81_FR_10257 81 FR 10218 - International Affairs; U.S. Fishing Opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Regulatory Area

81 FR 10218 - International Affairs; U.S. Fishing Opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Regulatory Area

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 39 (February 29, 2016)

Page Range10218-10222
FR Document2016-04341

We are announcing 2016 fishing opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. This action is necessary to make fishing privileges available on an equitable basis. The intended effect of this notice is to alert U.S. fishing vessels of the NAFO fishing opportunities, to relay the available quotas available to U.S. participants, and to outline the process and requirements for vessels to apply to participate in the 2016 NAFO fishery.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 39 (Monday, February 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 39 (Monday, February 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10218-10222]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04341]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE466


International Affairs; U.S. Fishing Opportunities in the 
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Regulatory Area

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

ACTION: Notification of U.S. fishing opportunities.

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

SUMMARY: We are announcing 2016 fishing opportunities in the Northwest 
Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area. This action is 
necessary to make fishing privileges available on an equitable basis. 
The intended effect of this notice is to alert U.S. fishing vessels of 
the NAFO fishing opportunities, to relay the available quotas available 
to U.S. participants, and to outline the process and requirements for 
vessels to apply to participate in the 2016 NAFO fishery.

DATES: Effective January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016. 
Expressions of interest regarding fishing opportunities in NAFO will be 
accepted through March 15, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Expressions of interest regarding U.S. fishing opportunities 
in NAFO should be made in writing to John K. Bullard, U.S. Commissioner 
to NAFO, NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office at 55 Great 
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 (phone: 978-281-9315, email: 
[email protected]).
    Information relating to chartering vessels of another NAFO 
Contracting Party, transferring NAFO fishing opportunities to or from 
another NAFO Contracting Party, or U.S. participation in NAFO is 
available from Patrick E. Moran in the NMFS Office of International 
Affairs and Seafood Inspection at 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910 (phone: 301-427-8370, fax: 301-713-2313, email: 
[email protected]).
    Additional information about NAFO fishing opportunities, NAFO 
Conservation and Enforcement Measures (CEM), and the High Seas Fishing 
Compliance Act (HSFCA) Permit required for NAFO participation is 
available from Michael Ruccio, in the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional 
Fisheries Office at 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 
(phone: 978-281-9104, fax: 978-281-9135, email: 
[email protected]) and online from NAFO at http://www.nafo.int.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ruccio, (978) 281-9104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

General NAFO Background

    The United States is a Contracting Party to the Northwest Atlantic 
Fisheries Organization or NAFO. NAFO is an intergovernmental fisheries 
science and management body whose convention on Northwest Atlantic 
Fisheries applies to most fishery resources in international waters of 
the Northwest Atlantic except salmon, tunas/marlins, whales, and 
sedentary species such as shellfish. Currently, NAFO has 12 Members 
from North America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. In addition to the 
United States, the remaining three coastal states bordering the 
Convention Area are members: Canada, France (in respect of St. Pierre 
et Miquelon), and Denmark (in respect of Faroe Islands and Greenland). 
NAFO's Fisheries Commission is responsible for the management and 
conservation of the fishery resources of the Regulatory Area (waters 
outside the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Figure 1 shows the NAFO 
Regulatory Area.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

[[Page 10219]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29FE16.016

BILLING CODE 3510-22-C
    As a Contracting Party within NAFO, the United States may be 
allocated specific catch quotas or effort allocations for certain 
species in specific areas within the NAFO Regulatory Area and may 
participate in fisheries for other species for which we have not 
received a specific quota. Stocks for which the United States does not 
receive an allocation, known as the ``Others'' allocation under the 
Convention, are shared access between all NAFO Contracting Parties.
    Additional information on NAFO can be found online at: http://www.nafo.int/about/frames/about.html. The 2016 NAFO Conservation and 
Enforcement Measures (CEM) that outline the fishery regulations, Total 
Allowable Catches (TACs or ``quotas'') and other information about the 
fishery program are available online at: http://www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/fishery.html.
    This notice is intended to announce the specific 2016 stocks for 
which the United States has an allocation under NAFO, describe the 
fishing opportunities under the `other' NAFO allocation available for 
U.S. vessels, and to outline the application process and other 
requirements for U.S. vessels that wish to participate in the 2016 NAFO 
fisheries.

What NAFO fishing opportunities are available to U.S. fishing vessels?

    The principal species managed by NAFO are Atlantic cod, yellowtail 
and witch flounders, Acadian redfish, American plaice, Greenland 
halibut, white hake, capelin, shrimp, skates, and Illex squid. NAFO 
maintains conservation measures for fisheries on these species 
occurring in its Regulatory Area, including TACs for these managed 
species that are allocated among NAFO Contracting Parties. The United 
States received quota allocations at the 2015 NAFO Annual Meeting for 
two stocks to be fished during 2016. The species, location by NAFO 
subarea, and allocation (in metric tons (mt)) of these 2016 U.S. 
fishing opportunities are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redfish...........................  Division 3M.........  69 mt.
Squid (Illex).....................  Subareas 3 & 4......  453 mt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the United States has been transferred 1,000 mt of 
NAFO Division 3LNO yellowtail flounder from Canada's 2016 quota 
allocation consistent with a bilateral arrangement between the two 
countries.
    The TACs which may be available to U.S. vessels for stocks where 
the United States has not been allocated quota (i.e.,

[[Page 10220]]

the ``Others'' allocation in Annex I.A of the CEM) are as follows:

              Table 1--2016 NAFO ``Others'' Allocation TACs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Species                     NAFO Division        TAC (mt)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod................................  3L....................           56
Redfish............................  3LN...................           63
                                     3M....................          124
                                     3O....................          100
Yellowtail Flounder................  3LNO..................           85
Witch Flounder.....................  3NO...................           22
White Hake.........................  3NO...................           59
Skates.............................  3LNO..................          258
Illex squid........................  Squid 3_4 (Sub-Areas           794.
                                      3+4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note that the United States shares these allocations with other 
NAFO Contracting Parties, and access is on a first-come, first-served 
basis. Directed fishing is stopped by NAFO when the ``Others'' TAC for 
a particular stock has been fully harvested.
    Additional directed quota for these and other stocks managed within 
the NAFO Regulatory Area could be made available to U.S. vessels 
through industry-initiated chartering arrangements or transfers of 
quota from other NAFO Contracting Parties.
    U.S. vessels participating in NAFO may also retain bycatch of NAFO 
managed species to the following maximum amounts as outlined in Article 
6 of the 2016 CEM. The percentage, by weight, is calculated as a 
percent for each stock of the total catch of species listed in Annex 
I.A (i.e., the NAFO managed stocks previously listed) retained onboard 
from the applicable division at the time of inspection, on the basis of 
logbook information:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cod...........................  Division 3M......  1,250 kg or 5
                                                    percent, whichever
                                                    is more.
Witch Flounder................  Division 3M......  1,250 kg or 5
                                                    percent, whichever
                                                    is more.
Redfish.......................  Division 3LN.....  1,250 kg or 5
                                                    percent, whichever
                                                    is more.
Cod...........................  Division 3NO.....  1,000 kg or 4
                                                    percent, whichever
                                                    is more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For all other Annex I.A stocks where the U.S. has no specific quota 
the bycatch limit is, 2,500 kg or 10 percent unless a ban on fishing 
applies or the quota for the stock has been fully utilized. If the 
fishery for the stock is closed or a retention ban applies, the 
permitted bycatch limit is 1,250 kg or 5 percent.
    For the directed yellowtail flounder fishery in Divisions 3LNO 
(where the United States has a 1,000 mt yellowtail flounder allocation 
in 2016) vessels may retain 15 percent of American plaice.
    Opportunities to fish for species not listed above (i.e., species 
listed in Annex I.A of the 2016 NAFO CEM) but occurring within the NAFO 
Regulatory Area may also be available. U.S. fishermen interested in 
fishing for these other species should contact the NMFS Greater 
Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (see ADDRESSES) for additional 
information. Authorization to fish for such species will include 
permit-related conditions or restrictions, including but not limited 
to, minimum size requirements, bycatch-related measures, and catch 
limits. Any such conditions or restrictions will be designed to ensure 
the optimum utilization, long-term sustainability, and rational 
management and conservation of fishery resources in the NAFO Regulatory 
Area, consistent with the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation 
in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, as well as the Amendment to the 
Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic 
Fisheries, which has been adopted by all NAFO Contracting Parties.

Who can apply for these fishing opportunities?

    Expressions of interest to fish for any or all of the 2016 U.S. 
fishing opportunities in NAFO described above will be considered from 
all U.S. fishing interests (e.g., vessel owners, processors, agents, 
others). Applicants are urged to carefully review and thoroughly 
address the application requirements and selection criteria as detailed 
below. Expressions of interest should be directed in writing to 
Regional Administrator John Bullard (see ADDRESSES).

What information is required in an application letter?

    Expressions of interest should include a detailed description of 
anticipated fishing operations in 2016. Descriptions should include, at 
a minimum:
     Intended target species;
     Proposed dates of fishing operations;
     Vessels to be used to harvest fish, including the name, 
registration, and home port of the intended harvesting vessel(s);
     The number of fishing personnel and their nationality 
involved in vessel operations;
     Intended landing port or ports; including for ports 
outside of the United States, whether or not the product will be 
shipped to the United States for processing;
     Processing facilities to be used;
     Target market for harvested fish; and
     Evidence demonstrating the ability of the applicant to 
successfully prosecute fishing operations in the NAFO Regulatory Area. 
This may include descriptions of previously successful NAFO or domestic 
fisheries participation.
    Note that applicant U.S. vessels must possess or be eligible to 
receive a valid HSFCA permit. HSFCA permits are available from the NMFS 
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. Information regarding other 
requirements for fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area is detailed below 
and is also available from the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries 
Office (see ADDRESSES).
    U.S. applicants wishing to harvest U.S. allocations using a vessel 
from another NAFO Contracting Party, or hoping to enter a chartering 
arrangement with a vessel from another NAFO Contracting Party, should 
see below for details on U.S. and NAFO requirements for such 
activities. If you have further questions regarding what information is 
required in an expression of interest, please contact Patrick Moran 
(see ADDRESSES).

What criteria will be used in identifying successful applicants?

    Applicants demonstrating the greatest benefits to the United States 
through their intended operations will be most successful. Such 
benefits may include:
     The use of U.S vessels to harvest fish in the NAFO 
Regulatory Area;
     Detailed, positive impacts on U.S. employment as a result 
of the fishing, transport, or processing operations;
     Use of U.S. processing facilities;
     Transport, marketing, and sales of product within the 
United States;

[[Page 10221]]

     Other ancillary, demonstrable benefits to U.S. businesses 
as a result of the fishing operation; and
     Documentation of the physical characteristics and 
economics of the fishery for future use by the U.S. fishing industry.
    Other factors we may consider include but are not limited to: A 
documented history of successful fishing operations in NAFO or other 
similar fisheries, the previous compliance of the vessel with the NAFO 
CEM or other regulatory requirements, and for those applicants without 
NAFO or other international fishery history, a description of 
demonstrated harvest, processing, marketing, and regulatory compliance 
within domestic fisheries.
    To ensure equitable access by U.S. fishing interests, we may 
provide additional guidance or procedures, or may issue regulations 
designed to allocate fishing interests to one or more U.S. applicants 
from among qualified applicants. After reviewing all requests for 
allocations submitted, we may also decide not to grant any allocations 
if it is determined that no requests adequately meet the criteria 
described in this notice.

How will I be notified if I am selected to participate in the 2016 NAFO 
fisheries?

    We will provide written responses to all applicants notifying them 
of their application status and, as needed for successful applicants, 
allocation awards will be made as quickly as possible so that we may 
notify NAFO and take other necessary actions to facilitate operations s 
in the regulatory area by U.S. fishing interests. Successful applicants 
will receive additional information from us on permit conditions and 
applicable regulations before starting 2016 fishing operations.

What if I want to charter a vessel to fish available U.S. allocations?

    Under the bilateral arrangement with Canada, the United States may 
enter into a chartering (or other) arrangement with a Canadian vessel 
to harvest the transferred yellowtail flounder. For other NAFO-
regulated species listed in Annexes I.A and I.B, the United States may 
enter into a chartering arrangement with a vessel from any other NAFO 
Contracting Party. Additionally, any U.S. vessel or fishing operation 
may enter into a chartering arrangement with any other NAFO Contracting 
Party. The United States and the other Contracting Party involved in a 
chartering arrangement must agree to the charter, and the NAFO 
Executive Secretary must be advised of the chartering arrangement 
before the commencement of any charter fishing operations. Any U.S. 
vessel or fishing operation interested in making use of the chartering 
provisions of NAFO must provide at least the following information:
     The name and registration number of the U.S. vessel;
     A copy of the charter agreement;
     A detailed fishing plan;
     A written letter of consent from the applicable NAFO 
Contracting Party;
     The date from which the vessel is authorized to commence 
fishing; and
     The duration of the charter (not to exceed six months).
    Expressions of interest using another NAFO Contracting Party vessel 
under charter should be accompanied by a detailed description of 
anticipated benefits to the United States, as described above. 
Additional detail on chartering arrangements can be found in Article 26 
of the 2016 CEM (http://www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/cem.html).
    Any vessel from another Contracting Party wishing to enter into a 
chartering arrangement with the United States must be in full current 
compliance with the requirements outlined in the NAFO Convention and 
CEM. These requirements include, but are not limited to, submission of 
the following reports to the NAFO Executive Secretary:
     Notification that the vessel is authorized by its flag 
state to fish within the NAFO Regulatory Area during 2016;
     Provisional monthly catch reports for all vessels of that 
NAFO Contracting Party operating in the NAFO Regulatory Area;
     Daily catch reports for each day fished by the subject 
vessel within the Regulatory Area;
     Observer reports within 30 days following the completion 
of a fishing trip; and
     An annual statement of actions taken by its flag state to 
comply with the NAFO Convention.
    The United States may also consider the vessel's previous 
compliance with NAFO bycatch, reporting and other provisions, as 
outlined in the NAFO CEM, before authorizing the chartering 
arrangement. More details on NAFO requirements for chartering 
operations are available from Patrick Moran (see ADDRESSES).

What if I want to arrange for a transfer of U.S. quota allocations to 
another NAFO party?

    Under NAFO rules in effect for 2016, the United States may transfer 
fishing opportunities by mutual agreement with another NAFO Contracting 
Party and with prior notification to the NAFO Executive Secretary. An 
applicant may request to arrange for any of the previously described 
U.S. opportunities to be transferred to another NAFO party, although 
such applications will likely be given lesser priority than those that 
involve more direct harvesting or processing by U.S. entities. 
Applications to arrange for a transfer of U.S. fishing opportunities 
should contain a letter of consent from the receiving NAFO Contracting 
Party, and should also be accompanied by a detailed description of 
anticipated benefits to the United States. As in the case of chartering 
operations, the United States may also consider a NAFO Contracting 
Party's previous compliance with NAFO bycatch, reporting, and other 
provisions, as outlined in the NAFO CEM, before entering agreeing to a 
transfer. More details on NAFO requirements for transferring NAFO 
allocations are available from Patrick Moran (see ADDRESSES).

What if I want to arrange to receive a transfer of NAFO quota 
allocations from another NAFO party?

    Under NAFO rules in effect for 2016, the United States may receive 
transfers of additional fishing opportunities from other NAFO 
Contracting Parties. We are required to provide a letter consenting to 
such a transfer and must provide notice to the NAFO Executive 
Secretary. In the event that an applicant is able to arrange for the 
transfer of additional fishing opportunities from another NAFO 
Contracting Party to the United States, the U.S. may agree to 
facilitate such a transfer. However, there is no guarantee that if an 
applicant has facilitated the transfer of quota from another 
Contracting Party to the United States, such applicant will receive 
authorization to fish for such quota. If quota is transferred to the 
United States, we may need to solicit new applications for the use of 
such quota. All applicable NAFO requirements for transfers must be met. 
As in the case of chartering operations, the United States may also 
consider a NAFO Contracting Party's previous compliance with NAFO 
bycatch, reporting, and other provisions, as outlined in the NAFO CEM, 
before agreeing to accept a transfer. Any fishing quota or other 
harvesting opportunities received via this type of transfer are subject 
to all U.S and NAFO rules as detailed below. For more details on NAFO 
requirements for transferring NAFO allocations, contact Patrick Moran 
(see ADDRESSES).

[[Page 10222]]

What rules must I follow while fishing in the NAFO regulatory area?

    U.S. applicant vessels must be in possession of, or obtain, a valid 
HSFCA permit, which is available from the NMFS Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Office. All permitted vessels must comply with all 
applicable provisions of the Convention on Future Multilateral 
Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries and the CEM. We reserve 
the right to impose additional permit conditions that ensure compliance 
with the NAFO Convention and the CEM, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act and any other applicable law.
    The CEM provisions include, but are not limited to:
     Maintaining a fishing logbook with NAFO-designated entries 
(Annex II.A and Article 28);
     Adhere to NAFO hail system requirements (Annexes II.D and 
II.F; Article 28; Article 30 part B)
     Carry an approved on-board observer consistent with 
requirements of Article 30 part A;
     Maintain and use a functioning, autonomous vessel 
monitoring system authorized by issuance of the HSFCA permit as 
required by Articles 29 and 30;
     All relevant NAFO CEM requirements including minimum fish 
sizes, gear, bycatch retention and per-tow move on provisions for 
exceeding bycatch limits in any one haul/set.
    Further details regarding U.S. and NAFO requirements are available 
from the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, and can also 
be found in the 2016 NAFO CEM on the Internet (http://www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/cem.html).
    Note that vessels issued valid HSFCA permits under 50 CFR part 300 
are exempt from certain domestic fisheries regulations governing 
fisheries in the Northeast United States found in 50 CFR part 648: 
Northeast multispecies and monkfish permit, mesh size, effort-control, 
and possession limit restrictions (Sec. Sec.  648.4, 648.80, 648.82, 
648.86, 648.87, 648.91, 648.92, and 648.94) while transiting the U.S. 
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with multispecies and/or monkfish on 
board the vessel, or landing multispecies and/or monkfish in U.S. ports 
that were caught while fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area, provided:
    1. The vessel operator has a letter of authorization issued by the 
Regional Administrator on board the vessel;
    2. For the duration of the trip, the vessel fishes, except for 
transiting purposes, exclusively in the NAFO Regulatory Area and does 
not harvest fish in, or possess fish harvested in, or from, the U.S. 
EEZ;
    3. When transiting the U.S. EEZ, all gear is properly stowed and 
not available for immediate use as defined under Sec.  648.2; and
    4. The vessel operator complies with the provisions, conditions, 
and restrictions specified on the HSFCA permit and all NAFO CEM while 
fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area.

    Dated: February 24, 2016.
John H. Henderschedt,
Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of International, Affairs and Seafood 
Inspection.
[FR Doc. 2016-04341 Filed 2-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                                    10218                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 39 / Monday, February 29, 2016 / Notices

                                                    group for discussion, in accordance                     Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                    Conservation and Enforcement
                                                    with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery                       Commerce.                                             Measures (CEM), and the High Seas
                                                    Conservation and Management Act,                        ACTION: Notification of U.S. fishing                  Fishing Compliance Act (HSFCA)
                                                    those issues may not be the subject of                  opportunities.                                        Permit required for NAFO participation
                                                    formal action during this meeting.                                                                            is available from Michael Ruccio, in the
                                                    Actions will be restricted to those issues              SUMMARY:   We are announcing 2016                     NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional
                                                    specifically identified in the agenda and               fishing opportunities in the Northwest                Fisheries Office at 55 Great Republic
                                                    any issues arising after publication of                 Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)                Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 (phone:
                                                    this notice that require emergency                      Regulatory Area. This action is                       978–281–9104, fax: 978–281–9135,
                                                    action under Section 305(c) of the                      necessary to make fishing privileges                  email: Michael.Ruccio@noaa.gov) and
                                                    Magnuson-Stevens Fishery                                available on an equitable basis. The                  online from NAFO at http://
                                                    Conservation and Management Act,                        intended effect of this notice is to alert            www.nafo.int.
                                                    provided the public has been notified of                U.S. fishing vessels of the NAFO fishing
                                                    the Council’s intent to take action to                  opportunities, to relay the available                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    address the emergency.                                  quotas available to U.S. participants,                Michael Ruccio, (978) 281–9104.
                                                                                                            and to outline the process and
                                                    Special Accommodations                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                            requirements for vessels to apply to
                                                      This meeting is physically accessible                 participate in the 2016 NAFO fishery.                 General NAFO Background
                                                    to people with disabilities. Requests for               DATES: Effective January 1, 2016,
                                                    sign language interpretation or other                   through December 31, 2016. Expressions                   The United States is a Contracting
                                                    auxiliary aids should be directed to                    of interest regarding fishing                         Party to the Northwest Atlantic
                                                    Kathy Pereira at the Gulf Council Office                opportunities in NAFO will be accepted                Fisheries Organization or NAFO. NAFO
                                                    (see ADDRESSES), at least 5 working days                through March 15, 2016.                               is an intergovernmental fisheries
                                                    prior to the meeting.                                   ADDRESSES: Expressions of interest                    science and management body whose
                                                                                                            regarding U.S. fishing opportunities in               convention on Northwest Atlantic
                                                      Dated: February 24, 2016.                                                                                   Fisheries applies to most fishery
                                                                                                            NAFO should be made in writing to
                                                    Jeffrey N. Lonergan,                                                                                          resources in international waters of the
                                                                                                            John K. Bullard, U.S. Commissioner to
                                                    Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable           NAFO, NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional                  Northwest Atlantic except salmon,
                                                    Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.                                                                 tunas/marlins, whales, and sedentary
                                                                                                            Fisheries Office at 55 Great Republic
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–04316 Filed 2–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930 (phone:                   species such as shellfish. Currently,
                                                    BILLING CODE 3510–22–P                                  978–281–9315, email: John.Bullard@                    NAFO has 12 Members from North
                                                                                                            noaa.gov).                                            America, Europe, Asia and the
                                                                                                               Information relating to chartering                 Caribbean. In addition to the United
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                  vessels of another NAFO Contracting                   States, the remaining three coastal states
                                                                                                            Party, transferring NAFO fishing                      bordering the Convention Area are
                                                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric                                                                              members: Canada, France (in respect of
                                                                                                            opportunities to or from another NAFO
                                                    Administration                                                                                                St. Pierre et Miquelon), and Denmark (in
                                                                                                            Contracting Party, or U.S. participation
                                                                                                            in NAFO is available from Patrick E.                  respect of Faroe Islands and Greenland).
                                                    RIN 0648–XE466                                                                                                NAFO’s Fisheries Commission is
                                                                                                            Moran in the NMFS Office of
                                                    International Affairs; U.S. Fishing                     International Affairs and Seafood                     responsible for the management and
                                                    Opportunities in the Northwest Atlantic                 Inspection at 1315 East-West Highway,                 conservation of the fishery resources of
                                                    Fisheries Organization Regulatory                       Silver Spring, MD 20910 (phone: 301–                  the Regulatory Area (waters outside the
                                                    Area                                                    427–8370, fax: 301–713–2313, email:                   Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
                                                                                                            Pat.Moran@noaa.gov).                                  Figure 1 shows the NAFO Regulatory
                                                    AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries                         Additional information about NAFO                  Area.
                                                    Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                    fishing opportunities, NAFO                           BILLING CODE 3510–22–C
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 39 / Monday, February 29, 2016 / Notices                                                        10219




                                                    BILLING CODE 3510–22–C                                  www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/                        Area, including TACs for these managed
                                                       As a Contracting Party within NAFO,                  fishery.html.                                         species that are allocated among NAFO
                                                    the United States may be allocated                         This notice is intended to announce                Contracting Parties. The United States
                                                    specific catch quotas or effort                         the specific 2016 stocks for which the                received quota allocations at the 2015
                                                    allocations for certain species in specific             United States has an allocation under                 NAFO Annual Meeting for two stocks to
                                                    areas within the NAFO Regulatory Area                   NAFO, describe the fishing                            be fished during 2016. The species,
                                                    and may participate in fisheries for                    opportunities under the ‘other’ NAFO                  location by NAFO subarea, and
                                                    other species for which we have not                     allocation available for U.S. vessels, and            allocation (in metric tons (mt)) of these
                                                    received a specific quota. Stocks for                   to outline the application process and                2016 U.S. fishing opportunities are as
                                                    which the United States does not                        other requirements for U.S. vessels that              follows:
                                                    receive an allocation, known as the                     wish to participate in the 2016 NAFO
                                                    ‘‘Others’’ allocation under the                         fisheries.                                            Redfish ..............   Division 3M .......   69 mt.
                                                    Convention, are shared access between                                                                         Squid (Illex) .......    Subareas 3 & 4        453 mt.
                                                    all NAFO Contracting Parties.                           What NAFO fishing opportunities are
                                                                                                            available to U.S. fishing vessels?                      In addition, the United States has
                                                       Additional information on NAFO can
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    be found online at: http://www.nafo.int/                   The principal species managed by                   been transferred 1,000 mt of NAFO
                                                    about/frames/about.html. The 2016                       NAFO are Atlantic cod, yellowtail and                 Division 3LNO yellowtail flounder from
                                                    NAFO Conservation and Enforcement                       witch flounders, Acadian redfish,                     Canada’s 2016 quota allocation
                                                    Measures (CEM) that outline the fishery                 American plaice, Greenland halibut,                   consistent with a bilateral arrangement
                                                    regulations, Total Allowable Catches                    white hake, capelin, shrimp, skates, and              between the two countries.
                                                    (TACs or ‘‘quotas’’) and other                          Illex squid. NAFO maintains                             The TACs which may be available to
                                                    information about the fishery program                   conservation measures for fisheries on                U.S. vessels for stocks where the United
                                                                                                                                                                  States has not been allocated quota (i.e.,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           EN29FE16.016</GPH>




                                                    are available online at: http://                        these species occurring in its Regulatory


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                                                    10220                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 39 / Monday, February 29, 2016 / Notices

                                                    the ‘‘Others’’ allocation in Annex I.A of                                   TABLE 1—2016 NAFO ‘‘OTHERS’’                                        NAFO Regulatory Area could be made
                                                    the CEM) are as follows:                                                     ALLOCATION TACS—Continued                                          available to U.S. vessels through
                                                                                                                                                                                                    industry-initiated chartering
                                                        TABLE 1—2016 NAFO ‘‘OTHERS’’                                                                   NAFO Divi-                                   arrangements or transfers of quota from
                                                                                                                                Species                                         TAC (mt)
                                                              ALLOCATION TACS                                                                            sion                                       other NAFO Contracting Parties.
                                                                                                                           Illex squid ......        Squid 3_4                             794.
                                                                                                                                                                                                       U.S. vessels participating in NAFO
                                                         Species                NAFO Divi-               TAC (mt)                                      (Sub-Areas                                   may also retain bycatch of NAFO
                                                                                  sion                                                                                                              managed species to the following
                                                                                                                                                       3+4).
                                                                                                                                                                                                    maximum amounts as outlined in
                                                    Cod ................     3L ..................                 56
                                                                                                                         Note that the United States shares                                         Article 6 of the 2016 CEM. The
                                                    Redfish ..........       3LN ...............                   63
                                                                             3M .................                 124 these allocations with other NAFO                                             percentage, by weight, is calculated as a
                                                                             3O .................                 100 Contracting Parties, and access is on a                                       percent for each stock of the total catch
                                                    Yellowtail               3LNO ............                     85 first-come, first-served basis. Directed                                      of species listed in Annex I.A (i.e., the
                                                      Flounder.                                                       fishing is stopped by NAFO when the                                           NAFO managed stocks previously
                                                    Witch Floun-             3NO ...............                   22 ‘‘Others’’ TAC for a particular stock has                                     listed) retained onboard from the
                                                      der.                                                            been fully harvested.                                                         applicable division at the time of
                                                    White Hake ....          3NO ...............                   59    Additional directed quota for these                                        inspection, on the basis of logbook
                                                    Skates ...........       3LNO ............                    258 and other stocks managed within the                                           information:

                                                    Cod ..................................................   Division   3M ....................................    1,250   kg   or   5   percent,   whichever   is   more.
                                                    Witch Flounder ................................          Division   3M ....................................    1,250   kg   or   5   percent,   whichever   is   more.
                                                    Redfish ............................................     Division   3LN ..................................     1,250   kg   or   5   percent,   whichever   is   more.
                                                    Cod ..................................................   Division   3NO ..................................     1,000   kg   or   4   percent,   whichever   is   more.



                                                       For all other Annex I.A stocks where                                Who can apply for these fishing                                          NAFO Regulatory Area. This may
                                                    the U.S. has no specific quota the                                     opportunities?                                                           include descriptions of previously
                                                    bycatch limit is, 2,500 kg or 10 percent                                 Expressions of interest to fish for any                                successful NAFO or domestic fisheries
                                                    unless a ban on fishing applies or the                                 or all of the 2016 U.S. fishing                                          participation.
                                                    quota for the stock has been fully                                     opportunities in NAFO described above                                      Note that applicant U.S. vessels must
                                                    utilized. If the fishery for the stock is                              will be considered from all U.S. fishing                                 possess or be eligible to receive a valid
                                                    closed or a retention ban applies, the                                 interests (e.g., vessel owners, processors,                              HSFCA permit. HSFCA permits are
                                                    permitted bycatch limit is 1,250 kg or 5                               agents, others). Applicants are urged to                                 available from the NMFS Greater
                                                    percent.                                                               carefully review and thoroughly address                                  Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office.
                                                       For the directed yellowtail flounder                                the application requirements and                                         Information regarding other
                                                    fishery in Divisions 3LNO (where the                                   selection criteria as detailed below.                                    requirements for fishing in the NAFO
                                                    United States has a 1,000 mt yellowtail                                Expressions of interest should be                                        Regulatory Area is detailed below and is
                                                    flounder allocation in 2016) vessels may                               directed in writing to Regional                                          also available from the NMFS Greater
                                                    retain 15 percent of American plaice.                                  Administrator John Bullard (see                                          Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (see
                                                                                                                           ADDRESSES).                                                              ADDRESSES).
                                                       Opportunities to fish for species not
                                                    listed above (i.e., species listed in                                                                                                             U.S. applicants wishing to harvest
                                                                                                                           What information is required in an
                                                    Annex I.A of the 2016 NAFO CEM) but                                                                                                             U.S. allocations using a vessel from
                                                                                                                           application letter?
                                                                                                                                                                                                    another NAFO Contracting Party, or
                                                    occurring within the NAFO Regulatory                                      Expressions of interest should include                                hoping to enter a chartering
                                                    Area may also be available. U.S.                                       a detailed description of anticipated                                    arrangement with a vessel from another
                                                    fishermen interested in fishing for these                              fishing operations in 2016. Descriptions                                 NAFO Contracting Party, should see
                                                    other species should contact the NMFS                                  should include, at a minimum:                                            below for details on U.S. and NAFO
                                                    Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries                                       • Intended target species;                                            requirements for such activities. If you
                                                    Office (see ADDRESSES) for additional                                     • Proposed dates of fishing                                           have further questions regarding what
                                                    information. Authorization to fish for                                 operations;                                                              information is required in an expression
                                                    such species will include permit-related                                  • Vessels to be used to harvest fish,                                 of interest, please contact Patrick Moran
                                                    conditions or restrictions, including but                              including the name, registration, and                                    (see ADDRESSES).
                                                    not limited to, minimum size                                           home port of the intended harvesting
                                                    requirements, bycatch-related measures,                                vessel(s);                                                               What criteria will be used in identifying
                                                    and catch limits. Any such conditions                                     • The number of fishing personnel                                     successful applicants?
                                                    or restrictions will be designed to                                    and their nationality involved in vessel                                    Applicants demonstrating the greatest
                                                    ensure the optimum utilization, long-                                  operations;                                                              benefits to the United States through
                                                    term sustainability, and rational                                         • Intended landing port or ports;                                     their intended operations will be most
                                                    management and conservation of fishery                                 including for ports outside of the United                                successful. Such benefits may include:
                                                    resources in the NAFO Regulatory Area,                                 States, whether or not the product will
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    consistent with the Convention on                                                                                                                  • The use of U.S vessels to harvest
                                                                                                                           be shipped to the United States for
                                                    Future Multilateral Cooperation in the                                                                                                          fish in the NAFO Regulatory Area;
                                                                                                                           processing;
                                                    Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, as well as                                  • Processing facilities to be used;                                      • Detailed, positive impacts on U.S.
                                                    the Amendment to the Convention on                                        • Target market for harvested fish;                                   employment as a result of the fishing,
                                                    Future Multilateral Cooperation in the                                 and                                                                      transport, or processing operations;
                                                    Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, which has                                   • Evidence demonstrating the ability                                     • Use of U.S. processing facilities;
                                                    been adopted by all NAFO Contracting                                   of the applicant to successfully                                            • Transport, marketing, and sales of
                                                    Parties.                                                               prosecute fishing operations in the                                      product within the United States;


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 39 / Monday, February 29, 2016 / Notices                                           10221

                                                       • Other ancillary, demonstrable                      arrangement before the commencement                   another NAFO Contracting Party and
                                                    benefits to U.S. businesses as a result of              of any charter fishing operations. Any                with prior notification to the NAFO
                                                    the fishing operation; and                              U.S. vessel or fishing operation                      Executive Secretary. An applicant may
                                                       • Documentation of the physical                      interested in making use of the                       request to arrange for any of the
                                                    characteristics and economics of the                    chartering provisions of NAFO must                    previously described U.S. opportunities
                                                    fishery for future use by the U.S. fishing              provide at least the following                        to be transferred to another NAFO party,
                                                    industry.                                               information:                                          although such applications will likely
                                                       Other factors we may consider                           • The name and registration number                 be given lesser priority than those that
                                                    include but are not limited to: A                       of the U.S. vessel;                                   involve more direct harvesting or
                                                    documented history of successful                           • A copy of the charter agreement;                 processing by U.S. entities. Applications
                                                    fishing operations in NAFO or other                        • A detailed fishing plan;                         to arrange for a transfer of U.S. fishing
                                                    similar fisheries, the previous                            • A written letter of consent from the             opportunities should contain a letter of
                                                    compliance of the vessel with the NAFO                  applicable NAFO Contracting Party;                    consent from the receiving NAFO
                                                    CEM or other regulatory requirements,                      • The date from which the vessel is
                                                                                                                                                                  Contracting Party, and should also be
                                                    and for those applicants without NAFO                   authorized to commence fishing; and
                                                    or other international fishery history, a                  • The duration of the charter (not to              accompanied by a detailed description
                                                    description of demonstrated harvest,                    exceed six months).                                   of anticipated benefits to the United
                                                    processing, marketing, and regulatory                      Expressions of interest using another              States. As in the case of chartering
                                                    compliance within domestic fisheries.                   NAFO Contracting Party vessel under                   operations, the United States may also
                                                       To ensure equitable access by U.S.                   charter should be accompanied by a                    consider a NAFO Contracting Party’s
                                                    fishing interests, we may provide                       detailed description of anticipated                   previous compliance with NAFO
                                                    additional guidance or procedures, or                   benefits to the United States, as                     bycatch, reporting, and other provisions,
                                                    may issue regulations designed to                       described above. Additional detail on                 as outlined in the NAFO CEM, before
                                                    allocate fishing interests to one or more               chartering arrangements can be found in               entering agreeing to a transfer. More
                                                    U.S. applicants from among qualified                    Article 26 of the 2016 CEM (http://                   details on NAFO requirements for
                                                    applicants. After reviewing all requests                www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/                        transferring NAFO allocations are
                                                    for allocations submitted, we may also                  cem.html).                                            available from Patrick Moran (see
                                                    decide not to grant any allocations if it                  Any vessel from another Contracting                ADDRESSES).
                                                    is determined that no requests                          Party wishing to enter into a chartering
                                                                                                                                                                  What if I want to arrange to receive a
                                                    adequately meet the criteria described                  arrangement with the United States
                                                                                                                                                                  transfer of NAFO quota allocations
                                                    in this notice.                                         must be in full current compliance with
                                                                                                                                                                  from another NAFO party?
                                                                                                            the requirements outlined in the NAFO
                                                    How will I be notified if I am selected
                                                                                                            Convention and CEM. These                                Under NAFO rules in effect for 2016,
                                                    to participate in the 2016 NAFO
                                                                                                            requirements include, but are not                     the United States may receive transfers
                                                    fisheries?
                                                                                                            limited to, submission of the following               of additional fishing opportunities from
                                                       We will provide written responses to                 reports to the NAFO Executive                         other NAFO Contracting Parties. We are
                                                    all applicants notifying them of their                  Secretary:                                            required to provide a letter consenting
                                                    application status and, as needed for                      • Notification that the vessel is                  to such a transfer and must provide
                                                    successful applicants, allocation awards                authorized by its flag state to fish within           notice to the NAFO Executive Secretary.
                                                    will be made as quickly as possible so                  the NAFO Regulatory Area during 2016;                 In the event that an applicant is able to
                                                    that we may notify NAFO and take other                     • Provisional monthly catch reports                arrange for the transfer of additional
                                                    necessary actions to facilitate operations              for all vessels of that NAFO Contracting              fishing opportunities from another
                                                    s in the regulatory area by U.S. fishing                Party operating in the NAFO Regulatory
                                                    interests. Successful applicants will                                                                         NAFO Contracting Party to the United
                                                                                                            Area;
                                                                                                                                                                  States, the U.S. may agree to facilitate
                                                    receive additional information from us                     • Daily catch reports for each day
                                                    on permit conditions and applicable                                                                           such a transfer. However, there is no
                                                                                                            fished by the subject vessel within the
                                                    regulations before starting 2016 fishing                                                                      guarantee that if an applicant has
                                                                                                            Regulatory Area;
                                                    operations.                                                • Observer reports within 30 days                  facilitated the transfer of quota from
                                                                                                            following the completion of a fishing                 another Contracting Party to the United
                                                    What if I want to charter a vessel to fish                                                                    States, such applicant will receive
                                                                                                            trip; and
                                                    available U.S. allocations?                                                                                   authorization to fish for such quota. If
                                                                                                               • An annual statement of actions
                                                       Under the bilateral arrangement with                 taken by its flag state to comply with the            quota is transferred to the United States,
                                                    Canada, the United States may enter                     NAFO Convention.                                      we may need to solicit new applications
                                                    into a chartering (or other) arrangement                   The United States may also consider                for the use of such quota. All applicable
                                                    with a Canadian vessel to harvest the                   the vessel’s previous compliance with                 NAFO requirements for transfers must
                                                    transferred yellowtail flounder. For                    NAFO bycatch, reporting and other                     be met. As in the case of chartering
                                                    other NAFO-regulated species listed in                  provisions, as outlined in the NAFO                   operations, the United States may also
                                                    Annexes I.A and I.B, the United States                  CEM, before authorizing the chartering                consider a NAFO Contracting Party’s
                                                    may enter into a chartering arrangement                 arrangement. More details on NAFO                     previous compliance with NAFO
                                                    with a vessel from any other NAFO                       requirements for chartering operations                bycatch, reporting, and other provisions,
                                                    Contracting Party. Additionally, any                                                                          as outlined in the NAFO CEM, before
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            are available from Patrick Moran (see
                                                    U.S. vessel or fishing operation may                    ADDRESSES).                                           agreeing to accept a transfer. Any
                                                    enter into a chartering arrangement with                                                                      fishing quota or other harvesting
                                                    any other NAFO Contracting Party. The                   What if I want to arrange for a transfer              opportunities received via this type of
                                                    United States and the other Contracting                 of U.S. quota allocations to another                  transfer are subject to all U.S and NAFO
                                                    Party involved in a chartering                          NAFO party?                                           rules as detailed below. For more details
                                                    arrangement must agree to the charter,                    Under NAFO rules in effect for 2016,                on NAFO requirements for transferring
                                                    and the NAFO Executive Secretary must                   the United States may transfer fishing                NAFO allocations, contact Patrick
                                                    be advised of the chartering                            opportunities by mutual agreement with                Moran (see ADDRESSES).


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                                                    10222                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 39 / Monday, February 29, 2016 / Notices

                                                    What rules must I follow while fishing                  Regulatory Area and does not harvest                    Any member of the public that wishes
                                                    in the NAFO regulatory area?                            fish in, or possess fish harvested in, or             to attend this meeting or provide input
                                                      U.S. applicant vessels must be in                     from, the U.S. EEZ;                                   to the USAF SAB must contact the
                                                    possession of, or obtain, a valid HSFCA                    3. When transiting the U.S. EEZ, all               USAF SAB meeting organizer at the
                                                    permit, which is available from the                     gear is properly stowed and not                       phone number or email address listed
                                                    NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional                          available for immediate use as defined                below at least ten working days prior to
                                                    Fisheries Office. All permitted vessels                 under § 648.2; and                                    the meeting date. Please ensure that you
                                                    must comply with all applicable                            4. The vessel operator complies with               submit your written statement in
                                                    provisions of the Convention on Future                  the provisions, conditions, and                       accordance with 41 CFR 102–3.140(c)
                                                    Multilateral Cooperation in the                         restrictions specified on the HSFCA                   and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal
                                                    Northwest Atlantic Fisheries and the                    permit and all NAFO CEM while fishing                 Advisory Committee Act. Statements
                                                    CEM. We reserve the right to impose                     in the NAFO Regulatory Area.                          being submitted in response to the
                                                    additional permit conditions that ensure                  Dated: February 24, 2016.                           agenda mentioned in this notice must be
                                                    compliance with the NAFO Convention                     John H. Henderschedt,
                                                                                                                                                                  received by the USAF SAB meeting
                                                    and the CEM, the Magnuson-Stevens                                                                             organizer at the address listed below at
                                                                                                            Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of
                                                    Fishery Conservation and Management                     International, Affairs and Seafood Inspection.
                                                                                                                                                                  least five calendar days prior to the
                                                    Act and any other applicable law.                                                                             meeting commencement date. The
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–04341 Filed 2–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                      The CEM provisions include, but are                                                                         USAF SAB meeting organizer will
                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
                                                    not limited to:                                                                                               review all timely submissions and
                                                      • Maintaining a fishing logbook with                                                                        respond to them prior to the start of the
                                                    NAFO-designated entries (Annex II.A                                                                           meeting identified in this noice. Written
                                                    and Article 28);                                        DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE                                 statements received after this date may
                                                      • Adhere to NAFO hail system                                                                                not be considered by the USAF SAB
                                                    requirements (Annexes II.D and II.F;                    Department of the Air Force                           until the next scheduled meeting.
                                                    Article 28; Article 30 part B)                                                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
                                                                                                            U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory
                                                      • Carry an approved on-board                          Board Notice of Meeting
                                                                                                                                                                  USAF SAB meeting organizer, Major
                                                    observer consistent with requirements                                                                         Mike Rigoni at, michael.j.rigoni.mil@
                                                    of Article 30 part A;                                   AGENCY: Department of the Air Force,                  mail.mil or 240–612–5504, United
                                                      • Maintain and use a functioning,                     Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.                  States Air Force Scientific Advisory
                                                    autonomous vessel monitoring system                     ACTION: Meeting notice.                               Board, 1500 West Perimeter Road, Ste.
                                                    authorized by issuance of the HSFCA                                                                           #3300, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762.
                                                    permit as required by Articles 29 and                   SUMMARY:   Under the provisions of the
                                                                                                                                                                  Henry Williams,
                                                    30;                                                     Federal Advisory Committee Act of
                                                                                                                                                                  Civ, DAF, Acting Air Force Federal Register
                                                      • All relevant NAFO CEM                               1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended),
                                                                                                                                                                  Liaison Officer.
                                                    requirements including minimum fish                     the Government in the Sunshine Act of
                                                                                                                                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–04305 Filed 2–26–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    sizes, gear, bycatch retention and per-                 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and
                                                                                                            41 CFR 102–3.150, the Department of                   BILLING CODE 5001–10–P
                                                    tow move on provisions for exceeding
                                                    bycatch limits in any one haul/set.                     Defense announces that the United
                                                      Further details regarding U.S. and                    States Air Force (USAF) Scientific
                                                                                                                                                                  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                    NAFO requirements are available from                    Advisory Board (SAB) Spring Board
                                                    the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional                      meeting will take place on 19 April                   Office of the Secretary
                                                    Fisheries Office, and can also be found                 2016 at the 612th Air Operations Center,
                                                    in the 2016 NAFO CEM on the Internet                    located at 2915 S Twelfth AF Drive,                   [Docket ID: DoD–2015–HA–0132]
                                                    (http://www.nafo.int/fisheries/frames/                  Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 85707–4100.
                                                    cem.html).                                              The meeting will occur from 7:30 a.m.–                Submission for OMB Review;
                                                      Note that vessels issued valid HSFCA                  12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 April 2016.                 Comment Request
                                                    permits under 50 CFR part 300 are                       The session open to the general public
                                                    exempt from certain domestic fisheries                  will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.              ACTION:   Notice.
                                                    regulations governing fisheries in the                  on 19 April 2016. The purpose of this                 SUMMARY:   The Department of Defense
                                                    Northeast United States found in 50                     Air Force Scientific Advisory Board                   has submitted to OMB for clearance, the
                                                    CFR part 648: Northeast multispecies                    quarterly meeting is to conduct a                     following proposal for collection of
                                                    and monkfish permit, mesh size, effort-                 midterm review of FY16 SAB studies,                   information under the provisions of the
                                                    control, and possession limit                           which consist of: (1) Directed Energy                 Paperwork Reduction Act.
                                                    restrictions (§§ 648.4, 648.80, 648.82,                 Maturity for Airborne Self-Defense
                                                                                                                                                                  DATES: Consideration will be given to all
                                                    648.86, 648.87, 648.91, 648.92, and                     Applications, (2) Data Analytics to
                                                    648.94) while transiting the U.S.                       Support Operational Decision Making,                  comments received by March 30, 2016.
                                                    exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with                      (3) Responding to Uncertain or Adaptive               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred
                                                    multispecies and/or monkfish on board                   Threats in Electronic Warfare, and (4)                Licari, 571–372–0493.
                                                    the vessel, or landing multispecies and/                Airspace Surveillance to Support A2/                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    or monkfish in U.S. ports that were                     AD Operations. In accordance with 5                     Title, Associated Form and OMB
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    caught while fishing in the NAFO                        U.S.C. 552b, as amended, and 41 CFR                   Number: DD Form 2876, TRICARE
                                                    Regulatory Area, provided:                              102–3.155, a number of sessions of the                Prime Enrollment, Disenrollment, and
                                                      1. The vessel operator has a letter of                USAF SAB Spring Board meeting will                    Primary Care Manager (PCM) Change
                                                    authorization issued by the Regional                    be closed to the public because they will             Form, OMB Control Number 0720–0008.
                                                    Administrator on board the vessel;                      discuss classified information and                      Type of Request: Revision.
                                                      2. For the duration of the trip, the                  matters covered by Section 552b of Title                Number of Respondents: 148,033.
                                                    vessel fishes, except for transiting                    5, United States Code, subsection (c),                  Responses per Respondent: 1.
                                                    purposes, exclusively in the NAFO                       subparagraph (1).                                       Annual Responses: 148,033.


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Document Created: 2016-02-27 02:05:30
Document Modified: 2016-02-27 02:05:30
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotification of U.S. fishing opportunities.
DatesEffective January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016. Expressions of interest regarding fishing opportunities in NAFO will be accepted through March 15, 2016.
ContactMichael Ruccio, (978) 281-9104.
FR Citation81 FR 10218 
RIN Number0648-XE46

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