On August 10, 2020, NMFS announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, to analyze the potential short- and long-term impacts of the proposed action to issue an Exempted Fishing Permit, on the human (biological, physical, social, and economic) environment. This notice of intent to prepare an EIS invites interested parties to provide comments on alternatives to be considered in an EIS, potential terms and conditions to minimize adverse effects to the environment, and to identify potential issues, concerns, and any reasonable additional alternatives that should be considered.
NMFS is accepting written comments on the scope of the analysis through September 9, 2020. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on September 9, 2020. Public comments will also be accepted during a webinar scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, August 27, 2020. Please notify Amber Rhodes, NMFS, 562-980-3231, Amber.Rhodes@noaa.gov or Lyle Enriquez, NMFS, 562-980-4025, Lyle.Enriquez@noaa.gov. if you plan to attend the webinar or if you have additional questions. Instructions for connecting or calling into the webinar will be posted at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/laws-and-policies/west-coast-region-national-environmental-policy-act-documents.