Federal Register #RTID 0648-XE886

Environmental Analysis for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Modifications

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is initiating an environmental analysis to evaluate potential changes to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, under NOAA - Scope of Analysis: - Focuses on reducing mortalities and serious injuries of North Atlantic right whales, humpback whales, and fin whales - Addresses entanglement risks from commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries along the U.S. East Coast - Includes lobster, crab, gillnet, and mixed species trap/pot fisheries - Requested Services: - Environmental analysis and rulemaking support - Preparation of environmental impact statements and assessments - Public scoping and stakeholder engagement - Development of regulatory measures - Unique Requirements: - Public input sought on risk reduction measures (gear modifications, fishing effort reductions, seasonal restrictions) - Analysis must balance whale protection with economic impacts on fisheries and coastal communities - Regulatory changes must comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant laws - No products, OEMs, or vendors are specified; this is a regulatory and environmental planning initiative, not a procurement opportunity.

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to prepare an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate potential amendments to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. The goal is to reduce mortalities and serious injuries of North Atlantic right whales and other large whales caused by entanglement in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries along the U.S. East Coast. The analysis will consider impacts on the fishing industry, coastal communities, and regulatory requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other laws. Public input is solicited during the scoping period to inform potential modifications to the Plan.

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