NMFS will hold two public hearings on the proposed protective regulations for the oceanic whitetip shark. NMFS has scheduled the hearings in response to a request to allow fishing communities in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to better understand the potential impact of the proposed rule and for communities to provide comments. NMFS published the proposed rule in May 2024, and extended the public comment period through September 15, 2024.
NMFS listed the oceanic whitetip sharks as a threatened species in 2018. The proposed rule would prohibit “take” of oceanic whitetip shark and provide limited exceptions for scientific research and law enforcement activities. As proposed, the prohibited take would include incidental interactions that may occur during fishing activities (e.g., accidental hookings), unless otherwise authorized by an incidental take statement issued through a biological opinion under ESA Section 7 or permitted through ESA Section 10. NMFS is soliciting comments, information, and/or recommendations on any aspect of the proposed rule, and may add or remove prohibitions or exceptions on the basis of public comment and in light of the biological status, conservation needs, and threats to the species.
Public Hearing Schedule:
- In-person hearing in Kailua-Kona
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi.
- Doors will open at 5:30 pm HST, the informational meeting will begin at 6 pm HST, and the public hearing will begin at 7 pm HST.
- Virtual hearing for all areas (one hearing, date/times for American Samoa, Hawaiʻi, Guam/CNMI listed below)
- American Samoa: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – informational meeting will begin at 7 pm SST, and the public hearing will begin at 8 pm SST.
- Hawaiʻi: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – informational meeting will begin at 8 pm HST, and the public hearing will begin at 9 pm HST.
- Guam/CNMI: Thursday, August 22, 2024 – informational meeting will begin at 4 pm ChST, and the public hearing will begin at 5 pm ChST.
- How to join the virtual hearing
- Join the webinar via this link: https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.
com/noaanmfsmeets/j.php?MTID= m3850e903d036865917d076acd702d 934 - Webinar number: 2830 072 6586; Webinar password: fTJBNncM788(38526626 when dialing from a phone or video system)
- Join by phone: +1-415-527-5035 Access code: 283 007 26586
- Join the webinar via this link: https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.
For more information on the hearing, see FR notice at: https://www.
For more information on the proposed rule, see NMFS website at: https://www.fisheries.