Federal Register Notices

Notice Title Description Published Citation
Notice Title Description Published Citation
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Establishment of Temporary Special Use Area for Coral Nursery On September 6, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final temporary rule establishing a special use area of a 0.07 square mile area approximately five miles southeast of the community of Tavernier, on the island of Key Largo, within Federal waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) from September 6, 2023, through November 6, 2023. This document extends the temporary special use area an additional 60 days. The special use area prohibits all entry except for restoration activities under a valid Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) permit, continuous transit without interruption, and for law enforcement purposes from November 6, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This temporary extension is necessary to prevent or minimize destruction of, loss of, or injury to sanctuary resources, specifically to facilitate restoration activities to improve or repair living habitats through protecting coral nursery stock at this site from potential impacts caused by anchor damage and/or fishing gear. This extension is necessary to protect the corals in the temporary special use area until all of the corals are moved back to the original in-shore permitted nursery site. This temporary special use area will expire within 120 days from the date it was established. 11/02/2023 88 FR 75229
Designation of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effectiveness The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS) on June 23, 2021, and the final rule became effective on August 16, 2021. However, as discussed in the final rule, the provision that prohibits grappling into or anchoring on shipwreck sites (grappling and anchoring provision) was to go into effect on October 1, 2023. This action delays the effectiveness of the grappling and anchoring provision of the final rule until October 1, 2024. 09/29/2023 88 FR 67067
Review of Nomination for Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary On January 21, 2022, NOAA requested written comments to facilitate the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ (ONMS) five-year review of the nomination for a proposed Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). On March 10, 2022, NOAA reopened the public comment period for an additional 45 days, ending on April 25, 2022. In those notices, NOAA requested relevant information as it pertains to its 11 evaluation criteria for inclusion in the inventory of sites eligible to be considered for designation as national marine sanctuaries. NOAA has synthesized the information gathered through the public process, completed an internal analysis, and the ONMS Director has made the determination that the Mariana Trench NMS nomination will be removed from the inventory. 09/11/2023 88 FR 62343
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Establishment of Temporary Special Use Area for Coral Nursery The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing a final temporary rule establishing a special use area which will prohibit all entry except for restoration activities under a valid Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) permit, continuous transit without interruption, and for law enforcement purposes into a 0.07 square mile area approximately five miles southest of the community of Tavernier, on the island of Key Largo, within Federal waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) from September 6, 2023 to November 6, 2023. 09/06/2023 88 FR 60887
Proposed Chumash Heritage NMS NPRM The National Marine Sanctuaries Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate and protect as national marine sanctuaries areas of the marine environment that are of special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archaeological, educational, or esthic qualities. Day-to-day management of national marine sanctuaries has been delegated by the Secretary to ONMS. The primary objective of the NMSA is to protect the resources of the National Marine Sanctuary System. 08/25/2023 88 FR 58123
Notice of Availability of Final Management Plan and Final Environmental Assessment for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary On February 13, 2020, NOAA initiated a review of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or the sanctuary) management plan to evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the sanctuary and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA anticipated that management plan changes would require preparation of environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and initiated public scoping meetings to gather information and other comments from individuals, organizations, tribes, and government agencies on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the SBNMS management plan and the proper scope of environmental analysis for the management plan review. NOAA is providing notice of availability of a final management plan and a final environmental assessment (EA) for SBNMS. 08/08/2023 88 FR 53473
Solicitation for SAC Applications Notice is hereby given that ONMS will solicit applications to fill non-governmental seats on its 17 established national marine sanctuary advisory councils and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council (advisory councils), under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Executive Order, respectively. 5/31/2023 88 FR 34831
Proposed Lake Erie Quadrangle National Marine Sanctuary Notice of Intent In accordance with the National MArine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and based on the area's qualities and boundaries described in the community-based nomination on December 31, 2015 (https://nominate.noaa.gov/), NOAA is initiating a scoping process to consider designating a national marine sanctuary in the eastern Lake Erie adjacent to Pennsylvania. 5/19/2023 88 FR 32198
Pacific Remote Islands Notice of Intent In accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NOAA is initiating the process to consider designating the submerged lands and waters surrounding the Pacific Remote Islands to the full extent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a new national marine sanctuary. 4/18/2023 88 FR 23624
National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Corrections and Correcting Amendments NOAA published a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on January 6, 2023, announcing revisions to the National Marine Sanctuaries program regulations. This document makes several non-substantive, technical corrections to inadvertent errors that appeared in the final rule. 4/4/2023 88 FR 19824
Notice of Availability of a Final Management Plan and Final Environmental Assessment for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prepared a final management plan (FMP) as part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan review. The FMP, which replaces a 2009 sanctuary management plan, addresses current and emerging threats in CINMS and reflects changes in new science and technologies, how the public uses the sanctuary, and community needs. The FMP supports continued protection of sanctuary resources through enforcement of existing sanctuary regulations, education and outreach strategies that promote ocean stewardship, and communityinclusive involvement. Consistent with the information provided in the 2019 Notice of Intent, and information gathered through public scoping to prepare a draft environmental assessment (DEA) and draft management plan (DMP) for the sanctuary, and public comments received on the DMP, NOAA is not making modifications to the sanctuary regulations at this time, but may consider regulatory changes in the future. NOAA also prepared a final environmental assessment (FEA) and a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for this action. 3/10/2023 2023-04973
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing this final rule to remove a provision from one section of the existing Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) regulations, regarding the resolution of conflicting Federal agency regulations by the Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. 2/14/2023 88 FR 9391
National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Delay of Effective Date On January 6, 2023, NOAA published a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register and that amended the ONMS regulations. The final rule was published with a 30-day delayed effective date (February 6, 2023). This action delays the effective date of the final rule by 60 days, until April 7, 2023. 2/3/2023 88 FR 7357
Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Analysis and Draft Management Plan In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), NOAA is initiating a review of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS or sanctuary) management plan, to evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the sanctuary, and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA anticipates management plan changes will require preparation of an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and other comments from individuals, organizations, tribes, and government agencies on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the OCNMS management plan and the proper scope of environmental analysis for the management plan review. The scoping meetings are scheduled as detailed in the DATES section. 1/31/23 88 FR 6236
Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NOAA proposes to designate the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary (LONMS) in eastern Lake Ontario to recognize the national significance of the area’s historical, archaeological, and cultural resources and to manage this special place as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The proposed sanctuary boundary would encompass 1,302 nmi2 (1,724 mi2) of eastern Lake Ontario waters and would border Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, and Jefferson counties. NOAA would co-manage LONMS with New York State. NOAA also proposes regulations to implement the national marine sanctuary designation and establish its terms of designation. This proposed rule follows NOAA’s publication of a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and draft management plan (DMP) in July 2021. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule, as well as possible names for the sanctuary. 1/19/23 88 FR 3334
National Marine Sanctuary Regulations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2022 an interim final rule amending the National Marine Sanctuaries program regulations, which has not yet gone into effect. With this final rule, NOAA administratively withdraws the amendatory instructions and associated regulatory text of the interim final rule, and, in response to public comment replaces it with slightly revised amendatory instructions and regulatory text for a few—but not all—provisions that were in that interim final rule. NOAA, however, retains the preamble and the responses to public comments provided in the interim final rule. Even with these revisions, this final rule is largely similar to the interim final rule, except that NOAA retains the existing regulatory language on the definition of “commercial fishing” and retains the opportunity for third party appeals of sanctuary permitting decisions by interested parties in those sanctuaries that currently recognize such appeals. In addition, this final rule removes amendatory instructions for updating the boundary description and boundary coordinates for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), which were inadvertently included in the interim final rule and did not reflect a boundary expansion that went into effect on March 22, 2021. This document provides responses to additional comments received on the interim final rule. 1/6/23 88 FR 953
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a sanctuary advisory council (council) for the proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary to provide advice and recommendations to ONMS regarding the sanctuary’s designation. With this notice, ONMS is soliciting applications for seats on the council. ONMS will add this new council to the list of established national marine sanctuary advisory councils. 12/15/22 87 FR 76613
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing this proposed rule to remove a provision from one section of the existing Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) regulations, regarding the resolution of conflicting Federal agency regulations by the Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. 10/14/22 87 FR 62314
Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Delay of Effective Date On May 13, 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published an interim final rule that appeared in the Federal Register and that amended the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) regulations. That rule was published with a 30-day comment period, which ended on June 13, 2022, and a 45-day delayed effective date (June 27, 2022). A subsequent notice delaying the effective date until September 26, 2022, was published on June 24, 2022. This action further delays the effective date of the interim final rule by an additional 120 days, until January 24, 2023. 9/14/22 87 FR 56268
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a national marine sanctuary advisory council for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which was designated on August 16, 2021. The council will provide advice and recommendations to ONMS regarding the sanctuary management plan and will serve as liaisons between the sanctuary and constituents and community groups. ONMS is adding the new council to the list of established national marine sanctuary advisory councils. ONMS solicits applications to fill council seats on an as needed basis and is seeking applicants for seats on the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. This notice contains web page links and contact information for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary and application materials to apply for the newly established advisory council. 8/29/22 87 FR 52750
Notice announcing Delay of Effective Date for Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is publishing a Notice of Delaying the Effective Date of the interim final rule, published on May 13, 2022 by 90 days to September 26th, 2022. 6/24/22 87 FR 37728
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary In accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is initiating a scoping process to consider designating a national marine sanctuary in the Hudson Canyon area approximately 100 miles offshore southeast of New York City. NOAA is initiating this scoping process based on the area's diverse qualities, which are described in the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS's) November 2016 Hudson Canyon national marine sanctuary nomination. Specifically, WCS's nomination provides important context and background regarding the natural and cultural resources in the region, the potential benefits of national marine sanctuary designation, recommendations for management of the sanctuary, and a proposed sanctuary boundary, which NOAA will take under consideration, but does not represent an official boundary proposal at this time. As a first step in this scoping process, NOAA invites comments on the factors that will contribute to its determination of whether to designate the area as a national marine sanctuary; designation would include preparation and release of a draft environmental impact statement (including national marine sanctuary boundary alternatives), proposed regulations, and a draft management plan. This scoping process will also inform the initiation of any consultations with Federal, State, or local agencies, Tribes, and other interested parties, as appropriate. In support of the scoping process, the nomination package and additional information regarding the qualities of the Hudson Canyon area can be found at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/hudson-canyon/. 6/8/22 87 FR 34853
Notice of Alaĝum Kanuux̂ On June 13, 2014, NOAA published a final rule establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process, allowing communities to submit nominations to NOAA for consideration as new national marine sanctuaries. The rule included the final review process, national significance criteria, and management considerations that NOAA uses to evaluate new national marine sanctuary nominations for inclusion in the inventory of areas that could be considered for designation as national marine sanctuaries. The rule also states that NOAA will publish a Federal Register notice when areas have been added to the inventory of successful nominations. This notice announces that NOAA added the Alaĝum Kanuux̂ (Heart of the Ocean) sanctuary nomination to the inventory. 6/8/22 87 FR 34851
Interim Final Rule for Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries published an interim final rule in the Federal Register to streamline sanctuary regulations and eliminate regulations that are unclear, repetitive, outdated, or conflicting. It does not substantively alter requirements or prohibitions on any regulated activities. The interim final rule is scheduled to take effect on June 27, 2022. 5/13/22 87 FR 29606
Re-opening of comment period for Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary Nomination NOAA has received requests for an extension of the public comment period and has decided to extend the comment period by 45 days to provide the public with additional time to provide comments. NOAA will also conduct an additional virtual meeting in association with this comment period re-opening. 5/10/22 87 FR 13709
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Management Review: Blueprint for Restoration The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing several changes to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) to expand the boundary of the sanctuary, update sanctuary-wide regulations, update the individual marine zones and their associated regulations, and revise the sanctuary's terms of designation. 7/18/22 87 FR 42800
Review of Nomination for Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary On January 21, 2022, NOAA published a notice in the Federal Register requesting written and oral comments to facilitate ONMS' five-year review of the nomination for the Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) at the five-year interval. In that notice, NOAA requested relevant information as it pertains to its 11 evaluation criteria for inclusion in the inventory. 3/10/22 87 FR 13709
Determination Regarding Review of Nomination for Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary In January 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requested written comments to facilitate the five-year review of the nomination for Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). NOAA requested relevant and new information pertaining to its 11 sanctuary nomination evaluation criteria. In particular, NOAA sought any additional details about the area's natural or cultural resources, emerging threats to these resources, and evolving management efforts or human uses in the proposed area (e.g., wind energy proposals). After reviewing the information gathered through the public process and completing an internal analysis of readily-available and relevant information on the proposed area, NOAA has determined the Hudson Canyon NMS nomination will remain on the inventory until at least February 23, 2027. 2/28/22 87 FR 11049
Review of Nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary On November 17, 2021, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration requested written comments to facilitate the ONMS five-year review of the nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). NOAA requested relevant information as it pertains to its 11 evaluation criteria for the nomination to remain in the inventory. 2/7/22 87 FR 6850
Review of Nomination for Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary NOAA released a notice seeking public input on whether the nomination of Mariana Trench National Marine Sanctuary should remain in the inventory of successful nominations. 1/21/22 87 FR 3284
Review of Nomination for Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is seeking written comments on its five-year review of the nomination for Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). Comments should focus solely on any new and relevant information relating to NOAA's 11 sanctuary nomination evaluation criteria. NOAA will pay particular attention to any additional details about the significance of the area's natural or cultural resources, changes to any threats to these resources, and evolving management efforts, or human uses in the proposed area. NOAA will make a final determination on whether the Hudson Canyon NMS nomination remains relevant and responsive to the evaluation criteria after it analyzes the comments it receives and, if so, whether Hudson Canyon NMS is to remain in the nomination inventory for another five-year period. With this five-year review, NOAA is not seeking comments on whether to start the sanctuary designation process for the Hudson Canyon NMS proposal. 1/21/22 87 FR 3283
Notice of Availability of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Draft Management Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prepared a draft management plan as part of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or sanctuary) management plan review pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The draft management plan, which would update the 2010 sanctuary management plan, addresses current and emerging threats in SBNMS and reflects changes in new science and technologies, how people use the sanctuary, and community needs. The draft management plan supports continued protection of sanctuary resources through enforcement of existing sanctuary regulations, education and outreach strategies that promote ocean stewardship, and community engagement. Consistent with the information provided in the 2020 Notice of Intent, NOAA is not proposing modifications to the sanctuary regulations at this time, but may consider regulatory changes in the future. NOAA also prepared an environmental assessment, which evaluates the environmental impacts of implementing the draft management plan and ongoing field activities. NOAA is soliciting public comments on the draft updated management plan and environmental assessment. 11/30/21 87 FR 67923
Notice of Availability of a Draft Management Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Announcement of Public Meetings The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prepared a draft management plan (DMP) as part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan review. The DMP, which replaces a 2009 sanctuary management plan, addresses current and emerging threats in CINMS and reflects changes in new science and technologies, how people use the sanctuary, and community needs. The DMP supports continued protection of sanctuary resources through enforcement of existing sanctuary regulations, education and outreach strategies that promote ocean stewardship, and community-inclusive involvement. Consistent with the information provided in the 2019 Notice of Intent, NOAA is not proposing modifications to the sanctuary regulations at this time, but may consider regulatory changes in the future. NOAA also prepared a draft environmental assessment (DEA), which evaluates the environmental impacts of implementing the DMP, ongoing field activities, and the existing sanctuary regulations. NOAA is soliciting public comments on the DMP and DEA at this time. 12/17/21 86 FR 71620
Extension of Public Comment Period for the Notice of Intent to Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary On November 10, 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a Notice of Intent to conduct scoping and to prepare a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. With this notice, NOAA is extending the public comment period by 21 days to January 31, 2022, to provide the public with additional time to provide comments on the Notice of Intent. 12/16/21 86 FR 71422
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Designation of a National Marine Sanctuary Within Papaha ̄naumokua ̄kea Marine National Monument The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the State of Hawai1i, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), is initiating the process to consider designating marine portions of Papaha ̄naumokua ̄kea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary. Per the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), NOAA will prepare a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the sanctuary designation process to evaluate potential environmental effects of this action. NOAA will also coordinate its responsibility under the National Historic Preservation Act with the NEPA process. NOAA is initiating the public scoping process to invite comments on the scope and significance of issues to be addressed in the environmental impact statement that are related to designating this area as a national marine sanctuary. The results of this scoping process will assist NOAA in moving forward with the designation process, including preparation and release of draft designation documents, and formulating alternatives for the DEIS. 11/19/21 86 FR 64904
Review of Nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting written comments to facilitate ONMS' review of the nomination for St. George Unangan Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) at the five-year interval. In particular, NOAA is requesting relevant information as it pertains to its 11 evaluation criteria for inclusion in the inventory. In this five-year review, NOAA will pay particular attention to any new information about the significance of the area's natural or cultural resources, changes to any threats to these resources, and any updates to the management framework of the area. NOAA has provided the original nominating party, the City of St. George, an opportunity to share its views on these same questions. Following this information gathering and internal analysis, NOAA will make a final determination on whether or not the St. George Unangan Heritage NMS nomination will remain in the inventory for another five year period. 11/17/21 86 FR 64190
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues final regulations, a final management plan, and a final environmental assessment (EA) for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS or sanctuary). The final rule includes modifications to three provisions of the MBNMS regulations, the modification of an appendix to the MBNMS regulations that describes sanctuary zone boundaries, and the addition of one new definition to the MBNMS regulations. A final EA and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) have been prepared for this action. 11/15/21 86 FR 62901 (pdf, 389K)
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary In accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inititating a process to consider designating a portion of waters along and offshore of the central coast of California as a national marine sanctuary. NOAA is initiating this process based on the area's qualities and boundaries as described in the community-based nomination submitted on July 17, 2015, excluding any geographical overlap of the boundaries proposed for the Morro Bay 399 Area as described in the July 29, 2021 Federal Register notice. 11/10/21 86 FR 62512
Designation of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing notice that the final rule published on June 23, 2021, to designate Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS) became effective on August 16, 2021. NOAA is also amending the WCSNMS regulations to reflect the effective date. 8/17/21 86 FR 45860 (pdf, 204K)
ONMS Regulation Requiring Review for Fiscal Year 2022 ONMS has determined that one rulemaking finalized in fiscal year 2012 requires review under RFA section 610: "Research Area Within Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary". RIN 0648– AV88 (76 FR 63824; October 14, 2011). This final rule created an 8.27 square-mile research area within the southern portion of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA created the research area pursuant to its authority under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq., in order to provide a zone specifically designed for conducting controlled scientific studies in the absence of certain human activities that could affect the results. NOAA prohibited fishing, diving, and stopping a vessel in the research area. NOAA prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis for this rule when it was finalized. 6/29/21 86 FR 34169 (pdf, 268K)
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided. 6/28/21 86 FR 33993 (pdf, 195K)
Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Designation; Final Regulations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues final regulations to implement the designation of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS). The approximately 962 square-mile area encompasses a portion of the waters and submerged lands of Lake Michigan adjacent to Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Kewaunee Counties. The area includes a nationally significant collection of underwater cultural resources, including 36 known shipwrecks and about 59 suspected shipwrecks. Well preserved by Lake Michigan's cold, fresh water, the shipwrecks in the WSCNMS possess exceptional historical, archaeological and recreational value. NOAA and the State of Wisconsin will co-manage WSCNMS. 6/23/21 86 FR 32737 (pdf, 507K)
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided. 4/2/21 86 FR 17364 (pdf, 211K)
Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary NOAA issues final regulations to implement the expansion of the boundaries of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS or sanctuary) and revise the sanctuary's terms of designation. The purpose of this action is to expand the sanctuary to include portions of 14 additional reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, representing approximately a 104 square mile increase in area. With this action, the existing FGBNMS regulations will apply to the expanded locations. 1/12/21 86 FR 4937 (pdf, 387K)
Review of Nomination for Lake Erie Quadrangle National Marine Sanctuary ONMS requests written comments to facilitate ONMS' five year review of the nomination for the Lake Erie Quadrangle National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). In particular, NOAA is requesting relevant information as it pertains to its evaluation criteria for inclusion in the inventory. NOAA will pay particular attention to any new information about the nomination's resources, changes to any threats towards these resources, and any updates to the management framework of the area. NOAA will also assess the continuity and breadth of community-based support for the nomination. 1/12/21 86 FR 2384 (pdf, 235K)
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (council). The meeting is open to the public, an opportunity for oral and written comments will be provided. 12/29/20 85 FR 85587 (pdf, 210K)
Review of Nomination for Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary In May 2020, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requested written comments to facilitate ONMS review of the nomination for Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS). NOAA requested relevant information as it pertains to the 11 national significance criteria and management considerations that NOAA applied to evaluate the CHNMS nomination for inclusion in the national inventory of areas that NOAA may be considered for future designation as a national marine sanctuary. NOAA has synthesized the information gathered through the public process, completed an internal analysis, and the ONMS Director has determined that the CHNMS nomination will remain in the inventory until at least October 5, 2025. 10/1/20 85 FR 61935 (pdf, 230K)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Proposed Rule, notice of availability of a draft management plan and draft environmental assessment NOAA is proposing revised regulations, a revised management plan, and a draft environmental assessment for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS or sanctuary). The proposed rule includes four modifications to existing MBNMS regulations, the modification of an appendix to the MBNMS regulations that describes sanctuary zone boundaries, and the addition of one new definition to the MBNMS regulations. A draft environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared for this proposed action. 7/06/20 85 FR 40143 (pdf, 332K)
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Mallows Bay- Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a national marine sanctuary advisory council for the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary (MPNMS) which was designated on September 3, 2019. The council will provide advice and recommendations to ONMS regarding the sanctuary management plan and will serve as liaisons between the sanctuary and constituents and community groups. ONMS is adding this council to the list of established national marine sanctuary advisory councils. ONMS solicits applications to fill council seats on an as needed basis and is now seeking applicants for seats on the MPNMS Sanctuary Advisory Council. 5/22/20 85 FR 31161 (pdf, 268K)
Proposed Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes to expand the boundaries of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) and revise the sanctuary's terms of designation. The purpose of this action is to expand the sanctuary to include portions of 14 additional reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, representing a 104 square mile increase in area. The existing FGBNMS regulations would be applied to the expanded locations. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule. 5/1/20 85 FR 25359 (pdf, 372K)
Solicitation for Applications for Advisory Councils Established Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Executive Order Notice is hereby given that ONMS will solicit applications to fill non-governmental seats on its 14 established national marine sanctuary advisory councils and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council (advisory councils), under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Executive Order, respectively. Note, the list of 15 established advisory councils in the Contact Information for Each Site section includes the advisory council established for the Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and excludes an advisory council for the recently designated Mallows BayPotomac River National Marine Sanctuary since an advisory has not yet been established. Vacant seats, including positions (i.e., primary and alternate), for each of the advisory councils will be advertised differently at each site in accordance with the information provided in this notice. This notice contains web page links and contact information for each site, as well as additional resources on advisory council vacancies and the application process. 4/29/20 85 FR 23764 (pdf, 280K)
Indirect Cost Rates for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries for Fiscal Year 2010 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) announces the establishment of new indirect cost rates for the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage and restoration activities for fiscal year (FY) 2010. 3/25/20 85 FR 16927 (pdf, 247K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Analysis and Management Plan In accordance with Section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), NOAA is initiating a review of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or the sanctuary) management plan, to evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the sanctuary, and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. NOAA anticipates management plan changes will require preparation of an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and other comments from individuals, organizations, tribes and government agencies on the scope, types, and significance of issues related to the SBNMS management plan and the proper scope of environmental analysis for the management plan review. 2/13/20 85 FR 8213 (pdf, 303K)
Clarification of Procedures for the Sanctuary Nomination Process The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is clarifying procedures for the Sanctuary Nomination Process (SNP) established in 2014. Specifically, ONMS informs the public of how it intends to treat nominations that have been accepted to the inventory of sites for potential designation as national marine sanctuaries and have been on the inventory for five years. 11/13/19 84 FR 61546 (pdf, 253K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Analysis and Management Plan In accordance with Section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended (NMSA), the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is initiating a review of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or sanctuary) management plan, to evaluate substantive progress toward implementing the goals of the sanctuary, and to make revisions to the management plan as necessary to fulfill the purposes and policies of the NMSA. 10/1/19 84 FR 52053 (pdf, 294K)
Designation of Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary; Notification of Effective Date NOAA provides notice that the designation and the final regulations to implement the designation of Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary (MPNMS) published on July 8, 2019 became effective on September 3, 2019. 9/26/19 84 FR 50736 (pdf, 300K)
Establishing an Advisory Council Pursuant to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and Solicitation for Applications for the Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Notice is hereby given that NOAA is establishing a national marine sanctuary advisory council for the proposed sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario. The council will provide advice and recommendations to ONMS regarding the sanctuary’s designation. ONMS is soliciting applications to fill seats on the Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. This notice contains web page links and contact information for the Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and application materials to apply for the newly established advisory council. 9/17/19 (pdf, 307K)
Notice of Partial Delegation of Authority to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration To Implement Section 113 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, Regarding the Research, Exploration and Salvage of RMS Titanic NOAA is publishing this notice to inform the public that, on August 29, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce delegated to the NOAA Administrator partial authority under Section 113 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (‘‘Section 113’’), to authorize any research, exploration, salvage, or other activity that would physically alter or disturb the wreck or wreck site of the RMS Titanic per the provisions of the Agreement Concerning the Shipwrecked Vessel RMS Titanic (hereinafter the ‘‘International Agreement’’). The Secretary also authorized the NOAA Administrator to take appropriate actions to carry out this section of the Act consistent with the International Agreement. This notice also provides the public with a point of contact for any person seeking a Section 113 authorization from NOAA. 8/05/19 (pdf, 295K)
Mallows Bay - Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary Designation NOAA issues final regulations to implement the designation of the Mallows Bay - Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. 7/8/19 84 FR 32586 (pdf, 441K)
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a DEIS for the Proposed Great Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is initiating the scoping process to consider designating a new national marine sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario. Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2019. 4/17/19 84 FR 16004 (pdf, 235K)
Rulemaking on allowance of certain discharges by the U.S. Coast Guard in Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries; Notice of Availability of final rule and final environmental assessment NOAA has finalized a rule to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to carry out otherwise prohibited vessel sewage, graywater and training-related discharges, seaward of approximately 3 nautical miles from shore, within the areas added to Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries' boundaries when they expanded in 2015. NOAA is allowing these exceptions to the discharge prohibitions in order to address Coast Guard concerns about both complying with the discharge prohibitions in the larger, expanded sanctuaries and continuing to complete its mission requirements. A notice of availability (NOA) of the final rule and final EA was published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2018. 11/09/18 83 FR 55956 (pdf, 286K)
Notice of availability of Errata for the final environmental impact report/environmental impact statement NOAA has published an errata document for the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (FEIR/EIS) for a permit application to NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary submitted by California American Water Company to construct and operate Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, a reverse osmosis desalination facility project in Monterey County, California. A notice of availability (NOA) of the final EIR/EIS was published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2018 (83 FR 13737). 10/19/18 83 FR 38684 (pdf, 174K)
Notice of Availability of Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessments for Field Operations at Thirteen National Marine Sanctuaries and Two Marine National Monuments. On August 7, 2018 NOAA published a notice requesting public comment on four draft programmatic environmental assessments related to Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Field Operations. Comments will be considered if received on or before September 21, 2018. Comments can be submitted through regulations.gov portal using docket ID: NOAA-NOS-2018-0095 8/7/18 83 FR 38684 (pdf, 213K)
Proposed Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project; Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement California American Water Company (CalAm) submitted a permit application to NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) to construct and operate a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination facility project (Project) in Monterey County, California. NOAA is conducting the permit review process in accordance with review and consultation requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable statutes. NOAA, as federal lead agency for purposes of NEPA, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the state lead agency for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), have prepared a joint final environmental impact review/environmental impact statement (EIR/EIS) that analyzes the potential effects on the physical and human environment of the proposed action. 3/30/18 83 FR 13737 (pdf, 197K)
Plan for Periodic Review of Regulations Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) section 610 requires that NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) periodically review existing regulations that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, such as small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. This plan describes how ONMS will perform this review and describes the regulations proposed for review in 2018. 3/1/18 83 FR 8812 (pdf, 238K)
Final Notice of a New Category of Special Use Permit Related to the Operation of Desalination Facilities Producing Potable Water for Consumption On January 12, 2017, NOAA published a notice in the Federal Register proposing two new categories of special use permits (SUP) related to the operation of desalination facilities, and requesting public comment. NOAA hereby gives public notice that the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will adopt a new SUP category pursuant to the requirements of Section 310 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). The SUP category is for the continued presence of a pipeline transporting seawater to or from a desalination facility. The second category previously proposed for the use of sediment to filter seawater for desalination is removed. This notice also includes background information on the use of desalination in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) and ONMS regulations applicable to activities that disturb submerged lands or discharge into sanctuaries, explains why a SUP is appropriate for this category of actions, explains why issuance of a new SUP category will not result in additional regulatory review, explains how the SUP category will facilitate and streamline the administration and management of desalination permits, as appropriate, and provides responses to public comments received. At this time, most proposed desalination activity in sanctuaries occurs in MBNMS, and the scientific studies used for environmental impact and comparative cost analyses were regionally based, so the SUP category only applies to MBNMS. 9/07/17 82 FR 42298 (pdf, 270K)
Review of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments Designated or Expanded Since April 28, 2007; Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment On June 26, 2017, NOAA published a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 28827) to request comments to inform the review the Department of Commerce is conducting pursuant to Executive Order 13795— Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, signed on April 28, 2017. The Department of Commerce is conducting a review of all designations and expansions of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments since April 28, 2007. The June 26, 2017, notice provides more information on the scope of the review, including a list of the eleven National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments subject to the review. The Secretary of Commerce will use the review to inform the preparation of a report under Executive Order 13795, Sec. 4(b)(ii). This notice reopened the public comment period by an additional 15 days. 7/31/17 82 FR 35509 (pdf, 209K)
Delay of Discharge Requirements for U.S. Coast Guard Activities in Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (now renamed Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary or GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) to an area north and west of their previous boundaries with a final rule published on March 12, 2015. The final rule entered into effect on June 9, 2015. At that time, NOAA postponed the effectiveness of the discharge requirements in both sanctuaries’ regulations in the areas added to GFNMS and CBNMS boundaries in 2015 with regard to U.S. Coast Guard activities for six months. Since then, NOAA published three documents to extend the postponement of the discharge requirements to provide adequate time for completion of an environmental assessment, and subsequent rulemaking, as appropriate. The current extension would end on June 9, 2017. This document extends the postponement of the discharge requirements for these activities for another six months for the same reasons. 6/07/17 82 FR 26339 (pdf, 299K)
Plan for Periodic Review of Regulations Notice of plan for periodic review of regulations; request for comments. SUMMARY: Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) section 610 requires that the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) periodically review existing regulations that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, such as small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. This plan describes how ONMS will perform this review and describes the regulation proposed for review during the current review-cycle. 4/26/17 82 FR 19195 (pdf, 225K)
Proposed Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project; Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement A permit application has been submitted by California American Water Company (CalAm) to NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) to construct and operate a reverse osmosis desalination facility project (Project) in Monterey County, California. The permit review process is being conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Cal. Pub. Res. Code §21000 et seq.). NOAA has prepared, in cooperation with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a joint draft environmental impact review/environmental impact statement (EIR/EIS) that analyzes the potential effects on the physical and human environment related to the Project proposed within MBNMS boundaries. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft EIR/EIS. 1/13/17 82 FR 4302 (pdf, 200K)
Notice and Request for Comment on Two New Categories of Special Use Permits Related to the Operation of Desalination Facilities Producing Potable Water for Consumption On January 12, 2017, NOAA published a notice requesting public comment on whether the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries should adopt two new special use permit (SUP) categories pursuant to the requirements of Section 310 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The two new SUP categories would be: 1) the continued presence of a pipeline transporting seawater to or from a desalination facility; and 2) the use of sediment to filter seawater for desalination. Comments will be considered if received on or before February 13, 2017. 1/12/17 82 FR 3751 (pdf, 302K)
Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to designate an area of 1,075 square miles of Wisconsin state waters as the Wisconsin—Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary (WLMNMS or sanctuary). 1/9/17 82 FR 2269 (pdf, 289K)
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan NOAA proposes to designate approximately 52 square miles of waters encompassing and surrounding Maryland's Mallows Bay as the Mallows Bay—Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary (MPNMS or sanctuary). 1/9/17 82 FR 2254 (pdf, 313K)
Presidential Proclamation 9478 of August 26, 2016 Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Expansiont
Through Proclamation 8031 of June 15, 2006, as amended by Proclamation 8112 of February 28, 2007, the President established the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Monument), to protect and preserve the marine area of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the historic and scientific objects therein. An area adjacent to the Monument, and that will constitute the Monument Expansion as set forth in this proclamation, includes the waters and submerged lands to the extent of the seaward limit of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) west of 163° West Longitude, and extending from the boundaries depicted on the map accompanying Proclamation 8031 as amended by Proclamation 8112 (adjacent area). The Monument Expansion comprises the waters and submerged lands in the U.S. EEZ west of 163° West Longitude adjacent to the Monument. The Federal lands and interests in lands reserved consist of approximately 442,781 square miles, which is the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.
8/31/16 81 FR 60227 (pdf, 139MB)
Requesting Nominations for the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
The Department of Commerce (Department) is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (Committee). The Committee advises the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior on implementing Section 4 of Executive Order 13158, specifically on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-Federal scientists, resource managers, and people representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine protected areas, including in the Great Lakes. Ten of the 20 members of the Committee have terms that expire November 15, 2016, and nominations are sought to fill these vacancies. Additionally, notice is hereby given of a Committee meeting to be held via webinar on Monday, October 3, 2016 from 3:00–5:30 p.m. ET. The Webinar is open to members of the public.
8/22/16 81 FR 56604 (pdf, 221MB)
Indirect Cost Rates for the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program for Fiscal Year 2015
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) is announcing new indirect cost rates on the recovery of indirect costs for its component organizations involved in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities for fiscal year (FY) 2015. The indirect cost rates for this fiscal year and date of implementation are provided in this notice. More information on these rates and the DARRP policy can be found at the DARRP Web site at www.darrp.noaa.gov.
8/22/16 81 FR 56580 (pdf, 221MB)
Notice of Availability of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Proposed Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement
NOAA has prepared a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed actions of boundary expansion, and application of existing regulations and management plan actions to new geographic areas of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
6/10/16 81 FR 37576 (pdf, 201K)
Notice of Sites Added to the Inventory of Possible Areas for Designation as New National Marine Sanctuaries
On June 13, 2014, NOAA published a final rule re-establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process (SNP) which allows communities to submit nominations to NOAA for consideration as new national marine sanctuaries. The rule included the final review process, national significance criteria, and management considerations that NOAA uses to evaluate community nominations for inclusion in the inventory of areas that could be considered for designation as national marine sanctuaries. The rule also states that NOAA will publish a Federal Register notice when areas have been added to the inventory. This notice announces that NOAA has added four sanctuary nominations to the SNP inventory between June 2014 and April 2016.
6/03/16 81 FR 35737 (pdf, 221K)
Delay of Discharge Requirements for U.S. Coast Guard Activities in Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (now renamed Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary or GFNMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS) to an area north and west of their previous boundaries with a final rule published on March 12, 2015. The final rule entered into effect on June 9, 2015. At that time, NOAA postponed the effectiveness of the discharge requirements in both sanctuaries’ regulations in the areas added to GFNMS and CBNMS boundaries in 2015 with regard to U.S. Coast Guard activities for 6 months. This notice extends the postponement of the discharge requirements for these activities for another 6 months to provide adequate time for completion of an environmental assessment, and subsequent rulemaking, as appropriate.
5/31/16 81 FR 34268 (pdf, 225K)
Intent to Conduct Scoping and Prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment for Changes in Regulations for Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries
Pursuant to a request from USCG, NOAA is considering developing future rulemaking to allow the following USCG discharges within part or all of GFNMS and CBNMS: 1) untreated vessel sewage, 2) vessel graywater that does not meet the definition of clean as defined by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), and 3) ammunition and pyrotechnics (flare) materials used in USCG training exercises for use of force and search and rescue. NOAA will conduct public scoping, including public meetings, to gather information and other comments to determine the relevant scope of issues and range of alternatives to be addressed in the environmental process from individuals, organizations, tribes, and government agencies on this topic.
4/21/16 81 FR 23445 (pdf, 201K)
Notice to Withdraw Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Proposed Expansion
NOAA is withdrawal the March 2015 proposal to make changes to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
3/14/16 81 FR 13303 (pdf, 203K)
Notice of Intent To Review Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Boundary NOAA is initiating a review of Monitor National Marine Sanctuary boundaries. 1/8/16 81 FR 879 (pdf, 204K)
Final Notice of Fee Calculations for Special Use Permits NOAA has finalized the methods, formulas and rationale for the calculations it will use in order to assess fees associated with special use permits. 11/19/15 80 FR 72415 (pdf, 204K)
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a DEIS for the Proposed Mallows Bay – Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is initiating the scoping process to consider designating a new national marine sanctuary in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay waters. 10/7/15 80 FR 60634 (pdf, 204K)
Notice of Intent To Conduct Scoping and To Prepare a DEIS for the Proposed Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is initiating the scoping process to consider designating a new national marine sanctuary in Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters. 10/7/15 80 FR 60631 (pdf, 203K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan and Regulations of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan
ONMS is initiating a review of the MBNMS management plan and will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations.
8/28/15 80 FR 51973 (pdf, 203K)
Notice of Fee Calculations for Special Use Permits NOAA has published a notice requesting comments on the methods, formulas, and rationale for the calculations it will use in order to assess fees associated with special use permits (SUPs). Comments must be received on or before October 6, 2015. 8/7/15 80 FR 47472 (pdf, 201K)
Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and Regulatory Changes; Name Change The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing notice that the final rule published on March 12, 2015 (80 FR 13078) became effective on June 9, 2015. NOAA is also changing the name of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. 6/15/15 80 FR 34047 (pdf, 204K)
Proposed Monterey Bay Regional Water Project Desalination Facility; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement; Scoping Meeting An application for permit approval has been submitted to construct and operate a seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility and colocated seawater-cooled 150-megawatt computer data center campus project at Moss Landing, Monterey County, California, within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). The permit review process will be conducted concurrently with a public process conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). NOAA is soliciting information and comments on the range and significance of issues related to the project proposed within MBNMS boundaries. 6/1/15 80 FR 31022 (pdf, 199K)
GFNMS and MBNMS Regulations on Introduced Species; Notification of Effective Date On February 19, 2015, NOAA finalized regulations that prohibit the introduction of introduced species into the state waters of Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (80 FR 8778). Those regulations became effective on May 15, 2015. 5/29/15 80 FR 30614 (pdf, 422K)
Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council: Public Meeting Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Sanctuary System Business Advisory Council (Council). The meeting is open to the public, and participants may provide comments at the appropriate time during the meeting, to be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, April 23, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT. An opportunity for public comment will be provided on April 23, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. EDT. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. 4/01/15 80 FR 17407 (pdf, 184K)
Notice of availability of the final updated Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States and response to comments on Draft Updated Framework This Framework provides overarching guidance for collaborative efforts among federal, state, commonwealth, territorial, tribal and local governments and stakeholders to implement an effective National System of MPAs (National System) from existing sites, build management capacity among MPA programs, coordinate collaborative efforts to address common management issues and identify ecosystem-based gaps in the protection of significant natural and cultural resources for possible future action by the nation’s MPA authorities. This document updates the previous version of the Framework, completed in November 2008, using experience gained implementing the National System and advice from the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee and MPA programs. 3/30/15 80 FR 16626 (pdf, 4184K)
Proposed Rule for Expansion of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA is requesting comments until June 19, 2015 on the proposed expansion of of the geographic area and scope of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as well as related regulatory changes. 3/26/15 80 FR 16224 (pdf, 472K)
Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and Regulatory Changes; Final Rule NOAA is expanding the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary to an area north and west of their current boundaries. As part of this action, NOAA is revising the terms of designation, management plans, and regulations for these two sanctuaries. 3/12/15 80 FR 13078 (pdf, 537K)
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Notification of Effective Date NOAA published a final rule to expand the boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, clarify the correlation between TBNMS regulations and Indian tribal fishing activities, and revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation on September 5, 2014 (79 FR 52960). Through this notification, NOAA is announcing the regulations became effective on February 3, 2015. 3/6/15 80 FR 12079 (pdf, 175K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Final Rule correcting permitting regulations from 2011 NOAA is reinstating missing paragraphs of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary regulations that pertain to the issuance of permits, which were inadvertently excluded in the publication of a November 2011 final rule revising OCNMS permitting regulations. 3/2/15 80 FR 11111 (pdf, 233K)
Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species NOAA is initiating a review of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary boundaries. 2/19/15 80 FR 8778 (pdf, 150K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is initiating a review of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary boundaries. 2/3/15 80 FR 5699 (pdf, 150K)
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries Expansion This final environmental impact statement provides detailed information and analysis of a range of reasonable alternatives for a proposed boundary expansion, and other regulatory changes to these sanctuaries. 12/19/14 79 FR 75800 (pdf, 201K)
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations With this final rule, NOAA is expanding Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary from 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles. 9/5/14 79 FR 52960 (pdf, 302K)
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Final Environmental Impact Statement In this final environmental impact statement, NOAA analyzes the impacts of various alternatives for the expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 8/1/14 79 FR 44769 (pdf, 176K)
Administrative Updates to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Regulations This final rule makes administrative and procedural changes to the applicable regulations with corrected addresses and fax numbers because the offices of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument have moved. 7/31/14 79 FR 44316 (pdf, 205K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations and Management Plan NOAA has updated the regulations and management plan for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The regulations are revised to clarify the prohibition on anchoring and add an exemption to allow the use of weighted marker buoys that are continuously tended by vessel operators during otherwise lawful fishing or diving activities, not attached to a vessel, and not capable of holding a boat at anchor. A revised management plan outlining management priorities for GRNMS for the next 5-10 years has also been prepared. 7/18/14 79 FR 41879 (pdf, 205K)
Final Rule Re-establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process This final rule re-establishes the process for communities to nominate nationally significant areas of the marine and Great Lakes environments as national marine sanctuaries. The rule includes the final process, criteria, and management considerations that NOAA will use to evaluate community nominations for inclusion in the inventory of areas that could be considered for designation as national marine sanctuaries. 6/13/14 79 FR 33851 (pdf, 267K)
Amended Proposed Rule for Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary NOAA seeks comments on an amendment to the proposal to expand Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary from 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles. Comments accepted from 5/09/14 to 6/08/2014. 5/9/14 79 FR 26654 (pdf, 267K)
Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species On March 27, 2014, NOAA proposed to amend an earlier proposed rule (from March 2013) to allow GFNMS and MBNMS to authorize certain introduced species of shellfish from commercial mariculture projects in all state waters of the sanctuaries. The comment period on this amendment closed on April 11, 2014. NOAA is re-opening the public comment period until May 5, 2014. 4/17/14 79 FR 21658 (pdf, 197K)
Proposed Rule for Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA is requesting comments until June 30, 2014 on the proposed expansion of Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries as well as related regulatory changes. 4/14/14 79 FR 20982 (pdf, 463K)
Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species On March 18, 2013 (78 FR 16622), NOAA proposed to prohibit the introduction of introduced species into the state waters of Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS and MBNMS). The proposed prohibition included exceptions for the catch and release of striped bass and for introduced species as part of mariculture activities in the Tomales Bay region of GFNMS. NOAA is now amending the March 2013 proposed rule to allow GFNMS and MBNMS to authorize certain introduced species of shellfish from commercial mariculture projects in all state waters of the sanctuaries, including Tomales Bay. This notice reopens the public comment period to consider this amendment. Comments will be accepted until April 11, 2014. 3/27/14 79 FR 17073 (pdf, 242K)
Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of Potential White Shark Research and Education Projects in the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA has developed a draft programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) to analyze the potential impacts of anticipated research and education projects in the next five years and that may have the potential to affect White Sharks within Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the northern portion of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 3/24/14 79 FR 15960 (pdf, 201K)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential amendment to the regulations regarding anchoring and the use of small weighted marker buoys for diving or fishing in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA is also soliciting comments on a draft management plan and environmental assessment. Public comments are accepted until February 10, 2014. 12/10/13 78 FR 74046 (pdf, 245K)
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary On June 14, 2013, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the boundary of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (78 FR 35776). On August 15, NOAA re- opened the comment period until October 18, 2013 (78 FR 49700). On October 28, NOAA re-opened the comment period until November 27 (78 FR 64186). This notice re-opens the public comment period stated in the June 14, 2013 proposed rule until December 19, 2013. 12/5/13 78 FR 73112 (pdf, 240K)
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary On June 14, 2013, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the boundary of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (78 FR 35776). On August 15, NOAA re-opened the comment period until October 18, 2013 (78 FR 49700). This notice re-opens the public comment period stated in the June 14, 2013 proposed rule until November 27, 2013. 10/28/13 78 FR 64186 (pdf, 270K)
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary On June 14, 2013, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the boundary of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (78 FR 35776). This notice reopens the public comment period stated in that proposed rule until October 18, 2013. 8/15/13 78 FR 49700 (pdf, 270K)
Re-establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to re-establish the sanctuary nomination process. NOAA is also proposing to amend its regulations governing the process for nominating and evaluating sites for eligibility as a national marine sanctuary. This action would replace the currently inactive Sanctuary Evaluation List (SEL) with a new process for local communities and other interested parties to provide NOAA with robust, criteria-driven proposals for new national marine sanctuaries. Comments will be considered if received on or before August 27, 2013. 6/28/13 78 FR 38848 (pdf, 270K)
Boundary Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary NOAA seeks comments on a proposal to expand Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary from 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles. Comments accepted from 6/14/2013 to 8/13/2013. 6/14/13 78 FR 35776 (pdf, 270K)
Final Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System NOAA gives public notice of the final revised list of categories of activities subject to the special use permit requirements of Section 310 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. 5/3/13 78 FR 25957 (pdf, 188K)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Withdrawal. Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species. NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential withdrawal of a notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2009 (74 FR 50740) concerning regulations on the introduction of introduced species into Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries. Public comments are accepted until May 17, 2013. 3/18/13 78 FR 16628 (pdf, 225K)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species. NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential amendment to the terms of designation and regulations regarding the introduction of introduced species into Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS and MBNMS, respectively). Public comments are accepted until May 17, 2013. 3/18/13 78 FR 16622 (pdf, 250K)
Notice of Availability for Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary This notice informs the public of the publication of the final management plan and environmental assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. 2/14/13 78 FR 10606 (pdf, 205K)
Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend the program regulations of the national marine sanctuaries. The rule would update and reorganize the existing regulations, eliminate redundancies across sanctuaries, eliminate outmoded regulations, adopt standard boundary descriptions, and consolidate general and permitting procedures. Comments will be considered if received on or before March 29, 2013. 1/28/13 78 FR 5998 (pdf, 448K)
Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System NOAA is seeking public comment on the proposal to revise three of the five existing categories of special use permits and to add two new categories of special use permits: recreational diving near the USS Monitor and fireworks displays. 1/15/13 78 FR 2957 (pdf, 204K)
Correction to Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA has made a correction to the time and place of the public scoping meeting described in 77 FR 75601. 1/9/13 78 FR 1778 (pdf, 224K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA seeks comments on the consideration of a proposal to expand Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. 12/21/12 77 FR 75601 (pdf, 200K)
Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Regulatory Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change; Notice of Effective Date NOAA is announcing the regulations published on July 26, 2012 (77 FR 43942) became effective on October 15, 2012. 10/31/12 77 FR 65815 (pdf, 192K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Expansion of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary NOAA seeks comments on the consideration of a proposal to expand Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 8/7/12 77 FR 46985 (pdf, 179K)
Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Regulatory Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change; Final Rule NOAA is adding five additional discrete geographical areas to the sanctuary and changing the name of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. NOAA also is amending existing sanctuary regulations and applying these regulations to activities in the sanctuary. 7/26/12 77 FR 43942 (pdf, 460K)
Environmental Impact Statement; Notice of Availability - Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including sanctuary expansion and name change (EIS No. 20120194). 6/22/12 77 FR 37672 (pdf, 224K)
Final rule for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary NOAA published a final rule for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule contains regulatory amendments pertaining to the protection of rays and whale sharks, the requirement to use flags when diving from a vessel in the sanctuary, clarifications on the discharge prohibition, and various technical changes. An environmental assessment was prepared for this action. 4/27/12 77 FR 25060 (pdf, 244K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare an EA or DEIS for amending the Zoning Scheme and Regulations for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Florida Management Agreement NOAA seeks comments on the consideration of zoning scheme and regulations for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Florida Management Agreement for Submerged Lands within Boundaries of the Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges and Regulations 4/19/12 77 FR 23425 (pdf, 212K)
Notice of Public Availability and Meetings for the Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary This notice advises the public that NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. 4/17/12 77 FR 22761 (pdf, 135K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Expansion of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary NOAA seeks comments on the consideration of a proposal to expand Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 4/12/12 77 FR 21878 (pdf, 132K)
Overflight Regulations for the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuaries NOAA has published revised regulations for the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuaries, that require that motorized aircraft maintain certain minimum altitudes above specified locations within the boundaries of the listed sanctuaries. In addition, the regulations state that failure to comply with these altitude limits is presumed to disturb marine mammals and seabirds and is a violation of the sanctuary regulations. 1/26/12 77 FR 3919 (pdf, 142K)
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulatory Revisions - Extension of Public Comment Period : On October 21, 2011, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (76 FR 65566). This notice re-opens the public comment period stated in that proposed rule until March 9, 2012. 1/26/12 77 FR 3646 (pdf, 142K)
Research Area Within Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Effective Date NOAA is announcing the regulations published on October 14, 2011 (76 FR 63824) became effective on December 4, 2011. 12/14/11 76 FR 77670 (pdf, 144K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations, Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment NOAA published a final rule and a final revised management plan for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule revises the regulations to prohibit wastewater discharges from cruise ships; updates the language referring to tribal welfare considerations when issuing permits; corrects the size of the sanctuary based on new area estimates (without revising the sanctuary's actual boundaries). An environmental assessment was developed for this action. 11/1/11 76 FR 67348 (pdf, 200K)
Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Regulatory Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to add five additional discrete geographical areas to the sanctuary and change the name of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA also proposes to amend existing sanctuary regulations and apply these regulations to activities in the sanctuary. Comments will be considered if received on or before January 6, 2012. 10/21/2011 76 FR 65566 (pdf, 240K)
Research Area Within Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is creating a research area within Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS, or sanctuary). A research area is a region specifically designed for conducting controlled scientific studies in the absence of certain human activities that could affect the results. NOAA is prohibiting fishing, diving, and stopping a vessel in the research area. 10/14/2011 76 FR 63824 (pdf, 204K)
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; National Marine Sanctuary Permits The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 9/27/2011 76 FR 59660 (pdf, 144K)
Final Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) has developed final policy and permitting guidance for submarine cable projects proposed in national marine sanctuaries. This action identifies the criteria the ONMS will use to ensure that applications to install and maintain submarine cables in sanctuaries are reviewed consistently and in a manner that adheres to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ONMS regulations (15 CFR Part 922). 9/15/2011 76 FR 56973 (pdf, 140K)
Environmental Impact Statement; Notice of Availability - Gray's Reef Research Area Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Research Areas Designation, Establishing a Research Area in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (EIS No. 20110280). 8/26/2011 76 FR 53453 (pdf, 184K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulatory Revisions - Extension of Public Comment Period On January 14, 2011, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (76 FR 2611). This notice extends the public comment period stated in that proposed rule by an additional 10 days, until March 25, 2011. 2/4/2011 76 FR 6368 (pdf, 52K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Revisions NOAA has released a proposed rule to revise regulations in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary as a result of the management plan review process. Comments on the proposed rule will be considered if received on or before March 25, 2011. **Note that the Federal Register incorrectly states that the comment period closes on March 15, 2011, and will post a correction notice in the near future. 1/14/2011 76 FR 2611 (pdf, 42K)
Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Regarding Low Overflights in Designated Zones; Extension of public comment period. NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend sanctuary regulations regarding low overflights in Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast national marine sanctuaries. The public comment period on the proposed rule published at 75 FR 76319, December 8, 2010, will be extended an additional 30 days from the original due date of January 7, 2011. Comments will be accepted through February 7, 2011. 1/4/2011 76 FR 294 (pdf, 52K)
Amendments to National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Regarding Low Overflights in Designated Zones NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend sanctuary regulations regarding low overflights in Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast national marine sanctuaries. Comments will be considered if received on or before January 7, 2011. 12/8/2010 75 FR 76319 (pdf, 66K)
Marine Sanitation Device Discharge Regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a final rule amending the regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) by eliminating the exemption that allows discharges from within the boundary of the sanctuary of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices (MSDs), and by requiring that MSDs be secured to prevent discharges of treated and untreated sewage. An environmental assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact has been prepared for this action. 11/26/2010 75 FR 72655 (pdf, 66K)
Proposed rule for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations NOAA proposes to amend the regulations for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to improve vessel and user safety, protect sanctuary resources from user impacts, clarify vessel pollution discharge language, and make other technical changes and corrections. 10/22/2010 75 FR 65256 (pdf, 66K)
Draft Environmental Assessment for Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Permit Application Project Titled: Fine Scale, Long-Term Tracking of Adult White Sharks; Notice of Availability; Request for Public Comment NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft environmental assessment for a Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Permit Application for White Shark Research. Comments will be considered if received on or before October 15, 2010. 9/30/2010 75 FR 60407 (pdf, 66K)
Proposed Research Area Within the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to create a research area within the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. A draft environmental impact statement was also prepared. Comments will be considered if received on or before December 13, 2010. 9/14/2010 75 FR 55692 (pdf, 76K)
Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Technical Corrections On November 20, 2008, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a final rule in the Federal Register for the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries (referred to jointly as the joint management plan review or JMPR). Some sets of coordinates in that final rule contained technical errors or omissions that need to be corrected for the zones to be properly mapped. Other minor corrections are also included in this rule. 9/1/2010 75 FR 53567 (pdf, 76K)
EPA Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability This document describes the methods typically used to implement restoration in response to physical injuries in both Flower Gardens and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries. 8/27/2010 75 FR 52736 (pdf, 76K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings ONMS is initiating a review of the HIHWNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations. 7/14/2010 75 FR 40759 (pdf, 34K)
Intent To Initiate Consultation and Coordinate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Responsibilities Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) With the Ongoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process Supporting the Review of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan This document expresses NOAA's intent to conduct consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA in conjunction with Review of Management Plan/ Regulations and associated NEPA public process. 4/27/2010 75 FR 22047 (pdf, 44K)
Technical Correction for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a document in the Federal Register on February 19, 2010 (75 FR 7361) on the use and possession of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. That document was inadvertently missing a word in 922.92(a)(11)(iii). This document corrects the final regulations by revising that section. 2/19/2010 Correction (pdf, 48K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a final rule to prohibit the use of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Possession of spearfishing gear is also prohibited except for vessels passing through the sanctuary without interruption, and only when the gear is stowed and not available for immediate use. An environmental assessment was developed for this action. 2/19/2010 75 FR 7361 (pdf, 72K)
Marine Sanitation Device Discharge Regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary NOAA proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS or sanctuary) to eliminate the exemption that allows discharges of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices, and to require marine sanitation devices be locked to prevent discharges. 11/16/2009 74 FR 58923 (pdf, 48K)
Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species NOAA is soliciting public comment on a proposed rule to revise regulations on introduced species into the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries. In response to a letter from the Governor of California, NOAA is proposing to modify its regulations to except all State-permitted aquaculture activities in the two sanctuaries. Comments must be received by November 16, 2009. 10/1/2009 74 FR 50740 (pdf, 48K)
Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, NOAA is releasing the Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 8/24/2009 74 FR 42651 (pdf, 52K)
Changes to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Technical Corrections and Minor Substantive Changes NOAA publishes this final rule for certain regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule makes technical corrections and modifications to several areas in the regulations. 7/31/2009 74 FR 38092 (pdf, 52K)
Notice of Availability of the Draft Monument Natural Resources Science Plan; Announcement of Public Meetings; Request for Comments. This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawai'i's Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a draft monument natural resources science plan for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The plan describes the monument's ongoing and proposed research activities and is available for public review and comment. Two public meetings are scheduled, and comments will be considered if received on or before August 10, 2009. 7/10/2009 74 FR 33209 (pdf, 55K)
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Interim Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects NOAA is proposing interim policy and permit guidance for submarine cable projects proposed in national marine sanctuaries. This action identifies the criteria the ONMS will use to ensure that applications to install and maintain submarine cables in sanctuaries are reviewed consistently and in a manner that adheres to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ONMS regulations (15 CFR part 922). 4/21/2009 74 FR 18169 (pdf, 52K)
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Notice of Effective Date NOAA published a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS, MBNMS and CBNMS, respectively) on November 20, 2008 (73 FR 70488). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on November 20, 2008. During that interim, we received an objection from the Governor of California concerning provisions that would have prohibited introduction of introduced species in the state waters of GFNMS and MBNMS. Through this notice, NOAA is announcing the regulations for the CBNMS and GFNMS became effective on March 9, 2009 in their entirety; and the regulations for the MBNMS also became effective on March 9, 2009, except the one prohibiting the introduction of introduced species in the state waters of MBNMS. 3/23/2009 74 FR 12088 (pdf, 50K)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Notice of Effective Date NOAA published a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) January 16, 2009 (74 FR 3216). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on January 16, 2009. This document provides notice of the effective date, March 19, 2009. 3/23/2009 74 FR 12087 (pdf, 50K)
Changes to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Technical Corrections and Minor Substantive Changes Correction to preamble of proposed rule for technical corrections and minor substantive revisions to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations and extension of public comment period. 3/5/2009 74 FR 9574 (pdf, 48K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to regulate the use of spearfishing gear in the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. A draft environmental assessment was also prepared. Comments will be considered if received on or before May 4, 2009. 3/4/2009 74 FR 9378 (pdf, 52K)
Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability and Meetings NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Comments on the draft management plan and draft environmental impact statement will be accepted through April10, 2009. 2/24/2009 74 FR 8231 (pdf, 48K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Intent to Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings ONMS is initiating a review of the FBNMS management plan and to conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations, and possible site expansion (including expansion to include the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument designated on January 6, 2009). 1/30/2009 74 FR 5641 (pdf, 52K)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Regulations NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published a rule to finalize the regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule revises the regulations to implement several new prohibitions, makes additional changes to the grammar and wording of several sections of the regulations to ensure clarity, and publishes the sanctuary's revised terms of designation. 1/16/2009 74 FR 3216 (pdf, 205K)
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai'i : The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Management Plan and environmental assessment are available. NOAA and Fish and Wildlife Service developed separate findings of no significant impact to address each agency's Marine Mammal Protection Act findings. These are also available. 1/5/2009 74 FR 313 (pdf, 50K)
Technical corrections and minor substantive changes to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations. : Technical corrections and minor substantive revisions to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations. 12/19/2008 73 FR 77557 (pdf, 60K)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan, Implementation, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, CA. : NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) as part of the management plan implementation for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), NOAA's 30-day wait period will end on January 5, 2009. 12/5/2008 73 FR 74170 (pdf, 52K)
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Proclamation Provisions NOAA and the USFWS finalize regulations that establish a ship reporting system for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Effective date is January 2, 2009. 12/3/2008 73 FR 73592 (pdf, 45K)
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Final rule as part of the Joint Management Plan Review (JMPR) for the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. 11/20/2008 73 FR 70488 (pdf, 48K)
Initiation of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review: Notice of Public Scoping Meetings NOAA is holding five scoping meetings in early December 2008 to solicit public comments and to identify issues for the continued management of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. 11/13/2008 73 FR 67135 (pdf, 48K)
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability, Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Final Environmental Impact Statement NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published the Final environmental impact statement (FEIS) as part of the Joint Management Plan Review (JMPR) for the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. NOAA's 30-day cooling off period will end on October 26, 2008. 9/26/2008 73 FR 55842 (pdf, 52K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings ONMS is initiating a review of the OCNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations. 9/15/2008 73 FR 53161 (pdf, 52K)
Conducting Consultations Pursuant to Section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act NOAA solicits comments on the development of regulations implementing certain aspects of section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. NOAA is accepting public comments through October 31, 2008. 8/26/2008 73 FR 50259 (pdf, 52K)
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaii Notice of extension of the public comment period for the draft monument management plan and environmental assessment. 7/11/2008 73 FR 39951 (pdf, 56K)
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Proclamation Provisions NOAA and the USFWS are proposing regulations to establish a ship reporting system for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Accepting public comments through August 6, 2008 (30 days). 7/7/2008 73 FR 38375 (pdf, 80K)
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability Notice of Availability of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Coral Restoration in Florida Keys and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuaries (EIS No. 20080219). 6/6/2008 73 FR 32331 (pdf, 80K)
Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability and Meetings In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (NMSA) NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and environmental assessment for the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen bank National Marine Sanctuary 5/6/2008 73 FR 24952 (pdf, 72K)
Amendment to Discharge Regulations in the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries The rule would prohibit discharge of treated waste from vessels 300 gross registered tons or more within the sanctuaries. 5/5/2008 73 FR 24666 (pdf, 40K)
Notice of Availability of Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment and Announcement of Public Meetings for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawai`i's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a Draft Monument Management Plan (MMP) and associated environmental assessment (EA) for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Monument) located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). 4/23/2008 73 FR 21975 (pdf, 60K)
Establishment of Marine Reserves and a Marine Conservation Area Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Closes the record on NOAA's decision with on state waters of the Sanctuary and responds to comments NOAA received on that issue. 4/17/2008 73 FR 20869 (pdf, 56K)
Revisions to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Regulations This proposed rule addresses treated sewage and graywater discharges from vessels 300 gross registered tons or greater in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 3/28/2008 73 FR 16580 (pdf, 72K)
Revisions to Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations This proposed rule addresses treated sewage discharges from vessels 300 gross registered tons or greater in the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries, and in the case of Monterey Bay limits graywater discharges. 3/27/2008 73 FR 16224 (pdf, 60K)
Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Notice of availability Provides notice of a draft supplement for Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. 3/21/2008 73 FR 15153 (pdf, 60K)
Publication of the New U.S. World Heritage Tentative List: 15-Day Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment on Proposed Initial U.S. Nominations to the World Heritage List. This notice constitutes the official publication of the new U.S. World Heritage Tentative List and provides a First Notice for the public to comment on proposed initial U.S. nominations from the new Tentative List to the UNESCO World Heritage List. 3/19/2008 73 FR 14835 (pdf, 976K)
Notice of Intent to Prepare a DEIS for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Notice of Intent to initiate public scoping and notice that Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is preparing a draft EIS on the concept of a research area in the sanctuary. 3/5/2008 73 FR 11886 (pdf, 976K)
Establishment of Marine Reserves and a Marine Conservation Area Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Announcement of Effective Date Announcement confirms the effective date of the final rule for this conservation area, published on May 24, 2007 (72 FR 29208), took effect on July 29, 2007. 8/14/2007 72 FR 45320 (pdf, 56K)
Establishment of Marine Reserves and a Marine Conservation Area Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Final Rule Issues final regulations to establish marine reserves and a marine conservation area in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 5/24/2007 72 FR 29208 (pdf, 976K)
Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability Provides notice of the availability of the final environmental impact statement for the establishment of marine reserves and marine conservation areas in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 4/20/2007 72 FR 19928 (pdf, 60K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Announcement of Effective Date Provides notice of February 16, 2007 effective date for the revised regulations for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. 3/19/2007 72 FR 12729 (pdf, 56K)
Proclamation 8112 of February 28, 2007 Amending Proclamation 8031 of June 15, 2006, To Read, "Establishment of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument" Renames the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. 3/6/2007 72 FR 10031 (pdf, 96K)
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument; Correction Technical correction to the joint regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. 2/7/2007 72 FR 5642 (pdf, 56K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. 10/12/2006 71 FR 60055 (pdf, 92K)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Draft revised management plan, revised Designation Document and revised regulations for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 10/6/2006 71 FR 59050 (pdf, 124K)
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Draft revised management plan and revised regulations for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. 10/6/2006 71 FR 59338 (pdf, 180K)
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Draft revised management plan and revised regulations for Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. 10/6/2006 71 FR 59039 (pdf, 108K)
Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Corrections to figures published 8/11/2006 pertaining to the current size of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 10/5/2006 71 FR 58767 (pdf, 52K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings ONMS is initiating a review of the FGBNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations. 9/7/2006 71 FR 52757 (pdf, 168K)
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Correction of an e-mail address in the 8/29/2006 final regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. 9/7/2006 71 FR 52874 (pdf, 28K)
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Final joint regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. 8/29/2006 71 FR 51134 (pdf, 208K)
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability Provides notice of availability of a draft environmental impact statement for the establishment of no-take and limited-take marine zones in the Channel Islands NMS. 8/11/2006 71 FR 46220 (pdf, 76K)
Consideration of Marine Reserves and Marine Conservation Areas Within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Proposed a regulation to establish no-take and limited-take marine zones within the Channel Islands NMS. 8/11/2006 71 FR 46134 (pdf, 76K)
Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Unit for Vessels Issued Permits to Operate in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Provides list of approved vessel monitoring systems devices for vessel operation within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. 7/14/2006 71 FR 40080 (pdf, 76K)
Proclamation 8031 Establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument Presidential proclamation 8031 establishes the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. 6/26/2006 71 FR 36441 (pdf, 76K)
Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability Notice of availability of a draft environmental impact statement for the Channel Islands NMS management plan review and regulations revision. 5/19/2006 71 FR 29148 (pdf, 76K)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Proposed revision to the Channel Islands NMS regulations resulting from management plan review. 5/19/2006 71 FR 29096 (pdf, 76K)
Final Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System Amends the list of categories of activites subject to the special use permitting requirements of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. 1/30/2006 71 FR 4898 (pdf, 76K)
Notice of Indirect Cost Rates for the National Marine Sanctuary Program Announces the establishment of indirect cost rates and a policy on the recovery of indirect costs for its involvement in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities. 12/31/2003 68 FR 75492 (pdf, 44K)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Proposes to amend the regulations for the Gray's Reef NMS to incorporate changes resulting from a review of the management plan for Gray's Reef NMS. 10/31/2003 68 FR 62033 (pdf, 72K)
Amendments to the Area To Be Avoided Off The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Amends the existing Area to be Avoided off the Washington Coast to include all vessels of 1,600 gross tons and above solely in transit in accordance with the International Maritime OrganizationÌs adoption of MSC 75/24, para 6.7.4 on May 29, 2002. 11/27/2002 67 FR 70933 (pdf, 52K)
Fair Market Value Analysis for a Fiber Optic Cable Permit in National Marine Sanctuaries Notice is given of the availability of the subject final report, which describes the methodology by which NOAA will assess fair market value for submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries. 8/28/2002 67 FR 55201 (pdf, 60K)
Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System. Provides notice of the applicability of the special use permitting requirements of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to certain categories of activities in accordance with the 2000 amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (PL 106-513). 5/20/2002 67 FR 35501 (pdf, 52K)
Revisions to Anchoring Prohibitions in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Amends the anchoring regulations for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to conform the regulations to anchoring prohibitions adopted by the International Maritime Organization, at its December 6, 2000 meeting. 11/21/2001 66 FR 58370 (pdf, 44K)
Fair market Value for a Submarine Cable Permit in National Marine Sanctuaries Extends the public comment period on the fair market value analysis for submarine cables in NMSs by 15 days until October 16, 2001. 9/28/2001 66 FR 49576 (pdf, 36K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Final rule banning the use of motorized personal watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 9/10/2001 66 FR 46942 (pdf, 76K)
Fair Market Value analysis for a Submarine Cable Permit in National Marine Sanctuaries Reopends the comment period on the fair market value analysis for submarine cables within NMSs for an additional 45 days until October 1, 2001. 8/17/2001 66 FR 43135 (pdf, 40K)
Amendment to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Revising the Boundary of the Northernmost Area To Be Avoided Off the Coast of Florida Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Final Rule 6/29/2001 66 FR 34533 (pdf, 52K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Announcement of Effective Date in Florida State Waters Announces the July 1, 2001 effective date for the final regulations expanding the boundary of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve in State waters. 6/22/2001 66 FR 33462 (pdf, 36K)
Revisions to Anchoring Prohibitions in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Proposes to amend the anchoring regulations for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to conform the regulations to anchoring prohibitions adopted by the International Maritime Organization, at its December 6, 2000 meeting. 5/21/2001 66 FR 26822 (pdf, 40K)
Amendments to the Area To Be Avoided Off the Olympic CoastNational Marine Sanctuary Provides public notice of NOAAÌs intent to request the International Maritime Organization to extend the the existing area to be avoided off the Washington Coast to include all vessels of 1,600 gross tons and above solely in transit and to increase the size of the ATBA to reflect changes in the adjacent Strait of Juan de Fuca traffic separation scheme. 3/29/2001 66 FR 17156 (pdf, 48K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Announcement of Effective Date Announces the March 8, 2001 effective date for the final regulations expanding the boundary of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve in Federal waters. 3/23/2001 66 FR 16120 (pdf, 44K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Final Rule Final rule expands the boundary of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve and issues regulations for the added area. 1/17/2001 66 FR 4267 (pdf, 7.8K)
Fair Market Value Analysis for a Fiber Optic Cable Permit in National Marine Sanctuaries Provides notice of availability of a fair market value anlysis done concerning the issuance of permits for submarine cables within NMSs. 1/5/2001 66 FR 1092 (pdf, 128K)
Boundary Changes in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; Addition of Stetson Bank and Technical Corrections; Final Rule Modifes the boundaries for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to include Stetson Bank, which was added to the Flower Garden Banks NMS by Congress through the 1996 amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (PL 104-283). 12/22/2000 65 FR 81175 (pdf, 256K)
Installing and Maintaining Commercial Submarine Cables in National Marine Sanctuaries Reopends the comment period on the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on installing fiber optic cables within NMSs (65 FR 51264) for an additional 15 days. 11/24/2000 65 FR 70537 (pdf, 124K)
Amendment to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Revising the Boundary of the Northernmost Area To Be Avoided Off the Coast of Florida Proposes to amend the boundaries of the Florida Keys NMS area to be avoided to increase saftey of shipping in the region of the upper Keys. 11/22/2000 65 FR 70324 (pdf, 132K)
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Regulations; Correction and Announcement of Effective Date Makes a technical correction to the regulations for the Thunder Bay NMS and Underwater Preserve and provides notice of the September 25, 2000 effective date for those regulations. 10/10/2000 65 FR 60096 (pdf, 124K)
Installing and Maintaining Commercial Submarine Cables in National Marine Sanctuaries Publishes an advanced noticed of the regulation of fiber optic cable installation, maitenance, and removal within NMS. 8/23/2000 65 FR 51264 (pdf, 148K)
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Regulations; Final Rule Designates the Thunder Bay NMS and Underwater Preserve along with final implementing regulations and designation document. 6/22/2000 65 FR 39041 (pdf, 292K)
Correction to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act language of the proposed rule to expand the boudnaries of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve to include information about the certification burden estimate. 6/6/2000 65 FR 35871 (pdf, 124K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Withdraws the previous proposed rule that proposed to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft within 1000 yards of the shoreline (64 FR 19945) in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. This notice proposes to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft within the entire Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 5/22/2000 65 FR 32048 (pdf, 164K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Proposed Rule Proposes to expand the boundary of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve and proposes regulations for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. 5/18/2000 65 FR 31632 (pdf, 640K)
Hawaiian Islands humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Modifies the regulations for the Hawaiian Islands NMS in response to State of Hawaii concerns and comments. This notice also provides notice of the December 29, 1999 effective date for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS regulations. 11/29/1999 64 FR 66566 (pdf, 252K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings Initiating process to revise the management plan for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. 11/19/1999 64 FR 63262 (pdf, 28K)
Announcement of Thunder Bay (MI) as an Active Candidate for Designation as a National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan Withdraws the Northwest Straits from consideration as an Active Candidate for designation as a National Marine Sanctuary. Congress directed NOAA to prepare a designation prospectus on Northwest Straits in 1988 and the site became an Active Candidate. For reasons related to designation guidance contained in the 1996 reauthorization of the National Marine Sanctuary Act (NMSA), the findings of a Congressionally-convened Northwest Straits Citizens Advisory Commission, and limited agency resources, NOAA is discontinuing consideration of the site for possible designation as a national marine sanctuary. 9/15/1999 64 FR 50061 (pdf, 252K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Further extends the comments period for the proposed regulation to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS until July 21, 1999. 6/30/1999 64 FR 35102 (pdf, 20K)
Initiation of Review of Management Plan/Regulations of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Scoping Meetings Provide notice of intent to prepare a draft environmental impact statement to revise the regulations and management plan for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 6/11/1999 64 FR 31528 (pdf, 28K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Further extends the comments period for the proposed regulation to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS until July 1, 1999. 6/9/1999 64 FR 30929 (pdf, 20K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Announces the date of a public hearing and extends the public comment period for the proposed regulation to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 5/20/1999 64 FR 27484 (pdf, 20K)
Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Proposes a regulation banning the use of motorized personal watercraft within 1,000 yards of shore within the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 4/23/1999 64 FR 19945 (pdf, 72K)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Regulations; Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Anchoring on Tortugas Bank Amends the regulations for the Florida Keys NMS to reinstate and make permanent the temporary prohibition on anchoring by vessels 50 meters or greater in registered length on Tortugas Bank. 8/17/1998 63 FR 43870 (pdf, 40K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Confirmation of Effective Date Provides notice of July 6, 1998 effective date for jade collection rule. 7/6/1998 63 FR 36339 (pdf, 16K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Issues a final regulation allowing for limited collection of jad within the Monterey Bay NMS. 3/30/1998 63 FR 15083 (pdf, 52K)
Point Reyes/Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary Amends the notice changing the name of Point Reyes/Farallon Islands NMS to the Gulf of the Farallones NMS (62 FR 3788) to also change the acronym throughout part 922 from PRNMS to GFNMS. 12/30/1997 62 FR 67723 (pdf, 20K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Final Regulations Modifies the regulations for the Florida Keys NMS published on January 30, 1997 to clarify changes to the general NMSP regulations on permitting. 12/17/1997 62 FR 66003 (pdf, 16K)
Notice of Settlement Agreement on the R/V Columbus Iselin Grounding Between the United States on Behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Miami Settlement Agreement to settle claims of damage to sanctuary resources form the grounding of R/V COLUMBUS ISELIN in the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. 12/5/1997 62 FR 64360 (pdf, 16K)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Amends the regulations for the Monterey Bay NMS to allow the delegation of the authority to object to or impose terms or conditions on the exercise of any valid lease, permit, license, approval or other authorization issued after January 1, 1993 (the effective date of the MBNMS designation) from the Director of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (Director) to other Federal officials below the Director's level; for example, the Sanctuary Manager. 11/25/1997 62 FR 62693 (pdf, 20K)
Temporary Rule Prohibiting Anchoring by Vessels 50 Meters or Greater in Length on Tortugas Bank within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Temporarily (October 17, 1997 through February 12, 1998) prohibits anchoring of vessels greater than 50 meters in length on Tortugas Bank within the Florida Keys NMS. 10/20/1997 62 FR 54381 (pdf, 20K)
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Boater/Diver Survey. Invitation for general public and other Federal agencies to comment on collections of information. 9/5/1997 62 FR 46949 (pdf, 16K)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Removes Norfolk Canyon from the active candidates list for designation as a NMS. Also retains the site remains on the SEL. 8/26/1997 62 FR 45233 (pdf, 20K)
Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Soliciting information pertaining to the operation of motorized personal watercraft in the area of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. 8/21/1997 62 FR 44427 (pdf, 20K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Public Hearing Provides notice of a July 30, 1997 public hearing on the Jade collection proposed rule. 7/15/1997 62 FR 37818 (pdf, 16K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: Commercial Treasure Salvors Provides notice of availability of the supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Florida Keys NMS designation concerning treasure salvage. 7/9/1997 62 FR 36655 (pdf, 28K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Small correction to previously published rule. 6/25/1997 62 FR 34342 (pdf, 28K)
Proposed Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Proposes to designate the Thunder Bay NMS along with proposed implementing regulaitons, designation document, and management plan. 6/23/1997 62 FR 33768 (pdf, 56K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Proposes a regulation to allow for limited jade collection in the Monterey Bay NMS. 6/13/1997 62 FR 32246 (pdf, 44K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Final Rule Modifies the regulations for the Florida Keys NMS in response to State of Florida concerns and comments. This notice also provides notice of the July 1, 1997 effective date for the Florida Keys NMS regulations. 6/12/1997 62 FR 32154 (pdf, 196K)
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Issues final regulations and management plan for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS which was designated by Congress under the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act in 1992. 3/28/1997 62 FR 14799 (pdf,172K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Final Rule Issues final regulations and management plan for the Florida Keys NMS which was designated by Congress under the Flordia Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act in 1990. This notice also removes the regulations for Looe Key and Key Largo NMSs. 1/30/1997 62 FR 4578 (pdf, 344K)
Point Reyes/Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary; Name Change Changes the official name of the Point Reyes/Farallon Islands NMS to the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. 1/27/1997 62 FR 3788 (pdf, 24K)
Regulation to Prohibit the Attraction of White Sharks in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Issues new regulation to prohibit the attraction of white sharks within 3 miles of shore in the Monterey Bay NMS. 12/19/1996 61 FR 66913 (pdf, 52K)
Boundaries of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Correction Corrects the boundary coordinates for Cordell Bank NMS. 10/3/1996 61 FR 51577 (pdf, 20K)
Zones and Access Routes Within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Where the Operation of Motorized Personal Water Craft is Allowed Clarifies and modifies the boundary of the motorized personal watercraft (jet ski) zones and access routes in Monterey Bay NMS. 4/4/1996 61 FR 14963 (pdf, 24K)
Regulation to Prohibit the Attraction of White Sharks in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Clarification of Exception to Discharge Prohibition; Public Hearing Provides notice of a public hearing on the proposed rule to prohibit attracting white sharks within 3 miles of shore in the Monterey Bay NMS. The public hearing was held on Friday, March 1, 1996, at the El Grenada Elementary School, 400 Santiago Avenue, El Grenada, California. 2/15/1996 61 FR 5969 (pdf, 12K)
Regulation to Prohibit the Attraction of White Sharks in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Clarification of Exception to Discharge Prohibition Proposes a regulation to prohibit the attraction of white sharks within three miles of shore in the Monterey Bay NMS. 2/12/1996 61 FR 5335 (pdf, 48K)
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Intent to Issue a Special Use Permit; Request for Applications for Special Use Permit; Request for Comments; Correction Notice of a correction of contact information and correct a statement that may have interpreted exclusion of larger vessels in association with the permit. 1/25/1996 61 FR 2230 (pdf, 16K)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Consolidates all NMSP regulations into 15 CFR part 922. Removes all other parts. 12/27/1995 60 FR 66875 (pdf, 120K)
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of intent to issue a special use permit; request for applications for special use permit; request for comments. NOAA seeks comment on issuing a three-year special use permit to a qualified dive concessionaire for non-intrusive dives at this site for a total of two (2) weeks (14 days) each year. 12/11/1995 60 FR 63508 (pdf, 36K)
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Proposed Rule Proposes implementing regulations and a management plan for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS, which was designated by Congress under the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act in 1992. 9/15/1995 60 FR 47999 (pdf, 80K)
Jade Collection in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advanced notice on a proposal to allow limited take of jade within the Monterey Bay NMS. 8/9/1995 60 FR 40540 (pdf, 28K)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Proposed Regulations Proposes implementing regulations and a management plan for the Florida Keys NMS, which was designated by Congress under the Flordia Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act in 1990. 3/30/1995 60 FR 16399 (pdf, 116K)
Restricting or Prohibiting Attracting Sharks by Chum or Other Means in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advanced notice to consider the restriction or prohibition of attracting white sharks within the Monterey Bay NMS. 2/28/1995 60 FR 10812 (pdf, 28K)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Adopts as final regulations without change the interim final portion of regulations implementing the designation of the Flower Garden Banks NMS, published on December 5, 1991 (56 FR 63634). 2/24/1995 60 FR 10312 (pdf, 20K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Corrects the boundary coordinates published in Appendix A to the regulations for Olympic Coast NMS. 2/17/1995 60 FR 9294 (pdf, 24K)
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Provides notice of the effective date for the regulations for the Stellwagen Bank NMS as March 20, 1994. 10/24/1994 59 FR 53348 (pdf, 568K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Confirmation of Effective Date Provides notice of the effective date for the regulations for the Olympic Coast NMS as July 22, 1994. 10/7/1994 59 FR 51104 (pdf, 560K)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Final Rule Designates Olympic Coast NMS and issues final implementing regulations. 5/11/1994 59 FR 24586 (pdf, 17.8MB)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Provides notice of the effective date for the regulations for Flower Garden Banks NMS as January 18, 1994. 12/16/1993 58 FR 65664 (pdf, 576K)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Final rule to modify the general NMSP regulations to implement the 1988 and 1992 amendments to the NMSA. 11/18/1993 58 FR 60778 (pdf, 3.4MB)
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Designates Stellwagen Bank NMS and issues final implementing regulations. 10/19/1993 58 FR 53865 (pdf, 11MB)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Provides notice of the effective date of the regulations for Monterey Bay NMS as January 1, 1993. 11/25/1992 57 FR 55444 (pdf, 580K)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Final Rule Designates Monterey Bay NMS and issues final implementing regulations. 9/18/1992 57 FR 43309 (pdf, 12.6MB)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Designates the Flower Garden Banks NMS issues a final rule. Some of the regulatory provisions were issued on an interim-final basis to allow for additional public comment. 12/5/1991 56 FR 63634 (pdf, 8.8MB)
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulations and Public Hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Management Plan; Proposed Rule and Notice Proposes to designate Olympic Coast NMS and proposes implementing regulations. 9/20/1991 56 FR 47836 (pdf, 8.5MB)
Announcement of Thunder Bay (MI) as an Active Candidate for Designation as a National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan Adds Thunder Bay to the List of Active Candidates. 7/15/1991 56 FR 32178 (pdf, 8.5MB)
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Notice of Public Hearings and Proposed Rulemaking Proposes to designate Stellwagen Bank NMS and proposes implementing regulations. 2/8/1991 56 FR 5282 (pdf, 8.1MB)
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Clarifies the effective date of the regulations for Cordell Bank NMS as July 31, 1989. 12/4/1990 55 FR 49994 (pdf, 556K)
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Regulations and Public Hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Management Plan; Proposed Rule and Notice Proposes to designate Monterey Bay NMS and proposes implementing regulations. 8/3/1990 55 FR 31786 (pdf, 8MB)
Area To Be Avoided Off the Coast of Florida Notifies the public that the Coast Guard had submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization to establish for an Area to be Avoided off the Florida Keys. ATBA applies to vessels greater than 50 meters in length. 5/9/1990 55 FR 19418 (pdf, 1MB)
Announcement of the Decision to Consider New Sites for Addition to the National Marine Sanctuary Program Site Evaluation List Revises and updates the Site Evaluation List and adds sites to it. 12/28/1989 54 FR 53432 (pdf, 2.3MB)
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Revises the regulations for Cordell Bank NMS prohibit oil, gas, and minerals exploration/development throughout the sanctuary. 12/21/1989 54 FR 52342 (pdf, 1.4MB)
Announcement of Washington State Nearshore (Northern Puget Sound) as an Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Intent to Hold Public Scoping Meetings Annoucnes Washington State Nearshore (Northern Puget Sounds) as an active candidate for NMS designation and NOAA's intent to prepare an EIS and management plan. 10/10/1989 54 FR 41481 (pdf, 2.4MB)
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Issues final designation and regulations for Corell Bank NMS. 5/24/1989 54 FR 22417 (pdf, 5.3MB)
Announcement of Stellwagen Bank (MA) as an Active Candidate for Designation as a National Marine Sanctuary; Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Public Scoping Meetings Places Stellwagen Bank on the List of Active Candidates and begins the process to designate it as a NMS. 4/19/1989 54 FR 15787 (pdf, 4.9MB)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Proposes to designate Flower Garden Banks NMS along with proposed implementing regulations. 2/24/1989 54 FR 7953 (pdf, 4.9MB)
Announcement of Monterey Bay, CA As An Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation; Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Intent to Hold Public Scoping Meetings on the Proposal To Designate Monterey Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary By direction of Congress (P.L. 100-627), NOAA adds Monterey Bay to the List of Active Candidates and bgins the process to designate it as a NMS. 1/6/1989 54 FR 448 (pdf, 4.9MB)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Regulations; Final Rule Revises NMSP general regulations to reflect Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-498). The changes include revised criteria for eligibility of sites for NMS designation and procedures for NMS designation. 10/28/1988 53 FR 43801 (pdf, 6.5MB)
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Proposes to designate Cordell Bank NMS along with proposed implementing regulations. 8/28/1987 52 FR 32563 (pdf, 3.5MB)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Regulations Proposes revisions to the NMSP general regulations to implement the National Marine Sanctuary Amendments of 1884 (PL 98-498). The proposed changes include revised criteria for eligibility of sites for NMS designation and procedures for NMS designation. 6/12/1986 51 FR 21369 (pdf, 5.6MB)
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Issues final designation of Fagatele Bay NMS along with final implementing regulations. 4/29/1986 51 FR 15878 (pdf, 3.3MB)
Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan for a Possible National Marine Sanctuary of Norfolk Canyon; Announcement of Norfolk Canyon as an Active Candidate and Suspension of Ten Fathom Ledge/Big Rock From Consideration as a National Marine Sanctuary Adds Norfolk Canyon to the List of Active Candidates and drops Ten Fathom Ledge/Big Rock due to backlog of active candidates. 2/28/1986 51 FR 7097 (pdf, 3.3MB)
Announcement of Preliminary Consultation on Two Potential Sites for Designation as National Marine Sanctuaries Announces the possible designation of Norfolk Canyon (VA) and Ten Fathom Ledge/Big Rock (NC) 9/17/1985 50 FR 37760 (pdf, 1.8MB)
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Proposes to designate Fagatele Bay NMS along with proposed implementing regulations. 12/4/1984 49 FR 47415 (pdf, 2.2MB)
Information Clearance for Designated National Marine Sanctuaries Makes minor changes to the permitting regulations for designated NMSs to include language indicating that the information collection requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (approval number 0648-0141). 4/4/1984 49 FR 13335 (pdf, 1MB)
Civil Procedures; Permit Sanctions and Denials Establishes procedures for sanctioning permits issued by many programs within NOAA (including NMSP). 1/6/1984 49 FR 1037 (pdf, 4.2MB)
Decision to Remove the Proposed Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from the List of Active Candidates Removes Monterey Bay from the List of Active Candidates. 12/20/1983 48 FR 56252 (pdf, 2.9MB)
Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary Regulations Makes final minor changes to the interim-final regulations for Key Largo NMS. 12/9/1983 48 FR 55117 (pdf, 2.9MB)
Announcement of National Marine Sanctuary Program Final Site Evaluation List Publishes notice of the final list of marine sites (the Site Evaluation List) that will provide the pool from which NOAA will select candidates for designation as NMSs. 8/4/1983 48 FR 35568 (pdf, 5.7MB)
Announcement of Cordell Bank as an Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation Adds Cordell Bank, off the coast of California, to the List of Active Candidates. 6/30/1983 48 FR 30178 (pdf, 6.2MB)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Regulations Publishes the final rule to modify the procedure for identifying and selecting potential marine sanctuary candidates, as well as for designating these sites as national marine sanctuaries. 5/31/1983 48 FR 24295 (pdf, 6.2MB)
La Parguera National Marine Sanctuary Proposes to designate the La Parguera National Marine Sanctuary off of the coast of Puerto Rico. Proposed regulations and designation document included. 3/4/1983 48 FR 9286 (pdf, 3.5MB)
Announcement of Proposed National Marine Sanctuary Program Site Evaluation List Proposes a list of sites (called the Site Evaluation List) that will provide the pool from which NOAA will select sites to evaluate as candidates for designation as NMSs. 3/1/1983 48 FR 8527 (pdf, 3.5MB)
Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary Proposes to make minor changes to the regulations for Key Largo NMS. 12/17/1982 47 FR 56506 (pdf, 2.3MB)
National Marine Sanctuary Program Regulations Proposes to modify the procedure for identifying and selecting potential marine sanctuary candidates, as well as for designating these sites as national marine sanctuaries. 9/7/1982 47 FR 39191 (pdf, 5.1MB)
Channel Islands and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuaries: Hydrocarbon Prohibition Effective Provides the effective date for regulations on oil and gas activities for the Point Reyes-Farallon Islands and Channel Islands NMSs as March 30, 1982. 4/30/1982 47 FR 18588 (pdf, 944K)
Placement of Fagatele Bay, American Samoa, on the Marine Sanctuary List of Recommended Areas and Initiation of Preliminary Consultation Finds that Fagatele Bay site is eligible for the List of Recommended Areas. 4/9/1982 47 FR 15397 (pdf, 944K)
Announcement of Certain Hawaiian Waters as an Active Candidate for Marine Sanctuary Designation Adds certain Hawaiian waters to the List of Active Candidates. 3/17/1982 47 FR 11544 (pdf, 944K)
St. Thomas, Virgin islands; Announcement of Removal of the Southeastern St. Thomas Site From the List of Active Candidates Removes St. Thomas from the List of Active Candidates. 3/10/1982 47 FR 10271 (pdf, 944K)
Reevaluation of Appropriateness of Elevating Georges Bank to Status of Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation Reevaluates and reaffirms the decision to remove Georges Bank from the List of Active Candidates. 11/30/1981 46 FR 58136 (pdf, 1.1MB)
Announcement of the Removal of the Waters Around Culebra.Culebrita and Codillera Islands From the List of Active Candidates for Marine Sanctuary Designation Removes 2 of 3 Puerto Rico sites from the List of Active Candidates. 7/13/1981 46 FR 35951 (pdf, 1.1MB)
The St. Thomas National Marine Sanctuary Proposed to deisgnate a National Marine Sanctuary in southeast St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Proposed rule and draft designation document. 6/30/1981 46 FR 33530 (pdf, 1.1MB)
Evaluation of Possible Marine Sanctuary Sites in Waters Off the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Availability of an Issue Paper and the Conduct of Public Workshops Announces the availability of an Issue Paper for three possible marine sanctuaries off of Puerto Rico. Public meetings were held May 27-29, 1981. 5/1/1981 46 FR 24616 (pdf, 1.1MB)
Channel Islands and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuaries; Partial Suspension of Regulations Continues the suspension of the regulations on oil and gas activities for the Point Reyes-Farallon Islands and Channel Islands NMSs until September 30, 1981. 4/29/1981 46 FR 23824 (pdf, 1.1MB)
Looe Key and Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuaries; Effective Date of Final Rules Provides the effective date for Looe Key and Gray's Reef NMS regulations as April 5, 1981. 4/10/1981 46 FR 21357 (pdf, 852K)
Channel Islands and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuaries; Partial Suspension of Regulations Suspends the effective date of the regulations on oil and gas actvivities for Channel Islands and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands NMS until April 30, 1981. 3/30/1981 46 FR 19227 (pdf, 1.1MB)
The Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary Announces final designation date of the Looe Key NMS as January 16, 1981 and issues final regulations to implement the designation. 1/26/1981 46 FR 7946 (pdf, 3.9MB)
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Announces final designation date of Gray's Reef NMS as January 16, 1981 and issues final regulations to implement the designation. 1/26/1981 46 FR 7942 (pdf, 6.5MB)
The Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary Announces final designation date of Point Reyes-Farallon Islands NMS as January 16, 1981 and issues final regulations to implement the designation. 1/26/1981 46 FR 7936 (pdf, 3.8MB)
Announcement of Three Areas Off Puerto Rico as Active Candidates for Marine Sanctuary Designation Selects three sites from the List of Recommended Areas around Puerto Rico for inclusion on the List of Active Candidates. The waters around Mona and Monita Islands, the area off southwest Puerto Rico known as La Parguera and the waters around Culebra/Culebrita Islands and the Cordillera reef chain off northwest Puerto Rico were included. 12/18/1980 45 FR 83308 (pdf, 5.6MB)
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Announces final designation date of Channel Islands NMS as September 22, 1980 and issues final regulations to implement the designation. 10/2/1980 45 FR 65198 (pdf, 5.6MB)
Proposed Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Extends comment period on proposed Flower Garden Banks NMS designation until Sept. 15, 1980. 8/25/1980 45 FR 56355 (pdf, 3.6MB)
Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary Proposes to designate Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary with proposed regulations and draft designation document. 6/26/1980 45 FR 43205 (pdf, 3.6MB)
Public Hearing on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Provides notice of July 7-8, 1980 public meetings for the purpose of receiving public comments on the DEIS for the proposed Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary. 6/17/1980 45 FR 41047 (pdf, 3.6MB)
Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary; Designation Proposes the designation of Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary along with implementing regulations. 6/11/1980 45 FR 39507 (pdf, 3.6MB)
Public Hearings on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Provides notice of June 17-18, 1980 public meetings for the purpose of receiving public comments on the DEIS for the proposed Looe Key marine National Marine Sanctuary. 6/2/1980 45 FR 37252 (pdf, 3.6MB)
Public Hearings on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Provides notice of June 25, 1980 public meeting for the purpose of receiving public comments on the DEIS for the proposed Narragansett Bay Estuarine Sanctuary. 6/2/1980 45 FR 37251 (pdf, 3.6MB)
The Looe Key Marine Sanctuary Proposes the designation of the Looe Key Marine Sanctuary along with proposed implementing regulations. 5/20/1980 45 FR 33645 (pdf, 3.7MB)
Point-Reyes Farallon Islands Marine Sanctuary; Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Public Hearings Provides notice of May 13, 1980 public hearings for the purpose of recieving comments on the DEIS for the proposed Point-Reyes Farallon Islands Marine Sanctuary. 4/18/1980 45 FR 26410 (pdf, 3.3MB)
The Point Reyes/Farallon Islands Marine Sanctuary Proposes the designation of the Point Reys/Farallon Islands Marine Sanctuary (later renamed Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary) along with proposed implementing regulations. 3/31/1980 45 FR 20907 (pdf, 3.3MB)
Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary Proposes the designation of Channel Islands NMS and implementing regulations. 12/5/1979 44 FR 69970 (pdf, 3.5MB)
Announcement of Removal of Georges Bank for List of Active Candidates for Marine Sanctuary Designation Removes Georges Bank from the List of Active Candidates because marine sanctuary designation was determined not necessary to protect the area from oil and gas development. 10/31/1979 44 FR 62553 (pdf, 6MB)
Announcement of Initial List of Recommended Areas (LRA) for Marine Sanctuary Designation and List of Active Candidates Catalogs those marine sanctuary recommendaitons determined to be eligible for inclusion on the LRA and on the List of Active Candidates. 10/31/1979 44 FR 62552 (pdf, 6MB)
Announcement of Gray's Reef, Outer Continental Shelf, as an Active Candidate for Marine Sanctuary Designation Determination that GrayÌs Reef is eligible for marine sanctuary designation and selects it as an active candidate. 10/12/1979 44 FR 58938 (pdf, 6MB)
Evaluation of a Possible Marine Sanctuary Site in the Georges Bank Area- Notice of the Availability of an Issue Paperand the Conduct of a Public Workshop Provides notice of a nomination to establish a marine sanctuary encompassing GeorgeÌs Bank and the preparetion of an Issue Paper. 8/10/1979 44 FR 47132 (pdf, 6MB)
Announcement of Preliminary List of Active Candidates for Marine Sanctuary Designation Seven sites are named active canditates. 1. Flower Garden Banks, 2. Northern Channel Islands, 3. Monterey Bay, 4. Point-Reyes/Farallon Islands, 5. Looe Key, 6. George's Reef, 7. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. 8/10/1979 44 FR 47132 (pdf, 6MB)
Designation and Management of Marine Sanctuaries This notice published the final rule revising the NMSP regulations. Changes include modifications to the process for recommending sites for designation, the criteria for the selection of new sites, description of the designation document, and the enforcement of sanctuary regulations against foreign nationals. 7/31/1979 44 FR 44831 (pdf, 6MB)
Proposed Rule for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary These regulations define permissible activities within the Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary, the procedures by which persons may obtain permits for prohibited activities, and the penalties for committing prohibited acts without a permit. 4/13/1979 44 FR 22081 (pdf, 2MB)
Marine Sanctuary Regulations This notice publishes proposed revisions to the general program regulations for reviewing recommended sites for designation, expands upon the criteria for the selection of new sites, refines description of the designation document, and clarifies the enforcement of sanctuary regulations against foreign nationals. 2/5/1979 44 FR 6930 (pdf, 2.9MB)
Key Largo Coral Reef Marine Sanctuary Interim Regulations Published the designation of Key Largo NMS as December 18, 1975 and issued interim regulations for the sanctuary. Comments were invited through February 20, 1976. 1/16/1976 41 FR 2378 (pdf, 2.5MB)
Monitor Marine Sanctuary Final Regulations This notice published the final regulations for the Monitor NMS. 5/19/1975 40 FR 21706 (pdf, 2MB)
Monitor Marine Sanctuary Interim Regulations This notice published the designation of the Monitor NMS as of January 30, 1975. Comments were invited through March 7, 1975. 2/5/1975 40 FR 5349 (pdf, 1.3MB)
Marine Sanctuaries regulations This notice published the final original regulations for the NMSP. 6/27/1974 39 FR 23254 (pdf, 2.6MB)
Marine Sanctuaries Program Guidelines This notice published the proposed regulations enacting PL 92-532 (Title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act) under 15 CFR 922. The original regulations dealt exclusively with the marine sanctuary designation process 3/19/1974 39 FR 10255 (pdf, 1.8MB)