Marine Mammals; Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement To Amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

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NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan). The proposed rule revises the management measures for reducing the incidental mortality and serious injury to the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to analyze impacts to the environment of the management alternatives under consideration. NMFS will hold 16 public hearings along the East coast in August and September for the purpose of answering questions and receiving public testimony on the DEIS.