Publications

Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion and Conference Opinion - NMFS Consultation Number: SWR-2008/09022

Under the BSAI crab rationalization program, allocations of IFQ to harvesters and IPQ to processors are binding. This action considers allowing harvesters and processors to engage in post-delivery transfer of their respective shares to cover overages.

Analysis of a provision allowing for post-delivery transfer of rockfish cooperative quota.

Regulatory Impact Review/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis of a proposed action to allow Amendment 80 vessels to engage in post-delivery transfers of their respective shares, to cover catch overages.

This memorandum summarizes the determination that a proposed rule to implement online quota transfers qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review.

This memorandum summarizes the determination that Amendment 33 to the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs qualifies to be categorically excluded from further National Environmental Policy Act review.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to issue a scientific research permit and a permit amendment for takes of marine mammals in the wild, pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Permit No. 14210 would be valid for five years from the date of issuance and would authorize LGL Alaska Research Associates to closely approach up to 375 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) by vessel in Cook Inlet, Alaska annually for photo-identification. The purposes of the research are to identify individual whales and to provide information about movement patterns, habitat use, survivorship, reproduction, and population size. The amendment to Permit No. 782-1719-07 would authorize NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory to conduct aerial surveys of the entire population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska in 2009. The purposes of the surveys are to 1) provide distribution information during June and July; 2) compare distribution changes over time; 3) provide group size estimates for calculations of stock size; 4) estimate fractions of calves and juveniles in the population; and 5) calibrate and improve survey methodology. The amendment would be valid until the permit expires.

This report summarizes the comments received during the January 8, 2009, to March 23, 2009, scoping period for an analysis of Bering Sea Non-Chinook Salmon Bycatch Management.

This is a Recovery Plan for the protection and restoration of Lake Ozette sockeye salmon. Lake Ozette sockeye were listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1999. The ESA requires the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Environmental Assessment of issuing a research permit and permit amendment for takes of marine mammals for research on beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska, in 2009.