NOAA Sets $15 Fee for the National Saltwater Angler Registry

NOAA announced today that the fee for registering with the National Saltwater Angler Registry will be $15 as of January 1. The change affects anglers, spear fishers and for-hire fishing vessels in Hawaii, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I., although some anglers are exempt....

NOAA Response to Inspector General's Report on NOAA's Enforcement Program

Now available: Under Secretary's response to Inspector General's September 23, 2010 report regarding NOAA's enforcement program....

NOAA: New Outreach Positions to Help NE Fishermen Comply with Regulations

NOAA has hired two new staff members, both residents of the Gloucester area, as a part of its ongoing efforts to improve communication with the fishing industry and to work proactively with fishermen to help them understand and comply with fisheries regulations....

Active Atlantic Hurricane Season a 'Gentle Giant' for U.S.

With a total of 19 named storms, 12 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the busiest on record - as NOAA forecasters had predicted. Fortunately, nearly all of those storms avoided the U.S. coastline....

New Rule Prohibits Vessel Sewage Discharge into Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Waters

A new NOAA rule will prohibit boaters from discharging or depositing sewage into all waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The rule, which takes effect on December 27, also requires that vessel marine sanitation devices are secured to prevent discharges within sanctuary boundaries....