81_FR_55537 81 FR 55376 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Archival Tag Management Measures

81 FR 55376 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Archival Tag Management Measures

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 161 (August 19, 2016)

Page Range55376-55380
FR Document2016-19796

This final rule revises the regulations that currently require persons surgically implanting or externally affixing archival tags on Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) to obtain written authorization from NMFS, and that require fishermen to report their catches of Atlantic HMS with such tags to NMFS. Archival tags are tags that record scientific information about the movement and behavior of a fish and include tags that are surgically implanted in a fish, as well as tags that are externally affixed, such as pop-up satellite archival tags (PSAT) and smart position and temperature tags (SPOT). Specifically, this final rule removes the requirement for researchers to obtain written authorization from NMFS to implant or affix an archival tag but would continue to allow persons who catch a fish with a surgically implanted archival tag to retain the fish only if they return the tag to the person indicated on the tag or to NMFS. Persons retaining such fish would no longer be required to submit to NMFS an archival tag landing report or make the fish available for inspection and tag recovery by a NMFS scientist, enforcement agent, or other person designated in writing by NMFS. Any persons who land an Atlantic HMS with an externally-affixed archival tag would be encouraged, but not required, to follow the instructions on the tag to return the tag to the appropriate research entity or to NMFS. This action will affect any researchers wishing to place archival tags on Atlantic HMS and any fishermen who might catch such a tagged fish.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 161 (Friday, August 19, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 161 (Friday, August 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55376-55380]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19796]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 635

[Docket No. 150817722-6703-02]
RIN 0648-BF10


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Archival Tag Management 
Measures

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

[[Page 55377]]

SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations that currently require 
persons surgically implanting or externally affixing archival tags on 
Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) to obtain written authorization 
from NMFS, and that require fishermen to report their catches of 
Atlantic HMS with such tags to NMFS. Archival tags are tags that record 
scientific information about the movement and behavior of a fish and 
include tags that are surgically implanted in a fish, as well as tags 
that are externally affixed, such as pop-up satellite archival tags 
(PSAT) and smart position and temperature tags (SPOT). Specifically, 
this final rule removes the requirement for researchers to obtain 
written authorization from NMFS to implant or affix an archival tag but 
would continue to allow persons who catch a fish with a surgically 
implanted archival tag to retain the fish only if they return the tag 
to the person indicated on the tag or to NMFS. Persons retaining such 
fish would no longer be required to submit to NMFS an archival tag 
landing report or make the fish available for inspection and tag 
recovery by a NMFS scientist, enforcement agent, or other person 
designated in writing by NMFS. Any persons who land an Atlantic HMS 
with an externally-affixed archival tag would be encouraged, but not 
required, to follow the instructions on the tag to return the tag to 
the appropriate research entity or to NMFS. This action will affect any 
researchers wishing to place archival tags on Atlantic HMS and any 
fishermen who might catch such a tagged fish.

DATES: Effective on September 19, 2016.

ADDRESSES: NMFS Highly Migratory Species Management Division, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Redd, Craig Cockrell, Tobey 
Curtis or Karyl Brewster-Geisz by phone at 301-427-8503.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Atlantic HMS are managed under the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) and its amendments. Implementing regulations at 
50 CFR part 635 are issued under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), 16 
U.S.C. 971 et seq. ATCA authorizes the Secretary of Commerce 
(Secretary) to promulgate regulations as necessary and appropriate to 
implement ICCAT recommendations.
    On April 14, 2016 (81 FR 22044), NMFS published a proposed rule 
regarding the regulatory requirements for the placement of ``archival 
tags.'' An ``archival tag'' is defined at Sec.  635.2 as ``a device 
that is implanted or affixed to a fish to electronically record 
scientific information about the migratory behavior of that fish.'' The 
comment period on the proposed rule ended on May 16, 2016.
    Researchers use archival tags because they are a powerful tool for 
tracking the movements, geolocation, and behavior of individual tunas, 
sharks, swordfish, and billfishes. Data recovery from some archival 
tags, particularly those that are surgically implanted into the fish, 
requires that fish be re-caught. Other archival tags, such as PSAT and 
SPOT, which are externally affixed to the fish, are able to transmit 
the information remotely and do not require the fish to be re-caught 
nor do researchers expect the tags to be returned, as generally no 
additional data are gained from their return. Data from archival tags 
are used to ascertain HMS life-history information, such as migratory 
patterns and spawning site fidelity.
    In addition to archival tags, researchers may place conventional 
tags, such as spaghetti or roto tags, acoustic tags, or passive 
integrated transponder (PIT) tags on HMS. These types of tags do not 
record or store any information, and thus are not ``archival'' tags. 
Furthermore, there are some tags, such as some SPOTs, that may be 
archival or may be more acoustic in nature, depending on the needs of 
the researcher. For Atlantic HMS, NMFS does not regulate the placement 
or the collection of these non-archival tags, and this final rule does 
not affect any tags other than archival tags.
    This final rule removes the requirement for researchers to obtain 
written authorization from NMFS to implant or affix an archival tag. 
Additionally, this final rule maintains the regulatory requirement that 
Atlantic HMS caught with a surgically implanted archival tag may be 
retained only on the condition that the surgically implanted tag is 
returned to either the originating researcher or to NMFS. Maintaining 
this regulatory provision creates an incentive to return the surgical 
tags, which need to be physically retrieved to retrieve the data. This 
would afford some assurance to researchers that they would be able to 
retrieve the surgically implanted tags and would not lose their 
investment due to discarded tags, and that the tags would continue to 
contribute to the collection of Atlantic HMS life history and 
biological data. In all other cases (i.e., the fisherman catches an HMS 
with an externally placed archival tag, a conventional tag, an acoustic 
tag, or a PIT tag), NMFS encourages, but does not require, the 
fisherman to return the tag and any information requested directly to 
the researcher or entity noted on the tag itself. All other reporting 
requirements for HMS would still apply. Finally, under this final rule, 
the person retaining an HMS with either an externally affixed or 
surgically implanted archival tag would no longer be required to submit 
an archival tag landing report to NMFS or make the fish available for 
inspection and tag recovery by a NMFS scientist, enforcement agent, or 
other person designated in writing by NMFS.
    This final rule maintains appropriate management and conservation 
requirements, such as requiring the return of the surgically implanted 
archival tag if the fish is retained, for HMS while making the archival 
tagging process more efficient by reducing any time and delay cost to 
researchers associated with the applying for a permit to place archival 
tags on Atlantic HMS. This final rule would reduce the regulatory 
burden for researchers, and allow researchers the opportunity to place 
archival tags on Atlantic HMS during periods of time in which they 
usually would be waiting for NMFS to process their annual permits, 
typically in January or February. NMFS does not expect this action to 
result in increased fishing mortality or increased interactions with 
listed species.

Response to Comments

    During the proposed rule stage, NMFS received 31 written comments. 
The comments received on the proposed rule during the public comment 
period can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/ by searching for 
NOAA-NMFS-2016-0017. A summary of the relevant comments on the proposed 
rule are shown below with NMFS' response.
    Comment 1: NMFS received some comments in support of removing the 
requirement for researchers to obtain written authorization from NMFS 
to implant or affix archival tags. Commenters supporting the removal of 
the written authorization requirement stated that the authorization was 
unnecessary for the application of archival tags on HMS because 
advancements in tagging techniques have resulted in low mortality rates 
and that removing the requirement would maximize opportunities to 
deploy archival tags.
    Response: NMFS agrees that researchers no longer need written

[[Page 55378]]

authorization to implant or affix archival tags. The requirement to 
receive written authorization for placement of archival tags was 
implemented in the 1990s to monitor fish mortality, at a time when 
archival tag technology was fairly new, and most of the archival tags 
had to be surgically implanted into the fish. The mortality rates 
associated with surgically implanting such tags into fish was unknown 
at that time. Currently, researchers primarily use externally affixed 
archival tags because the data collected from those tags are received 
via satellite (in other words, you do not need to re-catch the fish in 
order to collect the data). Furthermore, research has shown negligible 
mortality rates as a result of implanting or affixing archival tags. 
Additionally, NMFS believes that allowing researchers the opportunity 
to place archival tags without written authorization should maximize 
tagging opportunities for researchers, allowing them to fish at times 
of the year when NMFS is processing permit applications the months of 
January and February, and minimize any administrative burden associated 
with applying for such authorization.
    Comment 2: Some commenters opposed removal of the written 
authorization requirement, stating that the change would increase 
fishing pressure on HMS, protected, and endangered species. Those 
individuals felt that the proposed rule would remove the current 
fishing regulations for protected and endangered species, allowing 
fishermen the opportunity to target these species. Some commenters 
expressed concern that removing the requirement for written 
authorization would remove accountability for researchers, fishermen, 
and both state and Federal officials to follow standard scientific and 
regulatory practices. Commenters also expressed a belief that reducing 
the administrative burden on NMFS staff was not an appropriate reason 
to remove the requirement. Commenters further noted that requiring 
written authorization ensures that the party taking part in the 
research is qualified or could be given instructional education on 
handling and tagging techniques.
    Response: As described in the proposed rule, after 20 years of use, 
the mortality rate as a result of placement of archival tags is 
negligible and most research projects are of relatively limited scope 
both in terms of the number of individual fish affected and the number 
of species involved. As such, given the low mortality from placing 
archival or other tags, the large number of alternative tags available 
for use by researchers, and the high cost of obtaining an archival tag 
(approximately $5,000 per tag), NMFS does not agree that removal of the 
requirement to obtain written authorization for archival tags would 
increase fishing pressure on HMS or cause additional mortality. The 
removal of the requirement to obtain written authorization to place a 
tag on HMS in itself is not expected to have any impact on protected 
resources. If researchers are interacting with listed species, they are 
responsible for obtaining appropriate permit coverage under the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ensure that any incidental take during 
research operations is authorized. Additionally, while removal of the 
requirement to obtain written authorization to place archival tags on 
HMS would reduce some administrative burden on NMFS staff, the main 
reduction of administrative burden will be with researchers who would 
no longer need to apply and wait for written authorization before 
tagging fish with archival tags. This is a desirable outcome because 
researchers would have more flexibility to tag in different areas and 
on a greater variety of species during the times they otherwise would 
be waiting for NMFS to issue a permit.
    In regard to continuing to ensure accountability of scientists and 
other researchers, most HMS research activities would likely still 
require authorization under an exempted fishing permit (EFP) or 
scientific research permit (SRP) because other research activities, 
such as sampling gear or possession of HMS, continue to require 
authorization (see 50 CFR 635.32). While researchers could place 
archival tags without written authorization, other research activities 
would likely still need written authorization. Furthermore, there is no 
evidence or apparent incentive for researchers or fishermen to 
circumvent established scientific or regulatory practices when tagging 
HMS or reporting recaptures.
    Comment 3: Several commenters expressed concern that the proposed 
rule could potentially be abused by any fisherman who wishes to apply 
tags, and that the level of enforcement on the responsible application 
of tags would be reduced.
    Response: This final rule is designed to reduce regulatory burdens 
on researchers and is not expected to have impacts on fishermen beyond 
the requirement to return the archival tag. To our knowledge, no 
Atlantic HMS fishermen have ever applied archival tags without 
collaboration with researchers, nor are they likely to do so because 
archival tags are costly and the data they provide require scientific 
expertise and infrastructure to analyze and interpret. Neither 
commercial fishermen nor recreational fishermen are likely to realize 
benefits from buying and then applying archival tags and releasing HMS. 
Both recreational and commercial fishermen have been assisting 
scientists for years by placing conventional tags on HMS that are 
released, and returning tags and providing information on tagged HMS 
that are landed.
    Comment 4: Commenters stated that NMFS should continue to encourage 
but not require the return of archival tags to researchers or NMFS and 
that the regulations requiring tag returns are not needed since the 
fishermen understand the importance and value of archival tags.
    Response: NMFS will continue to encourage the return of any 
archival or other tags to researchers or NMFS by noting the importance 
of tag return in the compliance guides and other outreach materials. 
Furthermore, researchers note in their comments that many fishermen 
already voluntarily return archival tags to researchers. Monetary 
rewards are often offered by researchers for the return of their tags, 
but many fishermen also acknowledge the scientific value of the data 
provided by archival tags, and are generally supportive of fish-tagging 
research. While NMFS is removing the non-surgically implanted archival 
tag landing report requirement under this final rule, the regulations 
will still require fishermen to return surgically implanted archival 
tags from recaptured HMS to the appropriate research entity or NMFS.
    Comment 5: NMFS should not remove the archival tag landing report 
requirement, as it would reduce fishermen accountability allowing them 
to capture HMS without documentation and could have a negative impact 
on scientific data. Removing the landing report could potentially 
result in illegal fishing practices under the blanket of ``scientific 
research.''
    Response: Removing the requirement to report landing a tagged HMS 
to NMFS is not expected to impact reporting rates of these tags between 
fishermen and scientists. Fishermen often voluntarily return tags and 
related information about the recaptured HMS directly to the 
researchers identified on a tag, and researchers have not raised any 
concerns that they may be losing scientific data due to non-reporting 
by fishermen. While NMFS will continue to encourage reporting and 
returns of archival tags from fishermen to

[[Page 55379]]

researchers by noting the importance of tag return in the compliance 
guides and other outreach materials, there is no need to maintain a 
separate archival tag landing report requirement.
    Comment 6: NMFS requested and received various comments regarding 
whether fishermen who catch an HMS with an externally affixed archival 
tag should be required to release the fish if it is otherwise legal to 
land. Some scientists noted that the return of archival tags from 
recaptured HMS can be very valuable to researchers because the physical 
recovery of such tags can provide much more data than non-returned 
tags, and these tags can often be redeployed on other fish. Other 
commenters stated that fish that are tagged with an archival tag should 
be allowed to be landed regardless of the regulations; fish should be 
allowed to be landed if they are legal species within retention sizes; 
fish that have an internally implanted archival tag should be allowed 
to be landed as long as the tag is returned to the researcher or NMFS; 
sharks with externally affixed tags should be released; and all tagged 
fish which are caught should be released.
    Response: After reviewing these comments, NMFS has determined that 
a requirement for fishermen to release any HMS with an externally 
affixed archival tag is not warranted at this time. Under this final 
rule, fishermen may continue to retain any otherwise legal HMS, 
including those with externally affixed archival tags. Fishermen may 
also continue to retain HMS with an internally implanted archival tag 
regardless of any regulatory prohibition, as long as the tag is 
returned to the appropriate research entity or NMFS. If fishermen were 
prohibited from retaining an HMS because it had an externally affixed 
archival tag, it could negatively affect tag return rates and 
cooperation with researchers. In most cases, researchers state that 
they attach greater value to the potential for returned tags than to 
the mandatory release of tagged fish and the continued collection of 
information from having the tagged fish in the water. This is 
particularly true since many externally affixed archival tags only 
collect data for a limited period of time (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 6 
months, etc.), which is set by the researcher before placing the tag.
    Comment 7: Several commenters requested a public hearing for 
clarification of the proposed rule and to allow the scientific and 
environmental community the chance to provide information and suggest 
alternatives to the proposed rule.
    Response: The purpose and scope of this final rule, which is 
largely administrative in nature, was fully described in the proposed 
rule. NMFS announced the proposed rule via email notification and 
posting on the Atlantic HMS Web site when it published in the Federal 
Register, and provided a 30-day public comment period. The majority of 
the commenters who requested a public hearing were concerned about the 
impact of the removal of a written authorization on the tagging of 
protected or endangered species. As described above, however, this 
final rule does not address the tagging of protected or endangered 
species nor would it affect associated regulations and requirements 
applicable to listed species or increase interactions with such 
species. As such, because their concerns were so far outside the scope 
of the rulemaking, we determined that a public hearing was not 
necessary and that a written response to comments would be adequate and 
appropriate.
    Comment 8: NMFS received a public comment regarding the effects of 
tagging on HMS (specifically sharks). The commenter highlighted issues 
surrounding infection and tag biofouling, and argued that NMFS should 
not implement the proposed measures because they would result in more 
harmful tagging of HMS.
    Response: While available research indicates that any kind of fish 
tagging, including the application of archival tags, could result in 
physiological stress, injury, infection, and other sublethal impacts, 
the majority of scientific evidence indicates that tag-induced 
mortality of HMS is negligible and is not a threat to HMS populations. 
An archival tag is one type of tag placed on HMS, and is a scientific 
tool that has been used to vastly improve understanding of HMS 
movements, habitat use, exposure to anthropogenic impacts, post-release 
mortality rates, and other aspects of biology. Archival tagging studies 
have improved NMFS' ability to conserve and sustainably manage HMS 
populations, and NMFS encourages the responsible continued use of all 
tags, including archival tags.

Classification

    The NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that the final rule 
is consistent with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable laws.
    This final action is not significant for the purposes of Executive 
Order 12866.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the 
proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received 
regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory flexibility 
analysis was not required and none was prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 635

    Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations, Imports, 
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Treaties.

    Dated: August 15, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part 
635 as follows:

PART 635--ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 635 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. Revise Sec.  635.33 to read as follows:


Sec.  635.33  Archival tags.

    (a) Landing an HMS with a surgically implanted archival tag. 
Notwithstanding other provisions of this part, persons may catch, 
possess, retain, and land an Atlantic HMS in which an archival tag has 
been surgically implanted, provided such persons return the tag to the 
research entity indicated on the tag or to NMFS at an address 
designated by NMFS and report the fish as required in Sec.  635.5.
    (b) Quota monitoring. If an Atlantic HMS landed under the authority 
of paragraph (a) of this section is subject to a quota, the fish will 
be counted against the applicable quota for the species consistent with 
the fishing gear and activity which resulted in the catch. In the event 
such fishing gear or activity is otherwise prohibited under applicable 
provisions of this part, the fish shall be counted against the reserve 
or research quota established for that species, as appropriate.

0
3. In Sec.  635.71, revise paragraph (a)(20) to read as follows:


Sec.  635.71  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (20) Fail to return a surgically implanted archival tag of a 
retained

[[Page 55380]]

Atlantic HMS to NMFS or the research entity, as specified in Sec.  
635.33, or fail to report the fish, as specified in Sec.  635.5.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-19796 Filed 8-18-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                                55376              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 161 / Friday, August 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                coordinate protest activities so that your              N. Environment                                        and following north along the U.S.
                                                message can be received without                           We have analyzed this rule under                    shoreline to the point of origin (NAD
                                                jeopardizing the safety or security of                  Department of Homeland Security                       83).
                                                people, places, or vessels.                             Management Directive 023–01 and                         (b) Enforcement period. The safety
                                                                                                        Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,                     zone described in paragraph (a) of this
                                                G. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                                                                        which guide the Coast Guard in                        section will be enforced from 12:00 p.m.
                                                  The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                                                                            to 8:00 p.m. on August 21, 2016.
                                                                                                        complying with the National
                                                of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires                                                                           (c) Regulations. (1) In accordance with
                                                                                                        Environmental Policy Act of 1969
                                                Federal agencies to assess the effects of                                                                     the general regulations in § 165.23, entry
                                                                                                        (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and
                                                their discretionary regulatory actions. In                                                                    into, transiting or anchoring within this
                                                                                                        have concluded this action is one of a
                                                particular, the Act addresses actions                                                                         safety zone is prohibited unless
                                                                                                        category of actions which do not
                                                that may result in the expenditure by a                                                                       authorized by the Captain of the Port
                                                                                                        individually or cumulatively have a
                                                State, local, or tribal government, in the                                                                    Detroit (COTP) or his on-scene
                                                                                                        significant effect on the human
                                                aggregate, or by the private sector of                                                                        representative.
                                                                                                        environment. This rule involves the
                                                $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or                                                                        (2) The safety zone is closed to all
                                                                                                        establishment of a safety zone and is
                                                more in any one year. Though this rule                                                                        vessel traffic, except as may be
                                                                                                        therefore categorically excluded from
                                                will not result in such expenditure, we                                                                       permitted on a case-by-case basis by the
                                                                                                        further review under paragraph 34(g) of
                                                do discuss the effects of this rule                                                                           COTP or his on-scene representative.
                                                                                                        Figure 2–1 of the Commandant
                                                elsewhere in this preamble.                                                                                     (3) Additionally, no one under the age
                                                                                                        Instruction. An environmental analysis
                                                H. Taking of Private Property                           checklist supporting this determination               of 18 will be permitted to enter the
                                                                                                        and a Categorical Exclusion                           safety zone if they are not wearing a
                                                  This rule will not cause a taking of
                                                private property or otherwise have                      Determination are available in the                    Coast Guard-approved Personal
                                                taking implications under Executive                     docket where indicated under                          Floatation Device (PFD).
                                                Order 12630, Governmental Actions and                   ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or                      (4) The ‘‘on-scene representative’’ of
                                                Interference with Constitutionally                      information that may lead to the                      the COTP is any Coast Guard
                                                Protected Property Rights.                              discovery of a significant environmental              commissioned, warrant or petty officer
                                                                                                        impact from this rule.                                or a Federal, State, or local law
                                                I. Civil Justice Reform                                                                                       enforcement officer designated by or
                                                                                                        List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                   assisting the COTP to act on his behalf.
                                                   This rule meets applicable standards
                                                in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive                 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation                    (5) Vessel operators desiring to enter
                                                Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to                   (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                  or operate within the safety zone shall
                                                minimize litigation, eliminate                          requirements, Security measures,                      contact the COTP or his on-scene
                                                ambiguity, and reduce burden.                           Waterways.                                            representative to request permission to
                                                                                                          For the reasons discussed in the                    do so. The COTP or a designated
                                                J. Protection of Children                               preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33                   representative may be contacted via
                                                   We have analyzed this rule under                     CFR part 165 as follows:                              VHF Channel 16 or at 313–568–9464.
                                                Executive Order 13045, Protection of                                                                          Vessel operators given permission to
                                                Children from Environmental Health                      PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION                         enter or operate in the safety zone must
                                                Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not                AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                        comply with all directions given to
                                                an economically significant rule and                                                                          them by the COTP or his on-scene
                                                does not create an environmental risk to                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165              representative.
                                                health or risk to safety that may                       continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                Dated: August 16, 2016.
                                                disproportionately affect children.                       Authority: 33 U.S.C 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;
                                                                                                        33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;             Scott B. Lemasters,
                                                K. Indian Tribal Governments                            Department of Homeland Security Delegation            Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                                   This rule does not have tribal                       No. 0170.1.                                           Port Detroit.
                                                implications under Executive Order                      ■ 2. Add § 165.T09–0751 to read as                    [FR Doc. 2016–19846 Filed 8–18–16; 8:45 am]
                                                13175, Consultation and Coordination                    follows:                                              BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                with Indian Tribal Governments,
                                                                                                        § 165.T09–0751 Safety Zone; Port Huron
                                                because it does not have a substantial                  Float-Down, St. Clair River, Port Huron, MI.
                                                direct effect on one or more Indian                                                                           DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                tribes, on the relationship between the                    (a) Location. The following area is a
                                                Federal Government and Indian tribes,                   temporary safety zone: All U.S.
                                                                                                                                                              National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                or on the distribution of power and                     navigable waters of southern Lake
                                                                                                                                                              Administration
                                                responsibilities between the Federal                    Huron and the St. Clair River adjacent
                                                Government and Indian tribes.                           to Port Huron, MI, beginning at
                                                                                                                                                              50 CFR Part 635
                                                                                                        Lighthouse Beach and encompassing all
                                                L. Energy Effects                                       U.S. waters of the St. Clair River bound              [Docket No. 150817722–6703–02]
                                                   This action is not a ‘‘significant                   by a line starting at a point on land
                                                energy action’’ under Executive Order                   north of Coast Guard Station Port Huron               RIN 0648–BF10
                                                13211, Actions Concerning Regulations                   at position 43°00′25″ N.; 082°25′20″ W.,
                                                                                                        extending east to the international                   Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
                                                That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                        boundary to a point at position                       Archival Tag Management Measures
                                                Distribution, or Use.
                                                                                                        43°00′25″ N.; 082°25′02″ W., following                AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                M. Technical Standards                                  south along the international boundary                Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                                  This rule does not use technical                      to a point at position 42°54′30″ N.;                  Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
                                                standards. Therefore, we did not                        082°27′41″ W., extending west to a point              Commerce.
                                                consider the use of voluntary consensus                 on land just north of Stag Island at
                                                                                                                                                              ACTION: Final rule.
                                                standards.                                              position 42°54′30″ N.; 082°27′58″ W.,


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:10 Aug 18, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00026   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\19AUR1.SGM   19AUR1


                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 161 / Friday, August 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       55377

                                                SUMMARY:    This final rule revises the                    On April 14, 2016 (81 FR 22044),                   catches an HMS with an externally
                                                regulations that currently require                      NMFS published a proposed rule                        placed archival tag, a conventional tag,
                                                persons surgically implanting or                        regarding the regulatory requirements                 an acoustic tag, or a PIT tag), NMFS
                                                externally affixing archival tags on                    for the placement of ‘‘archival tags.’’ An            encourages, but does not require, the
                                                Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS)                 ‘‘archival tag’’ is defined at § 635.2 as ‘‘a         fisherman to return the tag and any
                                                to obtain written authorization from                    device that is implanted or affixed to a              information requested directly to the
                                                NMFS, and that require fishermen to                     fish to electronically record scientific              researcher or entity noted on the tag
                                                report their catches of Atlantic HMS                    information about the migratory                       itself. All other reporting requirements
                                                with such tags to NMFS. Archival tags                   behavior of that fish.’’ The comment                  for HMS would still apply. Finally,
                                                are tags that record scientific                         period on the proposed rule ended on                  under this final rule, the person
                                                information about the movement and                      May 16, 2016.                                         retaining an HMS with either an
                                                behavior of a fish and include tags that                   Researchers use archival tags because              externally affixed or surgically
                                                are surgically implanted in a fish, as                  they are a powerful tool for tracking the             implanted archival tag would no longer
                                                well as tags that are externally affixed,               movements, geolocation, and behavior                  be required to submit an archival tag
                                                such as pop-up satellite archival tags                  of individual tunas, sharks, swordfish,               landing report to NMFS or make the fish
                                                (PSAT) and smart position and                           and billfishes. Data recovery from some               available for inspection and tag recovery
                                                temperature tags (SPOT). Specifically,                  archival tags, particularly those that are            by a NMFS scientist, enforcement agent,
                                                this final rule removes the requirement                 surgically implanted into the fish,                   or other person designated in writing by
                                                for researchers to obtain written                       requires that fish be re-caught. Other                NMFS.
                                                authorization from NMFS to implant or                   archival tags, such as PSAT and SPOT,                    This final rule maintains appropriate
                                                affix an archival tag but would continue                which are externally affixed to the fish,             management and conservation
                                                to allow persons who catch a fish with                  are able to transmit the information                  requirements, such as requiring the
                                                a surgically implanted archival tag to                  remotely and do not require the fish to               return of the surgically implanted
                                                retain the fish only if they return the tag             be re-caught nor do researchers expect                archival tag if the fish is retained, for
                                                to the person indicated on the tag or to                the tags to be returned, as generally no              HMS while making the archival tagging
                                                NMFS. Persons retaining such fish                       additional data are gained from their                 process more efficient by reducing any
                                                would no longer be required to submit                   return. Data from archival tags are used              time and delay cost to researchers
                                                to NMFS an archival tag landing report                  to ascertain HMS life-history                         associated with the applying for a
                                                or make the fish available for inspection               information, such as migratory patterns               permit to place archival tags on Atlantic
                                                and tag recovery by a NMFS scientist,                   and spawning site fidelity.                           HMS. This final rule would reduce the
                                                enforcement agent, or other person                         In addition to archival tags,                      regulatory burden for researchers, and
                                                designated in writing by NMFS. Any                      researchers may place conventional                    allow researchers the opportunity to
                                                persons who land an Atlantic HMS with                   tags, such as spaghetti or roto tags,                 place archival tags on Atlantic HMS
                                                an externally-affixed archival tag would                acoustic tags, or passive integrated                  during periods of time in which they
                                                be encouraged, but not required, to                     transponder (PIT) tags on HMS. These                  usually would be waiting for NMFS to
                                                follow the instructions on the tag to                   types of tags do not record or store any              process their annual permits, typically
                                                return the tag to the appropriate                       information, and thus are not ‘‘archival’’            in January or February. NMFS does not
                                                research entity or to NMFS. This action                 tags. Furthermore, there are some tags,               expect this action to result in increased
                                                will affect any researchers wishing to                  such as some SPOTs, that may be                       fishing mortality or increased
                                                place archival tags on Atlantic HMS and                 archival or may be more acoustic in                   interactions with listed species.
                                                any fishermen who might catch such a                    nature, depending on the needs of the
                                                                                                        researcher. For Atlantic HMS, NMFS                    Response to Comments
                                                tagged fish.
                                                                                                        does not regulate the placement or the                  During the proposed rule stage, NMFS
                                                DATES: Effective on September 19, 2016.
                                                                                                        collection of these non-archival tags,                received 31 written comments. The
                                                ADDRESSES: NMFS Highly Migratory
                                                                                                        and this final rule does not affect any               comments received on the proposed
                                                Species Management Division, 1315                       tags other than archival tags.                        rule during the public comment period
                                                East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD                       This final rule removes the                        can be found at http://
                                                20910.                                                  requirement for researchers to obtain                 www.regulations.gov/ by searching for
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        written authorization from NMFS to                    NOAA–NMFS–2016–0017. A summary
                                                Larry Redd, Craig Cockrell, Tobey Curtis                implant or affix an archival tag.                     of the relevant comments on the
                                                or Karyl Brewster-Geisz by phone at                     Additionally, this final rule maintains               proposed rule are shown below with
                                                301–427–8503.                                           the regulatory requirement that Atlantic              NMFS’ response.
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              HMS caught with a surgically implanted                  Comment 1: NMFS received some
                                                                                                        archival tag may be retained only on the              comments in support of removing the
                                                Background                                              condition that the surgically implanted               requirement for researchers to obtain
                                                   Atlantic HMS are managed under the                   tag is returned to either the originating             written authorization from NMFS to
                                                2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery                           researcher or to NMFS. Maintaining this               implant or affix archival tags.
                                                Management Plan (FMP) and its                           regulatory provision creates an                       Commenters supporting the removal of
                                                amendments. Implementing regulations                    incentive to return the surgical tags,                the written authorization requirement
                                                at 50 CFR part 635 are issued under the                 which need to be physically retrieved to              stated that the authorization was
                                                authority of the Magnuson-Stevens                       retrieve the data. This would afford                  unnecessary for the application of
                                                Fishery Conservation and Management                     some assurance to researchers that they               archival tags on HMS because
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                                                Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C.                   would be able to retrieve the surgically              advancements in tagging techniques
                                                1801 et seq., and Atlantic Tunas                        implanted tags and would not lose their               have resulted in low mortality rates and
                                                Convention Act (ATCA), 16 U.S.C. 971                    investment due to discarded tags, and                 that removing the requirement would
                                                et seq. ATCA authorizes the Secretary of                that the tags would continue to                       maximize opportunities to deploy
                                                Commerce (Secretary) to promulgate                      contribute to the collection of Atlantic              archival tags.
                                                regulations as necessary and appropriate                HMS life history and biological data. In                Response: NMFS agrees that
                                                to implement ICCAT recommendations.                     all other cases (i.e., the fisherman                  researchers no longer need written


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                                                55378              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 161 / Friday, August 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                authorization to implant or affix                       number of alternative tags available for              because archival tags are costly and the
                                                archival tags. The requirement to                       use by researchers, and the high cost of              data they provide require scientific
                                                receive written authorization for                       obtaining an archival tag (approximately              expertise and infrastructure to analyze
                                                placement of archival tags was                          $5,000 per tag), NMFS does not agree                  and interpret. Neither commercial
                                                implemented in the 1990s to monitor                     that removal of the requirement to                    fishermen nor recreational fishermen
                                                fish mortality, at a time when archival                 obtain written authorization for archival             are likely to realize benefits from buying
                                                tag technology was fairly new, and most                 tags would increase fishing pressure on               and then applying archival tags and
                                                of the archival tags had to be surgically               HMS or cause additional mortality. The                releasing HMS. Both recreational and
                                                implanted into the fish. The mortality                  removal of the requirement to obtain                  commercial fishermen have been
                                                rates associated with surgically                        written authorization to place a tag on               assisting scientists for years by placing
                                                implanting such tags into fish was                      HMS in itself is not expected to have                 conventional tags on HMS that are
                                                unknown at that time. Currently,                        any impact on protected resources. If                 released, and returning tags and
                                                researchers primarily use externally                    researchers are interacting with listed               providing information on tagged HMS
                                                affixed archival tags because the data                  species, they are responsible for                     that are landed.
                                                collected from those tags are received                  obtaining appropriate permit coverage                    Comment 4: Commenters stated that
                                                via satellite (in other words, you do not               under the Endangered Species Act                      NMFS should continue to encourage but
                                                need to re-catch the fish in order to                   (ESA) to ensure that any incidental take              not require the return of archival tags to
                                                collect the data). Furthermore, research                during research operations is                         researchers or NMFS and that the
                                                has shown negligible mortality rates as                 authorized. Additionally, while removal               regulations requiring tag returns are not
                                                a result of implanting or affixing                      of the requirement to obtain written                  needed since the fishermen understand
                                                archival tags. Additionally, NMFS                       authorization to place archival tags on               the importance and value of archival
                                                believes that allowing researchers the                  HMS would reduce some administrative                  tags.
                                                opportunity to place archival tags                      burden on NMFS staff, the main                           Response: NMFS will continue to
                                                without written authorization should                    reduction of administrative burden will               encourage the return of any archival or
                                                maximize tagging opportunities for                      be with researchers who would no                      other tags to researchers or NMFS by
                                                researchers, allowing them to fish at                   longer need to apply and wait for                     noting the importance of tag return in
                                                times of the year when NMFS is                          written authorization before tagging fish             the compliance guides and other
                                                processing permit applications the                      with archival tags. This is a desirable               outreach materials. Furthermore,
                                                months of January and February, and                     outcome because researchers would                     researchers note in their comments that
                                                minimize any administrative burden                      have more flexibility to tag in different             many fishermen already voluntarily
                                                associated with applying for such                       areas and on a greater variety of species             return archival tags to researchers.
                                                authorization.                                          during the times they otherwise would                 Monetary rewards are often offered by
                                                   Comment 2: Some commenters                           be waiting for NMFS to issue a permit.                researchers for the return of their tags,
                                                opposed removal of the written                             In regard to continuing to ensure                  but many fishermen also acknowledge
                                                authorization requirement, stating that                 accountability of scientists and other                the scientific value of the data provided
                                                the change would increase fishing                       researchers, most HMS research                        by archival tags, and are generally
                                                pressure on HMS, protected, and                         activities would likely still require                 supportive of fish-tagging research.
                                                endangered species. Those individuals                   authorization under an exempted                       While NMFS is removing the non-
                                                felt that the proposed rule would                       fishing permit (EFP) or scientific                    surgically implanted archival tag
                                                remove the current fishing regulations                  research permit (SRP) because other                   landing report requirement under this
                                                for protected and endangered species,                   research activities, such as sampling                 final rule, the regulations will still
                                                allowing fishermen the opportunity to                   gear or possession of HMS, continue to                require fishermen to return surgically
                                                target these species. Some commenters                   require authorization (see 50 CFR                     implanted archival tags from recaptured
                                                expressed concern that removing the                     635.32). While researchers could place                HMS to the appropriate research entity
                                                requirement for written authorization                   archival tags without written                         or NMFS.
                                                would remove accountability for                         authorization, other research activities                 Comment 5: NMFS should not remove
                                                researchers, fishermen, and both state                  would likely still need written                       the archival tag landing report
                                                and Federal officials to follow standard                authorization. Furthermore, there is no               requirement, as it would reduce
                                                scientific and regulatory practices.                    evidence or apparent incentive for                    fishermen accountability allowing them
                                                Commenters also expressed a belief that                 researchers or fishermen to circumvent                to capture HMS without documentation
                                                reducing the administrative burden on                   established scientific or regulatory                  and could have a negative impact on
                                                NMFS staff was not an appropriate                       practices when tagging HMS or                         scientific data. Removing the landing
                                                reason to remove the requirement.                       reporting recaptures.                                 report could potentially result in illegal
                                                Commenters further noted that requiring                    Comment 3: Several commenters                      fishing practices under the blanket of
                                                written authorization ensures that the                  expressed concern that the proposed                   ‘‘scientific research.’’
                                                party taking part in the research is                    rule could potentially be abused by any                  Response: Removing the requirement
                                                qualified or could be given instructional               fisherman who wishes to apply tags,                   to report landing a tagged HMS to
                                                education on handling and tagging                       and that the level of enforcement on the              NMFS is not expected to impact
                                                techniques.                                             responsible application of tags would be              reporting rates of these tags between
                                                   Response: As described in the                        reduced.                                              fishermen and scientists. Fishermen
                                                proposed rule, after 20 years of use, the                  Response: This final rule is designed              often voluntarily return tags and related
                                                mortality rate as a result of placement of              to reduce regulatory burdens on                       information about the recaptured HMS
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                                                archival tags is negligible and most                    researchers and is not expected to have               directly to the researchers identified on
                                                research projects are of relatively                     impacts on fishermen beyond the                       a tag, and researchers have not raised
                                                limited scope both in terms of the                      requirement to return the archival tag.               any concerns that they may be losing
                                                number of individual fish affected and                  To our knowledge, no Atlantic HMS                     scientific data due to non-reporting by
                                                the number of species involved. As                      fishermen have ever applied archival                  fishermen. While NMFS will continue
                                                such, given the low mortality from                      tags without collaboration with                       to encourage reporting and returns of
                                                placing archival or other tags, the large               researchers, nor are they likely to do so             archival tags from fishermen to


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 161 / Friday, August 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                            55379

                                                researchers by noting the importance of                    Response: The purpose and scope of                 Small Business Administration during
                                                tag return in the compliance guides and                 this final rule, which is largely                     the proposed rule stage that this action
                                                other outreach materials, there is no                   administrative in nature, was fully                   would not have a significant economic
                                                need to maintain a separate archival tag                described in the proposed rule. NMFS                  impact on a substantial number of small
                                                landing report requirement.                             announced the proposed rule via email                 entities. The factual basis for the
                                                   Comment 6: NMFS requested and                        notification and posting on the Atlantic              certification was published in the
                                                received various comments regarding                     HMS Web site when it published in the                 proposed rule and is not repeated here.
                                                whether fishermen who catch an HMS                      Federal Register, and provided a 30-day               No comments were received regarding
                                                with an externally affixed archival tag                 public comment period. The majority of                this certification. As a result, a
                                                should be required to release the fish if               the commenters who requested a public                 regulatory flexibility analysis was not
                                                it is otherwise legal to land. Some                     hearing were concerned about the                      required and none was prepared.
                                                scientists noted that the return of                     impact of the removal of a written
                                                                                                        authorization on the tagging of protected             List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 635
                                                archival tags from recaptured HMS can
                                                be very valuable to researchers because                 or endangered species. As described                     Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels,
                                                the physical recovery of such tags can                  above, however, this final rule does not              Foreign relations, Imports, Penalties,
                                                provide much more data than non-                        address the tagging of protected or                   Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                returned tags, and these tags can often                 endangered species nor would it affect                requirements, Treaties.
                                                be redeployed on other fish. Other                      associated regulations and requirements                 Dated: August 15, 2016.
                                                commenters stated that fish that are                    applicable to listed species or increase
                                                                                                                                                              Samuel D. Rauch III,
                                                tagged with an archival tag should be                   interactions with such species. As such,
                                                                                                                                                              Deputy Assistant Administrator for
                                                allowed to be landed regardless of the                  because their concerns were so far
                                                                                                                                                              Regulatory Programs, National Marine
                                                regulations; fish should be allowed to be               outside the scope of the rulemaking, we               Fisheries Service.
                                                landed if they are legal species within                 determined that a public hearing was
                                                                                                        not necessary and that a written                        For the reasons set out in the
                                                retention sizes; fish that have an                                                                            preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part
                                                internally implanted archival tag should                response to comments would be
                                                                                                        adequate and appropriate.                             635 as follows:
                                                be allowed to be landed as long as the
                                                tag is returned to the researcher or                       Comment 8: NMFS received a public
                                                                                                        comment regarding the effects of tagging              PART 635—ATLANTIC HIGHLY
                                                NMFS; sharks with externally affixed                                                                          MIGRATORY SPECIES
                                                tags should be released; and all tagged                 on HMS (specifically sharks). The
                                                fish which are caught should be                         commenter highlighted issues                          ■ 1. The authority citation for part 635
                                                released.                                               surrounding infection and tag                         continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                        biofouling, and argued that NMFS
                                                   Response: After reviewing these                                                                              Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
                                                                                                        should not implement the proposed
                                                comments, NMFS has determined that a                                                                          1801 et seq.
                                                                                                        measures because they would result in
                                                requirement for fishermen to release any                                                                      ■   2. Revise § 635.33 to read as follows:
                                                                                                        more harmful tagging of HMS.
                                                HMS with an externally affixed archival                    Response: While available research
                                                tag is not warranted at this time. Under                indicates that any kind of fish tagging,
                                                                                                                                                              § 635.33   Archival tags.
                                                this final rule, fishermen may continue                 including the application of archival                   (a) Landing an HMS with a surgically
                                                to retain any otherwise legal HMS,                      tags, could result in physiological stress,           implanted archival tag.
                                                including those with externally affixed                 injury, infection, and other sublethal                Notwithstanding other provisions of this
                                                archival tags. Fishermen may also                       impacts, the majority of scientific                   part, persons may catch, possess, retain,
                                                continue to retain HMS with an                          evidence indicates that tag-induced                   and land an Atlantic HMS in which an
                                                internally implanted archival tag                       mortality of HMS is negligible and is not             archival tag has been surgically
                                                regardless of any regulatory prohibition,               a threat to HMS populations. An                       implanted, provided such persons
                                                as long as the tag is returned to the                   archival tag is one type of tag placed on             return the tag to the research entity
                                                appropriate research entity or NMFS. If                 HMS, and is a scientific tool that has                indicated on the tag or to NMFS at an
                                                fishermen were prohibited from                          been used to vastly improve                           address designated by NMFS and report
                                                retaining an HMS because it had an                      understanding of HMS movements,                       the fish as required in § 635.5.
                                                externally affixed archival tag, it could               habitat use, exposure to anthropogenic                  (b) Quota monitoring. If an Atlantic
                                                negatively affect tag return rates and                  impacts, post-release mortality rates,                HMS landed under the authority of
                                                cooperation with researchers. In most                   and other aspects of biology. Archival                paragraph (a) of this section is subject to
                                                cases, researchers state that they attach               tagging studies have improved NMFS’                   a quota, the fish will be counted against
                                                greater value to the potential for                      ability to conserve and sustainably                   the applicable quota for the species
                                                returned tags than to the mandatory                     manage HMS populations, and NMFS                      consistent with the fishing gear and
                                                release of tagged fish and the continued                encourages the responsible continued                  activity which resulted in the catch. In
                                                collection of information from having                   use of all tags, including archival tags.             the event such fishing gear or activity is
                                                the tagged fish in the water. This is                                                                         otherwise prohibited under applicable
                                                particularly true since many externally                 Classification                                        provisions of this part, the fish shall be
                                                affixed archival tags only collect data for               The NMFS Assistant Administrator                    counted against the reserve or research
                                                a limited period of time (e.g., 1 week, 1               has determined that the final rule is                 quota established for that species, as
                                                month, 6 months, etc.), which is set by                 consistent with the 2006 Consolidated                 appropriate.
                                                the researcher before placing the tag.                  HMS FMP and its amendments, the                       ■ 3. In § 635.71, revise paragraph (a)(20)
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                                                   Comment 7: Several commenters                        Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other                       to read as follows:
                                                requested a public hearing for                          applicable laws.
                                                clarification of the proposed rule and to                 This final action is not significant for            § 635.71   Prohibitions.
                                                allow the scientific and environmental                  the purposes of Executive Order 12866.                *     *     *     *     *
                                                community the chance to provide                           The Chief Counsel for Regulation of                   (a) * * *
                                                information and suggest alternatives to                 the Department of Commerce certified                    (20) Fail to return a surgically
                                                the proposed rule.                                      to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the              implanted archival tag of a retained


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                                                55380              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 161 / Friday, August 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Atlantic HMS to NMFS or the research
                                                entity, as specified in § 635.33, or fail to
                                                report the fish, as specified in § 635.5.
                                                *     *     *     *     *
                                                [FR Doc. 2016–19796 Filed 8–18–16; 8:45 am]
                                                BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2016-08-19 01:35:17
Document Modified: 2016-08-19 01:35:17
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
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective on September 19, 2016.
ContactLarry Redd, Craig Cockrell, Tobey Curtis or Karyl Brewster-Geisz by phone at 301-427-8503.
FR Citation81 FR 55376 
RIN Number0648-BF10
CFR AssociatedFisheries; Fishing; Fishing Vessels; Foreign Relations; Imports; Penalties; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Treaties

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