NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced an agreement with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to implement a programmatic mitigation approach to address the impacts of offshore wind energy development on NMFS scientific surveys. NOAA and BOEM will engage regional partners and stakeholders to complete an implementation strategy within 1 year, with the strategy to include commitments [...]
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Gulf of Mexico Renewable Energy Task Force to Hold Public Meeting
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, June 15, with meeting objectives including establishment of a common understanding of the Task Force’s role and future activities, an update on recent state activities, and opportunities for public input. Agenda items include an overview [...]
U.S. Senate Confirms OSTP Director Nominee
The U.S. Senate today approved by voice vote the confirmation of Eric Lander to serve as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Upon his confirmation, Lander said that “America’s future depends on science and technology like never before,” adding that OSTP’s mission is to “maximize the impact of science and technology to advance health, [...]
Nominees Sought for Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it is seeking nominations by Thursday, June 24 from individuals interested in being considered for membership on the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council. Appointees will be selected from among, but not limited to, the following national interest groups: state fish and wildlife resource management agencies, saltwater and freshwater recreational [...]
W. Pac. Fishery Mgmt. Council Meeting to Address Offshore Energy, Aquaculture
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold a virtual public meeting on June 8-12. On Thursday, June 10, the Committee’s Fishing Industry Advisory Committee will discuss topics including wind energy offshore Hawaii and offshore aquaculture, and on Friday, June 11 the Council’s Hawaii Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan Advisory Panel will discuss items including offshore [...]
White House Announces Agreement for Wind Leasing Off California
The White House today announced an agreement to move forward with steps toward wind energy leasing in federal waters off California, with a goal of holding a lease sale in mid-2022. The Interior Department has specifically identified a ~399 square mile area northwest of Morro Bay off California’s central coast and a separate area off the [...]
MARAD Announces Marine Highway Funding Opportunity
The Maritime Administration today announced the availability of funding for grants and selection criteria and application requirements for the America’s Marine Highway Program, which makes grants available to previously designated Marine Highway Projects that support the development and expansion of documented vessels or port and landside infrastructure. Grant applications are due by Friday, June 25.
NMFS Announces Meetings on Pacific Islands Aquaculture Mgmt. Plan DPEIS
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that it will hold virtual public meetings on Tuesday, June 15, Tuesday, June 22, and Thursday, June 24 to receive comments on a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for an aquaculture management program in the Pacific Islands. The Draft PEIS includes potential management alternatives and analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts from [...]
Comment Period Extended on Draft Western Pacific Monument Management Plan
In response to a request by Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Ralph Torres, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA today announced that it is extending the comment period through Monday, July 26 on a draft Monument Management Plan and related Environmental Assessment for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument that addresses goals, objectives, and strategies for managing [...]
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Mgmt. Council meeting to Include Offshore Wind Update
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a virtual public meeting on June 7-10. The meeting will include a June 9 offshore wind update featuring presentations from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, NOAA’s Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, Vineyard Wind, and Ørsted.
