires coordination among multiple offices and locations. Mahaffy, A.M. Gorgone, T. Cullins, D.J. Helker, R.P. documents in the last year, 822 NOAA Fisheries and the Council work with state and tribal governments, as well as industry, environmental organizations, and academic institutions. Waite, and A.N. Refer to NMFS No. AOLA recommends NMFS take a more equitable approach when assessing entanglement risk across fisheries, countries, and non-fishery sources, and also notes this would assist in assuring fishermen are treated fairly. Comment 10: MLA states that NMFS has the flexibility to consider a variety of criteria, such as differences in gear and fishing techniques, and the distribution of endangered stocks relative to individual fisheries when classifying fisheries on the LOF. We also study the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on marine ecosystems and fishery socioeconomics. Comment 13: AOLA expresses concern with how NMFS assigns M/SI when the origin of entanglement is unknown. The SARs are based upon the best available scientific information and provide the most current and inclusive information on each stock's PBR level and level of interaction with commercial fishing operations. After entering your contact information, check the boxes for the "Groundfish, Pacific Whiting, and/or Recreational Fisheries topics under West Coast Updates". Towell, P.R. Its expertise includes online information and design, intergovernmental relations, education, tribal relations, media relations, and social media. We help other federal agencies conserve habitat for protected species and for essential fish habitat to support commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries. The catch locations help understand the distribution of salmon in the ocean in winter. Rockfish: Numerous species, including widow, yellowtail, canary, and vermilion rockfish; bocaccio, chilipepper, cowcod, yelloweye, thornyheads, and Pacific ocean perch. ESUs/DPSs of west coast anadromous salmonids was published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2015 (80 FR 6695). Stay informed of all the latest regional news around NOAA Fisheries, Staff and volunteers from Feiro Marine Life Center and SR3 release a juvenile seal back to Port Angeles Harbor. A Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 01/14/2021. While every effort has been made to ensure that Where can I find more information about the LOF and the MMAP? The lack of marks on retrieved gear may indicate the current marking scheme is inadequate, or that entanglements are occurring in areas where gear is not currently marked, such as international waters or current exempted areas. Bottlenose dolphin, GMX bay, sound, estuarine. Reg. With our partners, we are working on hundreds of projects to protect and restore vital habitat for West Coast fish and wildlife populations. Pacific highly migratory species troll fishery from 119 to 111 HSFCA permits. In the 2020 LOF final rule, NMFS cites all U.S. undetermined M/SI, potential M/SI prevented by intervention, and North Atlantic right whale entanglement scarring rates as data used for the Category I classification of the Northeast/mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery. at 67,130. Variable Description Derivation Model(s) Biophysical variables: Area of reef within proximity: Area of coral reef habitat within 20 or 200 km: UFRTM: Impact; biomass We also manage and conserve marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and coordinate and support the marine mammal stranding networks. NMFS clarifies the fishery description of the Category II Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery. There is a very low amount of eulachon bycatch in West Coast groundfish fisheries. there is a paucity of data on species-specific PRS rates in the WCPO region. 03/03/2023, 234 The injury was determined to be non-serious. NMFS looks forward to seeing what measures the state of Massachusetts will finalize and implement for the state lobster trap/pot fishery in the future. MMPA, 16 U.S.C. Members of this partnership celebrate this approach and the results. WestCoast Region, NMFS, NOAA| 7600Sand Point Way NE| Seattle | WA | 98115. For Atlantic fisheries, this information can be found in the LOF Fishery Fact Sheets. The NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region uses a variety of required methods to reduce the bycatch of seabirds in its fisheries. The management of West Coast groundfish fisheries relies on ongoing scientific efforts in federal, state, and academic programs. The tier analysis requires a minimum amount of data, and NMFS does not have sufficient data to perform a tier analysis on certain fisheries. How do I register, renew and receive my Marine Mammal Authorization Program authorization certificate? Bottlenose dolphin, Northern GMX oceanic. NMFS adds the Aleutian Islands stock of harbor seal to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel trawl fishery. documents in the last year, 86 Bottlenose dolphin, Southern migratory coastal. Individual Fishery Management and Evaluation plans for Coastal Pelagic Species, Groundfish, Highly Migratory Species, and Pacific Coast Salmon can be found at the Pacific Fishery Each document posted on the site includes a link to the While NMFS appreciates the state of Maine's efforts to manage the footprint of where individual lobstermen may set their gear, NMFS must look at the risk that the gear itself poses to large whales, particularly North Atlantic right whales. Bradford, A.L., E.M. Oleson, R.W. The main sectors of the West Coast Groundfish Fishery include: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region's office in Seattle, Washington, manages Pacific Coast groundfish limited entry permits, quota share permits and accounts, vessel accounts, first receiver site licenses, and cooperative applications for the at-sea whiting sectors. Response: MMPA section 118 requires individuals participating in a Category I or II fishery to accommodate an observer aboard their vessel(s) upon request from NMFS. should verify the contents of the documents against a final, official This rule would have no adverse impacts on marine mammals and may have a positive impact on marine mammals by improving knowledge of marine mammals and the fisheries interacting with marine mammals through information collected from observer programs, stranding and sighting data, or take reduction teams. Additional details regarding how the categories were determined are provided in the preamble to the final rule implementing section 118 of the MMPA (60 FR 45086; August 30, 1995). NMFS addressed FWS' concern by deciding that when an ESU contained both steelhead and rainbow trout, NMFS would list only the steelhead population within that ESU as threatened or endangered. For these fisheries, NMFS will review the other sources of relevant information to determine when it is appropriate to remove a species or stock from the LOF. Mortality/injury reporting forms and instructions for submitting forms to NMFS can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-authorization-program#reporting-a-death-or-injury-of-a-marine-mammal-during-commercial-fishing-operations or by contacting the appropriate regional office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION). See 70 Fed. Further, we maintain that entanglement data indicate that the gear used across this fishery remains a risk to right whales. The MHI insular stock of false killer whales have been documented via telemetry to move far enough offshore to reach longline fishing areas (Bradford et al., 2015). 1387(e)) and 50 CFR 229.6, any vessel owner or operator, or gear owner or operator (in the case of non-vessel fisheries), participating in a fishery listed on the LOF must report to NMFS all incidental mortalities and injuries of marine mammals that occur during commercial fishing operations, regardless of the category in which the fishery is placed (I, II, or III) within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip or, in the case of non-vessel fisheries, fishing activity. The Magnuson-Stevens Act, along with other federal laws, guides NOAA Fisheries and the Council's development of policy. Other species: These include ratfish, finescale codling, and Pacific rattail grenadier. Comment 16: Whale Safe USA requests NMFS maintain the Category I classifications for Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery and Northeast sink gillnet fishery. California sea lion, U.S. Harbor seal, OR/WA coast. Therefore, NMFS retains Kogia on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I HI deep-set longline fishery. NMFS adds two stocks to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category III WA/OR/CA groundfish trawl fishery: (1) California Start Printed Page 3039breeding stock of northern elephant seal and (2) CA/OR/WA stock of northern right whale dolphin. Many fisheries operate in both U.S. waters and on the high seas, creating some overlap between the fisheries listed in Tables 1 and 2 and those in Table 3. AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands salmon drift gillnet, AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands salmon set gillnet, AK Prince William Sound salmon drift gillnet. Conserving at-risk habitats contributes to ecosystem resilience. 2014. Based on the findings from the Species diversity is part of the natural legacy we leave for future generations. Our Science Centers conduct cutting-edge biological, economic, and oceanographic research, as well as observations and monitoring of living marine resources and their environments. documents in the last year, 11 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2021, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico stone crab trap/pot. We review federal proposals for land and water development to make sure these activities do not further degrade habitat or harm protected species. documents in the last year, 26 NMFS acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimates may be inflations of actual effort. Accordingly, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required, and none has been prepared. The list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured includes serious and non-serious documented injuries as described later in the List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Pacific Ocean and List of Species and/or Stocks Incidentally Killed or Injured in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean sections. AK Kuskokwim, Yukon, Norton Sound, Kotzebue salmon gillnet, AK Prince William Sound salmon set gillnet, AK roe herring and food/bait herring gillnet, WA Grays Harbor salmon drift gillnet (excluding treaty Tribal fishing), WA/OR Mainstem Columbia River eulachon gillnet, WA/OR lower Columbia River (includes tributaries) drift gillnet. NMFS adds both the Eastern North Pacific Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and Bering Sea Transient stock, and West Coast Transient stock, of killer whales to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category II CA Dungeness crab pot fishery. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-264, 479 p. Henry A, Garron M, Reid A, Morin D, Ledwell W, Cole TVN. Further, eligible commercial fisheries not specifically identified on the LOF are deemed to be Category II fisheries until the next LOF is published (50 CFR 229.2). Refer to NMFS No: WCRO-2018-00288 . Only official editions of the TRP regulations are found at 50 CFR 229.30 through 229.37. NMFS has integrated the MMPA registration process, implemented through the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP), with existing state and Federal fishery license, registration, or permit systems for Category I and II fisheries on the LOF. U.S. Dept. Bottlenose dolphin, Indian River Lagoon estuarine system. While the Federal waters portion of the Maine lobster fishery is managed through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as part of Lobster Management Area 1, it is also subject to further regulation and enforcement by the state of Maine through the Lobster Management Policy Councils. William Abadie . | Find, read and cite all the research . . NMFS continues to pursue options for additional observer coverage to collect more recent and more geographically comprehensive data on mortality in Alaska's state fisheries, and we will prioritize observation of the Southeast Alaska drift gillnet fishery. Send comments regarding these reporting burden estimates or any other aspect of the COI, including suggestions for reducing burden, to NMFS (see ADDRESSES). We also conduct research throughout the Pacific Ocean and in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. Dahlheim, B.S. 1361 et seq. Angliss, B.A. With our partners, we are working on hundreds of projects to protect and restore vital habitat for West Coast fish and wildlife populations. NMFS updates the estimated number of vessels/persons in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean (Table 2) as follows: NMFS notes there is variability in the estimated number of vessels/persons in the Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery. To establish whether the species has recovered and may be taken off the list of vulnerable and endangered species under the ESA, NMFS advises creating a recovery team of species specialists to prepare a recovery plan, including delisting criteria (Region, n.) Research/References. For complete information about, and access to, our official publications The West Coast groundfish recreational fisheries are managed by the coastal states with management coordinated in the Pacific Fishery Management Council process. NMFS received nine comment letters on the proposed LOF for 2021 (85 FR 59258; September 21, 2020). On the West Coast and in the watersheds of Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho, we manage commercial and recreational fisheries for more than 100 species of salmon, groundfish, coastal pelagics such as anchovy and sardine, and highly migratory species such as billfish, sharks, and tunas. NMFS must classify each commercial fishery on the LOF into one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of mortality and serious injury of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each fishery. Many vessels/participants holding HSFCA permits also fish within U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and participants operating within those fisheries in Tables 1 and 2. NOAA-NMFS-PIFSC-47, 29 p. Hayes, S.A., Josephson, E., Maze-Foley, K., Rosel, P.E., 2020. Observers collect information on what is caught, whether it is landed or discarded at sea, to estimate bycatch. West Coast groundfish fisheries, and fisheries that may take groundfish incidentally, are managed with a variety of closed areas. The common entangling mechanism of these gear types are the lazy or easy line. This rule makes minor corrections and clarifications to the final rule for the 2023-2024 harvest specifications and management measures for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery which published on December 16. Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico golden crab trap/pot, Gulf of Maine herring and Atlantic mackerel stop seine/weir. Learn more about groundfish closed areas on the West Coast. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. You can also see a list of all species managed on the West Coast. Humpback whale, Central North Pacific (Southeast AK). NMFS adds a superscript 1 to the following four stocks to indicate they are driving the Category II classification of the Northeast trawl fishery: (1) Western North Atlantic stock of Risso's dolphin, (2) Western North Atlantic stock of long-finned pilot whale, (3) Western North Atlantic offshore stock of bottlenose dolphin, and (4) Western North Atlantic stock of gray seal. Section 118 of the MMPA requires NMFS to place all U.S. commercial fisheries into one of three categories based on the level of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals occurring in each fishery (16 U.S.C. Ream, E.L. Richmond, K.E.W. False killer whale, HI Pelagic. ^The list of marine mammal species and/or stocks killed or injured in this fishery is identical to the list of marine mammal species and/or stocks killed or injured in U.S. waters component of the fishery, minus species and/or stocks that have geographic ranges exclusively in coastal waters, because the marine mammal species and/or stocks are also found on the high seas and the fishery remains the same on both sides of the EEZ boundary. 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4470 Long Beach, CA 90802 Telephone: 562/980-4080 Fax: 562/980-4084 Email contact list: Kathryn Kempton, Section Chief Deanna Harwood, Deputy Section Chief Sophia Bernal, Program Specialist Julia Caracoza, Paralegal Specialist Christopher Keifer, Attorney Advisor Amy Lubrano, Attorney Advisor Comment 2: FLC recommends NMFS reclassify the AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod longline fishery from a Category II to Category III. 03/03/2023, 1465 These gear types likely entangle marine mammals, particularly bottlenose dolphins, in very similar ways. biennium). These grants build up NOAA's continuing long . Open Access (OA) Gears North of 4010' N Lat. We assimilated more than 4500 unique estimates of published juvenile densities (e.g., fish/m2) in estuarine and floodplain habitats. NMFS designates those fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 with an asterisk (*) after the fishery's name. She has served as Assistant Regional Administrator for Operations, Management and Informations for the last few years. NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and Southwest Fisheries Science Center work together to apply the latest science to sustainably manage the rich marine resources of the region for generations to come. These seabirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and some are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This notice initiated a 60-day period for the public to provide comments to NMFS related to the status of the species being reviewed. (2020):105652. from 36 agencies. on Those cases where we could identify lobster gear from right whale entanglements during the past 10 years were determined to result in non-serious injuries. Response: As stated above in response to Comments #11 and 15, NMFS retains the Category I classification of the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery. They note that the estimated annual harbor porpoise M/SI in the SE Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery included the 2019 SAR is 12 animals which equals PBR for the stock and exceeds the Category I classification threshold of 50 percent of PBR. RI, southern MA (to Monomoy Island), and NY Bight (Raritan and Lower NY Bays) inshore gillnet. As stated previously, should information suggest that unique gear characteristics have lowered the risk of interaction in a particular geographically unique portion of a fishery, NMFS will evaluate to determine if the risk reduction is sufficient for separating the fishery out from the broader, current, classification of the Category I Northeast/mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot fishery. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, through the development of a TRP, NMFS would first prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment, as required under NEPA, specific to that action. Therefore, NMFS retains both the MHI insular and NWHI false killer whale stocks on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I Hawaii deep-set longline fishery. However, not all eulachon avoid the groundfish fishery's trawl nets and thus some are observed as bycatch. Webster. West Coast From floodplains to estuaries, nearshore habitats to kelp forests, urban waterways to rural streams, NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of our nations living marine resources and their habitats. HLA notes that (a) the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan (FKWTRP) closed the deep-set longline fishery for almost the entire range of the MHI insular stock, (b) since this change was made in 2013 there have been no false killer whale interactions in the fishery, and (c) there has never been a deep-set longline fishery interaction in the very small area of the stocks' range where the fishery operates. Am I required to register under the MMPA? Reporting requirements and procedures are found in 50 CFR 229.6. Register, and does not replace the official print version or the official Bottlenose dolphin, Northern NC estuarine. Should major changes to lobster gear and fishing practices be required and implemented for all Massachusetts state lobster fishing gear, making this gear unique and easily identified from other state and Federal gear, NMFS will re-evaluate the status of this fishery and consider it in a future proposed LOF. The authorization certificate, or a copy, must be on board the vessel while it is operating in a Category I or II fishery, or for non-vessel fisheries, in the possession of the person in charge of the fishing operation (50 CFR 229.4(e)). Response: In addition to the M/SI included in the SARs, the LOF references data from injury determination reports, bycatch estimation reports, observer data, logbook data, stranding data, disentanglement network data, fishermen self-reports, and anecdotal reports. The President of the United States issues other types of documents, including but not limited to; memoranda, notices, determinations, letters, messages, and orders. West Coast Region . At this time, we consider it appropriate to retain North Atlantic right whales as a species listed as driving the classification of the Northeast/mid-Atlantic lobster trap/pot fishery given that PBR is 0.8 and the further detail provided below, which reiterates responses provided in the 2020 Final LOF (85 FR 21079, April 16, 2020). AOLA further states that the 2014 ALWTRP regulations as well as the American lobster fishery management plan regulations, reduced vertical lines and enhanced gear marking in the fishery. Comment 7: HLA restates a previous comment opposing the inclusion of the Hawaii stocks of Kogia species (pygmy or dwarf sperm whales) on the list of species and/or stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I HI deep-set longline fishery. Sustainable Fisheries West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fisheries and Gear Highly migratory species include Pacific tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfish.

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