81_FR_38223 81 FR 38110 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2016 Gulf of Mexico Private Angling Recreational Red Snapper Season

81 FR 38110 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2016 Gulf of Mexico Private Angling Recreational Red Snapper Season

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 113 (June 13, 2016)

Page Range38110-38111
FR Document2016-13909

NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the private angling component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. NMFS previously determined the private angling component would reach its annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red snapper by 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 2016. However, due to recent severe weather conditions in the eastern Gulf, fishing opportunities were restricted during the recreational fishing season for the private angling component. NMFS has projected the private angling component will not reach its ACT by the current closure date. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational red snapper fishing season for the private angling component for 2 days to allow the ACT to be harvested. The intent of this action is to provide the recreational private angling component the opportunity to harvest its red snapper ACT, and the opportunity to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 113 (Monday, June 13, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 113 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38110-38111]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13909]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 140818679-5356-02]
RIN 0648-XE674


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2016 Gulf of 
Mexico Private Angling Recreational Red Snapper Season

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; extension.

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SUMMARY: NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the private 
angling component for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) 
of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. NMFS 
previously determined the private angling component would reach its 
annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red snapper by 12:01 a.m., local 
time, June 10, 2016. However, due to recent severe weather conditions 
in the eastern Gulf, fishing opportunities were restricted during the 
recreational fishing season for the private angling component. NMFS has 
projected the private angling component will not reach its ACT by the 
current closure date. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational red 
snapper fishing season for the private angling component for 2 days to 
allow the ACT to be harvested. The intent of this action is to provide 
the recreational private angling component the opportunity to harvest 
its red snapper ACT, and the opportunity to achieve the optimum yield 
for the fishery, thus enhancing social and economic benefits to the 
fishery.

DATES: The extension is effective from 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 
2016, until 12:01 a.m., local time, June 12, 2016. The beginning of the 
2017 Federal recreational fishing season for the private angling 
component begins on June 1, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Branstetter, NMFS Southeast 
Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery includes red 
snapper and is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) and is implemented 
by NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act).
    On April 28, 2016, NMFS announced in the Federal Register the 2016 
recreational fishing seasons for the private angling and Federal 
charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) components for red snapper in the 
Gulf EEZ (81 FR 25583, April 28, 2016). The Federal recreational 
seasons for red snapper in the Gulf began on June 1, 2016. Regulations 
at 50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(i) require NMFS to close the respective 
recreational fishing seasons for Gulf red snapper in Federal waters 
when the respective recreational component ACT, specified in 50 CFR 
622.41(q)(2)(iii), is met or projected to be met. For recreational 
harvest by the private angling component, NMFS determined that the 
season would end at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 10, 2016, which 
constituted a 9-day fishing season.
    Landings and effort data are not available in-season to determine 
if the recreational ACT for the private angling component will be met 
on June 9, 2016. However, the eastern Gulf experienced severe weather 
conditions from Tropical Storm Colin during the 2016 red snapper 
recreational fishing season and it is likely that fishing effort and 
landings for the private angling component are less than NMFS 
projected. The majority of red snapper recreational harvest in the Gulf 
comes from the eastern Gulf. Because of the assumed effort reduction as 
a result of severe weather, NMFS has determined that the recreational 
private angling component will not harvest its red snapper ACT by the 
previously estimated June 10, 2016, closing date. Based on the 
assumption that weather conditions will improve and recreational 
fishing effort will return to expected rates, NMFS projects the 
recreational red snapper season for the private angling component can 
be extended for an additional 2 days, and will therefore close at 12:01 
a.m., local time, on June 12, 2016.
    The Federal season for the Federal for-hire component began at 
12:01 a.m., local time, June 1, 2016, and will close at 12:01 a.m., 
local time, July 17, 2016 (81 FR 25583, April 28, 2016). The Federal 
recreational fishing season for the for-hire component will not be 
revised by NMFS as a result of the recent severe weather, because the 
comparatively longer component fishing season allows for greater 
flexibility in scheduling fishing trips and greater opportunity to 
harvest the component ACT.
    The 2017 Federal recreational fishing seasons for both private 
angling and for-hire components begin on June 1, 2017.
    On and after the effective date of a recreational component 
closure, the bag and possession limits for red snapper in the 
respective component are zero. When the Federal charter vessel/headboat 
component or entire recreational sector is closed, these bag and 
possession limits apply in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been 
issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e., in 
state or Federal waters.

Classification

    The Regional Administrator for the NMFS Southeast Region has 
determined this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and 
management of Gulf red snapper and is consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and other applicable laws.
    This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.8(c) and 622.41(q)(2)(i) and 
is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
    These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act because the temporary rule is issued without 
opportunity for prior notice and comment.
    This action responds to the best scientific information available. 
The Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA), finds that the 
need to immediately implement this action to extend the season for the 
private angling component for the red snapper recreational sector 
constitute good cause to waive the requirements to provide prior notice 
and opportunity for public comment on this temporary rule pursuant to 
the authority set forth in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), because such procedures 
are unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures 
are unnecessary because the rule implementing the recreational red 
snapper ACLs and ACTs, and the rule

[[Page 38111]]

implementing the requirement to close the recreational components when 
the ACTs are projected to be reached have already been subject to 
notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the 
extension. Providing prior notice and opportunity for public comment 
are contrary to the public interest because of the need to immediately 
implement this action to allow for a limited extended season. Prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and would 
not allow for the extension of the season.
    For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to 
waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(3).

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

    Dated: June 8, 2016.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-13909 Filed 6-8-16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

38110 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Therefore, because the Commission recreational fishing season for the will therefore close at 12:01 a.m., local received no significant adverse private angling component begins on time, on June 12, 2016. comments, the amendments to 46 CFR June 1, 2017. The Federal season for the Federal part 535 will become effective on June FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: for-hire component began at 12:01 a.m., 13, 2016. Steve Branstetter, NMFS Southeast local time, June 1, 2016, and will close By the Commission. Regional Office, telephone: 727–824– at 12:01 a.m., local time, July 17, 2016 5305, email: steve.branstetter@noaa.gov. (81 FR 25583, April 28, 2016). The Rachel E. Dickon, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf Federal recreational fishing season for Assistant Secretary. the for-hire component will not be [FR Doc. 2016–13889 Filed 6–10–16; 8:45 am] reef fish fishery includes red snapper revised by NMFS as a result of the and is managed under the Fishery BILLING CODE 6731–AA–P recent severe weather, because the Management Plan for the Reef Fish comparatively longer component fishing Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). season allows for greater flexibility in The FMP was prepared by the Gulf of DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE scheduling fishing trips and greater Mexico Fishery Management Council opportunity to harvest the component National Oceanic and Atmospheric (Council) and is implemented by NMFS ACT. Administration through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 The 2017 Federal recreational fishing under the authority of the Magnuson- seasons for both private angling and for- 50 CFR Part 622 Stevens Fishery Conservation and hire components begin on June 1, 2017. Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens On and after the effective date of a [Docket No. 140818679–5356–02] Act). recreational component closure, the bag RIN 0648–XE674 On April 28, 2016, NMFS announced and possession limits for red snapper in in the Federal Register the 2016 the respective component are zero. Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of recreational fishing seasons for the When the Federal charter vessel/ Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish private angling and Federal charter headboat component or entire Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; vessel/headboat (for-hire) components recreational sector is closed, these bag Extension of the 2016 Gulf of Mexico for red snapper in the Gulf EEZ (81 FR and possession limits apply in the Gulf Private Angling Recreational Red 25583, April 28, 2016). The Federal on board a vessel for which a valid Snapper Season recreational seasons for red snapper in Federal charter vessel/headboat permit the Gulf began on June 1, 2016. for Gulf reef fish has been issued, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Regulations at 50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(i) Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and without regard to where such species require NMFS to close the respective were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recreational fishing seasons for Gulf red Commerce. waters. snapper in Federal waters when the ACTION: Temporary rule; extension. respective recreational component ACT, Classification specified in 50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(iii), is The Regional Administrator for the SUMMARY: NMFS extends the met or projected to be met. For NMFS Southeast Region has determined recreational fishing season for the recreational harvest by the private this temporary rule is necessary for the private angling component for red angling component, NMFS determined conservation and management of Gulf snapper in the exclusive economic zone that the season would end at 12:01 a.m., red snapper and is consistent with the (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) local time, on June 10, 2016, which Magnuson-Stevens Act and other through this temporary rule. NMFS constituted a 9-day fishing season. applicable laws. previously determined the private Landings and effort data are not This action is taken under 50 CFR angling component would reach its available in-season to determine if the 622.8(c) and 622.41(q)(2)(i) and is annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red recreational ACT for the private angling exempt from review under Executive snapper by 12:01 a.m., local time, June component will be met on June 9, 2016. Order 12866. 10, 2016. However, due to recent severe However, the eastern Gulf experienced These measures are exempt from the weather conditions in the eastern Gulf, severe weather conditions from Tropical procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility fishing opportunities were restricted Storm Colin during the 2016 red Act because the temporary rule is issued during the recreational fishing season snapper recreational fishing season and without opportunity for prior notice and for the private angling component. it is likely that fishing effort and comment. NMFS has projected the private angling landings for the private angling This action responds to the best component will not reach its ACT by component are less than NMFS scientific information available. The the current closure date. Therefore, projected. The majority of red snapper Assistant Administrator for NOAA NMFS is extending the recreational red recreational harvest in the Gulf comes Fisheries (AA), finds that the need to snapper fishing season for the private from the eastern Gulf. Because of the immediately implement this action to angling component for 2 days to allow assumed effort reduction as a result of extend the season for the private angling the ACT to be harvested. The intent of severe weather, NMFS has determined component for the red snapper this action is to provide the recreational that the recreational private angling recreational sector constitute good cause private angling component the component will not harvest its red to waive the requirements to provide opportunity to harvest its red snapper snapper ACT by the previously prior notice and opportunity for public ACT, and the opportunity to achieve the estimated June 10, 2016, closing date. comment on this temporary rule mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES optimum yield for the fishery, thus Based on the assumption that weather pursuant to the authority set forth in 5 enhancing social and economic benefits conditions will improve and U.S.C. 553(b)(B), because such to the fishery. recreational fishing effort will return to procedures are unnecessary and DATES: The extension is effective from expected rates, NMFS projects the contrary to the public interest. Such 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 2016, recreational red snapper season for the procedures are unnecessary because the until 12:01 a.m., local time, June 12, private angling component can be rule implementing the recreational red 2016. The beginning of the 2017 Federal extended for an additional 2 days, and snapper ACLs and ACTs, and the rule VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Jun 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM 13JNR1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 38111 implementing the requirement to close the Regional Administrator to close a and the 30-day delayed effectiveness the recreational components when the common pool Trimester Total period because it would be ACTs are projected to be reached have Allowable Catch (TAC) Area for a stock impracticable and contrary to the public already been subject to notice and when 90 percent of the Trimester TAC interest. comment, and all that remains is to is projected to be caught. The closure The regulations require the Regional notify the public of the extension. applies to all common pool vessels Administrator to close a trimester TAC Providing prior notice and opportunity fishing with gear capable of catching area to the common pool fishery when for public comment are contrary to the that stock for the remainder of the 90 percent of the Trimester TAC for a public interest because of the need to trimester. stock has been caught. Updated catch immediately implement this action to As of May 31, 2016, the common pool information only recently became allow for a limited extended season. fishery caught approximately 62 percent available indicating that the common Prior notice and opportunity for public of the Trimester 1 TAC (2.1 mt) for pool fishery has caught 90 percent of its comment would require time and would witch flounder. We project that 90 Trimester 1 TAC for witch flounder as not allow for the extension of the percent of the Trimester 1 TAC will be of June 8, 2016. The time necessary to season. caught by June 8, 2016. The fishing year provide for prior notice and comment, For the aforementioned reasons, the 2016 common pool sub-annual catch and a 30-day delay in effectiveness, AA also finds good cause to waive the limit (sub-ACL) for witch flounder is 8 prevents the immediate closure of the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this mt. witch flounder Trimester 1 TAC Area. action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). Effective June 8, 2016, the witch This increases the likelihood that the Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. flounder Trimester TAC Area is closed common pool fishery exceeds its quota for the remainder of Trimester 1, of witch flounder to the detriment of Dated: June 8, 2016. through August 31, 2016, to all common this stock, which could undermine Alan D. Risenhoover, pool vessels fishing with trawl gear. The management objectives of the Northeast Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, witch flounder Trimester TAC Area Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. National Marine Fisheries Service. consists of statistical areas 512, 513, Additionally, an overage of the common [FR Doc. 2016–13909 Filed 6–8–16; 4:15 pm] 514, 515, 521, 522, and 525. The area pool quota could cause negative BILLING CODE 3510–22–P reopens at the beginning of Trimester 2 economic impacts to the common pool on September 1, 2016. fishery as a result of overage paybacks If a vessel declared its trip through the in a future trimester or fishing year. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) or the Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. interactive voice response system, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Dated: June 8, 2016. crossed the VMS demarcation line prior Administration Alan D. Risenhoover, to June 8, 2016, it may complete its trip within the Trimester TAC Area. Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 50 CFR Part 648 Any overage of the Trimester 1 or 2 National Marine Fisheries Service. [Docket No. 151211999–6343–02] TACs must be deducted from the [FR Doc. 2016–13929 Filed 6–8–16; 4:15 pm] RIN 0648–XE670 Trimester 3 TAC. If the common pool BILLING CODE 3510–22–P fishery exceeds its sub-ACL for the 2016 Fisheries of the Northeastern United fishing year, the overage must be States; Northeast Multispecies deducted from the common pool’s sub- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Fishery; Trimester Total Allowable ACL for fishing year 2017. Any Catch Area Closure for the Common uncaught portion of the Trimester 1 and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Pool Fishery Trimester 2 TACs is carried over into Administration the next trimester. However, any AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries uncaught portion of the common pool’s 50 CFR Part 679 Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and sub-ACL may not be carried over into [Docket No. 150916863–6211–02] Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the following fishing year. Commerce. Weekly quota monitoring reports for RIN 0648–XE669 ACTION: Temporary rule; area closure. the common pool fishery are on our Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Web site at: http:// SUMMARY: This action closes the witch Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole for www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/ flounder Trimester Total Allowable Vessels Participating in the BSAI Trawl ro/fso/MultiMonReports.htm. We will Catch Area to Northeast multispecies Limited Access Fishery in the Bering continue to monitor common pool catch common pool vessels fishing with trawl Sea and Aleutian Islands Management gear for the remainder of Trimester 1, through vessel trip reports, dealer- Area through August 31, 2016. The closure is reported landings, VMS catch reports, and other available information and, if AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries required by regulation because the common pool fishery has caught 90 necessary, we will make additional Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and percent of its Trimester 1 quota for adjustments to common pool Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), witch flounder. This closure is intended management measures. Commerce. to prevent an overage of the common ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. Classification pool’s quota for this stock. This action is required by 50 CFR part SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES DATES: This action is effective June 8, 648 and is exempt from review under fishing for yellowfin sole in the Bering 2016, through August 31, 2016. Executive Order 12866. Sea and Aleutian Islands management FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz The Assistant Administrator for area (BSAI) for vessels participating in Scheimer, Fishery Management Fisheries, NOAA, finds good cause the BSAI trawl limited access fishery. Specialist, (978) 281–9236. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and 5 This action is necessary to prevent SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive prior notice exceeding the 2016 allocation of regulations at § 648.82(n)(2)(ii) require and the opportunity for public comment yellowfin sole total allowable catch for VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Jun 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM 13JNR1


Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:39:53
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:39:53
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary rule; extension.
DatesThe extension is effective from 12:01 a.m., local time, June 10, 2016, until 12:01 a.m., local time, June 12, 2016. The beginning of the 2017 Federal recreational fishing season for the private angling component begins on June 1, 2017.
ContactSteve Branstetter, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 38110 
RIN Number0648-XE67
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