82 FR 8364 - Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Adjustment to the Skate Wing and Skate Bait Inseason Possession Limits
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 15 (January 25, 2017)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 15 (January 25, 2017)
| Page Range | 8364-8365 | |
| FR Document | 2017-00786 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 25, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 8364-8365] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-00786] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 160301164-6694-02] RIN 0648-XF146 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Adjustment to the Skate Wing and Skate Bait Inseason Possession Limits AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We announce the reduction of the commercial per-trip possession limits for the skate wing and skate bait fisheries for the remainder of the 2016 fishing year, through April 30, 2017. These possession limit reductions are necessary to prevent the seasonal skate wing and skate bait commercial quotas from being exceeded and still allow an opportunity for harvesting the annual total allowable landings. This announcement informs the public that the skate wing and skate bait possession limits are reduced. DATES: Effective January 30, 2017, through April 30, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reid Lichwell, Fishery Management Specialist, 978-281-9112. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The skate wing and skate bait fisheries are managed primarily through the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan. The regulations describing the process to adjust inseason commercial possession limits of skate wings and skate bait are described at 50 CFR 648.322(b) and (d). The current skate wing possession limit is 9,307 lb (4,222 kg) whole weight, 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) skate wings, and the current skate bait possession limit is 25,000 lb (11,340 kg). When the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator projects seasonal skate wing and skate bait landings to reach 85 and 90 percent, respectively, of the annual total allowable landings (TAL), the Regional Administrator may reduce the skate wing possession limit and is required to reduce the skate bait possession limit for the remainder of the season, unless the reductions would be expected to prevent attainment of the annual TAL. The skate wing possession limit may be reduced to the incidental catch limit of 500 lb (227 kg) skate wings; the skate bait possession limit must be reduced to the 1,135-lb (515- kg) whole-weight equivalent of the skate wing possession limit. We anticipate that implementing these inseason adjustments will allow an opportunity for both fisheries to harvest the annual TAL while reducing the possibility of exceeding it. Inseason Action Based on commercial landings data reported through December 24, 2016, we project the skate wing and skate bait fisheries to reach 85 and 90 percent of their annual TAL, respectively, on January 18, 2017. The annual TAL for both the skate wing and skate bait fisheries is divided into seasonal quota periods in which landings are applied to each quota to evaluate the need for possession limit reductions. We are currently in skate wing season 2 (September 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017) and skate bait season 3 (November 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017). These are the final skate seasons of the 2016 fishing year, providing us with cumulative annual landings data which allow us to calculate when the annual TAL would be harvested. We have [[Page 8365]] evaluated catch data to project when the possession limit reduction triggers are projected to be reached. Catch projections indicate that retaining the current possession limits would result in the harvest of 110 percent of the skate wing annual TAL and 107 percent of the skate bait annual TAL. We anticipate that implementing these inseason adjustments will allow an opportunity for both fisheries to harvest the annual TAL while significantly reducing the possibility of exceeding it. Therefore, consistent with Sec. 648.322(b) and (d), we are reducing the skate wing possession limit from 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) of skate wings [9,307 lb (4,222 kg) whole weight] to 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings [1,135 lb (515 kg) whole weight] per trip, and the skate bait possession limit is reduced from 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) to 1,135 lb (515 kg) of whole weight skate per trip. Beginning January 30, 2017, no person may possess on board or land more than 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings [1,135 lb (515 kg) whole weight] per trip for the remainder of the 2016 fishing year. On May 1, 2017, the commercial skate wing possession limit will increase to the skate wing season 1 (May 1, 2017, to August 31, 2017) possession limit of 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) of skate wings [5,902 lb (2,677 kg) whole weight] per trip, and the commercial skate bait possession limit will increase to 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) per trip. Classification This action is taken under 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: January 10, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017-00786 Filed 1-24-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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state waters from Georgia through New and opportunity for public comment, announcement informs the public that
York despite a closure in Federal waters pursuant to the authority set forth at 5 the skate wing and skate bait possession
and that the stock ACL in 2017 is U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such prior notice limits are reduced.
expected to be exceeded, because and opportunity for public comment is DATES: Effective January 30, 2017,
historical recreational landings of cobia unnecessary and contrary to the public through April 30, 2017.
in state waters from Georgia through interest. Such procedures are FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reid
New York have represented 87 percent unnecessary because the AMs for Lichwell, Fishery Management
of total recreational landings from state Atlantic cobia have already been subject Specialist, 978–281–9112.
and Federal waters. Accordingly, the to notice and comment, and all that
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
recreational sector for Atlantic cobia remains is to notify the public of the
will be closed at 12:01 a.m., local time, recreational closure for the remainder of Background
on January 24, 2017, and remain closed the 2017 fishing year. Additionally, The skate wing and skate bait
until the start of the next fishing year on there is a need to immediately fisheries are managed primarily through
January 1, 2018. implement the closure to prevent
During the recreational closure, the the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery
further recreational harvest and prevent Management Plan. The regulations
possession limit of two cobia per day its ACL from being exceeded, which
remains in effect (50 CFR 622.383(b)) for describing the process to adjust
will protect the Atlantic cobia resource. inseason commercial possession limits
Atlantic cobia that are sold. The Prior notice and opportunity for public
possession limit applies to cobia of skate wings and skate bait are
comment on this action would be described at 50 CFR 648.322(b) and (d).
harvested in or from the EEZ in the Gulf contrary to the public interest, because
of Mexico, Mid-Atlantic, or South The current skate wing possession limit
those affected by the closure need as is 9,307 lb (4,222 kg) whole weight,
Atlantic, regardless of the number of much advance notice as NMFS is able
trips or duration of a trip. In addition, 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) skate wings, and the
to provide. current skate bait possession limit is
a person who fishes in the EEZ may not For the aforementioned reasons, the
combine this harvest limitation with a 25,000 lb (11,340 kg). When the NMFS
AA also finds good cause to waive the Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator
harvest limitation applicable to state 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this
waters. Atlantic cobia taken in the EEZ projects seasonal skate wing and skate
action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). bait landings to reach 85 and 90 percent,
may not be transferred at sea, regardless
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. respectively, of the annual total
of where such transfer takes place, and
may not be transferred in the EEZ. Dated: January 10, 2017. allowable landings (TAL), the Regional
The commercial quota for Atlantic Emily H. Menashes, Administrator may reduce the skate
cobia is 50,000 lb (22,680 kg), round Acting Director, Office of Sustainable wing possession limit and is required to
weight, for the current fishing year, Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. reduce the skate bait possession limit
January 1 through December 31, 2017, [FR Doc. 2017–00785 Filed 1–24–17; 8:45 am] for the remainder of the season, unless
as specified in 50 CFR 622.384(d)(2). BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
the reductions would be expected to
The sale or purchase of Atlantic cobia prevent attainment of the annual TAL.
taken under the possession limit is The skate wing possession limit may be
allowed until the commercial quota is DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE reduced to the incidental catch limit of
reached or is projected to be reached. If 500 lb (227 kg) skate wings; the skate
commercial landings of Atlantic cobia National Oceanic and Atmospheric bait possession limit must be reduced to
reach or are projected to reach the Administration the 1,135-lb (515-kg) whole-weight
commercial quota specified in equivalent of the skate wing possession
§ 622.384(d)(2), the Assistant 50 CFR Part 648 limit. We anticipate that implementing
Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) [Docket No. 160301164–6694–02] these inseason adjustments will allow
will file a notification with the Office of an opportunity for both fisheries to
RIN 0648–XF146 harvest the annual TAL while reducing
the Federal Register to prohibit the sale
and purchase of Atlantic cobia for the the possibility of exceeding it.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
remainder of the 2017 fishing year. States; Northeast Skate Complex; Inseason Action
Classification Adjustment to the Skate Wing and Based on commercial landings data
Skate Bait Inseason Possession Limits reported through December 24, 2016, we
The Regional Administrator for the
NMFS Southeast Region has determined AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries project the skate wing and skate bait
this temporary rule is necessary for the Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and fisheries to reach 85 and 90 percent of
conservation and management of Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), their annual TAL, respectively, on
Atlantic cobia and is consistent with the Commerce. January 18, 2017. The annual TAL for
Magnuson-Stevens Act and other ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
both the skate wing and skate bait
applicable laws. adjustments. fisheries is divided into seasonal quota
This action is taken under 50 CFR periods in which landings are applied to
622.388(f)(2) and is exempt from review SUMMARY: We announce the reduction of each quota to evaluate the need for
under Executive Order 12866. the commercial per-trip possession possession limit reductions. We are
These measures are exempt from the limits for the skate wing and skate bait currently in skate wing season 2
procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility fisheries for the remainder of the 2016 (September 1, 2016, through April 30,
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
Act because the temporary rule is issued fishing year, through April 30, 2017. 2017) and skate bait season 3 (November
without opportunity for prior notice and These possession limit reductions are 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017). These
comment. necessary to prevent the seasonal skate are the final skate seasons of the 2016
This action responds to the best wing and skate bait commercial quotas fishing year, providing us with
scientific information available. The AA from being exceeded and still allow an cumulative annual landings data which
finds good cause to waive the opportunity for harvesting the annual allow us to calculate when the annual
requirements to provide prior notice total allowable landings. This TAL would be harvested. We have
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Jan 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25JAR1.SGM 25JAR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_8379/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 15 / Wednesday, January 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 8365
evaluated catch data to project when the lb (4,222 kg) whole weight] to 500 lb the commercial skate bait possession
possession limit reduction triggers are (227 kg) of skate wings [1,135 lb (515 kg) limit will increase to 25,000 lb (11,340
projected to be reached. Catch whole weight] per trip, and the skate kg) per trip.
projections indicate that retaining the bait possession limit is reduced from
current possession limits would result 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) to 1,135 lb (515 kg) Classification
in the harvest of 110 percent of the skate of whole weight skate per trip. This action is taken under 50 CFR
wing annual TAL and 107 percent of the Beginning January 30, 2017, no person
part 648 and is exempt from review
skate bait annual TAL. We anticipate may possess on board or land more than
under Executive Order 12866.
that implementing these inseason 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings [1,135 lb
adjustments will allow an opportunity (515 kg) whole weight] per trip for the Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
for both fisheries to harvest the annual remainder of the 2016 fishing year. On Dated: January 10, 2017.
TAL while significantly reducing the May 1, 2017, the commercial skate wing
Emily H. Menashes,
possibility of exceeding it. possession limit will increase to the
Therefore, consistent with skate wing season 1 (May 1, 2017, to Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
§ 648.322(b) and (d), we are reducing August 31, 2017) possession limit of Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
the skate wing possession limit from 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) of skate wings [5,902 [FR Doc. 2017–00786 Filed 1–24–17; 8:45 am]
4,100 lb (1,860 kg) of skate wings [9,307 lb (2,677 kg) whole weight] per trip, and BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Jan 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\25JAR1.SGM 25JAR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_8379/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2017-01-25 00:08:59
Document Modified: 2017-01-25 00:08:59
| 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; inseason adjustments. | |
| Dates | Effective January 30, 2017, through April 30, 2017. | |
| Contact | Reid Lichwell, Fishery Management Specialist, 978-281-9112. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 8364 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XF14 |
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