82 FR 42542 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 173 (September 8, 2017)

Page Range		42542-42543
FR Document		2017-19057

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) will hold a three-day meeting to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 173 (Friday, September 8, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 173 (Friday, September 8, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42542-42543]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19057]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF666


New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council, NEFMC) 
will hold a three-day meeting to consider actions affecting New England 
fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 
September 26, 27, and 28, 2017, beginning at 9 a.m. on September 26, 
8:30 a.m. on September 27, and 8:30 a.m. on September 28.

ADDRESSES: 
    Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Beauport Hotel, 55 
Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA 01930; telephone (978) 282-0008; 
online at www.beauporthotel.com.
    Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water 
Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950; telephone (978) 465-0492; 
www.nefmc.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, 
New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492, ext. 
113.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Agenda

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

    After introductions and brief announcements, the meeting will begin 
with the swearing-in of reappointed Council members, followed by the 
election of 2017-2018 officers. The Council then will hear reports from 
the Council Chairman and Executive Director, NMFS's Regional 
Administrator for the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office 
(GARFO), liaisons from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) 
and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, representatives from NOAA 
General Counsel and the Office of Law Enforcement, and staff from the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and U.S. Coast Guard. In 
addition, the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel will provide a report. 
Next, the Council will hear from its Whiting Committee, which will 
cover three items of business. The first involves Amendment 22 to the 
Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The amendment is 
being developed to potentially limit access to the small-mesh 
multispecies fishery, which includes red, silver, and offshore hakes. 
The Council is expected to select limited access, permitting, and 
possession limit preferred alternatives for Amendment 22 to send to 
public hearing. Next, the Whiting Plan Development Team (PDT) will 
present the Annual Monitoring Report, which summarizes 2016 fishing 
year activity and contains an assessment update and specification 
recommendations. Finally, the Council will initiate an action to 
develop 2018-20 specifications for the small-mesh multispecies fishery.
    Following the lunch break, the Council will resume the whiting 
discussion if necessary. Otherwise, it will move on to the Atlantic 
Herring Committee report and address three items related to Draft 
Amendment 8 to the Atlantic Herring FMP. First, the

[[Page 42543]]

Council will review and clarify unresolved details related to 
alternatives under consideration in the amendment. Next, it will review 
results from the Management Strategy Evaluation process used to develop 
a new acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rule for Atlantic 
herring. Finally, the Council potentially will select preferred 
alternatives for an ABC control rule. Following these actions, the 
Council will adjourn for the day.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

    The second day of the meeting will begin with a report from the 
Transboundary Resource Assessment Committee (TRAC) summarizing results 
from the 2017 stock assessments for Eastern Georges Bank cod, Eastern 
Georges Bank haddock, and Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. The 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will report next with 2018-
19 overfishing limit (OFL) and ABC recommendations for Georges Bank 
yellowtail flounder and the Northeast skate complex. A short SSC 
working group update will follow. Next, the Council will hear from U.S. 
representatives to the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee 
(TMGC) and potentially approve TMGC recommendations for 2018 total 
allowable catches (TACs) for shared U.S./Canada groundfish stocks on 
Georges Bank. The TMGC considers TRAC advice when formulating 
recommendations. Members of the public then will be able to speak 
during an open comment period on issues that relate to Council business 
but are not included on the published agenda for this meeting. The 
Council asks the public to limit remarks to 3-5 minutes. Following the 
public comment period, the Council will receive a Groundfish Committee 
report, beginning with an update on Framework Adjustment 57 to the 
Northeast Multispecies FMP. The framework includes: (1) 2018-2020 
Fishery specifications; (2) 2018 TACs for U.S./Canada stocks; (3) 
Atlantic halibut accountability measures (AMs); (4) recreational 
management measures; (5) common pool trimester TAC adjustments; and (6) 
southern windowpane flounder AMs. During the Groundfish Committee 
report, the Council also will receive and potentially further discuss 
the TMGC's TAC recommendations for U.S./Canada shared stocks and the 
SSC's OFL and ABC recommendations for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. 
Finally, the Committee will present a progress report on Groundfish 
Monitoring Amendment 23.
    After a lunch break, the Groundfish Committee report will continue 
until related business is concluded. The Skate Committee Report will 
follow. The Council will receive the Annual Monitoring Report on 
fishing year 2016 activity and then discuss Framework Adjustment 5 to 
the Northeast Skate Complex FMP. The Council may consider final action 
on the framework, which was initiated to develop fishing year 2018-2019 
specifications and allow the landing of barndoor skates. The Council 
also will receive an update on Amendment 5 to potentially develop a 
limited access program for skates. At the conclusion of the skate 
discussion, the Council will adjourn for the day.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

    The third day of the meeting will begin with a preliminary 
discussion of 2018 Council priorities. Here, the Council will review 
and discuss a draft list of possible actions and tasks for further 
development in 2018 covering all committees. The Council will not take 
final action on priorities until its December meeting. Next, the 
Council will hear from its Scallop Committee, beginning with a summary 
of 2017 scallop survey results. The Council then will receive a 
progress report on Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
FMP. This framework contains: (1) Fishery specifications for the 2018 
fishing year and default specifications for 2019; (2) scallop fishery 
AMs for yellowtail flounder and windowpane flounder; (3) Northern Gulf 
of Maine Management Area modifications; and (4) Closed Area I Scallop 
Access Area changes to be consistent with pending habitat area 
revisions. The Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management (EBFM) Committee then 
will provide a progress report on developing an example Fishery 
Ecosystem Plan for Georges Bank. The EBFM PDT will report on the 
application of operating models for a Georges Bank Ecosystem Production 
Unit, describing how the models could be used to support a Management 
Strategy Evaluation. Next, the Council will receive three brief 
habitat-related updates: One on the Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment; 
another on the Clam Dredge Framework; and a third on wind energy 
development.
    Following a lunch break, the Council will receive an update on the 
status of the Council Program Review. The Research Steering Committee 
will report next on three issues: (1) Developing a process to 
prioritize Council research priorities; (2) providing input to the 
Northeast Cooperative Research Program; and (3) reviewing collaborative 
research projects. The Council then will discuss two issues related to 
Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM). First the Council is 
expected to take final action on the SBRM Omnibus Framework Adjustment 
to address assigning at-sea observers to the lobster pot fleet in an 
unbiased manner through the Northeast Fishery Observer Program. It then 
will receive an update on the SBRM Three-Year Report. The Council will 
close out the meeting with ``other business'' and then potentially go 
into closed session to discuss ongoing litigation.
    Although non-emergency issues not contained on this agenda may come 
before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject 
of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted 
to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues 
arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action 
under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public 
has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to 
address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting 
will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the 
recording is available upon request.

Special Accommodations

    This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. 
Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids 
should be directed to Thomas A. Nies (see ADDRESSES) at least 5 days 
prior to the meeting date.

    Dated: September 5, 2017.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19057 Filed 9-7-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

42542 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 173 / Friday, September 8, 2017 / Notices

industry adopt to best address these There is no cost for participating in Meeting address: The meeting will be
challenges? the workshop. No proprietary held at the Beauport Hotel, 55
information will be accepted, presented Commercial Street, Gloucester, MA
(3) Funding and Knowledge
or discussed as part of the workshop, 01930; telephone (978) 282–0008;
Considerations
and all information accepted, presented online at www.beauporthotel.com.
Uncertain market needs, imperfect or discussed at the workshop will be in Council address: New England
investment levels and mechanisms, the public domain. Fishery Management Council, 50 Water
undeveloped technology, challenges in All workshop participants must pre- Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950;
dissemination of information, and register at the following web address to telephone (978) 465–0492;
technology transfer are some of the be admitted: https://www.nist.gov/news- www.nefmc.org.
potential barriers to adoption of QIS events/events/2017/10/quantum- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
technology. What are the greatest industry-day. Anyone wishing to attend Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director,
technical and organizational barriers to this meeting must register by 5:00 p.m. New England Fishery Management
advancing important near-term and Eastern Time on September 29, 2017, in Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492, ext.
future applications of QIS and what order to attend. Also, please note that 113.
should be done to address these federal agencies, including NIST, can SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
barriers? What methods might be only accept a state-issued driver’s
adopted to encourage both small and license or identification card for access Agenda
large efforts to provide a healthy to federal facilities if such license or
industrial base? Which areas are Tuesday, September 26, 2017
identification card is issued by a state
underfunded, inconsistently funded, or After introductions and brief
that is compliant with the REAL ID Act
need better funding clarity from the announcements, the meeting will begin
of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–13), or by a state
government for progress of the industry with the swearing-in of reappointed
that has an extension for REAL ID
as a whole? At what level of knowledge Council members, followed by the
compliance. NIST currently accepts
or development should intellectual election of 2017–2018 officers. The
other forms of federally-issued
property move from being freely Council then will hear reports from the
identification in lieu of a state-issued
available to exclusive? How can Council Chairman and Executive
driver’s license. For detailed
industry or government address these Director, NMFS’s Regional
information please contact Kimberly Administrator for the Greater Atlantic
concerns? Emswiler at (301) 975–4208 or visit: Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO),
Workshop http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/ liaisons from the Northeast Fisheries
The purpose of the workshop is to visitor/. Science Center (NEFSC) and Mid-
convene stakeholders in the Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272(b)(1), (4), (11) & Atlantic Fishery Management Council,
development and commercialization of 15 U.S.C. 272(c)(12). representatives from NOAA General
quantum technologies to address the Kevin Kimball, Counsel and the Office of Law
identified key challenges via industrial, Enforcement, and staff from the Atlantic
NIST Chief of Staff.
academic, and governmental means. States Marine Fisheries Commission
[FR Doc. 2017–19081 Filed 9–7–17; 8:45 am]
Topics to be discussed include and U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, the
opportunities for research and BILLING CODE 3510–13–P
Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel will
development and means and methods of provide a report. Next, the Council will
facilitating interaction and collaboration hear from its Whiting Committee, which
such as creation of consortia, providing DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
will cover three items of business. The
support for emerging market areas, National Oceanic and Atmospheric first involves Amendment 22 to the
identifying barriers to near-term and Administration Northeast Multispecies Fishery
future applications, and understanding Management Plan (FMP). The
workforce needs. Information gathered RIN 0648–XF666 amendment is being developed to
at this workshop will be used in the potentially limit access to the small-
development and coordination of U.S. New England Fishery Management mesh multispecies fishery, which
Government policies, programs, and Council; Public Meeting includes red, silver, and offshore hakes.
budgets to advance U.S. The Council is expected to select
competitiveness in QIS. Furthermore, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries limited access, permitting, and
this workshop will provide a discussion Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and possession limit preferred alternatives
place for industry to consider methods Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), for Amendment 22 to send to public
of collaboration in a neutral setting, Commerce. hearing. Next, the Whiting Plan
including the potential benefits of ACTION: Notice of public meeting. Development Team (PDT) will present
developing a technology perspective the Annual Monitoring Report, which
SUMMARY: The New England Fishery
study as well as other helpful organizing summarizes 2016 fishing year activity
Management Council (Council, NEFMC)
elements, including consortia and future and contains an assessment update and
will hold a three-day meeting to
roadmap development for subfields. specification recommendations. Finally,
This workshop will focus on consider actions affecting New England
the Council will initiate an action to
addressing the key challenges described fisheries in the exclusive economic zone
develop 2018–20 specifications for the
above under ‘‘Request for Information.’’ (EEZ).
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

small-mesh multispecies fishery.
It will include invited presentations by DATES: The meeting will be held on Following the lunch break, the
leading experts from academia, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Council will resume the whiting
industry, and government; time for September 26, 27, and 28, 2017, discussion if necessary. Otherwise, it
group discussion; and breakout sessions beginning at 9 a.m. on September 26, will move on to the Atlantic Herring
for discussing subfields, potential 8:30 a.m. on September 27, and 8:30 Committee report and address three
consortia frameworks, and the role of a.m. on September 28. items related to Draft Amendment 8 to
technology perspective studies. ADDRESSES: the Atlantic Herring FMP. First, the

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Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:09:43
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:09:43

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		Notices
Action		Notice of public meeting.
Dates		The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 26, 27, and 28, 2017, beginning at 9 a.m. on September 26, 8:30 a.m. on September 27, and 8:30 a.m. on September 28.
Contact		Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492, ext. 113.
FR Citation		82 FR 42542
RIN Number		0648-XF66

82 FR 42542 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 173 (September 8, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration