80 FR 65215 - Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC); Public Hearings

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 206 (October 26, 2015)

Page Range		65215-65216
FR Document		2015-27133

The CFMC is considering modifying the timing for the implementation of accountability measure based closures in the EEZ and specifying how often to revisit the modification. The Council is considering these management measures in order to ensure AM-based closures successfully achieve their conservation objective at the least cost to fishers and the fishing communities, consistent with National Standard 8 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Following are the actions and management alternatives: The Amendment consists of two actions: Action 1: Modify the timimg for the implementation of AM-based closures in the EEZ.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 206 (Monday, October 26, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 206 (Monday, October 26, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65215-65216]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27133]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC); Public Hearings

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

ACTION: Notice of public hearings on amendments to the U.S. Caribbean 
Reef fish, spiny lobster and corals and reef associated plants and 
invertebrates fishery management plans: timing of accountability 
measure-based closures.

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

SUMMARY: The CFMC is considering modifying the timing for the 
implementation of accountability measure based closures in the EEZ and 
specifying how often to revisit the modification. The Council is 
considering these management measures in order to ensure AM-based 
closures successfully achieve their conservation objective at the least 
cost to fishers and the fishing communities, consistent with National 
Standard 8 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act.
    Following are the actions and management alternatives:
    The Amendment consists of two actions:
    Action 1: Modify the timimg for the implementation of AM-based 
closures in the EEZ.


[[Page 65216]]


    Alternative 1: No action. Continue AM-based closures resulting from 
an ACL overage beginning on December 31st of the closure year and 
extending backward in the year for the number of days neccesary to 
achieve the required reduction in landings.
    Alternative 2: Accountability measure-based closures resulting from 
an ACL overage will begin on September 30th of the closure year and 
would extend backward into the year for the number of days necessary to 
achieve the required reduction in landing. This closure start date 
would apply to all FMUs for each of Puerto Rico commercial and 
recreational sectors, St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix, and Caribbean-
wide. If for any FMU in any year, the number of days left in the year 
is not enough to achieve the required reduction in landings, then those 
additional days would be captured in the opposite direction.
    Alternative 3: Accountability measure-based closures resulting from 
am ACL overage will begin on January 1st of the closure year and would 
extend forward into the year for the number of days necessary to 
achieve the required reduction in landing. This closure start date 
would apply to all FMUs for each of Puerto Rico commercial and 
recreational sectors, St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix, and Caribbean-
wide.
    Alternative 4: Establish a fixed fishing closure start date for the 
implememtation of AMs for each FMU (i.e., species/species complex) by 
island/island group (Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix, and 
Caribbean-wide). A different start date may be chosen for each FMU on 
each island/island group, but that start date would apply every year 
AMs need to be triggered for that FMU on that island. The start date 
will begin on the last day of the identified month and go backward 
towards the beginning of the year.
    Alternative 4 Sub-alternatives:
    Alternative 4(a): Closure to start the last day of the month with 
highest average landings.
    Alternative 4(b): Closure to start the last day of the month with 
lowest average landing.
    Alternative 4--Puerto Rico (Commercial):
    Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start the last day of the month 
that has the highest landings based on the most recent three years of 
available landings data.
    Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start the last day of the month 
with lowest landings based on the most recent three years of available 
landings data.
    Alternative 4--Puerto Rico (Recreational):
    Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start the last day of the month 
that has the highest landings based on the most recent three years of 
available landings data.
    Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start the last day of the month 
with lowest landings based on the most recent three years of available 
landings data.
    Alternative 4--St. Thomas/St. John, USVI (Commercial and 
Recreational combined):
    Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start the last day of the month 
that has the highest landings based on the most recent three years of 
available landings data.
    Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start the last day of the month 
with lowest landings based on the most recent three years of available 
landings data.
    Alternative---Caribbean-Wide (Commercial and Recreational combined)
    Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start the last day of the month 
that has the highest landings based on the most recent three years of 
available landings data (shortest closure time).
    Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start the last day of the month 
with lowest landings based on the most recent three years of available 
landings data.
    Action 2: Specify how often to revisit the approach selected in 
Action 1.
    Alternative 1: No action. Do not specify how often the approach 
chosen should be revisited.
    Alternative 2 (Preferred): Review the approach selected no longer 
than 2 years from implementation and every 2 years thereafter.
    Alternative 3: Review the approach selected no longer than 5 years 
from implementation and every five years thereafter.
    Dates and Addresses: The meetings will be held on the following 
dates and locations:

In the U.S. Virgin Islands:
    November 16, 2015, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.--The Buccaneer Hotel, Estate 
Shoys, Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI.
    November 17, 2015, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.--Windward Passage Hotel, 
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI.

In Puerto Rico:
    November 23, 2015, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.--Doubletree Hotel, De Diego 
Avenue, Santurce, PR.
    November 24, 2015, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.--Mayaguez Holiday Inn, 2701 
Hostos Avenue, Mayag[uuml]ez, Puerto Rico.
    November 25, 2015, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.--Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical 
Casino, 3315 Ponce By Pass, Ponce, Puerto Rico.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
270 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-
1903, telephone (787) 766-5926.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copy of the document, ``Amendments to the 
U.S. Caribbean Reef fish, Spiny Lobster and Corals and Reef Associated 
Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plans: Timing of 
Accountability Measure-Based Closures'', can be found at the CFMC Web 
page: caribbeanfmc.com.
    Written comments can be sent to the Council not later than December 
10, 2015, by regular mail to the address below, or via email to 
graciela_cfmc@yahoo.com.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. For more information or request for sign language 
interpretation and other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. Miguel A. 
Rol[oacute]n, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 
270 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 
00918-1903, telephone (787) 766-5926, at least 5 days prior to the 
meeting date.

    Dated: October 21, 2015.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-27133 Filed 10-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 206 / Monday, October 26, 2015 / Notices 65215

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or pursuit, torment, or annoyance which (i) diameter of 24-inches and up to 373
visiting the internet at: http:// has the potential to injure a marine sections of Z-piles to retain rock fill.
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ mammal or marine mammal stock in the They will be installed via vibratory
incidental/construction.htm wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) has installation. A full description of the
the potential to disturb a marine activities proposed by the Corps is
Background
mammal or marine mammal stock in the described in the application.
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the wild by causing disruption of behavioral
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct patterns, including, but not limited to, Information Solicited
the Secretary of Commerce to allow, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, Interested persons may submit
upon request by U.S. citizens who feeding, or sheltering [Level B information, suggestions, and comments
engage in a specified activity (other than harassment].’’ concerning the Corps’ request (see
commercial fishing) within a specified Activities such as those described in ADDRESSES). All information,
area, the incidental, but not intentional, the application (e.g., pile driving) may suggestions, and comments related to
taking of small numbers of marine result in the disturbance of marine The Corps’ request and NMFS’ potential
mammals, providing that certain mammals through disruption of development and implementation of
findings are made and the necessary behavioral patterns regulations governing the incidental
prescriptions are established. taking of marine mammals by the Corps
The incidental taking of small Summary of Request
will be considered by NMFS in
numbers of marine mammals may be On February 13, 2015, NMFS received developing, if appropriate, regulations
allowed only if NMFS (through an application for a single multi-year governing the issuance of letters of
authority delegated by the Secretary) project for the taking of marine authorization.
finds that the total taking by the mammals incidental to the
specified activity during the specified rehabilitation of the North Jetty, South Dated: October 20, 2015.
time period will (i) have a negligible Jetty, and Jetty A at the MCR. NMFS Perry Gayaldo,
impact on the species or stock(s) and (ii) issued an incidental harassment Deputy Director, Office of Protected
not have an unmitigable adverse impact authorization (IHA) for the first year of Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
on the availability of the species or the project on August 31, 2015 (80 FR [FR Doc. 2015–27104 Filed 10–23–15; 8:45 am]
stock(s) for subsistence uses (where 53777 September 8, 2015) allowing the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
relevant). Further, the permissible take of specified marine mammals for
methods of taking and requirements work associated with the reconstruction
pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring of Jetty A only. The IHA is valid from DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
and reporting of such taking must be set May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017.
forth, either in specific regulations or in The Corps is seeking an LOA for this National Oceanic and Atmospheric
an authorization. same project that would cover in-water Administration
The allowance of such incidental work associated with continuation of
Caribbean Fishery Management
taking under section 101(a)(5)(A), by Jetty A reconstruction as well as
harassment (which is defined to include Council (CFMC); Public Hearings
reconstruction of the North Jetty and
behavioral harassment and injury), South Jetty. The Corps has requested AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
serious injury, death, or a combination regulations to be effective for the period Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
thereof, requires that regulations be from approximately summer of 2017 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
promulgated for the specific activity. through 2022. The Corps requested Commerce.
Subsequently, a Letter of Authorization authorization to take marine mammals ACTION: Notice of public hearings on
may be issued pursuant to the by Level B harassment only: Killer amendments to the U.S. Caribbean Reef
prescriptions established in such whale (Orcinus orca), Steller sea lion fish, spiny lobster and corals and reef
regulations, providing that the level of (Eumatopius jubatus), gray whale associated plants and invertebrates
taking will be consistent with the (Eschrichtius robustus), harbor porpoise fishery management plans: timing of
findings made for the total taking (Phocoena phocoena), California sea accountability measure-based closures.
allowable under the specific regulations. lion (Zalophus californianus), and
Under section 101(a)(5)(D), NMFS may harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii). SUMMARY: The CFMC is considering
authorize such incidental taking by modifying the timing for the
harassment only, for periods of not more Specified Activities implementation of accountability
than one year, pursuant to requirements The Corps is proposing to conduct measure based closures in the EEZ and
and conditions contained within an monitoring actions, repairs, and specifying how often to revisit the
IHA. The proposed incidental take rehabilitation of the three rubble-mound modification. The Council is
authorization and establishment of jetty structures at the MCR. The three considering these management
prescriptions through either specific structures are referred to as North Jetty, measures in order to ensure AM-based
regulations or an IHA requires notice South Jetty, and Jetty A. Initial work on closures successfully achieve their
and opportunity for public comment. Jetty A will be covered by an IHA which conservation objective at the least cost
NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible has already been issued. The Corps is to fishers and the fishing communities,
impact’’ in 50 CFR 216.103 as ‘‘. . . an requesting a LOA for remaining pile consistent with National Standard 8 the
impact resulting from the specified repairs and removal actions at Jetty A,
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
activity that cannot be reasonably for pile installation and removal at Conservation and Management Act.
expected to, and is not reasonably likely North Jetty, and for pile installation and Following are the actions and
to, adversely affect the species or stock removal at South Jetty. Pile installation management alternatives:
through effects on annual rates of and removal activities are required as The Amendment consists of two
recruitment or survival.’’ Except with part of the construction of four actions:
respect to certain activities not pertinent temporary barge offloading facilities. Action 1: Modify the timimg for the
here, section 3(18) of the MMPA defines These facilities combined will require implementation of AM-based closures
‘‘harassment’’ as: ‘‘. . . any act of up to 96 piles with a maximum in the EEZ.

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65216 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 206 / Monday, October 26, 2015 / Notices

Alternative 1: No action. Continue Alternative 4—Puerto Rico Puerto Rico.
AM-based closures resulting from an (Recreational): FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
ACL overage beginning on December Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
31st of the closure year and extending the last day of the month that has the 270 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401,
backward in the year for the number of highest landings based on the most San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1903,
days neccesary to achieve the required recent three years of available landings telephone (787) 766–5926.
reduction in landings. data. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copy of
Alternative 2: Accountability Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start the document, ‘‘Amendments to the
measure-based closures resulting from the last day of the month with lowest U.S. Caribbean Reef fish, Spiny Lobster
an ACL overage will begin on landings based on the most recent three and Corals and Reef Associated Plants
September 30th of the closure year and years of available landings data. and Invertebrates Fishery Management
would extend backward into the year for Alternative 4—St. Thomas/St. John, Plans: Timing of Accountability
the number of days necessary to achieve USVI (Commercial and Recreational Measure-Based Closures’’, can be found
the required reduction in landing. This combined): at the CFMC Web page:
closure start date would apply to all Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start caribbeanfmc.com.
FMUs for each of Puerto Rico the last day of the month that has the Written comments can be sent to the
commercial and recreational sectors, St. highest landings based on the most Council not later than December 10,
Thomas/St. John, St. Croix, and recent three years of available landings 2015, by regular mail to the address
Caribbean-wide. If for any FMU in any data. below, or via email to graciela_cfmc@
year, the number of days left in the year Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start yahoo.com.
is not enough to achieve the required the last day of the month with lowest
reduction in landings, then those landings based on the most recent three Special Accommodations
additional days would be captured in years of available landings data. These meetings are physically
the opposite direction. Alternative-—Caribbean-Wide accessible to people with disabilities.
Alternative 3: Accountability (Commercial and Recreational For more information or request for sign
measure-based closures resulting from combined) language interpretation and other
am ACL overage will begin on January Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start auxiliary aids, please contact Mr.
1st of the closure year and would extend the last day of the month that has the Miguel A. Rolón, Executive Director,
forward into the year for the number of highest landings based on the most Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
days necessary to achieve the required recent three years of available landings 270 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401,
reduction in landing. This closure start data (shortest closure time). San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918–1903,
date would apply to all FMUs for each Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start telephone (787) 766–5926, at least 5
of Puerto Rico commercial and the last day of the month with lowest days prior to the meeting date.
recreational sectors, St. Thomas/St. landings based on the most recent three
Dated: October 21, 2015.
John, St. Croix, and Caribbean-wide. years of available landings data.
Action 2: Specify how often to revisit Tracey L. Thompson,
Alternative 4: Establish a fixed fishing
the approach selected in Action 1. Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
closure start date for the
Alternative 1: No action. Do not Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
implememtation of AMs for each FMU
specify how often the approach chosen [FR Doc. 2015–27133 Filed 10–23–15; 8:45 am]
(i.e., species/species complex) by
island/island group (Puerto Rico, St. should be revisited. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P

Thomas/St. John, St. Croix, and Alternative 2 (Preferred): Review the
Caribbean-wide). A different start date approach selected no longer than 2
may be chosen for each FMU on each years from implementation and every 2 COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS
island/island group, but that start date years thereafter.
would apply every year AMs need to be Alternative 3: Review the approach Notice of Meeting
triggered for that FMU on that island. selected no longer than 5 years from The next meeting of the U.S.
The start date will begin on the last day implementation and every five years Commission of Fine Arts is scheduled
of the identified month and go thereafter. for 19 November 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in
backward towards the beginning of the Dates and Addresses: The meetings the Commission offices at the National
year. will be held on the following dates and Building Museum, Suite 312, Judiciary
Alternative 4 Sub-alternatives: locations: Square, 401 F Street NW., Washington,
Alternative 4(a): Closure to start the In the U.S. Virgin Islands: DC 20001–2728. Items of discussion
last day of the month with highest November 16, 2015, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.— may include buildings, parks and
average landings. The Buccaneer Hotel, Estate Shoys, memorials.
Alternative 4(b): Closure to start the Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI. Draft agendas and additional
last day of the month with lowest November 17, 2015, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.— information regarding the Commission
average landing. Windward Passage Hotel, Charlotte are available on our Web site:
Alternative 4—Puerto Rico Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI. www.cfa.gov. Inquiries regarding the
(Commercial): In Puerto Rico: agenda and requests to submit written
Sub-alternative 4(a): Closure to start November 23, 2015, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.— or oral statements should be addressed
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

the last day of the month that has the Doubletree Hotel, De Diego Avenue, to Thomas Luebke, Secretary, U.S.
highest landings based on the most Santurce, PR. Commission of Fine Arts, at the above
recent three years of available landings November 24, 2015, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.— address; by emailing cfastaff@cfa.gov; or
data. Mayaguez Holiday Inn, 2701 Hostos by calling 202–504–2200. Individuals
Sub-alternative 4(b): Closure to start Avenue, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. requiring sign language interpretation
the last day of the month with lowest November 25, 2015, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.— for the hearing impaired should contact
landings based on the most recent three Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical the Secretary at least 10 days before the
years of available landings data. Casino, 3315 Ponce By Pass, Ponce, meeting date.

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Document Created: 2018-02-27 08:56:24
Document Modified: 2018-02-27 08:56:24

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 hearings on amendments to the U.S. Caribbean Reef fish, spiny lobster and corals and reef associated plants and invertebrates fishery management plans: timing of accountability measure-based closures.
Contact		Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 270 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918- 1903, telephone (787) 766-5926.
FR Citation		80 FR 65215

80 FR 65215 - Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC); Public Hearings

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 206 (October 26, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration