80 FR 29660 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 99 (May 22, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 99 (May 22, 2015)
| Page Range | 29660-29662 | |
| FR Document | 2015-12494 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 29660-29662] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-12494] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XD957 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 29661]] SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold public meetings of the Council and its Committees. DATES: The meetings will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 through Thursday, June 11, 2015. For agenda details, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, telephone: (757) 213-3000. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State St., Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674-2331. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D. Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone: (302) 526-5255. The Council's Web site, www.mafmc.org also has details on the meeting location, proposed agenda, webinar listen-in access, and briefing materials. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following items are on the agenda, though agenda items may be addressed out of order (changes will be noted on the Council's Web site when possible.) Monday, June 8, 2015 9 a.m. Council Convenes 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Species Interactions Workshop --A workshop to convene scientists and managers to discuss potential strategies to fully consider species interactions and climate drivers in the stock assessment process, determination of catch limits, and to build capacity within the region to conduct comprehensive management strategy evaluations (MSEs). 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Species Interactions Workshop (continued) Tuesday, June 9, 2015 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the Whole --Review SSC, Advisory Panel, Monitoring Committee, and staff recommendations --Develop Council preferred alternatives for:2016 squid and butterfish specifications (only if changes are necessary) 2016-2018 mackerel specifications Associated mackerel, squid, butterfish management measures 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the Whole (continued) --Review squid amendment scoping comments --Provide guidance to staff regarding amendment development 1 p.m.-2 p.m. River Herring and Shad Committee, Meeting as a Committee of the Whole --Review and develop recommendations for the river herring and shad cap (2016-2018) --Review progress on river herring and shad conservation 2 p.m. Council Convenes 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Specifications --Review SSC, Advisory Panel, and staff recommendations for 2016 specifications --Recommend any changes if necessary 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. National Standard 1, 3, 7 Guidelines --Review draft comment letter on proposed revisions 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Commercial Fishery Mapping in support of Regional Ocean planning: Northeast Regional Ocean Council--George Lapointe 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Listening Session--Proposed Rule To Revise Listing Status of Humpback Whales--David Gouveia Wednesday, June 10, 2015 9 a.m. Council Convenes 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Deep Sea Corals Amendment --Summary of April Deep Sea Corals Workshop --Select preferred alternatives for submission to NMFS 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Deep Sea Coral Amendment (continued) 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Unmanaged Forage Fish Action --Update on progress --Review and approve scoping document 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Framework 9 to Monkfish --Approve Framework 9 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan Thursday, June 11, 2015 9 a.m. Council Convenes 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Cooperative Research --Review and discuss Cooperative Research Committee Report 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Guidelines for SAW Working Group Formation and Participation--Jim Weinberg 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Trawl Survey Advisory Panel Formation--Bill Karp 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Business Session Organization Reports --NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Office --NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center --NOAA Office of General Counsel --NOAA Office of Law Enforcement --U.S. Coast Guard --Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission --Liaison Reports New England Council South Atlantic Council --Executive Director's Report, Chris Moore --Science Report, Rich Seagraves --Committee Reports SSC Report --Continuing and New Business Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. [[Page 29662]] Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: May 19, 2015. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015-12494 Filed 5-21-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![29660 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 99 / Friday, May 22, 2015 / Notices
sei, fin, blue, and sperm whales. Under process included a public review community development plan that
section 7 of the ESA, NSF, on behalf of period. Following completion of our EA, describes the purposes and goals of the
SIO, initiated formal consultation with NMFS has determined that the issuance plan, the justification for proposed
the NMFS, Office of Protected of the IHA is not likely to result in fishing activities, and the degree of
Resources, Endangered Species Act significant impacts on the human involvement by the indigenous
Interagency Cooperation Division, on environment and issued a Finding of No community members, including contact
this low-energy seismic survey. NMFS’s Significant Impact (FONSI). information.
Office of Protected Resources, Permits This collection of information
and Conservation Division, initiated and Authorization provides NMFS and the Western Pacific
engaged in formal consultation under NMFS has issued an IHA to SIO for Fishery Management Council (Council)
section 7 of the ESA with NMFS’s Office conducting a low-energy seismic survey with data to determine whether a
of Protected Resources, Endangered in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, East of community that submits a community
Species Act Interagency Cooperation New Zealand, incorporating the development plan meets the regulatory
Division, on the issuance of an IHA previously mentioned mitigation, requirements for participation in the
under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA monitoring, and reporting requirements. program, and whether the activities
for this activity. These two Dated: May 15, 2015. proposed under the plan are consistent
consultations were consolidated and Donna S. Wieting, with the intent of the program, the
addressed in a single Biological Opinion Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Director, Office of Protected Resources,
addressing the direct and indirect National Marine Fisheries Service. Conservation and Management Act, and
effects of these independent actions. In other applicable laws. The information
[FR Doc. 2015–12531 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
May 2015, NMFS issued a Biological is also important for evaluating
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Opinion that concluded that the action potential impacts of the proposed
is not likely to jeopardize the continued community development plan activities
existence of the six listed cetaceans that on fish stocks, endangered species,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
may occur in the study area and marine mammals, and other
included an Incidental Take Statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric components of the affected environment
(ITS) incorporating the requirements of Administration for the purposes of compliance with the
the IHA as Terms and Conditions of the National Environmental Policy Act, the
ITS. Compliance with those Terms and Submission for OMB Review; Endangered Species Act and other
Conditions is likewise a mandatory Comment Request applicable laws.
requirement of the IHA. The Biological Affected Public: Business or other for
Opinion also concluded that designated The Department of Commerce will profit organizations; individuals or
critical habitat of these species does not submit to the Office of Management and households.
occur in the action area and would not Budget (OMB) for clearance the Frequency: On occasion.
be affected by the low-energy seismic following proposal for collection of Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
survey. information under the provisions of the obtain or retain benefits.
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. This information collection request
National Environmental Policy Act Chapter 35). may be viewed at reginfo.gov. Follow
With SIO’s complete IHA application, Agency: National Oceanic and the instructions to view Department of
NSF and SIO provided NMFS an Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Commerce collections currently under
Environmental Analysis of a Low-Energy Title: Western Pacific Community review by OMB.
Marine Geophysical Survey by the R/V Development Program Process. Written comments and
Roger Revelle in the Southwest Pacific OMB Control Number: 0648-0612. recommendations for the proposed
Ocean, East of New Zealand, May to Form Number(s): None. information collection should be sent
June 2015, (Environmental Analysis), Type of Request: Regular (revision within 30 days of publication of this
prepared by LGL Limited, and extension of a currently approved notice to OIRA_Submission@
Environmental Research Associates, on information collection). omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806.
behalf of NSF and SIO. The Number of Respondents: 5.
Dated: May 19, 2015.
Environmental Analysis analyzes the Average Hours per Response: 6 hours.
Burden Hours: 30. Sarah Brabson,
direct, indirect, and cumulative
environmental impacts of the planned Needs and Uses: This request is for NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
specified activities on marine mammals, revision and extension of a currently [FR Doc. 2015–12460 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
including those listed as threatened or approved information collection. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
endangered under the ESA. NMFS, after The Federal regulations at 50 CFR
independently reviewing and evaluating part 665 authorize the Regional
the document for sufficiency and Administrator of the National Marine DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
compliance with Council on Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Island
Region to provide eligible western National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA
Pacific communities with access to Administration
regulations and NOAA Administrative
Order 216–6 § 5.09(d), conducted a fisheries that they have traditionally RIN 0648–XD957
separate NEPA analysis and prepared an depended upon, but may not have the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Environmental Assessment on the capabilities to support continued and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Issuance of an Incidental Harassment substantial participation, possibly due Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings
Authorization to the Scripps Institution to economic, regulatory, or other AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
of Oceanography to Take Marine barriers. To be eligible to participate in Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Mammals by Harassment Incidental to a the western Pacific community Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Low-Energy Marine Geophysical Survey development program, a community Commerce.
in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, East of must meet the criteria set forth in 50
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
New Zealand, May to June 2015. This CFR part 665.20, and submit a
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![29662 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 99 / Friday, May 22, 2015 / Notices
Requests for sign language Include the identifier ‘‘NOAA–NMFS– applications request issuance for 2
interpretation or other auxiliary aid 2015–0063’’ in the comments. fishing seasons or 2 calendar years.
should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, Instructions: Comments sent by any The Council suggested NMFS impose
(302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to other method, to any other address or the following additional conditions on
the meeting date. individual, or received after the end of these EFPs (originally outlined here:
Dated: May 19, 2015. the comment period, may not be http://www.pcouncil.org/wpcontent/
considered by NMFS. All comments uploads/2015/03/0315decisions.pdf):
Tracey L. Thompson,
received are a part of the public record (1) 100 percent observer coverage;
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable (2) prohibit fishing in waters north of
and will generally be posted for public
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. the Washington/Oregon border, and in
viewing on www.regulations.gov
[FR Doc. 2015–12494 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am] the first year prohibit fishing in waters
without change. All personal identifying
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), north of the Oregon/California border;
confidential business information, or (3) close fishing for the remainder of
otherwise sensitive information the year if the number of Endangered
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Species Act (ESA) listed species taken
submitted voluntarily by the sender will
be publicly accessible. NMFS will in the fishery is the lower of either
National Oceanic and Atmospheric double the amount of incidental take
Administration accept anonymous comments (enter
‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish estimated in an ESA biological opinion
to remain anonymous). prepared for that activity, or 10 animals;
RIN 0648–XD896 (4) for those EFPs testing buoy gear,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
permit fishing only in Federal waters;
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Chris Fanning, NMFS, West Coast
(5) for the EFP testing longline gear,
Conservation and Management Act; Region, 562–980–4198.
prohibit fishing within 50 miles of the
General Provisions for Domestic SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 2, mainland shore and islands; and
Fisheries; Application for Exempted 2014, the Pacific Fishery Management (6) for the EFP testing longline gear,
Fishing Permit Council (Council) solicited EFP develop and impose an annual
proposals to test alternative gears and/ incidental catch limit for striped marlin.
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries or new approaches or methods for the
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and NMFS is seeking public comment on the
California large-mesh drift gillnet EFP applications and the Council’s
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), fishery to target swordfish and other
Commerce. recommended conditions.
HMS. Applications for EFPs were In accordance with NOAA
ACTION: Notice; request for comments. submitted on February 9, 2015, to the Administrative Order 216–6,
Council for consideration during the appropriate National Environmental
SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator, March 2015 meeting (Agenda H.3,
NMFS West Coast Region, has Policy Act documents will be completed
http://www.pcouncil.org/resources/ prior to the issuance of the EFPs.
determined that four applications for archives/briefing-books/march-2015-
exempted fishing permits (EFPs) Additionally, NMFS will consider all
briefing-book/#hmsMar2015). On March applicable laws, including Section
warrant further consideration, and 20, 2015, the Council made
requests public comment on the 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act
recommendations to NMFS to consider (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), to determine if
applications. The applications request issuing EFPs for three proposals to use
2-year exemptions from various the proposed action is likely to
deep-set buoy gear (DSBG—multiple jeopardize the continued existence and
prohibitions under the Fishery hooks deployed relatively deep in the
Management Plan for U.S. West Coast recovery of any endangered or
water column, using one or more threatened species or result in the
Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species weighted mainlines which are
(HMS FMP) to test the effects and destruction or adverse modification of
suspended with one or more buoys critical habitat.
efficacy of using deep-set buoy gear and floating on the ocean surface) and a
longline gear to fish for swordfish and Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
single proposal to use deep-set and
other highly migratory species (HMS) shallow-set longline gear in the Dated: May 18, 2015.
off the West Coast. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off of Alan D. Risenhoover,
DATES: Comments must be submitted in the West Coast of the United States. If Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
writing by June 22, 2015. approved, the EFPs would exempt a National Marine Fisheries Service.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments limited number of federally permitted [FR Doc. 2015–12411 Filed 5–21–15; 8:45 am]
on this document, identified by NOAA– commercial fishing vessels from BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
NMFS–2015–0063, by any of the requirements of the HMS FMP
following methods: pertaining to non-authorized gear types
• Electronic Submission: Submit all and areas currently closed to longline DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
electronic public comments via the fishing. The EFPs would authorize up to
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 11 DSBG vessels and one longline vessel National Oceanic and Atmospheric
www.regulations.gov/ to fish year-round in areas within the Administration
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015- Federal U.S. EEZ off of the West Coast. RIN 0648–XD950
0063, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, Aside from the exemptions described
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
complete the required fields, and enter above (e.g., allowing non-authorized Western Pacific Fishery Management
or attach your comments. EFP gear types to fish and allowing longline Council; Public Meeting
applications will be available under gear within the EEZ to target swordfish), AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Relevant Documents through the same vessels fishing under an EFP would be Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
link. subject to all other regulations Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
• Mail: Attn: Chris Fanning, NMFS implementing the HMS FMP, including Commerce.
West Coast Region, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., measures to protect sea turtles, marine
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802. mammals, and seabirds. The EFP
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:45:18
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:45:18
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of public meetings. | |
| Dates | The meetings will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 through Thursday, June 11, 2015. For agenda details, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. | |
| Contact | Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D. Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone: (302) 526-5255. The Council's Web site, www.mafmc.org also has details on the meeting location, proposed agenda, webinar listen-in access, and briefing materials. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 29660 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XD95 |
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