This page is current through March 21. For more recent notices, go here. For NEPA notices, go here.

• NMFS issues an inseason adjustment opening the B fishing season for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 12 hours effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 20, 2003, until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., March 20, 2003 (3/21, p. 13858)
• NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 24 hours (3/21, p. 13857-8)
• NMFS corrects June 21 rule implementing RPAs of 3/29/01 BiOp on pelagic longline fisheries the reasonable and prudent alternative of the March 29, 2001, Biological Opinion (3/21, p. 13857)
• NMFS plans to renew EFPs for vessels participating in an observation program to monitor the incidental take of salmon and groundfish in the shore-based component of the Pacific whiting fishery (3/21, p. 13891)
• The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program and the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Alaska (3/21, p. 13903)

• FWS releases draft economic analysis, reopens comment period on proposal to designate critical habitat for Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus (Ventura marsh milk-vetch) (3/20, p. 13663-4)
• FWS, NMFS announce plans to revise 1991 recovery plan for the loggerhead sea turtle. Comments requested by May 5. (3/20, p. 13662-3)
• FWS receives Houston toad ITP application (3/20, p. 13718-9)
• FWS: Second revision of red-cockaded woodpecker recovery plan available (3/20, p. 13719-20)
  • Go here for plan
  • Approved Recovery Plans page
• FWS will conduct public scoping and prepare an EIS re: the development of an HCP for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover in Oregon (3/20, p. 13720-1)
• FWS, CDFG are preparing a joint EIS/EIR to address the potential impacts of the Initial Stewardship Project for the South Bay Salt Ponds in south San Francisco Bay, California. (3/20, p. 13721-4)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (3/20, p. 13635)
• NOAA releases Coral Reef Action Strategy (3/20, p. 13688)
  • Go here for more (3/20, p. 13688)

• FWS lists as endangered the Sonoma County distinct population segment of the California tiger salamander (3/19, p. 13497-520)
• FWS, NMFS designate critical habitat for gulf sturgeon (Go to Table of Contents for PDF version w/ maps (3/19, p. 13369-495)
• New England Aquarium in Boston has been issued a permit to take harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), harp seals (Phoca groenlandica), gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) and ringed seals (Phoca hispida) for purposes of scientific research (3/19, p. 13281-2)

• FWS designates critical habitat for two larkspurs, coastal California plants (3/18, p. 12834-63)
• FWS designates CH for Keck's checkermallow (California plant) (3/18, p. 12863-80)
• FWS issues ITP for Briargate Development, El Paso County, Colorado (Preble's meadow jumping mouse) (3/18, p. 12930-1)
• FWS designates CH for 41 of 51 listed species known historically from the Hawaiian island of Molokai (3/18, p. 12981-13141)
• OMB approves NMFS collection-of-information requirement for a Gear Restricted Area Exemption Program for Northeastern Scup Fishery (3/18, p. 12814-5)
• NMFS, Pacific Fishery Management Council to prepare EIS for Amendment 16 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (3/18, p. 12888-9)

• FWS reopens comment period on Canada lynx, in response to court order. Comments will be accepted until April 16 (3/17, p. 12611-2)
• FWS proposes to allow depredation of double-breasted cormorants (3/17, p. 12653-60)
• FWS releases draft Recovery Plan for Mead's milkweed (3/17, p. 12710-1)
  • More here
• FWS receives draft EA/HCP for ITP application for Long Point Subdivision on Kelleys Island, Erie County, Ohio. "The Lake Erie water snake and its habitat occur on the 15-acre tract. Within the HCP boundary, 7 acres will be cleared and 6.1 acres permanently maintained for the proposed development of the seven residential lots known as the Long Point Subdivision." (3/17, p. 12711-2)
• FWS, NMFS gathering info to prepare DEIS on an application for incidental take of salmon/steelhead resulting from Washington Forest Practice Rules (3/17, p. 12676-8)
  • Salmon listings in Idaho, Oregon and Washington
• FWS receives ES, marine mammal permit applications (3/17, p. 12709-10)
• FWS issues marine mammal permit (3/17, p. 12712)
• NOAA submits ICR to OMB for approval (Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Recreational Landings Reports.) (3/17, p. 12674-5)
• NMFS suspends haddock trip limit for the groundfish fishery for the remainder of the 2002 fishing year (3/17, p. 12612-3)

• FWS proposes to designate 360 acres in Fremont County, Wyoming, as critical habitat for desert yellowhead, Y. xanthocephalus (3/14, p. 12326-36)
• FWS reopens comment period on proposed CH and draft economic analysis "for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants in 36 counties in California and one county in Oregon." (3/14, p. 12336-7)
• Hanford Reach National Monument Federal Planning Advisory Committee to meet April 16 and May 29 (3/14, p. 12363)
  • Link to recent report claiming FWS vastly underestimated economic impact of proposed CH designation
• NMFS has "received four scientific research permit applications and two applications to modify existing permits related to Pacific salmon and steelhead. All of the proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the ESA and to help guide management and conservation efforts." (3/14, p. 12342-3)
• NMFS, acting through the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, has prepared Secretarial Amendment 2 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan that would establish a 10-year stock rebuilding plan for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. (3/14, p. 12344-5)

• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (3/13, p. 11994)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). (3/13, p. 11994-5)
• FWS Northeast Region applies for endangered species permit (3/13, p. 12098)
• Howard C. Rosenbaum, Ph.D. and Robert DeSalle, Ph.D., American Museum of Natural History, Molecular Systematics Laboratory, 79th St. & Central Park West, New York, New York 10024, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 876-1402-00 to extend the expiration date through June 30, 2003. (3/13, p. 12042)

• FWS receives application to import ring-tailed lemur (3/12, p. 11872)
• FWS issues letters of authorization to take marine mammals incidental to oil and gas industry activities. (3/12, p. 11872-3)
• NMFS proposes to revise one of the eligibility criteria for obtaining a charter vessel/headboat permit under the moratorium established in Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (Amendment 14) and Amendment 20 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (3/12, p. 11794-9)
• NMFS NE Regional Administrator proposes to issue EFPs exempting four vessels from minimum mesh size requirements of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank Regulated Mesh Areas and from the seasonal GOM Rolling Closure Areas II and III. The proposed experiment would test a separator panel designed to separate haddock from cod in the GOM and GB RMAs (3/12, p. 11793-4)

• FWS says listing not warranted for Lower Kootenai River Burbot (Lota lota) because it is not a distinct population segment (DPS) "and, therefore, is not a listable entity" (12-month finding) (3/11, p. 11574-9)
• FWS plans to accept the transfer of 3,315 acres of land from the Bureau of Reclamation on April 8, 2003, to establish the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in Alamosa County, Colorado. (3/11, p. 11579)
• NMFS decides to focus on bycatch strategy instead of rulemaking, as requested in petition by Oceana. "NMFS has decided not to initiate rulemaking immediately, but instead to update and renew its commitment to a National Bycatch Strategy, which may eventually result in rulemaking for some fisheries." (3/11, p. 11501-18)
  • More here
• NMFS considers proposing incidental take regulations to allow Navy missile launch operations from San Nicolas Island, Calif., to harass "small numbers of pinnipeds." Harassment would be allowed under a Letter of Authorization (3/11, p. 11527-33)

• FWS proposes granting 30-year permits for Safe Harbor Agreement , in Lee County, Alabama, for the endangered ovate clubshell mussel (Pleurobema perovatum) and southern clubshell mussel (Pleurobema decisum), and the threatened fine-lined pocketbook mussel (Lampsilis altilis) (3/10, p. 11405-6)
• NMFS proposes specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery for the 2003 fishing year, which is May 1, 2003, through April 30, 2004 (3/10, p. 11346-9)

• NMFS issues final rule to seasonally close a portion of the waters located near Cape Sarichef in the Bering Sea subarea to directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using trawl, pot, or hook-and-line gear. (3/7, p. 11004-7)
• NMFS reduces the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lb (227 kg) of king mackerel per day in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (3/7, p. 11003-4)
• NMFS issues final rule to implement the 2003 fishery specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and state waters off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California (3/7, p. 11181-11232)
• NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework Adjustment 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan developed by the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (3/7, p. 11023-30)
• NOAA to evaluate evaluate the performance of the Chesapeake Bay-Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Guam Coastal Zone Management Program. (3/7, p. 11066-7)

• NMFS to prepare EIS on issuing annual gray whale subsistence quotas to the Makah Indian Tribe for 2003-7 (3/6, p. 10703-4)

• FWS lists Columbia Basin DPS of pygmy rabbit as endangered (3/5, p. 10388-409)
• FWS releases SW willow flycatcher Recovery Plan (3/5, p. 10485)
  • More here

• FWS receives recovery permit applications for T&E species (California (3/4, p. )
• FWS receives permit applications (scientific research, recovery and interstate commerce) (3/4, p. 10263-4)
• FWS receives recovery permit applications to take T&E species (California, Idaho, Hawaii). (3/4, p. 10261-2)
• NMFS has submitted an amendment to correct Amendment 14 to the FMP for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 14) and South Atlantic and Amendment 20 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 20) for review, approval, and implementation by the agency. (3/4, p. 10180-1)
• NMFS issues this final rule to implement approved measures contained in Amendment 13 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (3/4, p. 10181-4)
• NMFS releases EA to assess the impacts of issuing the International Whaling Commission (IWC) subsistence quota for bowhead whales to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) for the years 2003 through 2007. (3/4, p. 10207-8)
  • EA is here
  • NMFS page
• NMFS proposes to amend Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan regulations "to identify gear modifications that sufficiently reduce the risk of entanglement to western North Atlantic right whales under the Dynamic Area Management (DAM) program and, as such, would allow NMFS to utilize the option of allowing gear with certain modifications within a DAM zone. Specifically, NMFS proposes to identify Seasonal Area Management anchored gillnet and lobster trap/pot gear as gear that could be allowed within a DAM zone." (3/4, p. 10195-9)

• FWS submits ICR to OMB for approval (Alaska Subsistence Household Survey) (3/3, p. 10024-6)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (3/3, p. 10026-7)
• FWS receives endangered species and marine mammal permit applications (3/3, p. )
• FWS receives scientific research/enhancement of survival of endangered species permit applications. (3/3, p. 10027)
• FWS updates application instructions for grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (3/3, p. 10027-8)
• FWS issues marine mammal permits (3/3, p. 10029)
• North American Wetlands Conservation Council to meet March 4 (3/3, p. 10029)
• NMFS announces final 2003 harvest specifications, prohibited species catch allowances, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (3/3, p. 9907-24)
• NMFS announces final 2003 harvest specifications for groundfish, reserves and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (3/3, p. 9924-42)
• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processor vessels using pot gear and catcher vessels 60 feet (18.3 m) length overall (LOA) and longer using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (3/3, p. 9942-3)
• NMFS amends portions of the regulations governing the halibut fishery under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program (3/3, p. 9902-5)
• NMFS publishes revised 2003 commercial quotas for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. (3/3, p. 9905-7)
• NMFS corrects scoping meeting date re: New England Fishery Management Council's effort to prepare EIS on potential effects on the human environment of alternative measures for managing the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) fishery (3/3, p. 9968-9)
• NMFS extends comment period on an ANPR that announces that the agency is considering revisions to the national standard guidelines for national standard 1 that specify criteria for determining overfishing and establishing rebuilding schedules. (3/3, p. 9967-8)
• MMS asks NMFS for authorization to harass small numbers of marine mammals, principally the sperm whale, incidental to conducting seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico (3/3, p. 9991-6)
• Jeff Schmid, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples, Fla., has been issued a modification to scientific research permit No. 1316 (Kemp's Ridley turtle) (3/3, p. 9997)

• NMFS final rule implements Framework 15 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (2/28, p. 9580-8)
• NMFS: North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 75 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area. This amendment would delay the effective date of requirements for 100-percent retention and utilization of rock sole and yellowfin sole from Jan. 1, 2003, until June 1, 2004 (2/28, p. 9630-1)
• NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator proposes to issue EFPs that would allow up to 10 vessels to test the effectiveness of a 5.5-inch (13.97-cm) square mesh extension escapement panel for reducing bycatch of scup and retain Loligo squid inside the Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs), and up to 15 additional vessels to conduct fishing operations otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States (2/28, p. 9629-30)
• NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator proposes to issue EFP that would exempt one vessel from the minimum mesh size requirements for the Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area (RMA); regulations pertaining to the GOM Rolling Closure Areas II, III, IV, and V; days-at-sea (DAS) restrictions; and minimum fish size requirements. The experiment proposes to conduct a study to target cod and flounder using a modified trawl net constructed with a changeable inner mesh size codend surrounded by a small mesh codend cover to determine the selectivity of various square mesh sizes and mesh types. (2/28, p. 9628-9)
• NMFS extends ESA marine mammal permit (2/28, p. 9640-1)
• NMFS' National Marine Mammal Laboratory at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center receives permit to collect, import/export species from marine mammals for purposes of scientific research. (2/28, p. 9641)

• FWS designates critical habitat for 83 of the 95 species known historically from the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Niiha (2/27, p. 9115-9479)
• FWS releases CCP for Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Ellsworth, NE (2/27, p. 9092-3)
  • Plan is here
• FWS receives application (Tindall) for incidental take of the Houston Toad (2/27, p. 9093-4)
• FWS reopens comment period on the draft Multiple Species HCP, draft Implementing Agreement, and Draft EIS for an incidental take permit for 146 species in western Riverside County, California (2/27, p. 9093)
• NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator proposes to grant EFP to allow two vessels to conduct a supplemental finfish survey, and up to 15 additional vessels to conduct fishing operations otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States (2/27, p. 9044-5)
• NMFS plans to prepare EIS to identify and analyze a range of alternatives for fishing experiments to test methods of reducing the incidental take and mortality of threatened and endangered sea turtles by Pacific longline fisheries, as well as the issuance of any permits necessary for the conduct of this activity. (2/27, p. 9062-4)
• FWS provides an update on its intentions to revise and make available for public comment the following documents: (1) Draft karst feature survey guidance; (2) draft endangered karst invertebrate survey guidance; (3) draft preserve design to conserve endangered karst invertebrates guidance; and (4) draft recommendations for protection of water quality of the Edwards Aquifer. (2/27, p. 9094-5)

• CWA enforcement: DOJ files proposed consent decree in case involving release of hazardous substances from a tanker truck into the Clinch River in Tazewell County, Virginia. Natural resource damages total $3.8 million, which will pay for restoring destroyed mussel habitat (U.S. v. Certus Inc., 02-95, W.D. Va.) (2/26, p. 8927)
  • CD is supposed to be here
• Wetlands enforcement: DOJ concent decree proposes $10,000 fine for filling wetlands (U.S. v. Hammond, 01-5559, N.D. Ill.). The proposed CD also requires Hammond to remove the fill material, restore the affected wetland, and place a deed restriction on the property. (2/26, p. 8927)
  • CD is here
• FWS makes minor adjustment to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Boundary (2/26, p. 8922-3)
• NMFS makes positive prelim. determination re: proposed EFP, which "would support research to test a dual panel single Nordmore grate system for commercial northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, in the Gulf of Maine (2/26, p. 8872-3)
• NMFS plans to grant EFP allowing for experimentation with three different black sea bass escape vent sizes, and for compensation fishing to fund the research. (2/26, p. 8871-2)

• FWS extends public comment period until April 25 on proposal to designate critical habitat for Arizona distinct population segment of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (2/25, p. 8730-1)
• NMFS is closing directed fishing for species in the rock sole/ flathead sole/``other flatfish'' fishery category by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (2/25, p. 8726)
• NMFS issues proposed rule to implement measures contained in Framework Adjustment 37 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (2/25, p. 8731-6)
• NMFS Northeast Regional Administrator plans to issue an EFP that would allow one federally permitted lobster vessel to fish a maximum of six modified lobster traps to obtain live specimens of royal red shrimp for the purposes of study and cultivation (2/25, p. 8741-3)

• FWS reopens comment period for an application submitted by the Memphis (Tenn.) Zoo to import one male and one female captive born giant panda from the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens, Shanghai Zoo and Beijing Zoo, China, for the purpose of scientific research and enhancement of the survival of the species (2/24, p. 8617)
• DOI requests comments on revised departmental strategic plan for fiscal 2003-2008 (2/24, p. 8616-7)
  • Go here for plan

• FWS reopens comment period until March 21 on proposed rule to list mountain plover (2/21, p. 8487)
• NMFS is amending the turtle excluder device (TED) regulations to enhance their effectiveness in reducing sea turtle mortality resulting from trawling in the southeastern United States (2/21, p. 8456-71)
  • More here
• NMFS makes positive preliminary determinations on summer flounder EFP and scup EFP (2/21, p. 8487-8)
• NMFS announces that annual harvest guidelines for the commercial lobster fishery in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) will not be issued for the year 2003. (2/21, p. 8490-1)
• NMFS issues exempted fishing permit for the North Carolina Aquariums. The EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect up to 50 red porgy and up to 500 lb (0.23 mt) of coral/live rock each year for two years in federal waters off North Carolina for public display (2/21, p. 8491)
• FWS issues emergency marine mammal permit for stranded manatee in waters around Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands (2/21, p. 8518)

• FWS to prepare a CCP and EA for Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Minnesota. (2/20, p. 8303-4)
• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (2/20, p. 8154)
• NMFS is closing directed fishing for groundfish with non- pelagic trawl gear in the red king crab savings subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (2/20, p. 8153-4)

• FWS designates critical habitat for Rio Grande silvery minnow (2/19, p. 8087-8135)
• FWS releases NRDA assessment plan for Ashtabula River and Harbor Site, which have been exposed to hazardous substances released by industrial activity at the Fields Brook Superfund Site and at the river and harbor (2/19, p. 8043-4)
• NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to deepening the Dodge-Lummus Island Turning Basin in Miami, Fla. (Turning Basin) to a depth of 44 ft (2/19, p. 7984-6)
• National Marine Mammal Laboratory, NMFS, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115-0070, (Dr. Sue Moore, Principal Investigator (PI)) has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 782-1438. (2/19, p. 7986-7)

• FWS, FS amend regulations governing subsistence use of wildlife in Alaska by clarifying how old a person must be to receive a Federal Subsistence Registration Permit or Federal Designated Harvester Permit and by removing the requirement that Regional Councils must have an odd number of members (direct final rule) (2/18, p. 7703-4)
  • Same regulations, proposed rule (2/18, p. 7703-4)
• NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish with fixed gear managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program. (2/18, p. 7719)
• NMFS issues a proposed rule to open waters to Pacific cod pot fishing around Cape Barnabas and Caton Island located in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) (2/18, p. 7750-60)
• NMFS: The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils plan to jointly prepare, in cooperation with NMFS, an EIS to assess potential effects on the human environment of alternative measures for managing the spiny dogfish fishery pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (2/18, p. 7749-50)

• FWS submits ICR to OMB for approval: Special Use Permit Application Form for Alaska Refuges (2/14, p. 7578-9)
• FWS releases Availability of a Draft National Management Plan for the Genus Eriocheir (2/14, p. 7579-80)
  • Report is supposed to be here somewhere
• FWS issues negative 12-month finding on petition to list the California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) (2/14, p. 7580-608)
• Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Gulf of Mexico Regional Panel to meet Feb. 26-27 in Pensacola Beach, Fla. (2/14, p. 7608-9)
• NMFS publishes ANPR: The agency is considering revisions to the national standard guidelines for national standard 1 that specify criteria for determining overfishing and establishing rebuilding schedules. (2/14, p. 7492)
• Michael Moore, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass., has been issued a permit to collect, import and export parts from all cetaceans and pinniped species (excluding walrus) for purposes of scientific research. (2/14, p. 7509)
• NMFS has received an application for an incidental take permit from Dr. Anne Rudloe, Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories Inc. (sea turtles) (2/14, p. 7505-6)
• NMFS announces the issuance of an exempted fishing permit for the South Carolina Aquarium, located in Charleston, S.C. The EFP would authorize the applicant, with certain conditions, to collect for public display annually, for 2 years, an average of 25 specimens each of numerous species of marine invertebrates and marine fish from federal waters off South Carolina. This EFP is similar to the previous EFP issued to the applicant that expired on Dec. 31, 2002. (2/14, p. 7508-9)
• NMFS is opening directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) for 24 hours (Feb. 13-14) (2/14, p. 7448)

• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (2/13, p. 7323-4)
• NMFS: At its 21st meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, 2002, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, of which the U.S. is a member, adopted conservation measures, pending members' approval, pertaining to fishing in the CCAMLR Convention Area in Antarctic waters (2/13, p. 7348-50)
• FWS receives application from the Urban Wildlands Group for a Safe Harbor permit designed to "enhance survival" of the El Segundo blue butterfly (2/13, p. 7385-7)

• FWS, FS establish regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2003 regulatory year (2/12, p. 7275-93)
• FWS, FS: This provides notice of the Federal Subsistence Board's change in harvest limits to protect moose populations in Units 21(D) and 24, muskox populations in Unit 26(C), and caribou populations in Units 17(A) and (C) (2/12, p. 7298-300)
• FWS, FS propose a rule to establish regulations for fishing seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2004-05 regulatory year. (2/12, p. 7294-7)
• NMFS extends public comment period through March 24, 2003, for an interim final rule published Dec. 24, 2002. The purpose of the interim rule is to prohibit fishing with drift gillnets in the California/Oregon (CA/OR) thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery in U.S. waters off southern California, south of Point Conception (34 degrees 27'N.) and west to the 120 degrees W., from Aug. 15 through Aug. 31, and Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, when the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries publishes a notice that El Nino conditions are present (2/12, p. 7080)

• NMFS proposes to issue Experimental Fishing Permit to support research to design, develop and test a soft species separation system for commercial flatfish trawls in the Gulf of Maine (2/11, p. 6863-4)
• FWS reopens comment period until May 12 on proposal to designate CH for the Klamath River and Columbia River distinct population segments of bull trout (2/11, p. 6863)
• FWS extends until March 29 the comment period on draft recovery plan for three of the five Distinct Population Segments of Bull Trout (2/11, p. 6932-4)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (2/11, p. 6931)
• FWS receices endangered species permit applications (2/11, p. 6931-2)
• FWS issues marine mammal permit (2/11, p. 6934)
• FWS issues marine mammal permit (2/11, p. 6934-5)
• NMFS issues final rule to implement Amendment 69 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutians Area (FMP). This final rule will allow an American Fisheries Act (AFA) inshore cooperative to contract with a non-member vessel to harvest a portion of the cooperative's pollock allocation (2/11, p. 6833-7)
• NMFS proposes to increase the percentage of pollock roe that may be retained by operators of catcher/processors and motherships processing pollock harvested in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. (2/11, p. 6865-7)

• proposing to establish spring/summer migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2003 subsistence season (2/10, p. 6697-707)
• FWS says city and county of Denver, acting through its Board of Water Commissioners (Denver Water), has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service for an ITP authorizing the loss and modification of habitat associated with Denver Water's Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities and the incidental take of Preble's meadow jumping mouse (2/10, p. 6756-7)

• FWS makes minor modification to the boundary of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Alaska (2/7, p. 6496-7)
• FWS says listing of Mount Ashland lupine and Henderson's horkelia is not warranted. (2/7, p. 6498-500)
• FWS says there is "insufficient evidence to indicate that the western population of sage grouse is a valid subspecies or a Distinct Population Segment." (2/7, p. 6500-4)
• NMFS closes the commercial run-around gillnet fishery for king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the southern Florida west coast subzone. (2/7, p. 6360-1)
• U.S. Air Force, Vandenberg A.F.B., receives permit to take California sea lions, northern elephant seals, northern fur seals, and Pacific harbor seals for purposes of scientific research. (2/7, p. 6419)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (2/7, p. 6497-8)

• FWS releases report, "Birds of Conservation Concern 2002." (2/6, p. 6179)
• NMFS announces final specifications for the 2003 Atlantic herring fishery (2/6, p. 6088-90)
• NMFS requests comments on its proposal to issue a small take authorization to the USCG to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions for 1 year (2/6, p. 6116-9)
• NOAA issues call for applications for representatives and alternates to the Northewestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (2/6, p. 6115-6)

• FWS releases Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for coal slurry spill in Lee County, Virginia (2/5, p. 5911-2)

• FWS releases final Recovery Plan for Holy Ghost Ipomopsis (a plant) (2/4, p. 5650)
  • Search here for document
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the offshore component in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (2/4, p. 5585-6)
• NOAA announces public hearing in Connecticut re: consistency appeal filed with the Department of Commerce by the Islander East Pipeline Company (2/4, p. 5620)

• NMFS issues permit to Idaho Department of Fish and Game (chinook, sockeye, steelhead) (2/3, p. 5275-6)
• NMFS issues permit to Charlotte Ambrose of NMFS' Protected Resources Division in Santa Rosa, Calif., authorizing take of ESA-listed anadromous fish species for research purposes, subject to certain conditions set forth therein. (2/3, p. 5275)

• FWS receives applications endangered species permit applications (1/31, p. 5037)
• NMFS increases trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone to 75 fish per day in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This trip limit increase is necessary to maximize the socioeconomic benefits of the quota. (1/31, p. 4965-6)
• FWS receives endangered species recovery permit applications (1/31, p. 5037-8)

• NMFS corrects Jan. 7 emergency rule for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery (1/30, p. 4719-24)
• NMFS proposes to designate the Southern Resident stock of killer whales as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1/30, p. 4747-50)

• NMFS issues 12-month finding on petition to list green sturgeon. "After reviewing the available scientific and commercial information, NMFS has determined that the petitioned species is comprised of two distinct population segments (DPSs) that qualify as species under the ESA, but that neither DPS warrants listing as a threatened or endangered species at this time." (1/29, p. 4433-41)
• NMFS has re-designated the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as the lead council to develop a dolphin and wahoo fishery management plan in the exclusive economic zone for the U.S. Atlantic coast. (1/29, p. 4447-9)
• NMFS says that on Jan. 21, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order that stayed the implementation of the final finding made on Dec. 31, 2002, on the "dolphin-safe" labeling standard. The stay became effective on Jan. 23 and shall remain in effect for 90 days from the effective date or until a ruling is issued on a motion for a preliminary injunction (1/29, p. 4449)
• Gregory D. Bossart of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Ft. Pierce, Fla., has been issued a permit to take Atlantic bottlenose dolphins for purposes of scientific research. (1/29, p. 4450)

• CWA enforcement: DOJ: Proposed consent decree would impose civil penalty of $2.5 million and comprehensive injunctive relief designed to address all of the known causes of the gasoline spill beginning on June 10, 1999 and covering the entire 400-mile Olympic pipeline system from which the spill occurred (U.S. v. Shell Pipeline Co. LP fka Equilon Pipeline Co. and Olympic Pipeline Co., CV02-1178R, W.D. Wa.). (1/28, p. 4231-2)
• CWA enforcement: DOJ: Proposed consent decree would impose civil penalty of $5 million and other relief consisting of a comprehensive pipeline spill prevention program covering 2,139 miles of pipeline in seven states (U.S. v. Shell Pipeline Co. LP fka Equilon Pipeline Co. and Olympic Pipeline Co., CV02-1178R, W.D. Wa.). (1/28, p. 4232-3)
  • Press release re: consent decrees
• FWS reopens public comment period for the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Mariana fruit bat and the Guam Micronesian kingfisher on Guam, and the Mariana crow on Guam and Rota and associated draft economic analysis (1/28, p. 4159-60)
• FWS releases draft economic analysis and draft EA for the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (1/28, p. 4160-1)
  • Documents are supposed to be here
• FWS issues negative 90-day finding on petition to list tri-state flock of trumpeter swans as endangered. "Petition does not provide substantial information indicating that this flock is a Distinct Population Segment," FWS says. (1/28, p. 4221-8)
  • Finding, petition, more on swan here (finding may not be here yet, but will be eventually
• FWS issues draft Recovery Plan for the Rough Popcorn Flower (1/28, p. 4228-9)
• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska (1/28, p. 4115)
• NMFS issues this final rule implementing a regulatory amendment to correct minor oversights in the August 1, 2002, interim final rule that implemented additional restrictions to reduce overfishing on species managed under the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (1/28, p. 4113-5)
• NMFS extends for 30 days the public comment period on a proposed rule for establishing a fishing capacity reduction program for the crab species managed under the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP), as published on Dec. 12, 2002 (1/28, p. 4161-2)
• NMFS announces receipt of three EFP applications from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. If awarded, these EFPs would allow vessels with valid Washington State delivery permits to harvest and retain federally managed groundfish in closed rockfish conservation areas and to retain federally managed groundfish species in excess of cumulative trip limits. (1/28, p. 4162-3)
• NMFS receives scientific research permit applications (1/28, p. 4178-9)

• FWS announces scoping meetings, plans to prepare EA for the proposed designation of an experimental population of Northern Aplomado Falcon (1/27, p. 3889-92)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for rock sole by catcher processors that are listed under the American Fisheries Act in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (1/27, p. 3824-5)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Community Development Quota reserve amounts of shortraker/rougheye rockfish and northern rockfish in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (1/27, p. 3823-4)
• NMFS issues a regulation to implement Amendment 10 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which was submitted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) for review and approval by the Secretary of Commerce (1/27, p. 3819-23)
• NMFS releases a paper on issues and options for Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish and Sharks. (1/27, p. 3853-4)

• FWS, NMFS, EPA release ANPRM on pesticide consultations (1/24, p. 3785-95)
• NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (Amendment 72) and Amendment 64 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (1/24, p. 3485-506)
• NMFS announces it has received a petition to designate a group of transient killer whales as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The group, identified as the AT1 group, inhabits Prince William Sound/Kenai Fjords, AK. (1/24, p. 3483-5)
• NOAA Federal Consistency Appeal. "The Islander East Pipeline Company has filed an administrative appeal with the Department of Commerce asking that the Secretary of Commerce override the State of Connecticut's objection to Islander East's proposed natural gas pipeline." (1/24, p. 3513-4)

• NMFS issues a proposed rule to seasonally prohibit directed fishing for groundfish by vessels using trawl, pot, or hook-and-line gear in waters located near Cape Sarichef in the Bering Sea subarea (1/23, p. 3225-8)

• FWS updates address for the submission of reports on specimens of endangered species taken in defense of self or others, or in the course of official duty by employees of federal or State land management or conservation agencies. (1/22, p. 2919)
• FWS issues negative 90-day finding on petition to list the Mountain Quail (1/22, p. 3000-5)
• Region 1 releases list of ITPs, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Candidate Conservation Agreements it approved between November 2001-November 2002 (1/22, p. 3036-7)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Atka mackerel with gears other than jig in the Eastern Aleutian District and the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (1/22, p. 2920-1)
• NMFS notifies registered vessels of their assignments for the A season Atka mackerel fishery in harvest limit area (HLA) 542 and/or 543 of the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (1/22, p. 2922)
• NMFS prohibits directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the first seasonal allowance of the pollock interim total allowable catch (TAC) for Statistical Area 630 of the GOA (1/22, p. 2921-2)
• NMFS regulations contained in the interim rule published on Aug. 1, 2002, in order to reduce overfishing, are continued for an additional 180 days, after which subsequent Secretarial action may be taken to ensure that sufficient measures to reduce overfishing stay in effect until implementation of Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (1/22, p. 2919-20)
• NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management announces intent to evaluate the performance of the North Carolina Coastal Management Program and the Connecticut Coastal Management Program (1/22, p. 3012-3)
• Marine Mammal Research Program, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu Laboratory, has applied for a permit to take Hawaiian monk seals (1/22, p. 3015-6)

• FWS extends comment period on ITP application for the Briargate Development, El Paso County, CO (Preble's jumping mouse) (1/21, p. 2792-3)
• NMFS receives marine mammal permit applications (1/21, p. 2751-3)

• FWS to prepare CCP and EA for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Baldwin County, Alabama. (1/17, p. 2564-5)
• FWS to prepare CCPs and associated environmental documents for Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuges in Northern North Dakota (1/17, p. 2565-6)
• FWS to prepare CCPS/EAs for Sabine, Cameron Prairie, and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges in Louisiana. (1/17, p. 2566)
• FWS receives ITP application (Houston Toad) (1/17, p. 2567-8)
• FWS grants permit to take Preble's meadow jumping mouse on the Lefever Property, El Paso County, Colo. (1/17, p. 2568)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (1/17, p. 2566-7)
• NMFS corrects Jan. 2 rule on Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures for the Groundfish Fisheries Off Alaska (1/17, p. 2636)

• Wetlands enforcement: Proposed consent decree filed in U.S. v. Wilcox, Civ. No. 99-806 WRW, E.D. Ark.). The proposed decree would require defendant to (1) pay a $100,000 civil penalty; (2) restore approximately 50 acres of wetlands; and (3) provide approximately 55 acres of mitigation. (1/16, p. 2363)
• FWS says listing of Sierra Nevada DPS of Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) is warranted but precluded (1/16, p. 2283-303)
• FWS to submit ICR to OMB for approval re: information for application, permit, and reporting for Federal Subsistence Hunt, Designated Hunter, and Fish/Shellfish Harvest in Alaska. (1/16, p. 2347-8)
• FWS to submit ICR to OMB for approval (Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Nomination Form, Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Application Form, and Regional Advisory Council Member Evaluation--Candidate Interview Form (1/16, p. 2348-9)
• FWS releases draft Recovery Plan for the Zapata Bladderpod (1/16, p. 2350-1)
• NMFS final rule implements Amendment 5 to the FMP for the Shrimp Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States (1/16, p. 2188-96)
• NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework 15 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP (1/16, p. 2303-8)
• NOAA announces Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Revised Management Plan, including a boundary expansion (1/16, p. 2318-9)
• FWS receives ES scientific research permit applications (1/16, p. 2349-50)

• CWA: Corps, EPA issue Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking re: "waters of the U.S." definition (1/15, p. 1991-8)
• FWS will conduct an open meeting on Jan. 23 to identify and discuss preliminary issues concerning the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting regulations. (1/15, p. 2070)
• FWS receives endangered species/marine mammal permit applications (1/15, p. 2068-9)
• FWS receives endangered species application (1/15, p. 2069)
• FWS receives endangered species applications (1/15, p. 2069-70)
• FWS issues marine mammal permit (1/15, p. 2070)
• NMFS issues determination that the chase and intentional deployment on or encirclement of dolphins with purse seine nets is not having a significant adverse impact on depleted dolphin stocks in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (1/15, p. 2010-17)

• FWS submits 10 Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin (1/14, p. 1819-21)
• NMFS has received an application for a direct take permit (Permit 1412) from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (1/14, p. 1826-7)

• FWS publishes priority list submitted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. This notice is required by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000. Grants may be made from this priority list. (1/13, p. 1627-8)
• FWS, NMFS release guidance on evaluating the net benefit of projects that reduce hazardous fuels. "The guidance recommends that managers evaluate the net benefits of such projects during the consultation process conducted under [ESA] section 7. While reducing hazardous fuels may have short- or long-term adverse effects on some species, the long-term net benefit can be substantial and sustaining to the species." (1/13, p. 1629-30)
  • Go here for more
• FWS, NMFS release guidance on alternative approaches for streamlining section 7 consultation on hazardous fuels treatment projects (1/13, p. 1628-9)

• FWS approves shot formulated of 65% tungsten, 10.4% iron, 2.8% nickel, and 21.8% tin as nontoxic for hunting waterfowl and coots (1/10, p. 1388-92)
• NMFS corrects Dec. 6 final rule that extended the applicability date of the existing regulations for the interim North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. (1/10, p. 1392-3)
• NMFS corrects date that was was published in Dec. 4 FR notice re: notification of U.S. quota allocations and an effort allocation (1/10, p. 1392)
• NMFS extends comment period till March 17 on proposed rule published Dec. 6, which would modify existing exempted fishing regulations for Atlantic highly migratory species (1/10, p. 1430-1)
• NMFS proposes changes for 2003 to the List of Fisheries (LOF) as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1/10, p. 1414-30)

• FWS designates CH for three of the 37 species known historically from the Hawaiian island of Lanai. (1/9, p. 1219-74)
• FWS extends comment period on manatee incidental take regulations (1/9, p. 1175-6)
• FWS releases draft pygmy-owl recovery plan for review and comment (1/9, p. )

• FWS releases EA re: addition of Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots from a Sustainable Use Management Plan in Argentina to the Approved List of Non-Captive-Bred Birds Under the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (1/8, p. 1066-7)
• FWS: Klamath Fishery Management Council to meet April 6 (1/8, p. 1067-8)
• NMFS will conduct four public hearings to receive comments from fishery participants and other members of the public regarding proposed regulations to reduce dead discards of Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery and emergency regulations in the Atlantic shark fisheries that implemented commercial quotas for 2003 and suspended the commercial minimum size limit (1/8, p. 1024-5)

• NMFS issues a final rule to amend regulations governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (1/7, p. 715-20)
• NMFS final rule amends regulations governing Atlantic billfish and North Atlantic swordfish recreational fisheries "to implement recommendations adopted at the 2000 meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and enhance management programs for these species." (1/7, p. 711-5)
• NMFS announces the January through February 2003 management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (1/7, p. 907-35)
• NMFS proposes rule to implement the 2003 fishery specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and State waters off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California (1/7, p. 936-89)

• NMFS proposes 2003 specifications for the Atlantic bluefish fishery, including total allowable landings (TAL), state-by-state commercial quotas, and recreational harvest limits and possession limits for Atlantic bluefish off the East Coast of the United States. (1/6, p. 533-6)

• FWS withdraws proposed rule to list the flat-tailed horned lizard as threatened (1/3, p. 331-348)
• FWS releases final Sonora Tiger Salamander Recovery Plan (1/3, p. 386-7)
• Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take by the Leander Rehabilitation PUD (1/3, p. 387)

• Consent decree: National Marine Sanctuaries Act DOJ issues proposed consent decree in U.S. v. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Civ. No. 97-2510, consolidated with 97-10075, on Dec. 4, 2002) (1/2, p. 129)
• FWS releases Final Restoration Plan and EA for the Charles George Land Reclamation Trust Superfund Site in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. (1/2, p. )
• NMFS final rule implements Steller sea lion protection measures to avoid the likelihood that the groundfish fisheries off Alaska will jeopardize the continued existence of the western distinct population segment (DPS) of Steller sea lions or adversely modify its critical habitat. (1/2, p. 203-36)
• NMFS announces final initial specifications for the 2003 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB); including an in-season adjustment provision for the 2003 mackerel joint venture processing (JVP) annual specification (1/2, p. 57-60)
• NMFS issues final specifications for the 2003 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries and makes preliminary adjustments to the 2003 commercial quotas for these fisheries (1/2, p. 60-68)

• NMFS issues final quotas for the Atlantic surfclam, ocean quahog, and Maine mahogany ocean quahog fisheries for 2003 (12/31, p. 79887-9)
• NMFS issues a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast for the fishing season Jan. 1, 2003, through Dec. 31, 2003 (12/31, p. 79889-90)
• NMFS increases number of fisheries for which the Marine Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP) registration is integrated with existing Federal fishery licensing and permitting programs. (12/31, p. 79905-6)
• NMFS to update status reviews for Snake River sockeye and Southern California steelhead ESUs (p. 79898-90)

• NMFS issues final regulations to implement American Fisheries Act (AFA)-related amendments: Amendment 61 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, Amendment 61 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, Amendment 13 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab, and Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska.

  "These four amendments incorporate the provisions of the AFA into the fishery management plans (FMPs) and their implementing regulations. The management measures include: measures that allocate the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) pollock among the sectors of the pollock processing industry and restrict who may fish for and process pollock within each industry sector; measures that govern the formation and operation of fishery cooperatives in the BSAI pollock fishery; harvesting and processing limits known as sideboards to protect the participants in other fisheries from spillover effects resulting from the rationalization of the BSAI pollock fishery; measures that establish catch weighing and monitoring requirements for vessels and processors that participate in the BSAI pollock fishery; and extension of the inshore/offshore regime for pollock and Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) through December 31, 2004. These amendments and management measures are necessary to implement the AFA and are intended to do so in a manner consistent with the environmental and socioeconomic objectives of AFA, the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable laws."

  (12/30, p. 79691-739)
• NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries announces voluntary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing regulations (12/30, p. 79536-7)
• NMFS corrects the formula for calculating the bid score in the preamble to the proposed rule for establishing a fishing capacity reduction program for the crab species managed under the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Management Plan (12/12/02; see below) (12/30, p. 79550-1)
• NMFS asks for comments on request from ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. for an authorization to take small numbers of ringed and bearded seals by harassment incidental to conducting on-ice seismic operations in the Beaufort Sea during oil and gas exploration activities. (12/30, p. 79565-70)
• NMFS grants amendment to scientific research permit (12/30, p. 79570-1)

• FWS receives ES permit applications (12/27, p. 79130-1)
• FWS proposes guidance for the $4 million tribal component of the Landowner Incentive Program. (12/27, p. 79131-6)
• FWS issues draft implementation guidance for $5 million Tribal Wildlife Grant program provided for in FY 2002 appropriations bill (12/27, p. 79136-40)
• NMFS issues emergency rule establishing the commercial annual quotas for ridgeback and non-ridgeback large coastal sharks at 783 metric tons (mt) dressed weight (dw) and 931 mt dw, respectively; establish the commercial annual quota for small coastal sharks (SCS) at 326 mt dw; and suspend the regulation regarding the commercial ridgeback LCS minimum size (12/27, p. 78990-3)
• NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina has transferred 43,000 lb (19,504.5 kg) of its 2002 commercial quota to the State of Maryland; and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has transferred 150,000 lb (68,038.9 kg) of its 2002 commercial quota to the State of New York (12/27, p. 78994-5)
• NMFS announces that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be closed effective Dec. 24, 2002, through Dec. 31, 2002 (12/27, p. 78994)

• FWS extends comment period, releases draft economic analysis for proposed CH designation for Oahu plants. "Over a 10-year time period, the total section 7-related direct costs associated with the species' listings and critical habitat are estimated at $1.1 million to $2.3 million." (12/26, p. 78763-5)
  • Analysis is here
  • Analysis also is here (FWS site)
• FWS issues negative 90-day petition finding on Mono Basin area sage grouse (12/26, p. 78811-5)
• FHwA proposes to sign an agreement with FWS designating 25 acres of property owned by the Colorado DOT as a habitat conservation bank for the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (12/26, p. 78853-4)
• NMFS issues interim 2003 total allowable catch amounts for each category of groundfish, Community Development Quota reserve amounts, American Fisheries Act pollock allocations and sideboard amounts, and prohibited species catch allowances and prohibited species quota reserves for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (12/26, p. 78739-50)
• NMFS issues interim 2003 total allowable catch (TAC) amounts for each category of groundfish, American Fisheries Act sideboard amounts, and specifications for prohibited species catch amounts for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (12/26, p. 78733-8)

• FWS designates critical habitat for five Carbonate plants from the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California (12/24, p. 78569-610)
• FWS receives endangered species/marine mammal permit applications (12/24, p. 78504-5)
• FWS grants permit to import one polar bear (Ursus maritimus) sport-hunted from the Norwegian Bay population, Canada, for personal use. (12/24, p. 78506)
• FWS grants permit to Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute for a permit to conduct scientific research to measure the sonar acoustic reflectivity of captive held Florida manatees (12/24, p. 78506)
• NMFS interim final rule prohibits fishing with drift gillnets in the California/Oregon (CA/OR) thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery in U.S. waters off southern California, south of Point Conception (34[deg]27' N.) and west to the 120[deg]W., from Aug. 15-31, and Jan. 1-31, when the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries publishes a notice that El Nino conditions are present. NMFS has determined that the incidental take of loggerhead sea turtles by this fishery correlates to the area and season being fished during these oceanographic conditions. (12/24, p. 78388-92)
• NMFS proposes to amend regulations governing the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery as they affect landing of BFT in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery (12/24, p. 78404-9)

• FWS approves establishment of Cahaba River Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, Alabama. (12/23, p. 78238)
• FWS approves establishment of Red River National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Red River Waterway in Caddo, Bossier, Red River, Natchitoches, and De Soto Parishes, Louisiana (12/23, p. 78238)

• FWS releases draft EIS, CCP for the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for review and comment; public meetings scheduled (12/20, p. 78009-11)
  • More information here
• NMFS makes preliminary determination re: EFP applications. EFPs would exempt vessels from minimum mesh size requirements of the Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area (RMA), days-at-sea (DAS) requirements, and the restrictions of GOM Rolling Closure Areas IV and V. (12/20, p. 77957-8)

• NMFS issues Letter of Authorization to BP Exploration (Alaska) to take a small number of marine mammals incidental to the production of offshore oil and gas at the Northstar development in the Beaufort Sea (12/19, p. 77750-2)
• NMFS announces intent to issue Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) and Scientific Research Permits (SRPs) for the collection of Atlantic highly migratory species (12/19, p. 77752-3)

• FWS releases draft economic analysis for the proposed designations of critical habitat for 47 plant species from the island of Hawaii. (12/18, p. 77464-5)
  • More from FWS on critical habitat for Hawaiian and Pacific Islands species
• FWS reopens comment period until Feb. 15 on new status review for the westslope cutthroat trout (12/18, p. 77466)
• FWS reopens comment period on incidental take permits for condominium projects in Alabama beach mouse habitat (12/18, p. 77505-6)
• FWS releases draft EA, receives application for ITP (Preble's meadow jumping mouse) for The Meadows, Douglas County, Colo. (12/18, p. 77506-7)
• FWS accepting proposals for funding under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program. (12/18, p. 77507-8)
• Klamath Fishery Management Council to meet March 9 in Sacramento (12/18, p. 77508)
• Klamath Fishery Management Council to meet Feb. 27 and 28 in Brookings, Ore. (12/18, p. 77508-9)
• FWS announces meetings of the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force, Feb. 19 and 20; June 18 and 19, and Oct. 22, (12/18, p. )
• NMFS announces Pacific halibut and red king crab bycatch rate standards for the first half of 2003. (12/18, p. 77439-41)
• NMFS has determined that the 2002 fishing year Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category quota will be attained by Dec. 15. Therefore, the General category fishery will be closed effective 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 (12/18, p. 77433-4)
• Under the framework provisions of the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks, NMFS amends the consolidated regulations governing the Atlantic HMS fisheries to define operations and regulations for HMS Charter/Headboats, require an Atlantic HMS recreational permit, adjust the time frame for permit category changes for Atlantic HMS and Atlantic tunas permits, clarify the regulations regarding the retention of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico by recreational and HMS CHB vessels, and allow NMFS to set differential BFT retention limits by vessel type (e.g., charter boats, headboats). (12/18, p. 77434-9)

• FWS releases revised NRDA Assessment Plan for the St. Louis River/Interlake/Duluth Tar Superfund Site (12/17, p. 77287-8)
• FWS receives endangered species recovery permit applications (Quino checkerspot, salt marsh harvest mouse, California clapper rail, Nightingale reed-warbler, cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, Sonoma and Santa Barbara distinct population segments of the California tiger salamander, San Diego ambrosia, Cook's lomatium, and large-flowered wooly meadowfoam) (12/17, p. 77286-7)
• NMFS issues this emergency rule to extend certain permit- related deadlines contained in the final rule implementing the charter vessel/headboat permit moratorium for reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fish in the Gulf of Mexico and to make minor logistical adjustments consistent with those deadline extensions, e.g., extend effectiveness of some existing permits (12/17, p. 77193-5)
• (12/17, p. )

• DOI: Changes proposed to clarify who has standing in BLM land appeals and to allow BLM "wildfire management decisions" to remain effective even while being appealed. (12/16, p. 77011-5)
• FWS releases EA/HCP, receives incidental take permit application for "development and operation of a High Adventure Boy Scout Camp on the 4,848-Acre Griffith League Ranch, Bastrop County, TX" (Houston toad) (12/16, p. 77074-5)
• FWS receives ITP application to take pygmy-owls in connection with a proposed 103-acre residential development project (Skyranch) in Pima County, Arizona. (12/16, p. 77075-6)
• NMFS publishes IFQ standard prices and notification of adjustment of the IFQ fee percentage for the IFQ Cost Recovery Program in the halibut and sablefish fisheries of the North Pacific. (12/16, p. 76998-77001)

• NMFS announces that commercial quota is available to allow the directed fishery for Loligo squid to remain open in the Northeast (12/13, p. 76701)
• NMFS issues marine mammal permit amendment to Thomas F. Norris, SAIC (whales) (12/13, p. 76727-8)
• Tracey Mueller, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, Sarasota, Fla., has been issued a permit to take threatened and endangered green turtles, endangered hawksbill turtles, endangered Kemp's ridley turtles, and threatened loggerhead turtles for purposes of scientific research (12/13, p. 76727)
• National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., BIN C15700, Seattle, WA, 98115 has been issued a permit to take Alaskan harbor seals and spotted seals for purposes of scientific research. (12/13, p. 76728)
• (12/13, p. )

• NMFS says State of North Carolina is transferring 20,000 pounds of commercial summer flounder quota to Connecticut from its 2002 quota (12/12, p. 76318-9)
• NMFS proposes 2003 initial harvest specifications, prohibited species bycatch allowances, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (12/12, p. )
• NMFS proposes 2003 initial harvest specifications for groundfish, reserves and apportionment thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska (12/12, p. 76344-62)
• NMFS proposes regulations for a fishing capacity reduction program in the fishery for the crab species managed under the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs Fishery Management Plan (12/12, p. 76329-44)

• FWS releases final Recovery Plan for Gabbro Soil Plants of the Central Sierra Nevada Foothills (12/11, p. 76156-7)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (12/11, p. 76183-4)
• FWS receives endangered species and marine mammal permit applications (12/11, p. 76183)
• FWS approves application from Ikande L.V. Larkin, University of Florida, to amend a permit (PRT-038448) to conduct scientific research on captive-held and wild Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus) to study manatee reproductive physiology and indicators of stress. (12/11, p. 76184)

• FWS designates critical habitat for Otay tarplant (12/10, p. 76029-53)
• FWS says listing of Yosemite toad is warranted, but precluded by higher priority listing actions (12/10, p. 75834-43)
• FWS releases final addendum to the Recovery Plan for the Multi-Island Plants (Hawaii) (12/10, p. 75861-2)
• NMFS withdraws restrictions and requests fishermen to voluntarily remove lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet gear in an area totaling approximately 1,600 square nautical miles (nm\2\) (2,965 km\2\), east of Portsmouth, NH, called Jeffreys Ledge, from Dec. 5 through Dec. 20 (12/10, p. 75817-8)
• NMFS has received an application for scientific research from California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) in Sacramento, CA (1408). This permit would affect three Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of salmonids (12/10, p. 75848)
• NMFS issues modification to permit 1044 to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center that authorizes take of Central California Coast steelhead (12/10, p. 75848-9)

• FWS releases final recovery plan for Bruneau hot springsnail (12/9, p. 72967)
  • Go here for plan, at some point
• NMFS suspends the minimum size limit of 4.75 inches for Atlantic surf clams for the 2003 fishing year (12/9, p. 72867-8)
• NMFS releases draft EA on the impacts of issuing a subsistence quota for bowhead whales to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission for the Years 2003 through 2007 (12/9, p. 72919-20)

• The Forest Service is proposing changes to the National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning Rule adopted Nov. 9, 2000 (12/6, p. 72769-816)
• FWS announces a meeting "designed to foster partnerships to enhance public awareness of the importance of aquatic resources and the social and economic benefits of recreational fishing and boating in the United States. This meeting, sponsored by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, is open to the public, and interested persons may make oral statements to the Council or may file written statements for consideration." (12/6, p. 72693)
• NMFS final rule extends through 2007 the applicability of the existing regulations for the interim North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (12/6, p. 72595-72617)

• FWS releases draft economic analysis of the proposed designations of critical habitat for the Mariana fruit bat and the Micronesian kingfisher on Guam, and the Mariana crow on Guam and Rota. (12/5, p. )
  • Analysis is here
• FWS reopens the comment period for our proposal to list the mountain plover as a threatened species. FWS also proposes a special rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act, containing the prohibitions necessary to provide for the conservation of the mountain plover. The prohibitions FWS proposes do not include a prohibition against the take of mountain plover during certain routine farming practices until December 31, 2004, in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Laramie and Goshen Counties, Wyoming. During this period, research will be conducted to determine the impact of farming practices on cultivated fields to mountain plover nesting success within the southern portion of the breeding range (12/5, p. 72396-72407)

• FWS to hold public meeting to discuss the results of the twelfth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). (12/4, p. 72219-20)
• NMFS closes commercial fishery for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone of the Gulf of Mexico (12/4, p. 72112)
• NMFS announces that fish quotas and an effort allocation are available for harvest by U.S. fishermen in the NAFO Regulatory Area (12/4, p. 72110-2)
• NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 13 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan developed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (12/4, p. 72131-4)
• NOAA reopens the period for the public to comment on the administrative appeal filed with the Department of Commerce by the Millennium Pipeline Company (12/4, p. 72149)
  • More here
• NMFS grants marine mammal permit amendment (12/4, p. 72149-50)

• NMFS is enacting a seasonally adjusted gear restriction by closing portions of the Mid-Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone waters to fishing with gillnets with a mesh size larger than 8-inch (20.3 cm) stretched mesh. The purpose of this action is to reduce the impact of large-mesh gillnet fisheries on endangered and threatened species of sea turtles, primarily the monkfish fishery which uses large-mesh gillnet gear and operates in the area when sea turtles are present. (12/3, p. 71895-900)
• NMFS closes the commercial fishery for king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the northern Florida west coast subzone. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource. (12/3, p. 71901-2)
• NMFS reduces the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the northern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lb (227 kg) of king mackerel per day in or from the exclusive economic zone (12/3, p. 71902-3)
• NMFS restricts lobster trap and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,600 square nautical miles (nm\2\) (2,965 km\2\), east of Portsmouth, NH, called Jeffreys Ledge, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide immediate protection to an aggregation of North Atlantic right whales (right whales) (12/3, p. 71900-1)

• FWS reopens comment period on proposed listing of the population of dugong, Dugong dugon, in the Republic of Palau as endangered (12/2, p. 71529-30)
• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (12/2, p. 71489)
• NMFS adjusts the October-December subquota for the coastwide General category Atlantic bluefin tuna (12/2, p. 71487-8)
• NMFS announces that the scup commercial quota available in the 2002 Winter II period (November - December) to the coastal states from Maine to North Carolina has been harvested (12/2, p. 71488-9)
• NOAA's Damage Assessment and Restoration Program announces new indirect cost rates on the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (12/2, p. 71536-7)

FWS proposes CH designation for Klamath River and Columbia River Distinct Population Segments of Bull Trout, releases draft recovery plan (11/29, p. 71235-438)
• FWS says it will hold another public hearing on the proposed rule to allow incidental take of Florida manatees under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The hearing will be held from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 12 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (11/29, p. 71127-8)
• FWS releases draft Recovery Plan for three of the five Distinct Population Segments of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) (11/29, p. 71439-41)
  • Go here for plan
• FWS releases final EIS and final Roosevelt HCP for incidental take by the Salt River Project (11/29, p. 71193-4)
• FWS receives application for an ITP, opens comment period for an EA/HCP) for the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel in association with Camp Wilderness development project at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Pocahontas County, WV (11/29, p. 71192-3)
• FWS: The North American Wetlands Conservation Council will meet Dec. 3 to select NAWCA proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (11/29, p. 71194)
• FWS receives ESA scientific research/enhancement permit applications (11/29, p. 71191)
• FWS Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Region 3, requests an amendment to his permit for scientific take activities of listed species in Region 3 to add the following species for scientific purposes and the enhancement of propagation or survival of the species in the wild, in accordance with listing, recovery outlines, recovery plans and/or other Service work for the species: Canada lynx, whooping crane, Lake Erie water snake, Tumbling Creek cavesnail, Scaleshell, Short's goldenrod, and Virginia sneezeweed (11/29, p. 71191-2)
• NMFS is correcting typographic errors in federal regulations. The intended effect of this action is regulatory accuracy, and it will have no effect on any person fishing in the EEZ for any species (11/29, p. 71112)
• NMFS announces that 95 percent of the Atlantic herring total allowable catch allocated to Management Area 1A (Area 1A) for fishing year 2002 has been harvested (11/29, p. 71111-2)

• FWS proposes designation of critical habitat for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (11/27, p. 71031-64)
• FWS Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Northeast Regional Panel to meet Dec. 16 and 17 (11/27, p. 70963)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (11/27, p. 70961)
• FWS receives endangered species, marine mammal permit applications (11/27, p. 70962-3)
• FWS receives endangered species permit applications (11/27, p. 70961-2)
• FWS grants marine mammal permit (11/27, p. 70963)
• NMFS issues a final rule to implement Amendment 60 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska Area (11/27, p. 70859-60)
• NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels catching Pacific cod for processing by the inshore component in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (11/27, p. 70858)
• NMFS proposes specifications for the 2003 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries (11/27, p. 70904-15)
• NOAA notifies the public of its implementation of amendments to the existing Area to be Avoided off the Washington Coast to include all vessels of 1,600 gross tons and above solely in transit in accordance with the International Maritime Organization's adoption of MSC 75/24, para 6.7.4 on May 29, 2002. (11/27, p. 70933-4)
• Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, Florida Atlantic University, has applied for a permit to take green sea turtles for purposes of scientific research (11/27, p. 70934-5)

Tuesday, Nov. 26 (Nov. 26 Table of Contents from GPO)

• NMFS corrects Nov. 12 correction to final rule governing take of four threatened Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of West Coast Salmonids (11/26, p. 70809)

• NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from vessels using pot and trawl gear to catcher/processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the BSAI (11/25, p. 70557-8)
• NMFS announces that commercial quota is available to allow the directed fishery for Loligo squid to reopen (11/25, p. 70556)
• NMFS announces that the summer flounder commercial quota available to the State of Connecticut has been harvested (11/25, p. 70556-7)
• NMFS proposes a regulatory amendment that would revise the monkfish days-at-sea regulations (11/25, p. 70570-3)
• NMFS proposes a regulation to implement the annual harvest guideline for Pacific sardine in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the Pacific coast for the fishing season Jan. 1, 2003, through Dec. 31, 2003 (11/25, p. 70573-4)
• NMFS informs surf clam and ocean quahog allocation owners that they are required to purchase their year 2003 cage tags from a vendor (11/25, p. 70582)
• Dr. Elizabeth Wenner, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, applies for a permit to take loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green, leatherback, and hawksbill sea turtles for purposes of scientific research. (11/25, p. 70583-4)

• FWS releases draft recovery plan for Fritillaria Gentneri (Gentner's fritillary) for Review and Comment (11/22, p. 70452-3)
• FWS receives endangered species recovery permit applications (11/22, p. 70451-2)
• J.L. Storedahl & Sons Inc. has submitted an application to FWS and NMFS for incidental take permits to take bull trout and other listed species in connection with gravel mining and reclamation activities on approximately 300 acres of Storedahl-owned lands located in Clark County, Washington. Draft EIS is available. (11/22, p. 70408-9)
• FWS receives ITP application, releases EA on HCP for the Briargate Development, El Paso County, Colorado. Thirty-year permit would authorize the incidental take of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. (11/22, p. 70453-4)
• Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Great Lakes Panel Meeting scheduled for Dec. 10-11 (11/22, p. 70454)

• FWS reopens comment period till Jan. 21, will hold public hearings on proposed designation of critical habitat for the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) (11/21, p. 70202-3)
• FWS reopens comment period, releases draft economic analysis on proposed designation of critical habitat for Scotts Valley Polygonum (11/21, p. 70199-201)
• FWS releases economic analysis on proposed critical habitat designation for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants in California and Southern Oregon (11/21, p. 70201-2)
  • Economic analysis
  • More on vernal pool species, from FWS
• FWS releases draft economic analysis on proposed designation of critical habitat for nine Bexar County, Texas, invertebrates (11/21, p. 70203-4)
  • Analysis is here
• FWS reopens public comment period till Dec. 23 for the Technical/Agency Draft revised Recovery Plan for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (11/21, p. 70237-40)
• FWS asks for comments on endangered species permit applications (11/21, p. 70236-7)
• NMFS amends regulations governing the unintentional take of small numbers of seals incidental to routine operations of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant, Seabrook, NH. The purpose of this amendment is to replace the power plant's official owner/operator's name with a generic owner/operator designation. The technical amendment will also remove mitigation measures that are no longer applicable to the owner/operator of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant. (11/21, p. 70180-1)
• NMFS asks for comments on request by South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to withdraw from joint preparation of a dolphin and wahoo FMP, and that the Secretary re-designate the SAFMC as lead for a dolphin and wahoo FMP encompassing only the U.S. Atlantic coast (i.e. excluding the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Caribbean regions). (11/21, p. 70214-5)

• NMFS issues this final rule to amend the regulations governing the Atlantic swordfish fishery to implement recommendations adopted at the 2000 meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (11/20, p. 70023-7)
• NMFS announces that the annual spiny dogfish commercial quota available to the coastal states from Maine through Florida for the fishing year, May 1, 2002 - April 30, 2003, has been harvested. (11/20, p. 70027-8)
• NMFS announces trip limit changes in the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries for flatfish sub-limits in the exempted trawl fishery for California halibut and trip limit corrections for minor nearshore and widow rockfish in the limited entry trawl fisheries. (11/20, p. 70018-23)

• FWS submits ICR to OMB for approval. "This information collection approval request seeks approval for us to continue conducting the Sandhill Crane Harvest Survey." (11/19, p. 69756-7)
• FWS extends due date for submission of project proposals for federal assistance under the FY 2002 Private Stewardship Grants Program (11/19, p. 69757-9)
• NMFS issues negative 12-month finding on petition to list Bocaccio as threatened (11/19, p. 69704-8)
• NMFS issues positive 90-day finding on petition to revise critical habitat for the endangered western North Atlantic right whales (11/19, p. 69708-10)
• NMFS final rule modifies the regulations implementing Framework Adjustment 35 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Framework 35 established an exempted small mesh whiting fishery in the Gulf of Maine, near Provincetown, Mass.. The fishery occurs from Sept. 1-Nov. 20 each year and requires the use of raised footrope trawl gear. The rule modifies the boundaries of the current exemption area through inclusion of an area east of Cape Cod and allows the fishery to continue in the newly added eastern portion of the exemption area through Dec. 31 of each year. (11/19, p. 69694-6)
• NMFS receives application to modify a permit from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Santa Cruz, Calif. The modified permit would affect five Evolutionarily Significant Units of salmonids. (11/19, p. 69723 )
• NMFS announces which individuals or organizations have recently been issued a permit or permit amendment to take Steller sea lions (11/19, p. 69724-5)
  • NMFS permits page
• Texas A&M University, Department of Marine Biology, requests amendment to scientific research Permit No. 821-1588-01 (Weddell seals, sperm whales) (11/19, p. 69725-6)

• NMFS corrects Oct. 29 final rule to amend tier qualifications to include sablefish on EFP. It removes an amendatory instruction that was inadvertently published in the October 29, 2002 document. (11/18, p. )
• NMFS receives petition from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries to initiate rulemaking to amend the current Atlantic bluefin tuna allocation criteria and to create a winter time-period subquota. (11/18, p. 69502-3)
• NMFS' South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public hearing to address findings from the SAW/SARC (Stock Assessment Workshop/Stock Assessment Review Committee) process for the red porgy stock assessment (11/18, p. 69502)

• Wetlands enforcement: United States v. Janice D. Todd, Civil Action No. 2:01-2179-11 (D.S.C.), was lodged with the United States District Court for the District South Carolina on November 6, 2002. This proposed Consent Decree concerns a complaint filed by the United States of America against Janice D. Todd, pursuant to section 301 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), to obtain injunctive relief from and impose civil penalties against the Defendant for constructing a logging road in wetlands adjacent to the Little Salkehatchie River in Colleton County, South Carolina (11/15, p. 69244)
• FWS issues draft economic analysis on proposed CH designation for Blackburn's sphinx moth. Over a 10-year period, the draft economic analysis shows a range of direct costs from $1.2 to $1.9 million, and the possibility of indirect costs approaching $500 million. However, many of the indirect costs shown in the analysis result from uncertain and possibly unlikely future private and governmental actions, and we expressly request comments as to the likelihood of these actions occurring and of the indicated costs from these possible actions being incurred (11/15, p. 69179-80)
• FWS issues draft economic analysis on proposed CH designation for the Kauai Cave Wolf Spider and Kauai Cave Amphipod. The draft economic analysis shows a range of likely costs from the proposed designation of between $743 million to $1.955 billion over the 18-year period from 2003 to 2020. (11/15, p. 69177-9)
• FWS reopens comment period on CH proposal for 32 plants from the island of Lanai, to consider new information (11/15, p. 69176-7)
• FWS releases draft EIS/EIR, receives application for an ITP for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species HCP (11/15, p. 69236-8)
• NMFS announces that the black sea bass commercial quota available in the Quarter 4 period to the coastal states from Maine through North Carolina has been harvested (11/15, p. 69148)
• NMFS announces its intent to prepare an EIS under the National Environmental Policy Act to assess the potential effects on the human environment of its proposed action to initiate Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish and Sharks based on the results of the 2002 stock assessments of large coastal sharks (LCS) and small coastal sharks (SCS). (11/15, p. 69180-1)
• NMFS proposes specifications for the 2003 Atlantic herring fishery. The regulations for the Atlantic herring fishery require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of the specifications is to conserve and manage the Atlantic herring resource and provide for a sustainable fishery (11/15, p. )
• NMFS amends permit No. 774-1649-00 issued to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, Calif. The Amended Permit authorizes the Holder to capture, weigh, measure, tag and release southern elephant seal pups (11/15, p. 69201)

• FWS proposes rule that would allow incidental take of manatees during specified activities (11/14, p. 69077-69104)
• FWS: Notice of solicitation of applications for refuge big game guide permits in refuges in Alaska and extension of existing refuge permits (11/14, p. 69018)

• Hanford Reach National Monument Federal Advisory Committee to meet Dec. 3 and Jan. 7 (11/13, p. 68881)

• NMFS issues minor correction to Jan. 9, 2002, 4(d) rule for four salmonids (11/12, p. 68725)
• NMFS NE Regional Administrator makes positive preliminary determination re: EFP application to catch, retain, and dissect 200 sub-legal lobsters as part of an ongoing research project to both monitor the offshore lobster fishery and to determine the size at which offshore lobster reach reproductive maturity (11/12, p. 68556-8)

• FWS establishes 13 manatee protection areas in Florida (11/8, p. 68449-89)
• FWS seeks input, solicits comments on additional measures to protect the endangered Florida manatee (11/8, p. 68490-1)
• NMFS opens the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category New York Bight set-aside fishery (11/8, p. 68045-6)

• FWS lists as endangered Cook's Lomatium and large-flowered woolly meadowfoam, both plants from Southern Oregon (11/7, p. 68003-15)
• FWS designates critical habitat for Lompoc yerba santa and Gaviota tarplant (11/7, p. 67967-68001)
• FWS withdraws proposed rule to remove the Northern Populations of the Tidewater Goby from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife (11/7, p. 67803-18)
• FWS receives applications for scientific research permits (11/7, p. 67863-4)
• NMFS issues this temporary authorization to allow the use of limited tow times by shrimp trawlers as an alternative to the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in certain waters off Louisiana and Alabama (11/7, p. 67793-5)
• NMFS issues this temporary action to allow the use of limited tow times by shrimp trawlers as an alternative to the use of Turtle Excluder Devices in the waters off Mississippi (11/7, p. 67795-8)
• NMFS opens directed fishing by vessels using trawl gear in the Gulf of Alaska. This action is necessary to fully use the 2002 halibut bycatch allowance for trawl gear in the GOA (11/7, p. 67798)
• NMFS receives application for scientific research from California Department of Fish and Game in Chico, Calif. (11/7, p. 67825)

• FWS to hold public hearing Dec. 5 in Arlington, Va., on proposal to list beluga sturgeon (11/6, p. 67586)
• NMFS extends to April 30, 2003, the May 22 emergency interim rule temporarily amending the fishing mortality rate (F) criteria in the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to be consistent with the best scientific information available, and which implemented the management measures proposed in Framework 1 to the FMP. (11/6, p. 67568-71)

No notices Tuesday, Nov. 5

Monday, Nov. 4 (Nov. 4 Table of Contents from GPO)

• FWS extends till Dec. 22 the comment period on Natomas EIS/EIR on proposed HCP (11/4, p. 67209-10)
• FWS corrects final rule on "Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds" see TOC above for PDF version so you can see the maps, which are not in this HTML version (11/4, p. 67255-80)
• NMFS NE Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow two vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP would exempt two vessels from the days-at-sea (DAS) requirements, and the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Rolling Closure Area IV restrictions. (11/4, p. 67140-1)
• NMFS issued three-year ITP Aug. 30 to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries for the incidental take of ESA-listed adult and juvenile sea turtles associated with otherwise lawful commercial fall gill net fisheries for flounder operating in Pamlico Sound, NC. (11/4, p. 67150-1)

• FWS issues draft economic analysis for proposed CH designation for Baker's and Yellow Larkspur (11/1, p. 66599-600)
• FWS considers application from Eastern North Carolina Natural Gas for a right-of-way permit for the installation of a 12-inch outer-diameter natural gas pipeline across 8.5 acres of Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge in Bertie County, North Carolina. (11/1, p. 66657-8)
• NMFS is closing directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2002 Pacific halibut bycatch allowance specified for the trawl Pacific cod fishery (11/1, p. 66575)
• Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 881-1443-05. (11/1, p. 66616)

• FWS re-opens comment period until Dec. 2 on Sacramento splittail threatened listing, in order to examine new statistical analyses (10/31, p. 66344-6)
• FWS extends comment period until Dec. 16 on listing of Sonoma County DPS of the California Tiger Salamander as endangered (10/31, p. 66377-8)
• FWS releases economic analysis for proposed CH designation for Keck's checkermallow (10/31, p. 66378-9)
• FWS, in coordination with Kern County, will prepare a joint EIS/EIR on the Kern County Valley Floor HCP. Under the plan, which covers 1.99 million acres of the Valley Floor in Kern County, California, the county would request permit to take 11 listed species and 17 unlisted species that may become listed in the future. (10/31, p. 66413-5)
• FWS announces tentative U.S. positions on provisional agenda for the twelfth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). FWS also says it is extending comment period. It will consider comments if received by Oct. 31 (today). (10/31, p. 66463-92)

• FWS receives endangered species permit application. Randy Miller's Predators In Action wants a "permit to export and re-import captive- born tigers to/from worldwide locations to enhance the survival of the species through conservation education."
  • Predators In Action web site
• FWS receives applications to import sport-hunted bonteboks, polar bear (10/30, p. 66166)
• FWS receives applications to import a sport-hunted bontebok (10/30, p. 66166)
• FWS grants permit to import polar bear (10/30, p. 66167)
• NMFS announces that the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 13 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan for Secretarial review and is requesting comments from the public. Amendment 13 is intended to revise the quota management program for the black sea bass commercial fishery in order to manage the fishery more effectively and to consider management measures to minimize the effects of fishing on essential fish habitat (10/30, p. 66103)
• NMFS has determined that the 2002 fishing year Atlantic bluefin tuna General category quota will be attained by Oct. 25. Therefore, the General category fishery will be closed (was closed) effective 11:30 p.m. on that date. This action is being taken to prevent overharvest of the total adjusted General category quota of 777.0 metric tons (mt) (10/30, p. 66072)
• NMFS announces that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the exclusive economic zone will be closed effective Nov. 2 (10/30, p. 66072-3)
• NMFS proposes a regulation to implement Amendment 10 to the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan, which was submitted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council for review and approval by the Secretary of Commerce (10/30, p. 66103-7)
• NMFS has amended research and enhancement permit 1094 held by the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The amended permit authorizes WDFW to manage adult hatchery steelhead returns that are surplus to recovery and broodstock needs. (10/30, p. 66127)
• NMFS issues permit modification to take sea turtles for purposes of scientific research/enhancement, to REMSA Inc., 12829 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA (10/30, p. 66128-9)
• Between July 31 and Sept. 27, 2002, NOAA Fisheries' Northwest Region issued 32 permits, permit modifications, and permit amendments allowing endangered and threatened species of Pacific salmon and steelhead to be taken for scientific research purposes under section 10(a)1(A) the ESA (10/30, p. 66129-30)
• Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., has been issued a permit amendment to take Steller sea lions for purposes of scientific research and enhancement. (10/30, p. 66127-8)

• FWS issues positive 90-day finding on western gray squirrel listing petition (10/29, p. 65931-3)
• FWS submits ICR to OMB for approval (Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Application Form). (10/29, p. )
• FWS receives ITP application from Terra Springs, LLC for the northern spotted owl (10/29, p. 65998-9)
• NMFS closes the commercial fishery for king mackerel in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the western zone of the Gulf of Mexico. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf king mackerel resource. (10/29, p. 65902)
• NMFS announces approval of a regulatory amendment to revise sablefish tier qualifications for the limited entry, fixed gear, primary sablefish fishery (10/29, p. 65902-6)
• The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Amendment 64 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. (10/29, p. 65941)
• NMFS proposes initial specifications for the 2003 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (10/29, p. 65934-8)
• NMFS Northeast Administrator makes preliminary positive determination on application for EFP, which proposes to conduct a study of an experimental bycatch reduction device in order to develop otter trawl gear for the NE Multispecies fishery that would result in reduced catch of Atlantic cod. (10/29, p. 65933-4)
• NMFS proposes quotas for the Atlantic surfclam, ocean quahog, and Maine mahogany ocean quahog fisheries for 2003 (10/29, p. 65938-41)
• NMFS reopens until Nov. 22 the public comment period on the Draft Programmatic EIS for Pacific Salmon Fisheries Management off the Coasts of Southeast Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California, and in the Columbia River Basin. (10/29, p. 65954)

• NMFS announces that the commercial fishery for all salmon except coho in the area from Humbug Mountain, OR to the Oregon-California Border was closed at midnight on Sept. 9. The Northwest Regional Administrator determined that the quota of 2,000 chinook salmon had been reached. (10/28, p. 65729-30)
• NMFS announces that the ceremonial and subsistence (C&S) harvest regulations for the Quileute Tribe were modified to extend the C&S fishery through midnight on Tuesday, October 15, 2002, with a possession and landing limit of 20 salmon per day, and all size restrictions suspended for the duration of the fishery. (10/28, p. 65728-9)
• NMFS announces that the recreational fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR (Columbia River Area), was modified to close at midnight on Monday, Sept. 2, 2002, and then reopen Friday, Sept. 6, 2002, through midnight on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002 (10/28, p. )
• NMFS is issuing a correction to the interim final rule and final rule implementing the ALWTRP's Seasonal Area Management and Dynamic Area Management programs, respectively, which were published in the FR on Jan. 9, 2002 (10/28, p. 65722-7)

• NMFS announces that the commercial salmon fishery in the area from the Oregon-California Border to the Humboldt South Jetty, was modified to close at midnight on Friday, Sept. 20, and then reopen Sept 26, through midnight on Sept. 27. On Sept. 19, the Northwest Regional Administrator, NMFS determined that available catch and effort data indicated that the quota of 10,000 chinook salmon would be reached by September 20. However, after reevaluating the available catch and effort data on September 24, it was found that there was enough salmon left in the chinook quota to allow an additional 2 days of fishing. These actions were necessary to conform to the 2002 management goals. (10/25, p. 65514-6)

• FWS designates critical habitat for two varieties of purple amole: purple amole and Camatta Canyon amole (10/24, p. 65413-45)

• FWS issues positive 90-day finding on petition to list the Cerulean warbler as threatened with critical habitat (10/23, p. 65083-6)
• NMFS closes directed fishing for yellowfin sole by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (10/23, p. 65046-7)
• NOAA: Barnes Nursery Inc. has filed a notice of appeal asking that the Secretary of Commerce override the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' objection to the Barnes Nursery Inc. after-the-fact permit to maintain an excavated channel and berm system intended to store water for agricultural purposes (10/23, p. 65091-2)
• NMFS announces a public scoping meeting to determine issues for an SEIS for the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (10/23, p. 65092)

• NMFS announces that the annual quota for the Maine mahogany quahog fishery has been harvested (10/22, p. 64825)
• Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Tilefish Fishery; Continuation of Specifications for the 2003 Fishing Year (10/22, p. 64825-6)
• NMFS closes 2002 catcher/processor fishery for Pacific whiting (whiting) at 0000 local time (l.t.) Oct. 16, 2002, because the allocation for the catcher/processor sector will be reached by that time (10/22, p. 64826)
• NMFS: "This document corrects the phone number for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that was listed in the proposed rule that would implement those parts of the FMP for Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Western Pacific Region that were approved by the Secretary of Commerce published Sept. 24. It also removes Secretary of Commerce and replaces it with Secretary of the Interior (10/22, p. 64861)
• NOAA: This notice provides additional scheduling information concerning a public hearing to be held by NOAA in Tarrytown, N.Y. The hear