82 FR 26603 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 109 (June 8, 2017)

Page Range		26603-26604
FR Document		2017-11910

NMFS closes the Gulf of Mexico 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 Gulf of Mexico trophy BFT subquota.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 109 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26603-26604]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11910]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 635

[Docket No. 150121066-5717-02]
RIN 0648-XF472


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna 
Fisheries

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of Angling category Gulf of Mexico 
trophy fishery.

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SUMMARY: NMFS closes the Gulf of Mexico 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 
Gulf of Mexico trophy BFT subquota.

DATES: Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, June 7, 2017, through December 
31, 2017.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the

[[Page 26604]]

authority of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et 
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) and amendments.
    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 Gulf of Mexico ``Trophy'' 
Fishery Closure

    The 2017 BFT fishing year, which is managed on a calendar-year 
basis and subject to an annual calendar-year quota, began January 1, 
2017. The Angling category season opened January 1, 2017, and continues 
through December 31, 2017. 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 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 (the ``southern 
area''); and in the Gulf of Mexico. Trophy BFT measure 73 inches (185 
cm) curved fork length or greater.
    Based on reported landings from the NMFS Automated Catch Reporting 
System, NMFS has determined that the codified Angling category Gulf of 
Mexico trophy BFT subquota has been reached and that a closure of the 
Gulf of Mexico trophy BFT fishery is warranted. Therefore, retaining, 
possessing, or landing large medium or giant BFT in the Gulf of Mexico 
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 June 7, 2017. This closure will remain 
effective through December 31, 2017. This action is intended to prevent 
overharvest of the Angling category Gulf of Mexico 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 atwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.
    HMS Charter/Headboat and Angling category vessel owners are 
required to report the catch of all BFT retained or discarded dead, 
within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip, by accessing 
hmspermits.noaa.gov or by using the HMS Catch Reporting App.

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 and 
amendments 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 Gulf of 
Mexico Angling category trophy fishery is necessary to prevent any 
further overharvest of the Gulf of Mexico 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 Gulf of 
Mexico trophy BFT fishery before additional landings of these sizes of 
BFT occur. 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: June 5, 2017.
Margo B. Schulze-Haugen,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11910 Filed 6-5-17; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 109 / Thursday, June 8, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 26603

EPA explain the reasons for departing various levels of government or between emergency exemptions. The tolerances
from the Codex level. the Federal Government and Indian expire on the date specified in the table.
The Codex has not established a MRL tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
for residues of triclopyr. that Executive Order 13132, entitled Parts per Expiration
Commodity million date
VI. Conclusion ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175, Sugarcane, cane ......... 40 12/31/2020
Therefore, a time-limited tolerance is entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
established for residues of triclopyr, (2- with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR * * * * *
[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy]acetic 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply [FR Doc. 2017–11928 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am]
acid), including its metabolites and to this action. In addition, this action BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
degradates in or on sugarcane, cane at does not impose any enforceable duty or
40 ppm. This tolerance will expire on contain any unfunded mandate as
December 31, 2020. described under Title II of the Unfunded ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. AGENCY
VII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews 1501 et seq.). 40 CFR Part 232
This action does not involve any
This action establishes tolerances
technical standards that would require 404 Program Definitions; Exempt
under FFDCA sections 408(e) and
Agency consideration of voluntary Activities Not Requiring 404 Permits
408(l)(6). The Office of Management and
consensus standards pursuant to section
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types CFR Correction
of actions from review under Executive 12(d) of the National Technology
Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory Transfer and Advancement Act
■ In Title 40 of the Code of Federal
Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735, (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
Regulations, Parts 190 to 259, revised as
October 4, 1993). Because this action VIII. Congressional Review Act of July 1, 2016, on page 319, in § 232.2,
has been exempted from review under Pursuant to the Congressional Review the first definition of Waters of the
Executive Order 12866, this action is Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA has United States is removed.
not subject to Executive Order 13211, submitted a report containing this rule [FR Doc. 2017–11894 Filed 6–7–17; 8:45 am]
entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning and other required information to the BILLING CODE 1301–00–D
Regulations That Significantly Affect U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66 Representatives, and the Comptroller
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive General of the United States prior to
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
publication of the rule in the Federal
Children from Environmental Health Register. This action is not a ‘‘major National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Administration
April 23, 1997). This action does not
contain any information collections List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 50 CFR Part 635
subject to OMB approval under the Environmental protection,
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 Administrative practice and procedure, [Docket No. 150121066–5717–02]
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require Agricultural commodities, Pesticides RIN 0648–XF472
any special considerations under and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
Executive Order 12898, entitled requirements. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
‘‘Federal Actions to Address Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
Environmental Justice in Minority Dated: May 10, 2017.
Populations and Low-Income Michael Goodis, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16, Director, Registration Division, Office of Service, National Oceanic and
1994). Pesticide Programs. Atmospheric Administration,
Since tolerances and exemptions that Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is Commerce.
are established in accordance with amended as follows: ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of
FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6), Angling category Gulf of Mexico trophy
such as the tolerances in this final rule, PART 180—[AMENDED] fishery.
do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180 SUMMARY: NMFS closes the Gulf of
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 continues to read as follows: Mexico Angling category fishery for
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. large medium and giant (‘‘trophy’’ (i.e.,
This action directly regulates growers, ■ 2. In § 180.417, revise paragraph (b) to measuring 73 inches curved fork length
food processors, food handlers, and food read as follows: or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT).
retailers, not States or tribes, nor does This action is being taken to prevent any
this action alter the relationships or § 180.417 Triclopyr; tolerances for further overharvest of the Angling
distribution of power and residues. category Gulf of Mexico trophy BFT
responsibilities established by Congress * * * * * subquota.
in the preemption provisions of FFDCA (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. DATES: Effective 11:30 p.m., local time,
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES

section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency Time-limited tolerances specified in the June 7, 2017, through December 31,
has determined that this action will not following table are established for 2017.
have a substantial direct effect on States residues of the triclopyr (2-[(3,5,6-
or tribal governments, on the trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy]acetic acid), FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
relationship between the national including its metabolites and degradates Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale,
government and the States or tribal in or on the specified agricultural 978–281–9260.
governments, or on the distribution of commodities, resulting from use of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
power and responsibilities among the pesticide pursuant to FIFRA section 18 Regulations implemented under the

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Jun 07, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\08JNR1.SGM 08JNR1

Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:06:47
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:06:47

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Temporary rule; closure of Angling category Gulf of Mexico trophy fishery.
Dates		Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, June 7, 2017, through December 31, 2017.
Contact		Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978- 281-9260.
FR Citation		82 FR 26603
RIN Number		0648-XF47

82 FR 26603 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 109 (June 8, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration