81_FR_11231 81 FR 11189 - Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

81 FR 11189 - Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 42 (March 3, 2016)

Page Range11189-11192
FR Document2016-04612

NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) announce their intent to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to analyze the impacts on the human (biological, physical, social, and economic) environment of gear changes in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery's Trawl Catch Share Program, also called the Trawl Rationalization Program. This notice also requests written comment.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11189-11192]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04612]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE456


Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Intent To Prepare 
an Environmental Impact Statement

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

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
(EIS); request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) 
announce their intent to prepare an EIS in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to analyze the impacts on the 
human (biological, physical, social, and economic) environment of gear 
changes in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery's Trawl Catch Share 
Program, also called the Trawl Rationalization Program. This notice 
also requests written comment.

DATES: Public scoping will be conducted through this notice. Comments 
must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on April 4, 2016 (see 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and alternatives by any of 
the following methods:
     Email: [email protected].
     Mail: Submit written comments to William W. Stelle, Jr., 
Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way 
NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070; Attn: Jamie Goen.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamie Goen, NMFS West Coast Region at 
206-526-4656 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background for Agency Action

    There are more than 90 species managed under the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (Groundfish FMP). These groundfish 
stocks support an array of commercial, recreational, and tribal fishing 
interests in state and Federal waters off the coasts of Washington, 
Oregon, and California. In addition, groundfish are harvested 
incidentally in non-groundfish fisheries; most notably, the trawl 
fisheries for pink shrimp and California halibut.
    The Trawl Catch Share Program was implemented in 2011, changing how 
the groundfish limited entry trawl fishery is managed. The Trawl Catch 
Share Program replaced the need for some, but not all, of the trip-
limit structure in Federal regulations, and modified regulations for 
the at-sea fleets. Some of the remaining pre-Trawl Catch Share Program 
regulations may unnecessarily constrain harvest efficiency and 
effectiveness under a catch share framework. Pre-Trawl Catch Share 
Program regulations that managed the fleet as a whole may need to be 
updated or may no longer be appropriate for managing individuals 
operating under the incentives provided by catch shares.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action is to revise groundfish gear regulations for 
the Trawl Catch Share Program, including trawl gear configuration and 
gear use. The proposed action may include the following gear regulation 
changes:
     Loosening or eliminating the minimum mesh size requirement 
for bottom trawl;
     Updating the procedure for measuring mesh sizes;
     Loosening or eliminating cod-end regulations;
     Loosening or eliminating selective flatfish trawl gear 
requirements and restrictions (Large and small footrope distinctions 
would remain.);
     Loosening or eliminating chafing gear regulations;
     Allowing vessels to carry and/or use multiple gear types 
on a single trip;
     Allowing a gear to be fished in multiple management areas 
on the same trip; and
     Allowing a vessel's next gear deployment to start before 
all fish from the previous deployment have been stowed.
    The proposed action may affect fishing in the Trawl Catch Share 
Program by any or all of the gear types that participate in the 
fishery, including bottom trawl (small and large footrope),

[[Page 11190]]

midwater trawl, and legal groundfish nontrawl gear. The intent of the 
proposed action is to further the goals of Amendment 20 to the 
Groundfish FMP and the Trawl Catch Share Program consistent with 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements 
and other applicable laws.

Alternatives

    NEPA requires that agencies evaluate reasonable alternatives to the 
proposed action, which address the purpose and need for agency action. 
The Council adopted a preliminary range of alternatives for analysis 
and public review at its September 2015 meeting, and further refined 
the range at its November 2015 meeting.
    The range of alternatives for this action are organized within 
eight gear-related issues (Issue A through Issue H) and parallel the 
bulleted list in the ``Proposed Action'' section. The range of 
alternatives for each issue is described below. The Council is 
currently scheduled to select a final preferred alternative at its 
March 8-14, 2016, meeting. However, there is a possibility that final 
Council decision-making could occur at its April or June meetings.
Issue A--Minimum Mesh Size
    Mesh size requirements are intended to reduce the catch of juvenile 
and small unmarketable fish. This action would change the minimum mesh 
size for bottom trawl and midwater trawl. Alternative A1 (No-action) 
would continue to be 4.5 inches for bottom trawl and 3 inches for 
midwater trawl. Alternative A2 would shift the minimum mesh size to 4 
inches for bottom trawl only. Alternative A3 would not specify a 
minimum mesh size for bottom trawl or midwater trawl.
Issue B--Measuring Mesh Size
    The alternatives under Issue B apply to how mesh size is measured 
and could apply to any of the minimum mesh size alternatives under 
Issue A. Alternative B1 (No-action) would continue to measure trawl 
mesh size between the inside of the one knot to the inside of the 
opposing knot, regardless of twine size. Alternative B2 would measure 
the opening between opposing knots or, in knotless webbing, between 
opposing corners, regardless of twine size.
Issue C--Codend
    The codend is the terminal, closed end of a trawl net. Alternative 
C1 (No-action) would require only single-walled codends in any trawl. 
Double-walled codends would still be prohibited. Alternative C2 would 
remove codend restrictions from Federal regulations.
Issue D--Selective Flatfish Trawl
    Selective flatfish trawl (SFFT) is a type of small footrope trawl. 
Alternative D1 (No-action) would require a two-seamed net with no more 
than two riblines, excluding the codend. The breastline would remain no 
longer than 3 feet. No floats along the center third of the headrope or 
attached to the top panel would be allowed, except on riblines. The 
footrope would be less than 105 feet long. The headrope would not be 
less than 30 percent longer than the footrope under this alternative. 
The areas fished with SFFT are as follows (Sec.  660.130(c)(2)(i)):
     North of 40[deg]10' N. latitude, selective flatfish gear 
is required shoreward of the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA).
     South of 40[deg]10' N. latitude, selective flatfish gear 
is permitted, but not required, shoreward of the RCA.
     The use of selective flatfish trawl gear is permitted 
seaward of the RCA coastwide.
    Alternative D2 would modify the SFFT definition to allow a two-seam 
or a four-seam net. Areas fished would remain as stated in the No-
action Alternative.
    Alternative D3 would modify the SFFT definition to allow a two-seam 
or a four-seam net. The SSFT requirement shoreward of the RCA north of 
40[deg]10' N. latitude would be eliminated. It would be replaced with a 
small footrope requirement (like the requirement south of 40[deg]10' N. 
latitude). Requirements shoreward of the RCA south of 40[deg]10' N. 
latitude and seaward of the RCA coastwide would remain as stated in the 
No-action Alternative.
Issue E--Chafing Gear
    Chafing gear is webbing or other material attached to the codend to 
protect it from wear. The decision on codends under Issue C 
(Alternatives C1 and C2) may affect the issue of chafing gear should 
Alternative C2 be chosen. Alternative C2 would allow double-walled 
codends, and chafing gear could be used to create a double-walled 
codend.
    Alternative E1 (No-action) would continue to have chafing gear for 
bottom trawl encircle no more than 50 percent of the net's 
circumference and could be in one or more sections. It could be used on 
only the last 50 meshes, measured from the terminal edge (closed end) 
of the codend. Only the front edge (that closest to the open end of the 
codend) and sides of each section of chafing gear could be attached to 
the codend. Except at the corners, the terminal edge (that edge closest 
to the closed end of the codend) of each section of chafing gear could 
not be attached to the net. The chafing gear would have to be attached 
outside of any riblines and restraining straps.
    Alternative E2 would align bottom trawl chafing gear restrictions 
with recent changes to midwater trawl chafing gear restrictions 
specified in regulation at 50 CFR 660.130(b)(4)(i) and (ii). These 
changes would allow the chafing gear to cover more of the codend than 
the No-action Alternative. Generally, the bottom trawl chafing gear 
restriction would be revised to read as follows:

    Chafing gear may cover the bottom and sides of the codend in 
either one or more sections. Only the front edge (edge closest to 
the open end of the codend) and sides of each section of chafing 
gear may be attached to the codend; except at the corners, the 
terminal edge (edge closest to the closed end of the codend) of each 
section of chafing gear must not be attached to the net. Chafing 
gear is not permitted on the top codend panel except that a band of 
mesh (a ``skirt'') may encircle the net under or over transfer 
cables, lifting or splitting straps (chokers), riblines, and 
restraining straps, but must be the same mesh size and coincide 
knot-to-knot with the net to which it is attached and be no wider 
than 16 meshes.

    Alternative E3 would eliminate chafing gear restrictions for bottom 
trawl and midwater trawl gear. Chafing gear could be used, but 
regulations would not restrict how much of the codend or net it covers 
nor where it is connected to the net.
Issue F--Multiple Gears
    A vessel may carry a number of different gears while participating 
in the groundfish trawl sector. This issue considers allowing multiple 
types of fishing gear on the vessel during a single trip. The term 
``fixed gear'' as used in Issue F is shorthand for all legal groundfish 
non-trawl gear. Under the gear switching provision in the Shorebased 
Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program, several fixed gears are 
permissible. As stated in the regulations at Sec.  660.130(k) on gear 
switching, participants can also fish for IFQ species ``using any legal 
groundfish non-trawl gear.'' Referring to the definitions section at 
Sec.  660.11 in Federal regulations, legal groundfish non-trawl gear 
includes non-trawl gear used by both the limited entry fixed gear and 
open access fisheries as follows:
     Longline,
     trap or pot,

[[Page 11191]]

     set net (anchored gillnet or trammel net, which are 
permissible south of 38[deg] N. lat. only),
     hook-and-line (fixed or mobile, including commercial 
vertical hook-and-line), and
     spear.
    Alternative F1 (No-action) would restrict vessels to one type of 
trawl gear (bottom or midwater) onboard per trip. For bottom trawl 
gear, both small footrope and large footrope could be on the vessel and 
fished during a single fishing trip. Multiple fixed gear types would be 
allowed onboard each trip. Trawl gear and fixed gear would not be 
permitted onboard during the same trip. Only one type of gear can be 
fished per trip.
    Alternative F2 would allow multiple trawl gear types (bottom and 
midwater) onboard on the same trip. The same as under the No-action 
Alternative, multiple fixed gear types would be allowed onboard during 
each trip. Trawl vessels would not be allowed to have trawl and fixed 
gear onboard on the same trip. Vessel operators could use only one gear 
type per trip (bottom trawl, midwater trawl, or fixed gear). For bottom 
trawl gear, both small footrope and large footrope could be fished 
during a single fishing trip.
    Alternative F3 would allow multiple gear types onboard on the same 
trip. In addition, they could be used on the same trip as follows:
     Gear Type Sub-option A: Any trawl gear could be used 
(bottom and midwater).
     Gear Type Sub-option B: Any legal IFQ groundfish gear 
could be used.
     Sorting Sub-option A: Vessel operators must separate catch 
by gear type. Landings must be recorded on a separate electronic fish 
ticket by gear type.
     Sorting Sub-option B: Catch by gear type could be 
comingled.
    Under Alternative F3, gear type sub-options would be independent of 
sorting options.
Issue G--Fishing in Multiple IFQ Management Areas
    The Shorebased IFQ Program includes IFQ management areas, specified 
in regulation at Sec.  660.140(c)(2), that are based on the stock 
information for select species, harvest allocations, and the 
corresponding quota share for species. The IFQ management areas are as 
follows:
     Between the U.S./Canada border and 40[deg]10' N. latitude,
     Between 40[deg]10' N. latitude and 36[deg] N. latitude,
     Between 36[deg] N. latitude and 34[deg]27' N. latitude, 
and
     Between 34[deg]27' N. latitude and the U.S./Mexico border.
    Alternative G1 (No-action) would maintain the restriction that 
vessels participating in the Shorebased IFQ Program may not fish in 
more than one IFQ management area on the same trip.
    Alternative G2 would allow fishing in multiple IFQ management areas 
on the same trip. This would create opportunities to shift from one 
management area to another during a fishing trip. If retaining catch 
from multiple IFQ management areas on a single trip, then the catch 
would have to be sorted by IFQ management area and recorded on separate 
electronic fish tickets.
Issue H--Fishing Before Previous Catch Is Stowed
    To track catch accurately to the haul level, regulations require 
previous catch to be stowed before a new haul is brought onboard the 
vessel. Alternative H1 (No-action) would continue to prohibit vessels 
in the Shorebased IFQ Program from bringing a haul on board before all 
catch from the previous haul has been stowed. Alternative H2, in the 
Shorebased IFQ Program, would allow a new haul to be brought onboard 
and dumped on deck before all catch from the previous haul has been 
stowed. Catch from different hauls would have to be kept separate until 
the observers could complete their collection of catch for sampling.

Preliminary Identification of Environmental Issues

    A principal objective of the scoping and public input process is to 
identify potentially significant impacts to the human environment that 
should be analyzed in depth in the EIS. If, during the preparation of 
this EIS, NMFS determines that a finding of no significant impact can 
be supported, it may prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) and issue 
a retraction of this notice. Alternatively, NMFS may still continue 
with the preparation of an EIS. Information and analysis prepared for 
this action also may be used when scoping future groundfish actions to 
help decide whether to prepare an EA or EIS.
    Some alternatives may have significant impacts on the human 
environment. The proposed action to change mesh size, change codend 
restrictions, and eliminate selective flatfish trawl gear may 
negatively impact some species listed under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA), including salmon and eulachon. In addition, there may be an 
impact on stock productivity for many species if changing the trawl 
mesh size or removing codend restrictions causes smaller fish to be 
harvested. There may be increased uncertainty in total mortality 
estimates for all species from allowing multiple gears to be fished 
during a trip. The EIS will also consider the cumulative effects of the 
proposed action with any past, present or reasonably foreseeable future 
actions. In particular, the gear changes in the Trawl Catch share 
Program will need to be considered in light of upcoming changes to 
monitoring with electronic monitoring and changes to habitat and 
overfished species protections with Essential Fish Habitat and RCA 
actions. Through the public scoping process and as the EIS is drafted, 
additional potentially significant impacts may be identified.

Request for Comments

    NMFS provides this notice to: (1) Advise the public and other 
agencies of its plans to analyze effects related to the action, and (2) 
obtain suggestions and information that may be useful to the scope of 
issues and the full range of alternatives to include in the EIS.
    NMFS invites comment from all interested parties to ensure that the 
full range of issues related to gear changes in the Pacific Coast 
Groundfish Fishery's Trawl Catch Share Program are identified. NMFS is 
specifically inviting comments on the proposed alternatives described 
above. In addition, NMFS invites comments on the potential impacts of 
these alternatives and further details of how fishermen are likely to 
operate under these alternatives. For example, NMFS invites comments on 
the potential impacts of the alternatives given changes being 
considered by the Council on electronic monitoring, essential fish 
habitat, and rockfish conservation areas. Comments should be as 
specific as possible.
    Written comments concerning the proposed action and the 
environmental review should be directed to NMFS as described above (see 
ADDRESSES). All comments and materials received, including names and 
addresses, will become part of the administrative record and may be 
released to the public.

Public Scoping Process

    Public scoping will be conducted through this notice. In addition, 
further participation by the public will occur throughout the Council's 
decision-making process. All decisions during the Council process 
benefit from written and oral public comments delivered prior to or 
during the Council meeting. These public comments are considered

[[Page 11192]]

integral to scoping for developing this EIS. Future Council meetings 
that offer opportunities for public involvement include the March 8-14, 
2016, meeting in Sacramento, California (DoubleTree by Hilton 
Sacramento, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815). Other future 
opportunities for public involvement may arise and will be posted in 
the Council Briefing Book (on the Council's Web site (http://www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/briefing-books/) prior to the 
meeting. For further information on these meetings, visit the Council's 
Web site, http://www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/council-meetings/future-meetings/.

Special Accommodations

    The Council meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other 
auxiliary aids should be directed to Kris Kleinschmidt at 
[email protected] or (503) 820-2280 at least 5 days prior to 
the meeting date.

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

    Dated: February 26, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-04612 Filed 3-2-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Notices                                                                                                11189

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Amended
                                                                                                                                              Company                                                                                                        subsidy rate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              (percent)

                                                  Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper TBK/Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia/PT Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills ..........................................................                                                              109.14
                                                  All-Others .............................................................................................................................................................................................          21.21



                                                  People’s Republic of China

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Subsidy rate
                                                                                                                                              Company                                                                                                         (percent)

                                                  Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper Co., Ltd. (AS Guangdong), Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. (AS Shandong),
                                                     Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Omya Minerals Co., Ltd. (AS Omya), and Greenpoint Global Trading (Macao Commercial Off-
                                                     shore) Limited (Greenpoint) (collectively, Asia Symbol Companies) ..............................................................................................                                                 7.23
                                                  Shandong Sun Paper Industry Joint Stock Co., Ltd. (Shandong Sun Paper), and Sun Paper (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (Sun Paper
                                                     HK) (collectively, Sun Paper Companies) .......................................................................................................................................                               176.75
                                                  UPM (China) Co. Ltd. (UPM) ..............................................................................................................................................................                        176.75
                                                  All-Others .............................................................................................................................................................................................           7.23



                                                    This notice constitutes the CVD                                           also called the Trawl Rationalization                                        not all, of the trip-limit structure in
                                                  orders with respect to certain uncoated                                     Program. This notice also requests                                           Federal regulations, and modified
                                                  paper from Indonesia and the PRC,                                           written comment.                                                             regulations for the at-sea fleets. Some of
                                                  pursuant to section 706(a) of the Act.                                      DATES: Public scoping will be conducted                                      the remaining pre-Trawl Catch Share
                                                  Interested parties may contact the                                          through this notice. Comments must be                                        Program regulations may unnecessarily
                                                  Department’s Central Records Unit,                                          received by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard                                          constrain harvest efficiency and
                                                  Room B8024 of the main Commerce                                             Time on April 4, 2016 (see                                                   effectiveness under a catch share
                                                  Building, for a copy of an updated list                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).                                                  framework. Pre-Trawl Catch Share
                                                  of CVD orders currently in effect.                                          ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                                           Program regulations that managed the
                                                    These orders are issued and published                                                                                                                  fleet as a whole may need to be updated
                                                                                                                              on issues and alternatives by any of the
                                                  in accordance with section 706(a) of the                                                                                                                 or may no longer be appropriate for
                                                                                                                              following methods:
                                                  Act and 19 CFR 351.211(b).                                                                                                                               managing individuals operating under
                                                                                                                                • Email: groundfish.gearEIS@
                                                    Dated: February 25, 2016.                                                 noaa.gov.                                                                    the incentives provided by catch shares.
                                                  Paul Piquado,                                                                 • Mail: Submit written comments to                                         Proposed Action
                                                  Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and                                     William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional
                                                  Compliance.                                                                 Administrator, West Coast Region,                                               The proposed action is to revise
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–04717 Filed 3–2–16; 8:45 am]                                  NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE.,                                               groundfish gear regulations for the
                                                                                                                              Seattle, WA 98115–0070; Attn: Jamie                                          Trawl Catch Share Program, including
                                                  BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
                                                                                                                              Goen.                                                                        trawl gear configuration and gear use.
                                                                                                                                Instructions: Comments sent by any                                         The proposed action may include the
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                                      other method, to any other address or                                        following gear regulation changes:
                                                                                                                              individual, or received after the end of                                        • Loosening or eliminating the
                                                  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                                            the comment period, may not be                                               minimum mesh size requirement for
                                                  Administration                                                              considered by NMFS.                                                          bottom trawl;
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Updating the procedure for
                                                  RIN 0648–XE456                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                             measuring mesh sizes;
                                                                                                                              Jamie Goen, NMFS West Coast Region at                                           • Loosening or eliminating cod-end
                                                  Pacific Fishery Management Council;                                         206–526–4656 or jamie.goen@noaa.gov.                                         regulations;
                                                  Notice of Intent To Prepare an                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                      • Loosening or eliminating selective
                                                  Environmental Impact Statement
                                                                                                                              Background for Agency Action                                                 flatfish trawl gear requirements and
                                                  AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries                                                                                                                       restrictions (Large and small footrope
                                                  Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                                          There are more than 90 species                                             distinctions would remain.);
                                                  Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                                          managed under the Pacific Coast                                                 • Loosening or eliminating chafing
                                                  Commerce.                                                                   Groundfish Fishery Management Plan                                           gear regulations;
                                                  ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an                                      (Groundfish FMP). These groundfish                                              • Allowing vessels to carry and/or
                                                  environmental impact statement (EIS);                                       stocks support an array of commercial,                                       use multiple gear types on a single trip;
                                                  request for comments.                                                       recreational, and tribal fishing interests                                      • Allowing a gear to be fished in
                                                                                                                              in state and Federal waters off the coasts                                   multiple management areas on the same
                                                  SUMMARY:   NMFS and the Pacific Fishery                                     of Washington, Oregon, and California.                                       trip; and
                                                  Management Council (Council)                                                In addition, groundfish are harvested                                           • Allowing a vessel’s next gear
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  announce their intent to prepare an EIS                                     incidentally in non-groundfish fisheries;                                    deployment to start before all fish from
                                                  in accordance with the National                                             most notably, the trawl fisheries for                                        the previous deployment have been
                                                  Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of                                          pink shrimp and California halibut.                                          stowed.
                                                  1969 to analyze the impacts on the                                            The Trawl Catch Share Program was                                             The proposed action may affect
                                                  human (biological, physical, social, and                                    implemented in 2011, changing how the                                        fishing in the Trawl Catch Share
                                                  economic) environment of gear changes                                       groundfish limited entry trawl fishery is                                    Program by any or all of the gear types
                                                  in the Pacific Coast Groundfish                                             managed. The Trawl Catch Share                                               that participate in the fishery, including
                                                  Fishery’s Trawl Catch Share Program,                                        Program replaced the need for some, but                                      bottom trawl (small and large footrope),


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014         19:17 Mar 02, 2016          Jkt 238001       PO 00000        Frm 00017       Fmt 4703       Sfmt 4703       E:\FR\FM\03MRN1.SGM                03MRN1


                                                  11190                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Notices

                                                  midwater trawl, and legal groundfish                    prohibited. Alternative C2 would                      could be attached to the codend. Except
                                                  nontrawl gear. The intent of the                        remove codend restrictions from Federal               at the corners, the terminal edge (that
                                                  proposed action is to further the goals                 regulations.                                          edge closest to the closed end of the
                                                  of Amendment 20 to the Groundfish                                                                             codend) of each section of chafing gear
                                                                                                          Issue D—Selective Flatfish Trawl
                                                  FMP and the Trawl Catch Share                                                                                 could not be attached to the net. The
                                                  Program consistent with Magnuson-                          Selective flatfish trawl (SFFT) is a               chafing gear would have to be attached
                                                  Stevens Fishery Conservation and                        type of small footrope trawl. Alternative             outside of any riblines and restraining
                                                  Management Act requirements and                         D1 (No-action) would require a two-                   straps.
                                                  other applicable laws.                                  seamed net with no more than two                         Alternative E2 would align bottom
                                                                                                          riblines, excluding the codend. The                   trawl chafing gear restrictions with
                                                  Alternatives                                            breastline would remain no longer than                recent changes to midwater trawl
                                                     NEPA requires that agencies evaluate                 3 feet. No floats along the center third              chafing gear restrictions specified in
                                                  reasonable alternatives to the proposed                 of the headrope or attached to the top                regulation at 50 CFR 660.130(b)(4)(i)
                                                  action, which address the purpose and                   panel would be allowed, except on                     and (ii). These changes would allow the
                                                  need for agency action. The Council                     riblines. The footrope would be less                  chafing gear to cover more of the codend
                                                  adopted a preliminary range of                          than 105 feet long. The headrope would                than the No-action Alternative.
                                                  alternatives for analysis and public                    not be less than 30 percent longer than               Generally, the bottom trawl chafing gear
                                                  review at its September 2015 meeting,                   the footrope under this alternative. The              restriction would be revised to read as
                                                  and further refined the range at its                    areas fished with SFFT are as follows                 follows:
                                                  November 2015 meeting.                                  (§ 660.130(c)(2)(i)):
                                                     The range of alternatives for this                      • North of 40°10′ N. latitude,                        Chafing gear may cover the bottom and
                                                  action are organized within eight gear-                 selective flatfish gear is required                   sides of the codend in either one or more
                                                  related issues (Issue A through Issue H)                shoreward of the Rockfish Conservation                sections. Only the front edge (edge closest to
                                                                                                                                                                the open end of the codend) and sides of
                                                  and parallel the bulleted list in the                   Area (RCA).                                           each section of chafing gear may be attached
                                                  ‘‘Proposed Action’’ section. The range of                  • South of 40°10′ N. latitude,                     to the codend; except at the corners, the
                                                  alternatives for each issue is described                selective flatfish gear is permitted, but             terminal edge (edge closest to the closed end
                                                  below. The Council is currently                         not required, shoreward of the RCA.                   of the codend) of each section of chafing gear
                                                  scheduled to select a final preferred                      • The use of selective flatfish trawl              must not be attached to the net. Chafing gear
                                                  alternative at its March 8–14, 2016,                    gear is permitted seaward of the RCA                  is not permitted on the top codend panel
                                                  meeting. However, there is a possibility                coastwide.                                            except that a band of mesh (a ‘‘skirt’’) may
                                                  that final Council decision-making                         Alternative D2 would modify the                    encircle the net under or over transfer cables,
                                                  could occur at its April or June                        SFFT definition to allow a two-seam or                lifting or splitting straps (chokers), riblines,
                                                                                                          a four-seam net. Areas fished would                   and restraining straps, but must be the same
                                                  meetings.                                                                                                     mesh size and coincide knot-to-knot with the
                                                                                                          remain as stated in the No-action
                                                  Issue A—Minimum Mesh Size                                                                                     net to which it is attached and be no wider
                                                                                                          Alternative.                                          than 16 meshes.
                                                     Mesh size requirements are intended                     Alternative D3 would modify the
                                                  to reduce the catch of juvenile and small               SFFT definition to allow a two-seam or                   Alternative E3 would eliminate
                                                  unmarketable fish. This action would                    a four-seam net. The SSFT requirement                 chafing gear restrictions for bottom
                                                  change the minimum mesh size for                        shoreward of the RCA north of 40°10′ N.               trawl and midwater trawl gear. Chafing
                                                  bottom trawl and midwater trawl.                        latitude would be eliminated. It would                gear could be used, but regulations
                                                  Alternative A1 (No-action) would                        be replaced with a small footrope                     would not restrict how much of the
                                                  continue to be 4.5 inches for bottom                    requirement (like the requirement south               codend or net it covers nor where it is
                                                  trawl and 3 inches for midwater trawl.                  of 40°10′ N. latitude). Requirements                  connected to the net.
                                                  Alternative A2 would shift the                          shoreward of the RCA south of 40°10′ N.
                                                                                                          latitude and seaward of the RCA                       Issue F—Multiple Gears
                                                  minimum mesh size to 4 inches for
                                                  bottom trawl only. Alternative A3                       coastwide would remain as stated in the                  A vessel may carry a number of
                                                  would not specify a minimum mesh size                   No-action Alternative.                                different gears while participating in the
                                                  for bottom trawl or midwater trawl.                     Issue E—Chafing Gear                                  groundfish trawl sector. This issue
                                                  Issue B—Measuring Mesh Size                                                                                   considers allowing multiple types of
                                                                                                             Chafing gear is webbing or other
                                                                                                                                                                fishing gear on the vessel during a single
                                                     The alternatives under Issue B apply                 material attached to the codend to
                                                                                                                                                                trip. The term ‘‘fixed gear’’ as used in
                                                  to how mesh size is measured and could                  protect it from wear. The decision on
                                                                                                                                                                Issue F is shorthand for all legal
                                                  apply to any of the minimum mesh size                   codends under Issue C (Alternatives C1
                                                                                                                                                                groundfish non-trawl gear. Under the
                                                  alternatives under Issue A. Alternative                 and C2) may affect the issue of chafing
                                                                                                                                                                gear switching provision in the
                                                  B1 (No-action) would continue to                        gear should Alternative C2 be chosen.
                                                                                                                                                                Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota
                                                  measure trawl mesh size between the                     Alternative C2 would allow double-
                                                                                                                                                                (IFQ) Program, several fixed gears are
                                                  inside of the one knot to the inside of                 walled codends, and chafing gear could
                                                                                                                                                                permissible. As stated in the regulations
                                                  the opposing knot, regardless of twine                  be used to create a double-walled
                                                                                                                                                                at § 660.130(k) on gear switching,
                                                  size. Alternative B2 would measure the                  codend.
                                                                                                                                                                participants can also fish for IFQ species
                                                  opening between opposing knots or, in                      Alternative E1 (No-action) would
                                                                                                                                                                ‘‘using any legal groundfish non-trawl
                                                  knotless webbing, between opposing                      continue to have chafing gear for bottom
                                                                                                                                                                gear.’’ Referring to the definitions
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                                                  corners, regardless of twine size.                      trawl encircle no more than 50 percent
                                                                                                                                                                section at § 660.11 in Federal
                                                                                                          of the net’s circumference and could be
                                                  Issue C—Codend                                                                                                regulations, legal groundfish non-trawl
                                                                                                          in one or more sections. It could be used
                                                                                                                                                                gear includes non-trawl gear used by
                                                     The codend is the terminal, closed                   on only the last 50 meshes, measured
                                                                                                                                                                both the limited entry fixed gear and
                                                  end of a trawl net. Alternative C1 (No-                 from the terminal edge (closed end) of
                                                                                                                                                                open access fisheries as follows:
                                                  action) would require only single-                      the codend. Only the front edge (that
                                                  walled codends in any trawl. Double-                    closest to the open end of the codend)                   • Longline,
                                                  walled codends would still be                           and sides of each section of chafing gear                • trap or pot,


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Notices                                             11191

                                                     • set net (anchored gillnet or trammel                  • Between 34°27′ N. latitude and the               changing the trawl mesh size or
                                                  net, which are permissible south of 38°                 U.S./Mexico border.                                   removing codend restrictions causes
                                                  N. lat. only),                                             Alternative G1 (No-action) would                   smaller fish to be harvested. There may
                                                     • hook-and-line (fixed or mobile,                    maintain the restriction that vessels                 be increased uncertainty in total
                                                  including commercial vertical hook-                     participating in the Shorebased IFQ                   mortality estimates for all species from
                                                  and-line), and                                          Program may not fish in more than one                 allowing multiple gears to be fished
                                                     • spear.                                             IFQ management area on the same trip.                 during a trip. The EIS will also consider
                                                     Alternative F1 (No-action) would                        Alternative G2 would allow fishing in              the cumulative effects of the proposed
                                                  restrict vessels to one type of trawl gear              multiple IFQ management areas on the                  action with any past, present or
                                                  (bottom or midwater) onboard per trip.                  same trip. This would create                          reasonably foreseeable future actions. In
                                                  For bottom trawl gear, both small                       opportunities to shift from one                       particular, the gear changes in the Trawl
                                                  footrope and large footrope could be on                 management area to another during a                   Catch share Program will need to be
                                                  the vessel and fished during a single                   fishing trip. If retaining catch from                 considered in light of upcoming changes
                                                  fishing trip. Multiple fixed gear types                 multiple IFQ management areas on a                    to monitoring with electronic
                                                  would be allowed onboard each trip.                     single trip, then the catch would have                monitoring and changes to habitat and
                                                  Trawl gear and fixed gear would not be                  to be sorted by IFQ management area                   overfished species protections with
                                                  permitted onboard during the same trip.                 and recorded on separate electronic fish              Essential Fish Habitat and RCA actions.
                                                  Only one type of gear can be fished per                 tickets.                                              Through the public scoping process and
                                                  trip.                                                   Issue H—Fishing Before Previous Catch                 as the EIS is drafted, additional
                                                     Alternative F2 would allow multiple                  Is Stowed                                             potentially significant impacts may be
                                                  trawl gear types (bottom and midwater)                                                                        identified.
                                                  onboard on the same trip. The same as                      To track catch accurately to the haul
                                                                                                          level, regulations require previous catch             Request for Comments
                                                  under the No-action Alternative,
                                                  multiple fixed gear types would be                      to be stowed before a new haul is                        NMFS provides this notice to: (1)
                                                  allowed onboard during each trip. Trawl                 brought onboard the vessel. Alternative               Advise the public and other agencies of
                                                  vessels would not be allowed to have                    H1 (No-action) would continue to                      its plans to analyze effects related to the
                                                  trawl and fixed gear onboard on the                     prohibit vessels in the Shorebased IFQ                action, and (2) obtain suggestions and
                                                  same trip. Vessel operators could use                   Program from bringing a haul on board                 information that may be useful to the
                                                  only one gear type per trip (bottom                     before all catch from the previous haul               scope of issues and the full range of
                                                  trawl, midwater trawl, or fixed gear).                  has been stowed. Alternative H2, in the               alternatives to include in the EIS.
                                                  For bottom trawl gear, both small                       Shorebased IFQ Program, would allow a                    NMFS invites comment from all
                                                  footrope and large footrope could be                    new haul to be brought onboard and                    interested parties to ensure that the full
                                                  fished during a single fishing trip.                    dumped on deck before all catch from                  range of issues related to gear changes
                                                     Alternative F3 would allow multiple                  the previous haul has been stowed.                    in the Pacific Coast Groundfish
                                                  gear types onboard on the same trip. In                 Catch from different hauls would have                 Fishery’s Trawl Catch Share Program
                                                  addition, they could be used on the                     to be kept separate until the observers               are identified. NMFS is specifically
                                                  same trip as follows:                                   could complete their collection of catch              inviting comments on the proposed
                                                     • Gear Type Sub-option A: Any trawl                  for sampling.                                         alternatives described above. In
                                                  gear could be used (bottom and                                                                                addition, NMFS invites comments on
                                                                                                          Preliminary Identification of
                                                  midwater).                                                                                                    the potential impacts of these
                                                                                                          Environmental Issues
                                                     • Gear Type Sub-option B: Any legal                                                                        alternatives and further details of how
                                                  IFQ groundfish gear could be used.                         A principal objective of the scoping               fishermen are likely to operate under
                                                     • Sorting Sub-option A: Vessel                       and public input process is to identify               these alternatives. For example, NMFS
                                                  operators must separate catch by gear                   potentially significant impacts to the                invites comments on the potential
                                                  type. Landings must be recorded on a                    human environment that should be                      impacts of the alternatives given
                                                  separate electronic fish ticket by gear                 analyzed in depth in the EIS. If, during              changes being considered by the
                                                  type.                                                   the preparation of this EIS, NMFS                     Council on electronic monitoring,
                                                     • Sorting Sub-option B: Catch by gear                determines that a finding of no                       essential fish habitat, and rockfish
                                                  type could be comingled.                                significant impact can be supported, it               conservation areas. Comments should
                                                     Under Alternative F3, gear type sub-                 may prepare an Environmental                          be as specific as possible.
                                                  options would be independent of                         Assessment (EA) and issue a retraction                   Written comments concerning the
                                                  sorting options.                                        of this notice. Alternatively, NMFS may               proposed action and the environmental
                                                                                                          still continue with the preparation of an             review should be directed to NMFS as
                                                  Issue G—Fishing in Multiple IFQ                         EIS. Information and analysis prepared                described above (see ADDRESSES). All
                                                  Management Areas                                        for this action also may be used when                 comments and materials received,
                                                     The Shorebased IFQ Program includes                  scoping future groundfish actions to                  including names and addresses, will
                                                  IFQ management areas, specified in                      help decide whether to prepare an EA                  become part of the administrative record
                                                  regulation at § 660.140(c)(2), that are                 or EIS.                                               and may be released to the public.
                                                  based on the stock information for select                  Some alternatives may have
                                                                                                          significant impacts on the human                      Public Scoping Process
                                                  species, harvest allocations, and the
                                                  corresponding quota share for species.                  environment. The proposed action to                     Public scoping will be conducted
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                                                  The IFQ management areas are as                         change mesh size, change codend                       through this notice. In addition, further
                                                  follows:                                                restrictions, and eliminate selective                 participation by the public will occur
                                                     • Between the U.S./Canada border                     flatfish trawl gear may negatively                    throughout the Council’s decision-
                                                  and 40°10′ N. latitude,                                 impact some species listed under the                  making process. All decisions during
                                                     • Between 40°10′ N. latitude and 36°                 Endangered Species Act (ESA),                         the Council process benefit from written
                                                  N. latitude,                                            including salmon and eulachon. In                     and oral public comments delivered
                                                     • Between 36° N. latitude and 34°27′                 addition, there may be an impact on                   prior to or during the Council meeting.
                                                  N. latitude, and                                        stock productivity for many species if                These public comments are considered


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                                                  11192                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Notices

                                                  integral to scoping for developing this                    Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery              jointly, to NMFS pursuant to the
                                                  EIS. Future Council meetings that offer                 Management Council, 800 N. State                      limitation on take prohibitions for
                                                  opportunities for public involvement                    Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901;                   actions conducted under Limit 6 of the
                                                  include the March 8–14, 2016, meeting                   telephone: (302) 674–2331 or on their                 4(d) Rule for salmon and steelhead
                                                  in Sacramento, California (DoubleTree                   Web site at www.mafmc.org.                            promulgated under the Endangered
                                                  by Hilton Sacramento, 2001 Point West                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      Species Act (ESA). The plans specify
                                                  Way, Sacramento, CA 95815). Other                       Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive                the propagation of five species of
                                                  future opportunities for public                         Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery                        salmon in the Hood Canal region of
                                                  involvement may arise and will be                       Management Council, telephone: (302)                  Washington State. This document serves
                                                  posted in the Council Briefing Book (on                 526–5255.                                             to notify the public of the availability
                                                  the Council’s Web site (http://                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            for comment of the proposed evaluation
                                                  www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/                                                                          of the Secretary of Commerce
                                                  briefing-books/) prior to the meeting.                  Agenda                                                (Secretary) as to whether
                                                  For further information on these                          The MAFMC’s Collaborative Research                  implementation of the joint plans will
                                                  meetings, visit the Council’s Web site,                 Committee will hold a closed meeting to               appreciably reduce the likelihood of
                                                  http://www.pcouncil.org/council-                        review and make recommendations on                    survival and recovery of ESA-listed
                                                  operations/council-meetings/future-                     collaborative research project proposals.             Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Puget
                                                  meetings/.                                              In December 2015, the Council                         Sound steelhead.
                                                                                                          published a Request for Proposals (RFP)                  This notice further advises the public
                                                  Special Accommodations                                                                                        of the availability for review of a draft
                                                                                                          for collaborative research projects that
                                                     The Council meetings are physically                  address seven research priorities.                    Environmental Assessment of the effects
                                                  accessible to people with disabilities.                 During the meeting, the Collaborative                 of the NMFS determination on the
                                                  Requests for sign language                              Research Committee will review and                    subject joint plans.
                                                  interpretation or other auxiliary aids                  make funding recommendations on the                   DATES: Comments must be received at
                                                  should be directed to Kris Kleinschmidt                 proposals that were submitted in                      the appropriate address or fax number
                                                  at Kris.Kleinschmidt@noaa.gov or (503)                  response to the RFP.                                  (see ADDRESSES) no later than 5 p.m.
                                                  820–2280 at least 5 days prior to the                                                                         Pacific time on April 4, 2016.
                                                  meeting date.                                           Special Accommodations
                                                                                                                                                                ADDRESSES: Written comments on the
                                                     Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.                      These meetings are physically                       proposed evaluation and pending
                                                                                                          accessible to people with disabilities.               determination should be addressed to
                                                    Dated: February 26, 2016.
                                                                                                          Requests for sign language                            the NMFS Sustainable Fisheries
                                                  Emily H. Menashes,
                                                                                                          interpretation or other auxiliary aid                 Division, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd.,
                                                  Acting Director, Office of Sustainable                  should be directed to M. Jan Saunders,
                                                  Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.                                                                 Portland, OR 97232. Comments may be
                                                                                                          (302) 526–5251, at least 5 days prior to              submitted by email. The mailbox
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–04612 Filed 3–2–16; 8:45 am]              the meeting date.                                     address for providing email comments
                                                  BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
                                                                                                            Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.                   is: HoodCanalHatcheries.wcr@noaa.gov.
                                                                                                            Dated: February 29, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                Include in the subject line of the email
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                                                                        comment the following identifier:
                                                                                                          Tracey L. Thompson,
                                                                                                                                                                Comments on Hood Canal hatchery
                                                                                                          Acting Director, Office of Sustainable                programs.
                                                  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                        Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
                                                  Administration                                          [FR Doc. 2016–04667 Filed 3–2–16; 8:45 am]            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
                                                                                                                                                                Charlene Hurst at (503) 230–5409 or by
                                                  RIN 0648–XE476                                                                                                email at charlene.n.hurst@noaa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                  Council (MAFMC); Meeting                                                                                      ESA-Listed Species Covered in This
                                                                                                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric                      Notice
                                                  AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                  Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                    Administration                                          Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
                                                  Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                      RIN 0648–XE472
                                                                                                                                                                tshawytscha): Threatened, naturally
                                                  Commerce.                                                                                                     produced and artificially propagated
                                                                                                          Endangered and Threatened Species;                    Puget Sound.
                                                  ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.
                                                                                                          Take of Anadromous Fish                                 Steelhead (O. mykiss): Threatened,
                                                  SUMMARY:   The Mid-Atlantic Fishery                                                                           naturally produced and artificially
                                                  Management Council’s (MAFMC)                            AGENCY:   National Marine Fisheries                   propagated Puget Sound.
                                                  Collaborative Research Committee will                   Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                    Chum salmon (O. keta): Threatened,
                                                  hold a closed meeting to review and                     Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                    naturally produced and artificially
                                                  make recommendations on collaborative                   Commerce.                                             propagated Hood Canal summer-run.
                                                  research project proposals.                             ACTION: Notice; availability of joint                   Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus):
                                                                                                          state/tribal hatchery plans and request               Threatened Puget Sound/Washington
                                                  DATES: The meeting will be held on                                                                            Coast.
                                                                                                          for comment.
                                                  Wednesday, March 23, 2016, from 9:30
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                                                  a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For agenda details, see               SUMMARY:   Notice is hereby given that                Background
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.                              the Washington Department of Fish and                   The Washington Department of Fish
                                                  ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at                  Wildlife, the Port Gamble S’Klallam                   and Wildlife, the Port Gamble S’Klallam
                                                  the Double Tree by Hilton Baltimore—                    Tribe, the Skokomish Tribe, and the                   Tribe, the Skokomish Tribe, and the
                                                  BWI Airport, 890 Elkridge Landing                       United States Fish and Wildlife Service               United States Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                  Road, Linthicum, Maryland 21090;                        have submitted 10 Hatchery and Genetic                have submitted to NMFS plans for 10
                                                  telephone: (410) 859–8400.                              Management Plans, to be considered                    jointly operated hatchery programs in


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Document Created: 2016-03-03 03:51:35
Document Modified: 2016-03-03 03:51:35
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
ActionNotice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS); request for comments.
DatesPublic scoping will be conducted through this notice. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on April 4, 2016 (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactJamie Goen, NMFS West Coast Region at 206-526-4656 or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 11189 
RIN Number0648-XE45

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