ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN
Information on the ALWTRP Environmental Impact Statements
2007 ALWTRP Broad-Based Gear Modifications Action
Overview
NOAA Fisheries completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) to include broad-based gear modifications in August 2007. A Record of Decision (ROD) was signed on September 21, 2007. The ROD documents the Agency's decision to select the Preferred Alternative as its preferred strategy to reduce the risk of serious injury and mortality to large whales from entanglements in commercial fishing gear. This strategy includes among other requirements (1) broad-based gear modifications (weak links, sinking groundline, anchoring, gear marking, etc.) in specific times and areas that would replace the SAM and DAM programs; (2) the addition of other trap/pot and gillnet fisheries under the ALWTRP regulations; (3) an expansion of exempted waters; and (4) modifications to other regulatory changes for the purposes of clarification and consistency.
NOAA Fisheries announced its intent on June 30, 2003 to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to amend the ALWTRP. NOAA Fisheries hosted a series of public scoping meetings in Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Florida. The public had the opportunity to attend the meetings and provide input on the range of actions that should be considered in the EIS.
The Draft EIS was distributed on February 25, 2005 and was available for comment through May 16, 2005.
A Notice of Availability of the Final EIS was published on August 17, 2007.
Final EIS
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
More Information
- FEIS Press Release
- FEIS Errata
- FEIS Permit Holder Letter
- FEIS Summary Document
- Notice of Availability for ROD
- ROD Press Release
- Proposed Rule
- Final Rule
For more information on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, please contact
the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office's Protected Resources Division at 978-281-9328
Last Updated: April 22, 2011
