NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office

Information on the FEIS and Final Rule

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NOAA Fisheries Service published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register announcing the issuance of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). A Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published on February 25, 2005, and the proposed rule published on June 21, 2005 (Click here for more information on the DEIS and proposed rule). After considering public comments on the DEIS and proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries Service prepared an FEIS including an identified preferred alternative for amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) and an analysis of the impacts of the proposed modifications to the ALWTRP on the human environment. Comments on the FEIS must be received no later than September 17, 2007. Click here for information about submitting comments on the FEIS. Following the closure of the comment period on the FEIS, NMFS will prepare a Record of Decision (ROD) that will include: 1) the decision; 2) alternatives considered; and 3) factors considered in the decision. The final rule, which describes how the modifications to the ALWTRP will be implemented, is expected to publish soon after the ROD.

	Highlights
	FEIS for Amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan: Broad-Based Gear Modifications VOLUME I. Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction and Summary 2.0 Purpose and Need for Action 3.0 Regulatory Alternatives 4.0 Affected Environment 5.0 Biological Impacts 6.0 Economic Impacts 7.0 Social Impacts 8.0 Summary and Integration of Impact Analysis Findings 9.0 Cumulative Effects Analysis 10.0 Regulatory Impact Review 11.0 Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 12.0 Applicable Laws 13.0 List of Preparers and Contributors 14.0 Persons or Agencies Receiving Copies of the FEIS for Review 15.0 Glossary, Acronyms and Index VOLUME II. Table of Contents 1.0 Response to Comments on DEIS & Proposed Rule 2.0 Summary of Scoping Comments 3.0 Written Comments Received on DEIS

	Features
	FEIS Notice of Availability FEIS Press Release FEIS Errata FEIS Permit Holder Letter FEIS Summary Document Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Record of Decision (ROD) ROD Press Release ROD Final Rule Press Release Final Rule Correction Note Correction Notice (posted in Federal Register) Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) OMB Approval Final Rule Permit Holder Letter Final Rule Small Entity Compliance Guide Gear Modification Techniques for Complying with the ALWTRP Supplement to Gear Modification Techniques Guide ALWTRP Webpage Protected Resources Division Webpage DEIS and Proposed Rule

	Questions?
	Contact Kate Swails Large Whale Coordinator 978-282-8481 National Marine Fisheries Service Protected Resources Division 55 Great Republic Drive Gloucester, MA 01930

Refer to this Page for Newly Available NOAA Fisheries Service Information Related to Final ALWTRP Modifications.

Last Updated: October 7, 2010

	Home \| About Us \| Search \| Directions
	Contact Us \| Privacy Policy \| Information Quality \| Disclaimer \| People Locator