81_FR_51961 81 FR 51810 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

81 FR 51810 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 151 (August 5, 2016)

Page Range51810-51811
FR Document2016-18593

NMFS closes the northern area Angling category fishery for large medium and giant (``trophy'' (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action is being taken to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category northern area trophy BFT subquota.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 151 (Friday, August 5, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 151 (Friday, August 5, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51810-51811]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18593]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 635

[Docket No. 150121066-5717-02]
RIN 0648-XE725


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna 
Fisheries

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of Angling category northern area 
trophy fishery.

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SUMMARY: NMFS closes the northern area Angling category fishery for 
large medium and giant (``trophy'' (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved 
fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action is 
being taken to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category 
northern area trophy BFT subquota.

DATES: Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, August 6, 2016 through 
December 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978-
281-9260.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority 
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et

[[Page 51811]]

seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) governing the harvest of 
BFT by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 
CFR part 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. BFT quota recommended 
by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT) among the various domestic fishing categories, per the 
allocations established in the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly 
Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) 
(71 FR 58058, October 2, 2006), as amended by Amendment 7 to the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP (Amendment 7) (79 FR 71510, December 2, 2014), and 
in accordance with implementing regulations.
    NMFS is required, under Sec.  635.28(a)(1), to file a closure 
notice with the Office of the Federal Register for publication when a 
BFT quota is reached or is projected to be reached. On and after the 
effective date and time of such notification, for the remainder of the 
fishing year or for a specified period as indicated in the 
notification, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT under that quota 
category is prohibited until the opening of the subsequent quota period 
or until such date as specified in the notice.

Angling Category Large Medium and Giant Northern ``Trophy'' Fishery 
Closure

    The 2016 BFT fishing year, which is managed on a calendar-year 
basis and subject to an annual calendar-year quota, began January 1, 
2016. The Angling category season opened January 1, 2016, and continues 
through December 31, 2016. The currently codified Angling category 
quota is 195.2 mt, of which 4.5 mt is allocated for the harvest of 
large medium and giant (trophy) BFT from the regulatory area by vessels 
fishing under the Angling category quota, with 1.5 mt allocated for 
each of the following areas: North of 39[deg]18' N. lat. (off Great Egg 
Inlet, NJ); south of 39[deg]18' N. lat. and outside the Gulf of Mexico; 
and in the Gulf of Mexico. Trophy BFT measure 73 inches (185 cm) curved 
fork length or greater.
    As of July 26, 2016, reported landings from the NMFS Automated 
Catch Reporting System total approximately 1.7 mt. NMFS has determined 
that the codified Angling category northern area trophy BFT subquota 
has been reached and that a closure of the northern area trophy BFT 
fishery is warranted at this time. Therefore, retaining, possessing, or 
landing large medium or giant BFT north of 39[deg]18' N. lat. by 
persons aboard vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the 
HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally) must cease 
at 11:30 p.m. local time on August 6, 2016. This closure will remain 
effective through December 31, 2016. This action is intended to prevent 
any further overharvest of the Angling category northern area trophy 
BFT subquota, and is taken consistent with the regulations at Sec.  
635.28(a)(1).
    If needed, subsequent Angling category adjustments will be 
published in the Federal Register. Information regarding the Angling 
category fishery for Atlantic tunas, including daily retention limits 
for BFT measuring 27 inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches and any 
further Angling category adjustments, is available at 
hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling (978) 281-9260.
    HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat category permit holders may 
catch and release (or tag and release) BFT of all sizes, subject to the 
requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs at 
Sec.  635.26. Anglers are also reminded that all BFT that are released 
must be handled in a manner that will maximize survival, and without 
removing the fish from the water, consistent with requirements at Sec.  
635.21(a)(1). For additional information on safe handling, see the 
``Careful Catch and Release'' brochure available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.

Classification

    The Assistant Administrator for NMFS (AA) finds that it is 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide prior 
notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, this action for 
the following reasons:
    The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, as 
amended, provide for inseason retention limit adjustments and fishery 
closures to respond to the unpredictable nature of BFT availability on 
the fishing grounds, the migratory nature of this species, and the 
regional variations in the BFT fishery. The closure of the northern 
area Angling category trophy fishery is necessary to prevent any 
further overharvest of the northern area trophy fishery subquota. NMFS 
provides notification of closures by publishing the notice in the 
Federal Register, emailing individuals who have subscribed to the 
Atlantic HMS News electronic newsletter, and updating the information 
posted on the Atlantic Tunas Information Line and on 
hmspermits.noaa.gov.
    These fisheries are currently underway and delaying this action 
would be contrary to the public interest as it could result in 
excessive trophy BFT landings that may result in future potential quota 
reductions for the Angling category, depending on the magnitude of a 
potential Angling category overharvest. NMFS must close the northern 
area trophy BFT fishery before additional landings of these sizes of 
BFT accumulate. Therefore, the AA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the opportunity for public comment. 
For all of the above reasons, there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) 
to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness.
    This action is being taken under 50 CFR 635.28(a)(1), and is exempt 
from review under Executive Order 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 et seq.

    Dated: August 1, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-18593 Filed 8-3-16; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

51810 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 151 / Friday, August 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Date certain Federal Community Effective date authorization/cancellation of Current effective assistance no State and location No. sale of flood insurance in community map date longer available in SFHAs Fontana, City of, San Bernardino Coun- 060274 March 19, 1971, Emerg; June 4, 1987, ......do ............... Do. ty. Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Grand Terrace, City of, San Bernardino 060737 N/A, Emerg; January 15, 2016, Reg; Sep- ......do ............... Do. County. tember 2, 2016, Susp. Hesperia, City of, San Bernardino 060733 N/A, Emerg; October 19, 1989, Reg; Sep- ......do ............... Do. County. tember 2, 2016, Susp. Highland, City of, San Bernardino 060732 N/A, Emerg; October 19, 1989, Reg; Sep- ......do ............... Do. County. tember 2, 2016, Susp. Loma Linda, City of, San Bernardino 065042 March 19, 1971, Emerg; July 16, 1987, ......do ............... Do. County. Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Needles, City of, San Bernardino Coun- 060277 March 5, 1975, Emerg; July 16, 1979, Reg; ......do ............... Do. ty. September 2, 2016, Susp. Ontario, City of, San Bernardino County 060278 June 27, 1975, Emerg; December 2, 1980, ......do ............... Do. Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Rancho Cucamonga, City of, San 060671 August 7, 1978, Emerg; September 5, ......do ............... Do. Bernardino County. 1984, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Redlands, City of, San Bernardino 060279 April 12, 1974, Emerg; January 3, 1979, ......do ............... Do. County. Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Rialto, City of, San Bernardino County 060280 December 17, 1973, Emerg; February 12, ......do ............... Do. 1979, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. San Bernardino, City of, San 060281 December 31, 1970, Emerg; July 16, 1979, ......do ............... Do. Bernardino County. Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. San Bernardino County, Unincorporated 060270 January 29, 1971, Emerg; September 29, ......do ............... Do. Areas. 1978, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Upland, City of, San Bernardino County 065067 December 31, 1970, Emerg; December 23, ......do ............... Do. 1981, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Victorville, City of, San Bernardino 065068 June 11, 1971, Emerg; September 21, ......do ............... Do. County. 1973, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Yucca Valley, Town of, San Bernardino 060750 N/A, Emerg; March 31, 1993, Reg; Sep- ......do ............... Do. County. tember 2, 2016, Susp. Region X Washington: Lacey, City of, Thurston County ............ 530190 May 7, 1975, Emerg; July 16, 1980, Reg; ......do ............... Do. September 2, 2016, Susp. Olympia, City of, Thurston County ........ 530191 October 3, 1974, Emerg; February 17, ......do ............... Do. 1982, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Rainier, City of, Thurston County .......... 530260 N/A, Emerg; March 29, 1999, Reg; Sep- ......do ............... Do. tember 2, 2016, Susp. Thurston County, Unincorporated Areas 530188 September 13, 1974, Emerg; December 1, ......do ............... Do. 1982, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. Tumwater, City of, Thurston County ..... 530192 December 18, 1974, Emerg; August 1, ......do ............... Do. 1980, Reg; September 2, 2016, Susp. *do = Ditto. Code for reading third column: Emerg.—Emergency; Reg.—Regular; Susp.—Suspension. Dated: July 25, 2016. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SUMMARY: NMFS closes the northern Michael M. Grimm, area Angling category fishery for large Assistant Administrator for Mitigation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric medium and giant (‘‘trophy’’ (i.e., Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration measuring 73 inches curved fork length Administration, Department of Homeland or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). Security, Federal Emergency Management 50 CFR Part 635 This action is being taken to prevent any Agency. further overharvest of the Angling [Docket No. 150121066–5717–02] [FR Doc. 2016–18431 Filed 8–4–16; 8:45 am] category northern area trophy BFT BILLING CODE 9110–12–P RIN 0648–XE725 subquota. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; DATES:Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries August 6, 2016 through December 31, 2016. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 978–281–9260. Commerce. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of Regulations implemented under the Angling category northern area trophy authority of the Atlantic Tunas fishery. Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Aug 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\05AUR1.SGM 05AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 151 / Friday, August 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 51811 seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Gulf of Mexico; and in the Gulf of and contrary to the public interest to Conservation and Management Act Mexico. Trophy BFT measure 73 inches provide prior notice of, and an (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 (185 cm) curved fork length or greater. opportunity for public comment on, this et seq.) governing the harvest of BFT by As of July 26, 2016, reported landings action for the following reasons: persons and vessels subject to U.S. from the NMFS Automated Catch The regulations implementing the jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part Reporting System total approximately 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, as 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. 1.7 mt. NMFS has determined that the amended, provide for inseason retention BFT quota recommended by the codified Angling category northern area limit adjustments and fishery closures International Commission for the trophy BFT subquota has been reached to respond to the unpredictable nature Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and that a closure of the northern area of BFT availability on the fishing among the various domestic fishing trophy BFT fishery is warranted at this grounds, the migratory nature of this categories, per the allocations time. Therefore, retaining, possessing, or species, and the regional variations in established in the 2006 Consolidated landing large medium or giant BFT the BFT fishery. The closure of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species north of 39°18′ N. lat. by persons aboard northern area Angling category trophy Fishery Management Plan (2006 vessels permitted in the HMS Angling fishery is necessary to prevent any Consolidated HMS FMP) (71 FR 58058, category and the HMS Charter/Headboat further overharvest of the northern area October 2, 2006), as amended by category (when fishing recreationally) trophy fishery subquota. NMFS Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on provides notification of closures by HMS FMP (Amendment 7) (79 FR August 6, 2016. This closure will publishing the notice in the Federal 71510, December 2, 2014), and in remain effective through December 31, Register, emailing individuals who have accordance with implementing 2016. This action is intended to prevent subscribed to the Atlantic HMS News regulations. any further overharvest of the Angling electronic newsletter, and updating the NMFS is required, under category northern area trophy BFT information posted on the Atlantic § 635.28(a)(1), to file a closure notice subquota, and is taken consistent with Tunas Information Line and on with the Office of the Federal Register the regulations at § 635.28(a)(1). hmspermits.noaa.gov. for publication when a BFT quota is If needed, subsequent Angling reached or is projected to be reached. category adjustments will be published These fisheries are currently On and after the effective date and time in the Federal Register. Information underway and delaying this action of such notification, for the remainder of regarding the Angling category fishery would be contrary to the public interest the fishing year or for a specified period for Atlantic tunas, including daily as it could result in excessive trophy as indicated in the notification, retention limits for BFT measuring 27 BFT landings that may result in future retaining, possessing, or landing BFT inches (68.5 cm) to less than 73 inches potential quota reductions for the under that quota category is prohibited and any further Angling category Angling category, depending on the until the opening of the subsequent adjustments, is available at magnitude of a potential Angling quota period or until such date as hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling (978) category overharvest. NMFS must close specified in the notice. 281–9260. the northern area trophy BFT fishery HMS Angling and HMS Charter/ before additional landings of these sizes Angling Category Large Medium and of BFT accumulate. Therefore, the AA Headboat category permit holders may Giant Northern ‘‘Trophy’’ Fishery finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. catch and release (or tag and release) Closure 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the BFT of all sizes, subject to the The 2016 BFT fishing year, which is requirements of the catch-and-release opportunity for public comment. For all managed on a calendar-year basis and and tag-and-release programs at of the above reasons, there is good cause subject to an annual calendar-year § 635.26. Anglers are also reminded that under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30- quota, began January 1, 2016. The all BFT that are released must be day delay in effectiveness. Angling category season opened January handled in a manner that will maximize This action is being taken under 50 1, 2016, and continues through survival, and without removing the fish CFR 635.28(a)(1), and is exempt from December 31, 2016. The currently from the water, consistent with review under Executive Order 12866. codified Angling category quota is 195.2 requirements at § 635.21(a)(1). For Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 mt, of which 4.5 mt is allocated for the additional information on safe handling, et seq. harvest of large medium and giant see the ‘‘Careful Catch and Release’’ (trophy) BFT from the regulatory area by Dated: August 1, 2016. brochure available at vessels fishing under the Angling www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/. Emily H. Menashes, category quota, with 1.5 mt allocated for Acting Director, Office of Sustainable each of the following areas: North of Classification Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 39°18′ N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ); The Assistant Administrator for [FR Doc. 2016–18593 Filed 8–3–16; 4:15 pm] south of 39°18′ N. lat. and outside the NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable BILLING CODE 3510–22–P mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Aug 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\05AUR1.SGM 05AUR1


Document Created: 2016-08-05 06:43:31
Document Modified: 2016-08-05 06:43:31
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 of Angling category northern area trophy fishery.
DatesEffective 11:30 p.m., local time, August 6, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
ContactSarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978- 281-9260.
FR Citation81 FR 51810 
RIN Number0648-XE72
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