This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection.

The National Marine Sanctuaries Act authorizes the use of research and monitoring within National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). In 1996, the Flower Gardens Bank National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) was added to the system of NMS via 15 CFR part 922, subpart L. In 2001, Stetson Bank was added in a revision of 15 CFR part 922.

On a night dive near Key Largo, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) researchers saw something previously unseen in the state: male and female pillar coral spawning together.

Cruise results will guide future management of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Scientists from Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and partner agencies will depart Key West Thursday aboard the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster to map fish spawning sites between Key West and the Dry Tortugas. Data collected on this 10-day research cruise will enhance scientific understanding of fish spawning locations, as well as fish movements in and around the sanctuary’s Tortugas Ecological Reserve.

NOAA-supported scientists have found the size of this year’s Gulf of Mexico oxygen-free ‘dead zone’ to be the fourth smallest since mapping of the annual hypoxic, or oxygen-free area began in 1985. Measuring approximately 2,889 square miles, the 2012 area is slightly larger than Delaware.

The meetings will be held August 20-23, 2012.

The meetings will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza, 739 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; telephone: (504) 962-0500. 

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and implementing regulations, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a one-year LOA to take marine mammals incidental to the explosive removal of offshore oil and gas structures (EROS) in the Gulf of Mexico.

This authorization is effective from September 3, 2012 through July 19, 2013.

NMFS issues this supplement to the regulations that implemented management measures described in Amendment 32 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 32) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). After the February 10, 2012, publication of the final rule for Amendment 32, NMFS identified inconsistencies in the regulatory text regarding the quotas and annual catch limits (ACLs) for ``other shallow-water grouper'' (Other SWG) that needed correction. This final rule revises the regulatory text regarding the quotas and ACLs for Other SWG. In addition, this final rule implements some minor revisions to the regulatory text to improve the clarity of the regulations.

It’s not always easy to judge the success of collaboration. But thanks to five years of teamwork in the Dry Tortugas, anglers across Florida are seeing the collaborative benefits: more fish.

Greater amberjack will open for recreational harvest in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters Aug. 1st. The season closes annually June 1st. 

The SEDAR 28 assessment of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Spanish mackerel and cobia fisheries will consist of a series of workshops and supplemental webinars. This notice is for a webinar associated with the Assessment portion of the SEDAR process.