82 FR 58761 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North Atlantic Swordfish Fishery
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 239 (December 14, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 239 (December 14, 2017)
| Page Range | 58761-58763 | |
| FR Document | 2017-26901 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 58761-58763] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-26901] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 635 [Docket No. 120627194-3657-02] RIN 0648-XF817 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North Atlantic Swordfish Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; Swordfish General Commercial permit retention limit inseason adjustment for the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the Swordfish (SWO) General Commercial permit retention limits for the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions for January through June of the 2018 fishing year, unless otherwise later noticed. The SWO General Commercial permit retention limit in each of these regions is increased from the regulatory default limits (either two or three fish) to six swordfish per vessel per trip. The SWO General Commercial permit retention limit in the Florida SWO Management Area will remain unchanged at the default limit of zero swordfish per vessel per trip. These adjustments apply to SWO General Commercial permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when on a non-for-hire trip. This action is based upon consideration of the applicable inseason regional retention limit adjustment criteria. DATES: The adjusted SWO General Commercial permit retention limits in the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions are effective from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Pearson or Randy Blankinship, 727-824-5399. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the 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 North Atlantic swordfish by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and implemented by the United States into two equal semi-annual directed fishery quotas--an annual incidental catch quota for fishermen targeting other species or catching swordfish recreationally, and a reserve category, according to the allocations established in the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) (71 FR 58058, October 2, 2006), as amended, and in accordance with implementing regulations. NMFS is required under ATCA and the Magnuson- Stevens Act to provide U.S. fishing vessels with a reasonable opportunity to harvest the ICCAT-recommended quota. In 2017, ICCAT recommended that the overall North Atlantic swordfish total allowable catch (TAC) be set at 9,925 metric tons (mt) dressed weight (dw) (13,200 mt whole weight (ww)) through 2021. Consistent with scientific advice, this was a reduction of 500 mt ww (375.9 mt dw) from previous ICCAT-recommended TACs. However, of this TAC, the United States' baseline quota remained at 2,937.6 mt dw (3,907 mt ww) per year. The Recommendation also continued to limit underharvest carryover to 15 percent of a contracting party's baseline quota. Thus, the United States could carry over a maximum of 440.6 mt dw (586.0 mt ww) of underharvest. Absent adjustments, the codified baseline quota is 2,937.6 mt dw for 2018. At this time, given the extent of underharvest in 2017, we anticipate carrying over the maximum allowable 15 percent (440.6 mt dw), which would result in a final adjusted North Atlantic swordfish quota for the 2018 fishing year equal to 3,378.2 mt dw (2,937.6 + 440.6 = 3,378.2 mt dw). Also as in past years, we anticipate allocating from the adjusted quota, 50 mt dw to the Reserve category for inseason adjustments and research, and 300 mt dw to the Incidental category, which includes recreational landings and landings by incidental swordfish permit holders, per Sec. 635.27(c)(1)(i). This would result in an allocation of 3,028.2 mt dw for the directed fishery, which would be split equally (1,514.1 mt dw) between the two semi-annual periods in 2018 (January through June, and July through December). Adjustment of SWO General Commercial Permit Vessel Retention Limits The 2018 North Atlantic swordfish fishing year, which is managed on a calendar-year basis and divided into two equal semi-annual quotas, begins on January 1, 2018. Landings attributable to the SWO General Commercial permit are counted against the applicable semi-annual directed fishery quota. Regional default retention limits for this permit have been established and are automatically effective from January 1 through December 31 each year, unless changed based on the inseason regional retention limit adjustment criteria at Sec. 635.24(b)(4)(iv). The default retention limits established for the SWO General Commercial permit are: (1) Northwest Atlantic region--three swordfish per vessel per trip; (2) Gulf of Mexico region--three swordfish per vessel per trip; (3) U.S. Caribbean region--two swordfish per vessel per trip; and, (4) Florida SWO Management Area--zero swordfish per vessel per trip. The default retention limits apply to SWO General Commercial permitted vessels and to HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing on non for-hire trips. As a condition of these permits, vessels may not possess, retain, or land any more swordfish than is specified for the region in which the vessel is located. Under Sec. 635.24(b)(4)(iii), NMFS may increase or decrease the SWO General Commercial permit vessel retention limit in any region within a range from zero to a maximum of six swordfish per vessel per trip. Any adjustments to the retention limits must be based upon a consideration of the relevant criteria provided in Sec. 635.24(b)(4)(iv), which include: The usefulness of information obtained from biological sampling and monitoring of the North Atlantic swordfish stock; the estimated ability of vessels participating in the fishery to land the amount of swordfish quota available before the end of the fishing year; the estimated amounts by which quotas for other categories of the fishery might be exceeded; effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of the fishery management plan and its amendments; variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migration patterns of swordfish; effects of catch rates in one region precluding vessels in another region from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion of the overall swordfish quota; and, review of dealer reports, landing [[Page 58762]] trends, and the availability of swordfish on the fishing grounds. NMFS has considered these criteria as discussed below and their applicability to the SWO General Commercial permit retention limit in all regions for January through June of the 2018 North Atlantic swordfish fishing year and has determined that the SWO General Commercial permit retention limits in the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions applicable to persons issued a SWO General Commercial permit or HMS Charter/Headboat permit (when on a non for-hire trip) should be increased from the default levels that would otherwise automatically become effective on January 1, 2018, to six swordfish per vessel per trip from January 1 through June 30, 2018, unless otherwise later noticed. Among the regulatory criteria for inseason adjustments to retention limits, and given the rebuilt status of the stock and availability of quota, is the requirement that NMFS consider the ``effects of the adjustment on accomplishing the objectives of the fishery management plan and its amendments.'' One consideration in deciding whether to increase the retention limit, in this case, is the objective of providing opportunities to harvest the full North Atlantic directed swordfish quota without exceeding it based upon the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP goal to, consistent with other objectives of this FMP, ``manage Atlantic HMS fisheries for continuing optimum yield so as to provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to food production, providing recreational opportunities, preserving traditional fisheries, and taking into account the protection of marine ecosystems.'' Another consideration, consistent with the FMP and its amendments, is to continue to provide protection to important swordfish juvenile areas and migratory corridors. The regulatory criteria also require NMFS to consider the estimated ability of vessels participating in the fishery to land the amount of swordfish quota available before the end of the fishing year. In considering these criteria and their application here, NMFS examined electronic dealer reports, which provide accurate and timely monitoring of landings, and considered recent landing trends and information obtained from biological sampling and monitoring of the North Atlantic swordfish stock. A six swordfish per vessel per trip limit for SWO General Commercial permit holders was in effect in the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions for the entire 2016 fishing season as a result of actions adjusting those limits upwards in January and July (80 FR 81770 and 81 FR 38966). Even with these higher retention limits, 2016 total annual directed swordfish landings through December 31, 2016, were approximately 1,079.0 mt dw, or 32.6 percent of the 3,009.4 mt dw annual adjusted directed swordfish quota. Similarly, with higher retention limits during both semi-annual quota periods in 2017, preliminary total directed swordfish landings through October 31, 2017, are approximately 744.2 mt dw, or 24.7 percent of the 3,009.4 mt dw annual adjusted directed swordfish quota established for 2017. The total available directed swordfish quota has not been harvested for several years and, based upon current landing trends, is not likely to be harvested or exceeded during 2018. This information indicates that sufficient directed swordfish quota should be available from January 1 through June 30, 2018, at the higher retention levels, within the limits of the scientifically-supported TAC and consistent with the goals of the FMP. The regulatory criteria for inseason adjustments also require NMFS to consider the estimated amounts by which quotas for other categories of the fishery might be exceeded. Based upon recent landings rates from dealer reports, an increase in the vessel retention limit for SWO General Commercial permit holders is not likely to cause quotas for other categories of the fishery to be exceeded as the directed category quota has been significantly underharvested in recent years and landings trends are not expected to vary significantly in 2018. Similarly, regarding the criteria that NMFS consider the effects of catch rates in one region precluding vessels in another region from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion of the overall swordfish quota, NMFS expects there to be sufficient swordfish quota for 2018, and thus increased catch rates in these three regions as a result of this action would not be expected to preclude vessels in the other region (e.g., the buoy gear fishery in the Florida SWO Management Area) from having a reasonable opportunity to harvest a portion of the overall swordfish quota. Finally, in making adjustments to the retention limits NMFS must consider variations in seasonal distribution, abundance, or migration patterns of swordfish, and the availability of swordfish on the fishing grounds. With regard to swordfish abundance, the 2017 report by ICCAT's Standing Committee on Research and Statistics indicated that the North Atlantic swordfish stock is not overfished (B2015 / Bmsy = 1.04), and overfishing is not occurring (F2015 /Fmsy = 0.78). Increasing the retention limits for this U.S. handgear fishery is not expected to affect the swordfish stock status determination because any additional landings would be within the established overall U.S. North Atlantic swordfish quota allocation recommended by ICCAT. Increasing opportunity beginning on January 1, 2018, is also important because of the migratory nature and seasonal distribution of swordfish. In a particular geographic region, or waters accessible from a particular port, the amount of fishing opportunity for swordfish may be constrained by the short amount of time the swordfish are present as they migrate. NMFS also has determined that the retention limit for the SWO General Commercial permit will remain at zero swordfish per vessel per trip in the Florida SWO Management Area at this time. As discussed above, NMFS considered consistency with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, and the importance for NMFS to continue to provide protection to important swordfish juvenile areas and migratory corridors. As described in Amendment 8 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (78 FR 52012), the area off the southeastern coast of Florida, particularly the Florida Straits, contains oceanographic features that make the area biologically unique. It provides important juvenile swordfish habitat, and is essentially a narrow migratory corridor containing high concentrations of swordfish located in close proximity to high concentrations of people who may fish for them. Public comment on Amendment 8, including from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, indicated concern about the resultant high potential for the improper rapid growth of a commercial fishery, increased catches of undersized swordfish, the potential for larger numbers of fishermen in the area, and the potential for crowding of fishermen, which could lead to gear and user conflicts. These concerns remain valid. NMFS will continue to collect information to evaluate the appropriateness of the retention limit in the Florida SWO Management Area and other regional retention limits. This action therefore maintains a zero-fish retention limit in the Florida Swordfish Management Area. These adjustments are consistent with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP as amended, ATCA, and the Magnuson- [[Page 58763]] Stevens Act, and are not expected to negatively impact stock health. Monitoring and Reporting NMFS will continue to monitor the swordfish fishery closely during 2018 through mandatory landings and catch reports. Dealers are required to submit landing reports and negative reports (if no swordfish were purchased) on a weekly basis. Depending upon the level of fishing effort and catch rates of swordfish, NMFS may determine that additional retention limit adjustments or closures are necessary to ensure that available quota is not exceeded or to enhance fishing opportunities. Subsequent actions, if any, will be published in the Federal Register. In addition, fishermen may access http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/species/swordfish/landings/index.html for updates on quota monitoring. Classification The Assistant Administrator for NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide prior notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, this action for the following reasons: The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, as amended, provide for inseason retention limit adjustments to respond to changes in swordfish landings, the availability of swordfish on the fishing grounds, the migratory nature of this species, and regional variations in the fishery. Based on available swordfish quota, stock abundance, fishery performance in recent years, and the availability of swordfish on the fishing grounds, among other considerations, adjustment to the SWO General Commercial permit retention limits from the default levels of two or three fish to six SWO per vessel per trip as discussed above is warranted, while maintaining a zero-fish retention limit in the Florida SWO Management Area. Analysis of available data shows that adjustment to the swordfish retention limit from the default levels would result in minimal risk of exceeding the ICCAT-allocated quota. NMFS provides notification of retention limit adjustments by publishing the notification in the Federal Register, emailing individuals who have subscribed to the Atlantic HMS News electronic newsletter, and updating the information posted on the ``Atlantic HMS Breaking News'' website at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/news/breaking_news.html. Delays in temporarily increasing these retention limits caused by the time required to publish a proposed rule and accept public comment would adversely and unnecessarily affect those SWO General Commercial permit holders and HMS Charter/Headboat permit holders that would otherwise have an opportunity to harvest more than the otherwise applicable lower default retention limits of three swordfish per vessel per trip in the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions, and two swordfish per vessel per trip in the U.S. Caribbean region. Further, any delay beyond January 1, 2018, the start of the first semi-annual directed fishing period, could result in even lower swordfish landings because of the lower default retention limits. Limited opportunities to harvest the directed swordfish quota may have negative social and economic impacts for U.S. fishermen. Adjustment of the retention limits needs to be effective on January 1, 2018, to allow SWO General Commercial permit holders and HMS Charter/Headboat permit holders to benefit from the adjustment during the relevant time period, which could pass by for some fishermen, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Caribbean regions who have access to the fishery during a short time period because of seasonal fish migration, if the action is delayed for notice and public comment. 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 also 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 635.24(b)(4) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 et seq. Dated: December 8, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-26901 Filed 12-13-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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Federal Communications Commission. Conservation and Management Act (January through June, and July through
Marlene H. Dortch, (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 December).
Secretary. et seq.) governing the harvest of North Adjustment of SWO General
[FR Doc. 2017–26943 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am] Atlantic swordfish by persons and Commercial Permit Vessel Retention
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are Limits
found at 50 CFR part 635. Section
635.27 subdivides the U.S. North The 2018 North Atlantic swordfish
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Atlantic swordfish quota recommended fishing year, which is managed on a
by the International Commission for the calendar-year basis and divided into
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) two equal semi-annual quotas, begins on
Administration and implemented by the United States January 1, 2018. Landings attributable to
into two equal semi-annual directed the SWO General Commercial permit
50 CFR Part 635 fishery quotas—an annual incidental are counted against the applicable semi-
catch quota for fishermen targeting other annual directed fishery quota. Regional
[Docket No. 120627194–3657–02] default retention limits for this permit
species or catching swordfish
RIN 0648–XF817 recreationally, and a reserve category, have been established and are
according to the allocations established automatically effective from January 1
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; in the 2006 Consolidated Highly through December 31 each year, unless
North Atlantic Swordfish Fishery Migratory Species Fishery Management changed based on the inseason regional
Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) (71 retention limit adjustment criteria at
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries § 635.24(b)(4)(iv). The default retention
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and FR 58058, October 2, 2006), as
amended, and in accordance with limits established for the SWO General
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commercial permit are: (1) Northwest
Commerce. implementing regulations. NMFS is
required under ATCA and the Atlantic region—three swordfish per
ACTION: Temporary rule; Swordfish vessel per trip; (2) Gulf of Mexico
General Commercial permit retention Magnuson-Stevens Act to provide U.S.
fishing vessels with a reasonable region—three swordfish per vessel per
limit inseason adjustment for the trip; (3) U.S. Caribbean region—two
Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and opportunity to harvest the ICCAT-
swordfish per vessel per trip; and, (4)
U.S. Caribbean regions. recommended quota.
Florida SWO Management Area—zero
In 2017, ICCAT recommended that swordfish per vessel per trip. The
SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the the overall North Atlantic swordfish default retention limits apply to SWO
Swordfish (SWO) General Commercial total allowable catch (TAC) be set at General Commercial permitted vessels
permit retention limits for the 9,925 metric tons (mt) dressed weight and to HMS Charter/Headboat permitted
Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and (dw) (13,200 mt whole weight (ww)) vessels when fishing on non for-hire
U.S. Caribbean regions for January through 2021. Consistent with scientific trips. As a condition of these permits,
through June of the 2018 fishing year, advice, this was a reduction of 500 mt vessels may not possess, retain, or land
unless otherwise later noticed. The ww (375.9 mt dw) from previous any more swordfish than is specified for
SWO General Commercial permit ICCAT-recommended TACs. However, the region in which the vessel is
retention limit in each of these regions of this TAC, the United States’ baseline located.
is increased from the regulatory default quota remained at 2,937.6 mt dw (3,907
limits (either two or three fish) to six Under § 635.24(b)(4)(iii), NMFS may
mt ww) per year. The Recommendation increase or decrease the SWO General
swordfish per vessel per trip. The SWO also continued to limit underharvest
General Commercial permit retention Commercial permit vessel retention
carryover to 15 percent of a contracting limit in any region within a range from
limit in the Florida SWO Management party’s baseline quota. Thus, the United
Area will remain unchanged at the zero to a maximum of six swordfish per
States could carry over a maximum of vessel per trip. Any adjustments to the
default limit of zero swordfish per 440.6 mt dw (586.0 mt ww) of
vessel per trip. These adjustments apply retention limits must be based upon a
underharvest. Absent adjustments, the consideration of the relevant criteria
to SWO General Commercial permitted codified baseline quota is 2,937.6 mt dw
vessels and Highly Migratory Species provided in § 635.24(b)(4)(iv), which
for 2018. At this time, given the extent include: The usefulness of information
(HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted of underharvest in 2017, we anticipate
vessels when on a non-for-hire trip. This obtained from biological sampling and
carrying over the maximum allowable monitoring of the North Atlantic
action is based upon consideration of 15 percent (440.6 mt dw), which would
the applicable inseason regional swordfish stock; the estimated ability of
result in a final adjusted North Atlantic vessels participating in the fishery to
retention limit adjustment criteria. swordfish quota for the 2018 fishing land the amount of swordfish quota
DATES: The adjusted SWO General year equal to 3,378.2 mt dw (2,937.6 + available before the end of the fishing
Commercial permit retention limits in 440.6 = 3,378.2 mt dw). Also as in past year; the estimated amounts by which
the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, years, we anticipate allocating from the quotas for other categories of the fishery
and U.S. Caribbean regions are effective adjusted quota, 50 mt dw to the Reserve might be exceeded; effects of the
from January 1, 2018, through June 30, category for inseason adjustments and adjustment on accomplishing the
2018. research, and 300 mt dw to the objectives of the fishery management
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Incidental category, which includes plan and its amendments; variations in
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
Rick Pearson or Randy Blankinship, recreational landings and landings by seasonal distribution, abundance, or
727–824–5399. incidental swordfish permit holders, per migration patterns of swordfish; effects
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: § 635.27(c)(1)(i). This would result in an of catch rates in one region precluding
Regulations implemented under the allocation of 3,028.2 mt dw for the vessels in another region from having a
authority of the Atlantic Tunas directed fishery, which would be split reasonable opportunity to harvest a
Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et equally (1,514.1 mt dw) between the portion of the overall swordfish quota;
seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery two semi-annual periods in 2018 and, review of dealer reports, landing
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 58763
Stevens Act, and are not expected to on available swordfish quota, stock region. Further, any delay beyond
negatively impact stock health. abundance, fishery performance in January 1, 2018, the start of the first
recent years, and the availability of semi-annual directed fishing period,
Monitoring and Reporting
swordfish on the fishing grounds, could result in even lower swordfish
NMFS will continue to monitor the among other considerations, adjustment landings because of the lower default
swordfish fishery closely during 2018 to the SWO General Commercial permit retention limits. Limited opportunities
through mandatory landings and catch retention limits from the default levels to harvest the directed swordfish quota
reports. Dealers are required to submit of two or three fish to six SWO per may have negative social and economic
landing reports and negative reports (if vessel per trip as discussed above is impacts for U.S. fishermen. Adjustment
no swordfish were purchased) on a warranted, while maintaining a zero- of the retention limits needs to be
weekly basis. fish retention limit in the Florida SWO effective on January 1, 2018, to allow
Depending upon the level of fishing Management Area. Analysis of available SWO General Commercial permit
effort and catch rates of swordfish, data shows that adjustment to the holders and HMS Charter/Headboat
NMFS may determine that additional swordfish retention limit from the permit holders to benefit from the
retention limit adjustments or closures default levels would result in minimal adjustment during the relevant time
are necessary to ensure that available risk of exceeding the ICCAT-allocated period, which could pass by for some
quota is not exceeded or to enhance quota. NMFS provides notification of fishermen, particularly in the Gulf of
fishing opportunities. Subsequent retention limit adjustments by Mexico and U.S. Caribbean regions who
actions, if any, will be published in the publishing the notification in the have access to the fishery during a short
Federal Register. In addition, fishermen Federal Register, emailing individuals time period because of seasonal fish
may access http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ who have subscribed to the Atlantic migration, if the action is delayed for
sfa/hms/species/swordfish/landings/ HMS News electronic newsletter, and notice and public comment. Therefore,
index.html for updates on quota updating the information posted on the the AA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C.
monitoring. ‘‘Atlantic HMS Breaking News’’ website 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the
at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ opportunity for public comment. For all
Classification news/breaking_news.html. Delays in of the above reasons, there is also good
The Assistant Administrator for temporarily increasing these retention cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the
NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable limits caused by the time required to 30-day delay in effectiveness.
and contrary to the public interest to publish a proposed rule and accept This action is being taken under 50
provide prior notice of, and an public comment would adversely and CFR 635.24(b)(4) and is exempt from
opportunity for public comment on, this unnecessarily affect those SWO General review under Executive Order 12866.
action for the following reasons: Commercial permit holders and HMS
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801
The regulations implementing the Charter/Headboat permit holders that et seq.
2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, as would otherwise have an opportunity to
amended, provide for inseason retention harvest more than the otherwise Dated: December 8, 2017.
limit adjustments to respond to changes applicable lower default retention limits Emily H. Menashes,
in swordfish landings, the availability of of three swordfish per vessel per trip in Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
swordfish on the fishing grounds, the the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
migratory nature of this species, and Mexico regions, and two swordfish per [FR Doc. 2017–26901 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am]
regional variations in the fishery. Based vessel per trip in the U.S. Caribbean BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:51:08
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:51:08
| 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; Swordfish General Commercial permit retention limit inseason adjustment for the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions. | |
| Dates | The adjusted SWO General Commercial permit retention limits in the Northwest Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Caribbean regions are effective from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2018. | |
| Contact | Rick Pearson or Randy Blankinship, 727-824-5399. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 58761 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF81 |
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