81_FR_46986 81 FR 46848 - Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2016 Recreational Accountability Measures and Closure for Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish

81 FR 46848 - Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2016 Recreational Accountability Measures and Closure for Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 138 (July 19, 2016)

Page Range46848-46849
FR Document2016-17043

NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the gray triggerfish recreational sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2016 fishing year through this temporary rule. NMFS has determined that the 2015 recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for Gulf gray triggerfish was exceeded; therefore, NMFS reduces the gray triggerfish recreational ACL and annual catch target (ACT) in 2016. NMFS has also determined that the recreational ACT for Gulf gray triggerfish was reached prior to the June 1 annual season closure. Therefore, the gray triggerfish recreational season in the Gulf EEZ will remain closed and will not be re-opening on August 1, 2016. This closure is necessary to protect the Gulf gray triggerfish resource.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 138 (Tuesday, July 19, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46848-46849]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17043]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 121004518-3398-01]
RIN 0648-XE701


Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2016 Recreational 
Accountability Measures and Closure for Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for the gray 
triggerfish recreational sector in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 
the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2016 fishing year through this 
temporary rule. NMFS has determined that the 2015 recreational annual 
catch limit (ACL) for Gulf gray triggerfish was exceeded; therefore, 
NMFS reduces the gray triggerfish recreational ACL and annual

[[Page 46849]]

catch target (ACT) in 2016. NMFS has also determined that the 
recreational ACT for Gulf gray triggerfish was reached prior to the 
June 1 annual season closure. Therefore, the gray triggerfish 
recreational season in the Gulf EEZ will remain closed and will not be 
re-opening on August 1, 2016. This closure is necessary to protect the 
Gulf gray triggerfish resource.

DATES: This rule is effective from 12:01 a.m., local time, August 1, 
2016, until 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2017.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the Gulf reef fish fishery, 
which includes gray triggerfish, under the Fishery Management Plan for 
the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP). The Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council) prepared the FMP and NMFS implements the 
FMP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 
622. All gray triggerfish weights discussed in this temporary rule are 
in round weight.
    The 2016 recreational ACL for Gulf gray triggerfish specified in 50 
CFR 622.41(b)(2)(iii) is 241,200 lb (109,406 kg) and the recreational 
ACT is 217,100 lb (98,475 kg). However, in 2015, the recreational 
harvest of gray triggerfish exceeded the 2015 recreational ACL by 
39,997 lb (18,142 kg). Therefore, consistent with the requirements 
specified in 50 CFR 622.41(b)(2)(ii), NMFS reduces the recreational ACL 
for gray triggerfish in 2016 to 201,223 lb (91,273 kg) and the 
recreational ACT to 177,123 lb (80,342 kg).
    Under 50 CFR 622.41(b)(2)(i), NMFS is required to close the 
recreational sector for gray triggerfish when the recreational ACT is 
reached, or is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to 
that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS has 
determined the 2016 recreational ACT was reached prior to the annual 
season closure, which is effective from June 1 through July 31 each 
year. Accordingly, the recreational sector for Gulf gray triggerfish 
will not re-open on August 1, because NMFS is closing recreational 
harvest of triggerfish for the 2016 fishing year effective at 12:01 
a.m., local time, August 1, 2016, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 
1, 2017, the start of the next fishing year.
    During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limits for 
gray triggerfish in or from the Gulf EEZ are zero. The prohibition on 
possession in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid Federal 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued 
applies regardless of whether gray triggerfish were harvested in state 
or Federal waters.
    The recreational sector for gray triggerfish will reopen on January 
1, 2017, the beginning of the 2017 recreational fishing year.

Classification

    The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined 
this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and management of 
Gulf gray triggerfish and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
and other applicable laws.
    This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.41(b)(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 close the recreational 
sector for gray triggerfish constitutes 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 
establishing the closure provisions was subject to notice and comment, 
and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. Such 
procedures are contrary to the public interest because of the need to 
immediately implement this action to protect gray triggerfish. Prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and would 
potentially allow the recreational sector to exceed the recreational 
ACL.
    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: July 14, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-17043 Filed 7-14-16; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

46848 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 138 / Tuesday, July 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, ACTION: Final rule; information notice of action in the docket as well as Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. collection approval. OMB’s June 23, 2016 notice of action. 34 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 10241— The Inspection of Towing Vessels Spectrophotometric Measurement of Free SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces final rule becomes effective July 20, Chlorine (Cl2) in Finished Drinking Water,’’ that the Office of Management and 2016, and the Coast Guard may start November 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Budget (OMB) has approved the Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO enforcing that rule’s applicable collection of information described in collection of information requirements 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.) 35 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 8026— the Inspection of Towing Vessels final on that date. As noted in the summary Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper rule published on June 20, 2016. In that of that rule, certain existing towing in Finished Drinking Water,’’ December rule, which establishes safety vessels subject to this rule will have an 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, regulations governing the inspection, additional 2 years before having to P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. standards, and safety management comply with most of its requirements, (Available at http://www.hach.com.) systems of towing vessels, we stated that but we anticipate receiving applications 36 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 10272— before the Coast Guard could enforce from organizations seeking to become Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper the collection of information in Finished Drinking Water,’’ December third-party organizations soon after the requirements in the rule, OMB would rule becomes effective. 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. need to approve the Coast Guard’s A copy of the two approval memos (Available at http://www.hach.com.) request to collect this information. This from OMB and the Inspection of Towing 37 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 10261— document announces that approval. On Vessels final rule are in docket USCG– Total Organic Carbon in Finished Drinking June 23, 2016, OMB approved this Coast 2006–24412 which is available on the Water by Catalyzed Ozone Hydroxyl Radical Guard request and assigned this Internet by going to http:// Oxidation Infrared Analysis,’’ December collection of information OMB control www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG– 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, number 1625–0117. 2006–24412 in the ‘‘Search’’ box, and P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. DATES: On June 23, 2016, OMB clicking ‘‘Search.’’ (Available at http://www.hach.com.) 38 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 10267— approved a new collection of This document, which announces Spectrophotometric Measurement of Total information assigned OMB control approval of the collection of information Organic Carbon (TOC) in Finished Drinking number 1625–0117. That approval assigned OMB control number 1625– Water,’’ December 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 expires on June 30, 2019. Based on this 0117, is issued under authority of 5 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO OMB approval, the Coast Guard may U.S.C. 552(a). 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.) start enforcing applicable collection of Dated: July 14, 2016. 39 Hach Company. ‘‘Hach Method 10258— information requirements in the J.G. Lantz, Determination of Turbidity by 360° Inspection of Towing Vessels final rule Nephelometry,’’ January 2016. 5600 Director of Commercial Regulations and published in the Federal Register on Standards. Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.) June 20, 2016 (81 FR 40004), starting on [FR Doc. 2016–17007 Filed 7–18–16; 8:45 am] 40 Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. that rule’s effective date, July 20, 2016. BILLING CODE 9110–04–P (NECi). ‘‘Method for Nitrate Reductase FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis of Drinking you have questions about this rule, call Water,’’ February 2016. Superior Enzymes, or email Lieutenant Commander Inc., 334 Hecla Street, Lake Linden, Michigan DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE William Nabach, Project Manager, CG– 49945. OES–2, Coast Guard, telephone 202– 41 Thermo Fisher. ‘‘Thermo Fisher National Oceanic and Atmospheric 372–1386, email William.A.Nabach@ Administration Scientific Drinking Water Orthophosphate Method for Thermo Scientific Gallery uscg.mil. Discrete Analyzer,’’ February 2016. Revision SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 50 CFR Part 622 5. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ratastie 2, 01620 23, 2016, the Office of Management and Vantaa, Finland. [Docket No. 121004518–3398–01] 42 Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.2. Budget (OMB) approved a new collection of information for the RIN 0648–XE701 ‘‘Determination of Turbidity by LED or Laser Nephelometry,’’ February 2016. Available Inspection of Towing Vessels final rule published on June 20, 2016 (81 FR Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of from Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Mexico; 2016 Recreational Independence Valley Dr., Grand Junction, CO 40004). In that rule, which establishes safety regulations governing the Accountability Measures and Closure 81507. inspection, standards, and safety for Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish [FR Doc. 2016–16516 Filed 7–18–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P management systems of towing vessels, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries we stated that before the Coast Guard Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and could enforce the collection of Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), information requirements in the rule, Commerce. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND OMB would need to approve the Coast SECURITY ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. Guard’s request to collect this information. This document announces SUMMARY: NMFS implements Coast Guard the approval of that collection which accountability measures (AMs) for the has been assigned OMB control number gray triggerfish recreational sector in the 46 CFR Parts 1, 2, 15, 136, 137, 138, 1625–0117. OMB’s approval of that exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, and 199 collection will expire on June 30, 2019. Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2016 ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES [Docket No. USCG–2006–24412] On July 12, 2016, OMB approved the fishing year through this temporary rule. insertion of ‘‘CFR’’ in the title of the NMFS has determined that the 2015 RIN 1625–AB06 collection of information so it conforms recreational annual catch limit (ACL) for Inspection of Towing Vessels with the title presented in the final rule: Gulf gray triggerfish was exceeded; Towing Vessels—Title 46 CFR therefore, NMFS reduces the gray AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. Subchapter M. We have included that triggerfish recreational ACL and annual VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:36 Jul 18, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 138 / Tuesday, July 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 46849 catch target (ACT) in 2016. NMFS has (91,273 kg) and the recreational ACT to This action is taken under 50 CFR also determined that the recreational 177,123 lb (80,342 kg). 622.41(b)(2)(i) and is exempt from ACT for Gulf gray triggerfish was Under 50 CFR 622.41(b)(2)(i), NMFS review under Executive Order 12866. reached prior to the June 1 annual is required to close the recreational These measures are exempt from the season closure. Therefore, the gray sector for gray triggerfish when the procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility triggerfish recreational season in the recreational ACT is reached, or is Act because the temporary rule is issued Gulf EEZ will remain closed and will projected to be reached, by filing a without opportunity for prior notice and not be re-opening on August 1, 2016. notification to that effect with the Office comment. This closure is necessary to protect the This action responds to the best of the Federal Register. NMFS has Gulf gray triggerfish resource. scientific information available. The determined the 2016 recreational ACT DATES: This rule is effective from 12:01 Assistant Administrator for NOAA was reached prior to the annual season a.m., local time, August 1, 2016, until Fisheries (AA), finds that the need to closure, which is effective from June 1 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, immediately implement this action to through July 31 each year. Accordingly, 2017. close the recreational sector for gray the recreational sector for Gulf gray triggerfish constitutes good cause to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich triggerfish will not re-open on August 1, waive the requirements to provide prior Malinowski, NMFS Southeast Regional because NMFS is closing recreational notice and opportunity for public Office, telephone: 727–824–5305, email: harvest of triggerfish for the 2016 fishing comment on this temporary rule rich.malinowski@noaa.gov. year effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, pursuant to the authority set forth in 5 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS August 1, 2016, until 12:01 a.m., local U.S.C. 553(b)(B), because such manages the Gulf reef fish fishery, time, January 1, 2017, the start of the procedures are unnecessary and which includes gray triggerfish, under next fishing year. contrary to the public interest. Such the Fishery Management Plan for the During the recreational closure, the procedures are unnecessary because the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP). bag and possession limits for gray rule establishing the closure provisions The Gulf of Mexico Fishery triggerfish in or from the Gulf EEZ are was subject to notice and comment, and Management Council (Council) zero. The prohibition on possession in all that remains is to notify the public prepared the FMP and NMFS the Gulf on board a vessel for which a of the closure. Such procedures are implements the FMP under the valid Federal charter vessel/headboat contrary to the public interest because authority of the Magnuson-Stevens permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued of the need to immediately implement Fishery Conservation and Management applies regardless of whether gray this action to protect gray triggerfish. Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by triggerfish were harvested in state or Prior notice and opportunity for public regulations at 50 CFR part 622. All gray Federal waters. comment would require time and would triggerfish weights discussed in this potentially allow the recreational sector temporary rule are in round weight. The recreational sector for gray to exceed the recreational ACL. The 2016 recreational ACL for Gulf triggerfish will reopen on January 1, For the aforementioned reasons, the gray triggerfish specified in 50 CFR 2017, the beginning of the 2017 AA also finds good cause to waive the 622.41(b)(2)(iii) is 241,200 lb (109,406 recreational fishing year. 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this kg) and the recreational ACT is 217,100 Classification action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). lb (98,475 kg). However, in 2015, the Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. recreational harvest of gray triggerfish The Regional Administrator, exceeded the 2015 recreational ACL by Southeast Region, NMFS, has Dated: July 14, 2016. 39,997 lb (18,142 kg). Therefore, determined this temporary rule is Emily H. Menashes, consistent with the requirements necessary for the conservation and Acting Director, Office of Sustainable specified in 50 CFR 622.41(b)(2)(ii), management of Gulf gray triggerfish and Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. NMFS reduces the recreational ACL for is consistent with the Magnuson- [FR Doc. 2016–17043 Filed 7–14–16; 4:15 pm] gray triggerfish in 2016 to 201,223 lb Stevens Act and other applicable laws. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:36 Jul 18, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\19JYR1.SGM 19JYR1


Document Created: 2016-07-19 01:10:53
Document Modified: 2016-07-19 01:10:53
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; closure.
DatesThis rule is effective from 12:01 a.m., local time, August 1, 2016, until 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2017.
ContactRich Malinowski, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 46848 
RIN Number0648-XE70
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