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FishNews May 23, 2007

WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

International

U.S Prepares to Host the International Whaling Commission Atlantic Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

NOAA Predicts Above Normal Hurricane Season in 2007 Pacific Coast

Public Invited to Comment on Proposal for Klamath River Fall Chinook Pacific Coast

NOAA Accepting Comments on Inseason Modifications Affecting Commercial Salmon Fishery Pacific Coast

Temporary Rule Prevents New Entrants in Sectors of the Whiting Fishery Northwest

New Puget Sound Partnership Created North Pacific

Humpback Whale Re-sighted After 34 Years; NOAA Seeks Old Whale Photos for Database EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOAA Fisheries Actions
Bill's Corner

Calendar


WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

International – U.S Prepares to Host the International Whaling Commission

The United States will host the 2007 annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Anchorage, AK, on May 28-31, 2007. As current Chair of the IWC, NOAA's Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Dr. William T. Hogarth is preparing for intense discussions at this year's meeting. A critical focus of this year's meeting will be review of the U.S. subsistence hunting quotas of the Western Arctic bowhead whale and gray whale. Ten Alaska Native villages in the far north conduct subsistence bowhead whale hunts overseen by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission and NOAA Fisheries. Also under consideration this year are aboriginal whaling quotas for the eastern population of the North Pacific gray whale by the Makah Indian Tribe.
The United States government supports aboriginal subsistence whaling, and believes the quotas should be favorably reviewed. In addition, the United States will strongly support the establishment of whale sanctuaries in the South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The design of these sanctuaries would include the banning commercial whaling within their boundaries, should commercial whaling resume.
Annual meetings of the IWC are usually attended by about 400-600 people, including government delegates from over 70 countries, observers from non-member governments, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-government organizations, as well as news media representatives.
Following the meeting, additional information on the outcome of negotiations will be available online at www.iwcoffice.org.
Atlantic Coast , Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean – NOAA Predicts Above Normal Hurricane Season in 2007

Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this year — showing the ongoing active hurricane era remains strong. For the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA scientists predict 13 to 17 named storms, with seven to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which three to five could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring August through October. With expectations for an active season, it is critically important that people who live in East and Gulf coastal areas as well as the Caribbean be prepared.
Climate patterns responsible for the expected above normal 2007 hurricane activity continue to be the ongoing multi-decadal signal (the set of ocean and atmospheric conditions that spawn increased Atlantic hurricane activity), warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the El Niño/La Niña cycle. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center will issue an updated seasonal forecast in August just prior to the historical peak of the season.
More information is available online.
Pacific Coast – Public Invited to Comment on Proposal for Klamath River Fall Chinook

Public comments are invited on a proposed rule to implement Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries Management Plan (FMP). Under the terms of the FMP, a conservation alert is triggered when the projected stock abundance of Klamath River fall-run Chinook is less than 35,000 natural spawners, requiring closure of all salmon fisheries within the Council's jurisdiction that impact the stock. This amendment would, in appropriate circumstances, allow for limited fisheries to be considered in years when the abundance of Klamath River fall-run Chinook is low. Amendment 15 would not set a fixed schedule of allowable salmon harvest; instead, the following factors would be taken into consideration: a) critically low natural spawner abundance; b) a series of low spawner abundance in recent years; c) the status of co-mingled stocks; d) El Nino or other adverse environmental conditions; e) Endangered Species Act considerations; and other considerations as appropriate.
Amendment 15 is designed to provide limited opportunity for harvest when fisheries would otherwise be closed to mitigate, to the degree possible, severe economic consequences to local communities and states. While this amendment seeks to provide additional management flexibility in times of low abundance, the overriding concern is to preserve the long-term productive capacity of the stock.
For more information, contact Sarah.McAvinchey@noaa.gov or Eric.Chavez@noaa.gov.
Pacific Coast – NOAA Accepting Comments on Inseason Modifications Affecting Commercial Salmon Fishery

The 2007 commercial salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon , OR to the Oregon/California border and in the area from Horse Mountain to Point Arena , California was modified by two inseason actions earlier this season. Inseason action 1 modified the previously scheduled open period in the area from Cape Falcon, OR to the Oregon/California border and the open dates in the area from Horse Mountain to Point Arena, CA. Inseason action 2 increased the landing and possession limit in the Fort Bragg subarea for several days in April. Comments on these inseason management actions may be sent to 2007salmonIA1.nwr@noaa.gov through May 29, 2007.
For more information, read the Federal Register notice or contact Sarah.McAvinchey@noaa.gov.
Pacific Coast – Temporary Rule Prevents New Entrants in Sectors of the Whiting Fishery

A new temporary rule prohibits any vessel from participating in either the mothership, catcher-processor or shoreside delivery sector of the 2007 directed Pacific whiting fishery if it does not have a history of sector-specific participation in the whiting fishery between January 1, 1997, and January 1, 2007. This rule is intended to prevent serious conservation and management problems that could be caused by new entrants in 2007, and to maintain the status quo while the Pacific Fishery Management Council addresses the issue of increased effort in the whiting fishery through an amendment to the Pacific Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.
Comments on this action may be sent to whiting.emergencyrule2007@noaa.gov until June 18, 2007.
For more information, contact Frank.Lockhart@noaa.gov.
Northwest - New Puget Sound Partnership Created

On May 7, 2007, Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed SB 5372 into law, creating the Puget Sound Partnership. The Partnership, a new state agency, will work with all levels of government, tribes, businesses and citizen groups to lead and coordinate efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound by 2020. The Partnership replaces the Puget Sound Action Team and the Shared Strategy for Puget Sound . The Partnership begins officially on July 1, 2007, and will be led by a seven-member Leadership Council chaired by Bill Ruckelshaus. An Ecosystem Coordination Board and a Science Panel will further advise the Partnership, and an executive director will lead day-to-day operations.
More information about this new partnership is available online.
North Pacific – Humpback Whale Re-sighted After 34 Years; NOAA Seeks Old Whale Photos for Database

A humpback whale sighted in 1972 in Southeast Alaska by pioneering whale researcher Charles Jurasz was re-sighted again last year in both Hawaiian and Alaska waters. This particular whale has been photographed more than 34 times, setting a record for the longest period of observation. Observing the same whales over many years allows researchers to estimate calving rates, juvenile survival, and adult survival rates using simple observational, non-lethal methods.
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center humpback whale database currently has over 30,000 photographs taken from throughout the North Pacific, sent in by researchers working in Japan , Mexico and the US west coast as well as Alaska and Hawaii . To help improve our understanding of humpback whale presence and behaviors in Southeast Alaska , NOAA is asking the public to consider sharing any early whale photos taken in the North Pacific. With a copy of the whale photograph, the date and the place taken, it's possible that researchers might be able to match the photo with others in the NOAA database. Anyone with photos to contribute to the database can contact Sally.Mizroch@noaa.gov.
More information is available online.
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Website Maps Seal and Sea Lion Rookeries Haul-out Sites in California

NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Region has created a GIS-based database with an interactive map highlighting pinniped haul-out areas and rookeries in California. These data can assist in determining if a proposed project may impact marine mammals, and if a permit is needed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and/or the Endangered Species Act. The map also includes information such as species, month in which the sighting occurred, number of animals, age and sex. A brochure with viewing guidelines is also provided. Click here to access this site. For more information, contact NOAA Fisheries at (562) 980-3232. Proceedings from the Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Symposium

NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center recently published a report of the proceedings of the first Center-wide science symposium, held December 12-13, 2006. The report includes extended abstracts of over 20 presentations and 60 scientific posters showcasing the past, present, and future of fisheries research. The symposium's proceedings are available online. New England Council's Research Steering Committee to Meet; May 30 in Mansfield, MA

The New England Fishery Management Council's Research Steering Committee will meet on May 30, 2007, at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA . A description of the agenda is provided in the meeting notice. Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee to Meet; Jun 4-6 in Washington, DC

NOAA's Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) will meet June 4-6, 2007, at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC. A copy of the agenda with details on location and times is posted on the MAFAC website. Gulf Council to Meet; Jun 4-7 in New Orleans, LA

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene public meetings on June 4 - 7, 2007, at the W Hotel, 333 Poydras St., in New Orleans, LA. A detailed agenda is provided in the meeting notice. New England Council’s Ecosystem Advisory Panel and Committee to Meet; Jun 5 in Mystic, CT

The New England Fishery Management Council's Habitat/Marine Protected Area (MPA)/Ecosystem Advisory Panel and its Habitat/MPA/Ecosystem Committee will meet June 5, 2007, at the Hilton Hotel in Mystic, CT. A detailed agenda is provided in the meeting notice. Western Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee to Meet; Jun 12-14 in Honolulu, HI

The 95th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet June 12-14, 2007, at the Council's office in Honolulu, HI. A detailed agenda is provided in the meeting notice. New England Council's VMS/Enforcement Committee to Meet; Jun 18 in Portland, ME

The New England Fishery Management Council's Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)/Enforcement Committee will meet June 18, 2007, at the Eastland Park Hotel in Portland, ME. A detailed agenda is provided in the meeting notice. Monitor Sanctuary Seeking Education Representative for its Advisory Council; Deadline Jun 30

The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Virginia is seeking applicants for the Education seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. Applications are due June 30, 2007.
For more information, read the announcement or contact Krista.Trono@noaa.gov.
Gulf of Farralones Sanctuary Seeking Research Representative for Advisory Council; Deadline Jul 15

The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California is seeking applicants for the Research Alternate seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. Applications are due July 15, 2007.
For more information read the announcement or contact Kelley.Higgason@noaa.gov.
Assessments Scheduled for South Atlantic Amberjack and Red Snapper

NOAA Fisheries has scheduled Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) workshops for the South Atlantic stocks of greater amberjack and red snapper. These assessments will consist of a series of three workshops: a Data Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop.
For more information, read the Federal Register notice.
Golden Tilefish Trip Limit Reduced

NOAA Fisheries has reduced the commercial trip limit for golden tilefish in the South Atlantic to 300 lb per trip in or from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
For more information, contact Jason.Rueter@noaa.gov.
Pacific Cod Closures

Directed fishing for Pacific cod is prohibited for catcher processor vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This closure is in effect through 1200 hrs, Alaska local time, on June 10, 2007.
In addition, directed fishing for Pacific cod is prohibited for catcher vessels less than 60 feet length overall using pot or hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This action is effective through 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2007.
For more information on these actions, contact Jennifer.Hogan@noaa.gov.
FEDERAL REGISTER ACTIONS


For a list of only those actions open for public comment, try going to http://www.regulations.gov and scroll search for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For a list of all daily actions, check the Federal register online at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.

NOAA FISHERIES ACTIONS


May 14, 2007

Rule - Pacific cod
Rule - Western Pacific bottomfish and seamount groundfish
Rule - Pacific salmon
Notice - Incidental taking of marine mammals; Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge


May 15, 2007

Rule - Snapper and grouper
Proposed rule - Pacific Coast salmon
Notice - Marine mammal permit applications, determinations, etc.
Notice - Meetings: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Notice - New England Fishery Management Council


May 16, 2007

Notice - Grants Pass Irrigation District, OR; coho salmon
Notice - Exempted fishing permit applications, determinations, etc.
Notice - Meeting; New England Fishery Management Council
Notice - Greater amberjack and red snapper; Southeastern Data, Assessment, and Review workshops
Notice - Scientific research permit applications, determinations, etc.


January 17, 2007

Rule - Pacific Coast groundfish
Notice - Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Limited Access Privilege Program; public workshop
Notice - Meeting; Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council


January 18, 2007

Rule - Pacific cod
Notice - Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Notice - Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Notice - Scientific research permit applications, determinations, etc.


For more information, contact Editor.Fishnews@noaa.gov . To subscribe, unsubscribe, or search the FishNews archives using a keyword, go to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov and click on the FishNews icon.

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