Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 8 October 2009

Headlines: FWS – critical habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog; Gulf of Aden – pirates mistakenly attack warship; USCG – revised addendum to SAR Manual; FWS – critical habitat for Northern Sea Otter; Portland, Oregon – new and revised anchorages; Port of New York – revision to Anchorage Ground No. 20-F; Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel meeting; Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force meeting; and Panama Canal – quality assurance testing for expansion project.

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Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items.

FWS – critical habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog

The Fish and Wildlife Service has re-opened, through November 9, the comment period for its proposal to revise the designation of critical habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog. 74 Fed. Reg. 51825 (October 8, 2009). Note: It is vital that this species be protected since it is the one that starred in Mark Twain’s classic story: The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

Gulf of Aden – pirates mistakenly attack warship

The EU Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that five pirates were captured after they attempted to hijack a French Navy replenishment ship in the Gulf of Aden. The attack was made at midnight. (10/7/09). Note: The Pirate Benevolent Society has launched an appeal for funds for a ship identification training course so as to avoid future mistakes of this nature. In the interest of mariner safety and well-being, it is also seeking a ban on warships in these waters. Meanwhile, the five mariners detained by the French Navy are seeking designation as Prisoners of War under the Geneva Convention since they were captured while attacking a military target, rather than seeking monies in a true piratical attack.

USCG – revised addendum to SAR Manual

The US Coast Guard issued an internal notice advising that a revision to the USCG Addendum to the US National Search and Rescue (SAR) Manual has been released. Among other things, the revision adds the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) as the primary search planning tool, adds updates for implementation of the Rescue 21 Communications System, and updates the policies and guidance for the training, qualification, and certification of SAR watchstanders. ALCOAST 576/09 (10/5/09).

FWS – critical habitat for Northern Sea Otter

The Fish and Wildlife Service is designating critical habitat for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the Northern Sea Otter. The critical habitat covers approximately 15,164 square kilometers in southwest Alaska, from Attu Island to Western Cook Inlet, including waters of Bristol Bay, the Kodiak Archipelago, and the Barren Islands. The rule comes into effect on November 9. 74 Fed. Reg. 51988 (October 8, 2009).

Portland, Oregon – new and revised anchorages

The US Coast Guard is establishing a new anchorage, modifying existing anchorages, and revising the regulations governing anchorages in the Captain of the Port (COTP) Portland, Oregon area of responsibility. The changes come into effect on November 9. 74 Fed. Reg. 51779 (October 8, 2009).

Port of New York – revision to Anchorage Ground No. 20-F

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that its direct final rule revising the southern boundary of Anchorage Ground No. 20-F such that it no longer interferes with the expanded Port Jersey Federal Channel came into effect on September 29, as scheduled. 74 Fed. Reg. 51779 (October 8, 2009).

Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel – meeting

The Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel, sponsored by the Department of the Navy, will meet in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on November 17 and 18. Topics on the agenda include discussions on ocean research to applications, ocean observing, and professional certification programs. 74 Fed. Reg. 51838 (October 8, 2009).

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force – meeting

The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Service, will meet in Silver Spring, Maryland on November 4 and 5. Topics on the agenda include the Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western US Waters. 74 Fed. Reg. 51876 (October 8, 2009).

Panama Canal – quality assurance testing for expansion project

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it has awarded to Laboratorios Contecon Urbar Panama S.A. the contract for quality assurance material testing for the canal expansion project. The company will verify and monitor the quality of materials and methods used by the consortium in its design and construction of the waterway’s new set of locks. (10/5/09).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – October 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution