NOAA Fisheries has recently released the first-ever compilation and discussion of fisheries allocation issues which summarizes input received from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The report is a direct response to stakeholder concerns regarding allocation during the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit.
The full report is available below.
The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This data collection will test the effectiveness of a longitudinal panel study for contacting anglers and determining how many individuals participate in recreational saltwater fishing.
Written comments must be submitted on or before April 1, 2013.
NMFS announced a 90-day finding on two petitions to list white marlin (Kajikia albidus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petitions do not present substantial scientific information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted.
On January 4, 2013, the Office of Management and Budget approved the new version of the Coast Guard forms used to apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential:
The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) are meeting to recommend a list of new members to participate on the Recreational Fisheries Working Group for submission to the NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator.
The meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2013, 3-4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
Twice before in NOAAs history, they have pulled together fishery leaders and stakeholders from around the country to discuss U.S. fisheries management and chart a course for the future. NACO's Executive Director, Bobbi Walker was a panelist on the 1st Managing Our Nation's Fisheries Conference in San Diego, California.
AAA has warned against potential damage that a new blend of gasoline could do to some engines. The Environmental Protection Agency has certified that all vehicles from 2001 and newer can run on E15. But, says Eric Evarts with Consumer Reports, many automakers "have said that they will not honor warrantees for cars running on E15, even among the cars that the EPA says can run it."
The Coast Guard seeks applications for membership on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC). This Council advises the Coast Guard on recreational boating safety regulations and other major boating safety matters.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in time to reach Mr. Jeff Ludwig, the Alternate Designated Federal Officer (ADFO) on or before March 11, 2013.
A federal agency is in the first phase of a project to curb human-caused undersea noises that experts worry could be affecting ocean mammals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's project is looking to document noises across the globe to generate one of the first large-scale sound maps. The sea spans more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface, making the project a major undertaking. So far, dozens of the ocean visualizations have been made public. The maps use bright colors to depict the annual average noise that permeates through the waters in particular areas.
Wildlife-related outdoor recreation increased dramatically from 2006 to 2011. The national details are shown in the Final Report of the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation released today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The Final Report, which follows the August 2012 Preliminary Review and the September 2012 State Overview, provides more information on the types of activities and money spent for fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
33.1 million people fished!