[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 61 (Thursday, March 31, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 16485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6386]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 032405B]


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for Minimizing Impacts of the Atlantic Herring Fishery 
on Essential Fish Habitat

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, NMFS announces the availability of a Record of Decision (ROD) 
regarding a final environmental impact statement(FEIS) that was 
prepared to determine whether future action is needed to minimize to 
the extent practicable possible adverse effects of fishing, that are 
more than minimal and not temporary in nature, on Atlantic herring 
essential fish habitat (EFH) and of Atlantic herring fishing on the EFH 
of other managed species. The FEIS was prepared to address EFH 
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSA). This ROD documents the decision by NMFS that No 
Action is required at this time to minimize potential adverse effects 
of fishing on EFH.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD and the FEIS can be obtained from Peter D. 
Colosi, Assistant Regional Administrator for Habitat Conservation, 
NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 1 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930; telephone 978-281-9102; fax 978-281-9301. Also available on the 
internet at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs/com.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter D. Colosi, 978-281-9102; or 
Louis A. Chiarella, 978-281-9277; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS Northeast Region was the lead agency 
responsible for preparing the FEIS for Minimizing Impacts of the 
Atlantic Herring Fishery on Essential Fish Habitat. The FEIS evaluates 
the potential adverse effects of fishing on Atlantic herring EFH, 
including the effects of the Atlantic herring fishery on the EFH of 
other species, and evaluates management measures to minimize to the 
extent practicable any adverse effects by the Atlantic herring fishery 
on EFH that is more than minimal and not temporary in nature. The 
notice of availability of the FEIS was published on January 28, 2005 
(70 FR 4119).
    The ROD documents NMFS' decision to adopt the No Action 
Alternative. The ROD identifies all alternatives considered in reaching 
the decision, specifies the alternatives, which were considered to be 
environmentally preferable, and identifies and discusses relevant 
factors, which were balanced by NMFS in making its decision. A copy of 
the ROD will be mailed to individuals, agencies, or companies that 
commented on the draft and final EISs. In addition, copies of the ROD 
and FEIS are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).

    Dated: March 25, 2005.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6386 Filed 3-30-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S