Recent Regulatory Actions--Protected Resources 2006 2005 2004 & Earlier
Final Rule to Implement Measures to Reduce Bycatch of Seabirds in the Hawaii Pelagic Longline Fishery NOAA
Fisheries Service, the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the fishing industry have been collaborating on research to test side-setting and other measures as additional seabird deterrent methods for Hawaii longline vessels. Under this final rule, which takes effect January 18, 2006, owners and operators of longline fishing vessels must either side-set (deploy longline gear from the side of the vessel rather than from the stern) or use a combination of other measures to prevent seabirds from being accidentally hooked, entangled, and killed during fishing operations.
NOAA
Fisheries Releases Biological Opinion on the Hawaii-Based Pelagic, Deep-Set
Longline Fishery
The Hawaii-based pelagic, deep-set longline fishery targets tuna in the U.S.
Exclusive Economic Zone around the Pacific Islands and waters of the western
and central Pacific Ocean. The new biological opinion considers effects of the
fishery on four species of listed sea turtles (olive ridley, green, leatherback,
and loggerhead turtles) and on endangered humpback whales. The biological opinion
concludes that the fishery is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence
of the four sea turtle species or humpback whales.
Revised
Recovery Plan for North Atlantic Right Whales Now Available
This new recovery plan describes habitat requirements and limiting factors, and
outlines recovery goals and criteria.
Final Rule to Implement New
Requirements to Conserve Sea Turtles in the Western Pacific
NOAA Fisheries Service has implemented new requirements to reduce and mitigate
interactions between sea turtles and fisheries managed under the Fishery Management
Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region. This final rule
includes requirements for attending protected species workshops, and for handling,
resuscitating, and releasing sea turtles that are hooked or entangled in fishing
gear. In addition, all vessels registered under a longline general permit are
now required to use size 18/0 or larger circle hooks with a 10 degree offset,
mackerel-type bait, and dehookers when shallow-setting north of the Equator.
Affirmative Finding Renewed for Ecuador and El Salvador
NOAA Fisheries Service has renewed the affirmative finding for the Republics
of Ecuador and El
Salvador under the Marine Mammal Protection Act; this affirmative finding
renewal will allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program by Ecuadorian-flag
and El Salvadoran-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating
under their jurisdiction to continue to be imported into the United States.
Affirmative Finding Renewed for
Mexico
NOAA Fisheries Service has renewed the affirmative finding for the Government
of Mexico under the Marine Mammal Protection Act; this affirmative finding will
allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific in compliance
with the International
Dolphin Conservation Program by Mexican-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine
vessels operating under Mexican jurisdiction to be imported into the United States.
Atlantic Large
Whale Take Reduction Plan Draft EIS Published
The Notice of Availability for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP)
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published on February 25, 2005.
The ALWTRP DEIS analyzes the impacts of the proposed amendments to the regulations
implementing the ALWTRP on the human environment. The DEIS is available to the
public, and the comment period will remain open through April 26, 2005. An ALWTRP
DEIS and proposed rule outreach document, as well as a NEPA overview document
are also available on the website.
New Information on Seabird Conservation
Click
here to view a new presentation from NOAA Fisheries Service
on the International Plan of Action for Seabirds, which describes
implementation by regional fisheries management organizations.
For more information on how NOAA Fisheries Service is working
to reduce the incidental take of seabirds, visit the Alaska
Region’s Web site, or contact Kim.Rivera@noaa.gov.
Atlantic
Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Draft EIS Published
The Notice of Availability for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
(ALWTRP) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published on February
25, 2005. The ALWTRP DEIS analyzes the impacts of the proposed amendments to
the regulations implementing the ALWTRP on the human environment. The DEIS
is available to the public, and the comment period will remain open through
April 26, 2005. An ALWTRP DEIS and proposed rule outreach document, as well
as a NEPA overview document are also available on the website.
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