80 FR 31893 - Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 107 (June 4, 2015)

Page Range		31893-31894
FR Document		2015-13643

The NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This Exempted Fishing Permit would allow eight commercial lobster vessels to participate in a lobster growth and abundance study, under the direction of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in state and Federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on Exempted Fishing Permit applications.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31893-31894]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13643]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD949


Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; 
General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted 
Fishing Permits

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, has made a preliminary 
determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all 
of the required information and warrants further consideration. This 
Exempted Fishing Permit would allow eight commercial lobster vessels to 
participate in a lobster growth and abundance study, under the 
direction of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in state and 
Federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on Exempted Fishing 
Permit applications.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include in the subject line 
``Comments on MA DMF Lobster Study EFP.''
     Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, 
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ``Comments on MA 
DMF Lobster Study EFP.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-
281-9315.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Massachusetts Division of Marine 
Fisheries (MA DMF) submitted a complete application for an Exempted 
Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct a 2-year lobster abundance survey with 
modified lobster gear that Federal regulations would otherwise 
restrict. The purpose of this lobster study is to provide fishery-
independent data on lobster

[[Page 31894]]

abundance in Massachusetts state waters of statistical area 514, from 
Ipswich Bay south to Cape Cod Bay; and state and Federal waters of 
Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and nearshore portions of Rhode Island 
Sound, in statistical areas 537 and 538. Currently, lobster abundance 
and distribution studies are primarily conducted through fishery 
independent, random stratified bottom-trawl surveys. MA DMF has stated 
that trawl surveys lack the capability to efficiently target areas with 
rocky bottom where lobsters also reside, and is seeking an EFP to use 
fixed lobster gear to sample such areas.
    The EFP would authorize commercial lobster vessels to set, haul, 
and retain on board lobster traps with closed escape vents during 
sampling activity. Following a soak time ranging from 3 to 5 days, 
these lobster traps would be hauled twice per month on dedicated 
sampling trips, with at least one scientist from MA DMF on board during 
sampling activity. During sampling trips, no catch will be retained for 
sale or sold.
    MA DMF requests exemption from lobster gear regulations to allow 
for closed escape vents in order to catch lobsters of all sizes. MA DMF 
is also requesting exemption from lobster trap limits. This would allow 
participating vessels to retain on-board survey lobster traps that may 
cause vessels to exceed their permitted allocation for Lobster 
Management Area (LMA) 1 (800 trap limit) or LMA 2 (historical 
qualification up to 800 trap limit). Federal lobster regulations 
require each active lobster trap to have a commercial trap tag 
permanently affixed. MA DMF is requesting exemption from this 
requirement because survey traps will be tagged with ``MA DMF Research 
Trap.''
    MA DMF is also requesting exemption from the management area 
designation requirement to allow one Federal lobster permit holder to 
fish experimental traps in LMA 2 while having an LMA 3 designation on 
his Federal permit. This exemption would allow the vessel to set survey 
traps in an area not designated on his permit. This exemption would not 
allow him to commercially fish and/or land lobsters caught with traps 
in LMA 2.
    Site selection would be based on a random stratified sampling 
design, consistent with standardized methodology used to perform 
lobster surveys. All catch during dedicated research trips would be 
retained on-board for a short period of time to allow MA DMF staff to 
record the following information: Number of lobsters caught; number of 
traps hauled; set-over days; trap and bait type; lobster carapace 
length; sex; shell hardness; culls and other shell damage; external 
gross pathology including symptoms of shell disease; mortality; and 
ovigerous status. MA DMF is requesting exemption from management 
measures of LMA 1 and 2 for lobster size restrictions, v-notch 
possession, and egg-bearing lobster possession. MA DMF plans on 
retaining a small amount of lobsters for growth and maturity research 
purposes.
    If approved, MA DMF may request minor modifications and extensions 
to the EFP throughout the study. EFP modifications and extensions may 
be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to 
facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts 
that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP 
request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the 
exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: June 1, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13643 Filed 6-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices 31893

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE as determined necessary by the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Committee Chair and Subcommittee
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Chairs. No less than 15 and no more National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration than 21 individuals may serve on the Administration
RIN 0648–XD975 Committee. Membership is comprised of RIN 0648–XD949
highly qualified, diverse individuals
Nominations to the Marine Fisheries representing commercial, recreational, Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative
Advisory Committee subsistence, and aquaculture fisheries Management Act Provisions; General
interests; seafood industry; Provisions for Domestic Fisheries;
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Application for Exempted Fishing
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and environmental organizations; academic
institutions; tribal and consumer Permits
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce. groups; and other living marine resource AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
ACTION: Notice; request for nominations.
interest groups from a balance of U.S. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
geographical regions, including the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
SUMMARY: Nominations are being sought Western Pacific and Caribbean. Commerce.
for appointment by the Secretary of A MAFAC member cannot be a ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
Commerce to fill vacancy openings on Federal employee, a member of a
the Marine Fisheries Advisory Regional Fishery Management Council, SUMMARY: The NMFS Assistant Regional
Committee (MAFAC or Committee) Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
a registered Federal lobbyist, or a State
pending late October 2015. MAFAC is Greater Atlantic Region, has made a
employee. Selected candidates must
the only Federal advisory committee preliminary determination that an
pass a security check and submit a
with the responsibility to advise the Exempted Fishing Permit application
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on financial disclosure form. Membership
contains all of the required information
all matters concerning living marine is voluntary, and except for and warrants further consideration. This
resources that are the responsibility of reimbursable travel and related Exempted Fishing Permit would allow
the Department of Commerce. The expenses, service is without pay. eight commercial lobster vessels to
Committee makes recommendations to Each nomination submission should participate in a lobster growth and
the Secretary to assist in the include the nominee’s name, a cover abundance study, under the direction of
development and implementation of letter describing the nominee’s Massachusetts Division of Marine
Departmental regulations, policies, and qualifications and interest in serving on Fisheries in state and Federal waters off
programs critical to the mission and the Committee, curriculum vitae or the coast of Massachusetts.
goals of NMFS. Nominations are resume of the nominee, and no more Regulations under the Magnuson-
encouraged from all interested parties than three supporting letters describing Stevens Fishery Conservation and
involved with or representing interests the nominee’s qualifications and Management Act and the Atlantic
affected by NMFS actions in managing interest in serving on the Committee. Coastal Fisheries Cooperative
living marine resources. Nominees Self-nominations are acceptable. The Management Act require publication of
should possess demonstrable expertise following contact information should this notification to provide interested
in a field related to the management of parties the opportunity to comment on
accompany each nominee’s submission:
living marine resources and be able to Exempted Fishing Permit applications.
Name, address, telephone number, fax
fulfill the time commitments required DATES: Comments must be received on
number, and email address (if
for two annual meetings and year round or before June 19, 2015.
subcommittee work. Individuals serve available).
ADDRESSES: You may submit written
for a term of three years for no more Nominations should be sent to (see comments by any of the following
than two consecutive terms if re- ADDRESSES) and must be received by
methods:
appointed. NMFS is seeking qualified July 20, 2015. The full text of the • Email: NMFS.GAR.EFP@noaa.gov.
nominees to fill upcoming vacancies Committee Charter and its current Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments
being created by term limits. membership can be viewed at the on MA DMF Lobster Study EFP.’’
DATES: Nominations must be NMFS’ Web page at • Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional
postmarked or have an email date stamp www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mafac.htm. Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic
on or before July 20, 2015. Dated: May 29, 2015. Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great
ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent Samuel D. Rauch III,
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
to Jennifer Lukens, Executive Director, Mark the outside of the envelope
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
MAFAC, Office of Policy, NMFS ‘‘Comments on MA DMF Lobster Study
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
F–14553, 1315 East-West Highway, EFP.’’
Fisheries Service.
Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2015–13593 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978–
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Jennifer Lukens, MAFAC Executive 281–9315.
Director; (301) 427–8004; email: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
jennifer.lukens@noaa.gov. Massachusetts Division of Marine
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Fisheries (MA DMF) submitted a
establishment of MAFAC was approved complete application for an Exempted
by the Secretary on December 28, 1970, Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct a 2-year
and subsequently chartered under the lobster abundance survey with modified
Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 lobster gear that Federal regulations
U.S.C. App. 2, on February 17, 1971. would otherwise restrict. The purpose
The Committee meets twice a year with of this lobster study is to provide
supplementary subcommittee meetings fishery-independent data on lobster

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31894 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices

abundance in Massachusetts state trap and bait type; lobster carapace DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
waters of statistical area 514, from length; sex; shell hardness; culls and
Ipswich Bay south to Cape Cod Bay; and other shell damage; external gross Department of the Army
state and Federal waters of Buzzards pathology including symptoms of shell
Bay, Vineyard Sound, and nearshore disease; mortality; and ovigerous status. Advisory Committee on Arlington
portions of Rhode Island Sound, in MA DMF is requesting exemption from National Cemetery Meeting Notice
statistical areas 537 and 538. Currently, management measures of LMA 1 and 2 AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.
lobster abundance and distribution for lobster size restrictions, v-notch
studies are primarily conducted through ACTION: Notice; date correction.
possession, and egg-bearing lobster
fishery independent, random stratified possession. MA DMF plans on retaining SUMMARY: The notice of an open
bottom-trawl surveys. MA DMF has a small amount of lobsters for growth committee meeting published in the
stated that trawl surveys lack the and maturity research purposes. Federal Register on May 18, 2015 (80
capability to efficiently target areas with If approved, MA DMF may request FR 28246) has changed the date of the
rocky bottom where lobsters also reside, minor modifications and extensions to meeting. It will now be held on June 25,
and is seeking an EFP to use fixed the EFP throughout the study. EFP 2015 at the same time and location.
lobster gear to sample such areas. modifications and extensions may be
The EFP would authorize commercial FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
granted without further notice if they Brenda Curfman; Alternate Designated
lobster vessels to set, haul, and retain on are deemed essential to facilitate
board lobster traps with closed escape Federal Officer for the Committee, in
completion of the proposed research writing at Arlington National Cemetery,
vents during sampling activity. and have minimal impacts that do not
Following a soak time ranging from 3 to Arlington VA 22211, or by email at
change the scope or impact of the brenda.k.curfman.civ@mail.mil, or by
5 days, these lobster traps would be initially approved EFP request. Any
hauled twice per month on dedicated phone at 703–614–0998.
fishing activity conducted outside the
sampling trips, with at least one scope of the exempted fishing activity Brenda S. Bowen,
scientist from MA DMF on board during would be prohibited. Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
sampling activity. During sampling
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. [FR Doc. 2015–13475 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am]
trips, no catch will be retained for sale
BILLING CODE 3710–08–P
or sold. Dated: June 1, 2015.
MA DMF requests exemption from Emily H. Menashes,
lobster gear regulations to allow for Acting Director, Office of Sustainable DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
closed escape vents in order to catch Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
lobsters of all sizes. MA DMF is also [FR Doc. 2015–13643 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] Department of the Army
requesting exemption from lobster trap BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
limits. This would allow participating [Docket ID: USA–2015–0019]
vessels to retain on-board survey lobster
traps that may cause vessels to exceed Proposed Collection; Comment
their permitted allocation for Lobster DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Request
Management Area (LMA) 1 (800 trap Department of the Army
limit) or LMA 2 (historical qualification AGENCY: Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1,
up to 800 trap limit). Federal lobster Technology and Business Architecture
Advisory Committee on Arlington Integration Directorate, Army Library
regulations require each active lobster National Cemetery Explore,
trap to have a commercial trap tag Program, Army, DOD.
Remember, and Honor Subcommittee
permanently affixed. MA DMF is ACTION: Notice.
Meeting Notice
requesting exemption from this
requirement because survey traps will AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. SUMMARY: In compliance with the
be tagged with ‘‘MA DMF Research Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
ACTION: Notice; date correction.
Trap.’’ Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1, Technology
MA DMF is also requesting exemption SUMMARY: The notice of open meeting and Business Architecture Integration
from the management area designation notices for the Explore, Remember and Directorate, Army Library Program
requirement to allow one Federal lobster Honor subcommittees published in the announces a proposed public
permit holder to fish experimental traps Federal Register on May 20, 2015 (80 information collection and seeks public
in LMA 2 while having an LMA 3 FR 28978 & 28979) has changed the date comment on the provisions thereof.
designation on his Federal permit. This of the meetings. They will now be held Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
exemption would allow the vessel to set on June 24, 2015 at the same times and the proposed collection of information
survey traps in an area not designated locations. is necessary for the proper performance
on his permit. This exemption would FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
of the functions of the agency, including
not allow him to commercially fish and/ Brenda K. Curfman; Alternate whether the information shall have
or land lobsters caught with traps in Designated Federal Officer for the practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
LMA 2. committee and the Explore, Remember agency’s estimate of the burden of the
Site selection would be based on a and Honor Subcommittees, in writing at proposed information collection; (c)
random stratified sampling design, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

consistent with standardized VA 22211, or by email at clarity of the information to be
methodology used to perform lobster brenda.k.curfman.civ@mail.mil, or by collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
surveys. All catch during dedicated phone at 703–614–0998. burden of the information collection on
research trips would be retained on- respondents, including through the use
board for a short period of time to allow Brenda S. Bowen, of automated collection techniques or
MA DMF staff to record the following Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. other forms of information technology.
information: Number of lobsters caught; [FR Doc. 2015–13476 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] DATES: Consideration will be given to all
number of traps hauled; set-over days; BILLING CODE 3710–08–P comments received by August 3, 2015.

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:23:44
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:23:44

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; request for comments.
Dates		Comments must be received on or before June 19, 2015.
Contact		Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978- 281-9315.
FR Citation		80 FR 31893
RIN Number		0648-XD94

80 FR 31893 - Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 107 (June 4, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration