Federal Register #06480364

NOAA Request for Public Comment on Atlantic Large Whale Gear-Marking Requirements

This opportunity involves a request for public comment from the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding gear-marking requirements for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are being solicited; the notice is directed at commercial fishermen and individuals/households affected by the regulations - Products/Services Requested: - No procurement of products or services - Regulatory requirements for color-coded markings on trap/pot and gillnet fishing gear - Markings must meet specifications for length, color, and placement, varying by state and area - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Mandatory gear-marking to identify gear type and entanglement location - Requirements support whale conservation and data collection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act - Information collection renewal is the focus, not acquisition of goods or services

Description

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is requesting public comments on the renewal of information collection related to gear-marking requirements under the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This plan aims to reduce mortality and serious injury to large whales caused by incidental interactions with commercial fishing gear by requiring specific color-coded markings on trap/pot and gillnet gear in certain Atlantic Ocean areas. The collection supports improved understanding of entanglement locations and gear types involved, facilitating better management and conservation efforts. Comments are due by August 24, 2026.

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