83 FR 12326 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Individual Fishing Quota Programs
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 55 (March 21, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 55 (March 21, 2018)
| Page Range | 12326-12332 | |
| FR Document | 2018-05628 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 12326-12332] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-05628] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 170413393-8178-01] RIN 0648-BG83 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Individual Fishing Quota Programs AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in Amendment 36A to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) (Amendment 36A), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This proposed rule would require owners or operators of federally permitted commercial Gulf reef fish vessels landing any commercially harvested, federally managed reef fish from the Gulf to provide notification prior to landing and to land at approved locations; require shares from the red snapper individual fishing quota (IFQ) (RS-IFQ) program and the groupers and tilefishes IFQ (GT-IFQ) program that are in non-activated IFQ accounts to be returned to NMFS for redistribution; and allow NMFS to withhold a portion [[Page 12327]] of IFQ allocation at the start of a fishing year equal to an anticipated commercial quota reduction. The purpose of this proposed rule is to improve compliance and increase management flexibility in the RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ programs, and increase the likelihood of achieving optimum yield (OY) for Gulf reef fish stocks managed under these programs. DATES: Written comments must be received by April 20, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule identified by ``NOAA-NMFS-2017-0060'' by either of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0060, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Submit all written comments to Peter Hood, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirement contained in this proposed rule may be submitted to Adam Bailey, NMFS Southeast Regional Office (see mailing address above), by email to [email protected], or by fax to 202-395-5806. Electronic copies of Amendment 36A, which includes an environmental assessment, a fishery impact statement, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office website at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/A36A_comm_IFQ/am36Aindex.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Hood, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]; IFQ Customer Service, telephone: 1-866-425-7627, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., eastern time. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the Council manage the Gulf reef fish fishery under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Council and is implemented by NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY from federally managed fish stocks. These mandates are intended to ensure fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and recreational opportunities, and protecting marine ecosystems. Background There are two commercial IFQ programs in the Gulf. Amendment 26 to the FMP established the RS-IFQ program, and Amendment 29 to the FMP established the GT-IFQ program. The RS-IFQ program manages commercial harvest of red snapper and was implemented on January 1, 2007 (71 FR 67447, November 22, 2006). The GT-IFQ program manages commercial harvest of multiple species of groupers and tilefishes, as specified in 50 CFR 622.22(a), and was implemented on January 1, 2010 (74 FR 44732, August 31, 2009). Both IFQ programs share a single Web-based accounting and reporting system. The Council began the development of Amendment 36 to the FMP in response to a 5-year review of the RS-IFQ Program completed in 2013. This review evaluated the progress of the RS-IFQ program towards achieving the stated program goals of reducing overcapacity in the fishery and eliminating problems associated with race-to-fish (derby) fishing. The Council also received input on the program from some of their advisory panels as well as from the public. As a result, the suggested modifications to the RS-IFQ program became complex, and the Council split the numerous potential actions into two FMP amendments, Amendments 36A and 36B. The scope of the actions was also expanded to include revisions to the GT-IFQ program because management, as well as the goals and objectives, of this program are similar to the RS-IFQ program. Amendment 36A addresses compliance and program flexibility issues, while Amendment 36B addresses program participation and the distribution of IFQ shares and allocation in the programs. Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule This proposed rule would require that the owner or operator of a commercial reef fish permitted vessel landing any commercially harvested Gulf reef fish, or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf, to notify NMFS between 3 and 24 hours in advance of landing and to land at approved locations. In addition, the proposed rule would permanently return to NMFS any IFQ shares contained in RS- IFQ or GT-IFQ accounts that have not been activated since the current Web-based system was put in place on January 1, 2010. Finally, the proposed rule would allow NMFS to withhold distribution of IFQ allocation on January 1, the beginning of the fishing year, if a reduction in the commercial quota for any IFQ species or multi-species group is expected to be implemented in that same fishing year. Landing Notification Currently, to improve compliance with the IFQ programs, vessel owners or operators with commercial Gulf reef fish permits are required to notify NMFS between 3 and 24 hours in advance of landing any commercially harvested species managed under the IFQ programs (IFQ species). The advance landing notification must provide the vessel identification number, the landing date and time, the approved landing location, the name and address of the IFQ dealers where the species will be landed, and the estimated weight of IFQ species to be landed. Although the advance landing notifications help with the enforcement of the IFQ programs, one of the conclusions from a 5-year review of the RS-IFQ Program was additional enforcement efforts may be necessary to deter IFQ landing violations. The proposed rule would expand the requirement for an advance landing notification to all commercial trips that land Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf even if no IFQ species are on board. Note that the single hogfish stock in the Gulf was recently split into a West Florida stock and a Florida Keys/East Florida stock, separated at 25[deg]09' N lat. in Gulf Federal waters off the west coast of Florida (82 FR 34574 and 82 FR 34584, July 25, 2017). The management measures for the Florida Keys/East Florida stock are developed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, but commercial vessels fishing [[Page 12328]] for this stock in Gulf Federal waters are required to have a Federal commercial permit for Gulf reef fish and are required to follow the reporting requirements associated with this permit. The vessel owner or operator would notify NMFS at least 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours, in advance of landing on each trip. The landing notification would report the vessel identification number, the date and time of landing, and the approved landing location. This notification would be submitted via the vessel's existing onboard vessel monitoring system (VMS), but could also be submitted by other NMFS approved methods (e.g., by phone) if they are developed at a later time. Requiring notification in advance of landing any federally managed reef fish from the Gulf is expected to help deter fishermen from illegally landing IFQ species or reporting IFQ species as another species (e.g., red snapper reported as vermilion snapper) because law enforcement and port agents would be informed in advance of all reef fish trips returning to port and can meet vessels to inspect landings. If any IFQ species are to be landed, all regulations under the applicable IFQ program must be followed, including the more extensive advance notice of landing. Only one IFQ advance landing notification covering both IFQ and non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/ East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf would be required on such a trip. Additional information about approved landing locations and submitting additional landing locations to NMFS for approval is described later in this proposed rule. Non-Activated IFQ Shareholder Accounts This proposed rule also addresses RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ shareholder accounts that received shares through the initial apportionment when each IFQ program began, but the accounts have never been accessed by the shareholder since January 1, 2010, the initiation of the current IFQ system. NMFS and the Council have attempted to notify account holders with these non-activated IFQ accounts through phone calls, certified letters, and discussion at public meetings. Although shares in the non-activated accounts represent a small fraction of the total shares, annual allocation assigned to these non-activated IFQ accounts is not landed, and therefore, may prevent achieving OY if not made available for use. The proposed rule would return the shares from non- activated RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ accounts to NMFS for redistribution. The Council intends to redistribute these shares to IFQ program participants through a mechanism determined in Amendment 36B. For more information on how to activate an existing non-activated IFQ account, persons may call the IFQ Customer Service line at 1-866- 425-7627, and select option 2 during weekday business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., eastern time. NMFS will also attempt to notify holders of the non-activated IFQ accounts via certified mail to advise them of the potential action and provide an opportunity for those individuals to activate their accounts. Allocation Finally, this proposed rule addresses how to distribute allocation to IFQ shareholders in years in which there is an anticipated reduction of the commercial quota. Due to the time involved to develop documents, consider alternatives, and solicit public feedback, this situation would generally occur if the Council approved an action to reduce the commercial quota of any IFQ species or multi-species share category but NMFS could not complete the associated rulemaking before January 1, the start of the fishing year. Under the IFQ programs, annual allocation is distributed to IFQ shareholders on January 1, and most IFQ program participants begin to use or transfer their allocation early in each year. After shareholders begin transferring or landing allocation, NMFS is not able to retroactively withdraw allocation from shareholder accounts if a quota decrease became effective after the beginning of the fishing year. This proposed rule would allow NMFS to anticipate a decrease in the quota of any IFQ species or multi-species share categories after the start of a fishing year and withhold distribution of quota equal to the amount of the expected decrease in commercial quota. NMFS would distribute the remaining portion of the annual allocation to shareholders on January 1. If a final rule to implement the associated commercial quota reduction is not effective by June 1 in the same fishing year, then NMFS would distribute the withheld quota back to the current shareholders, as determined based on the date the withheld IFQ allocation was distributed. Approved Landing Locations As explained previously, this proposed rule would require vessel owners or operators on commercial trips who harvest non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf to land at an approved landing location. In anticipation of this potential requirement, NMFS is encouraging current and potential participants to submit additional landing locations to NMFS now for approval. Landing locations can be submitted by calling IFQ Customer Service at any time (see contact information above). A list of currently approved landing locations for the IFQ programs can be found at the IFQ website (portal.southeast.fisheries.noaa.gov/cs/main.html), under View Landing Locations. Any landing locations that have been approved for use in the IFQ programs would also be approved to land non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf. Therefore, NMFS suggests persons check the list to determine if desired landing locations are currently in use prior to submitting a landing location for approval. New landing locations are approved only at the end of each calendar-year quarter (end of March, June, September, and December). To have a landing location approved by the end of the quarter, it would have to be submitted at least 45 days before the quarter ends. Landing locations can be submitted at any time as described above. Approved landing locations must be publicly and freely accessible by land and water, and must have a street address or, if a particular landing location has no street address on record, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for an identifiable geographic location provided in degrees and decimal minutes. Other criteria used by NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) when approving locations are listed at 50 CFR 622.21(b)(5)(v) and 622.22(b)(5)(v), and would be added by reference to new paragraph 622.26(a)(2)(v) through this proposed rule. Once OLE approves new landing locations, updates to the landing notification screen on vessel monitoring system VMS units are constrained by programming requirements by the VMS vendors. Unless this changes, approved landing locations may not appear on the VMS screen immediately after approval. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with Amendment 36A, the FMP, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable laws, subject to further consideration after public comment. [[Page 12329]] This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this proposed rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been identified. A description of this proposed rule, why it is being considered, and the objectives of this proposed rule are contained in the preamble and in the SUMMARY section of the preamble. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) that this proposed rule, if implemented, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. A description of the factual basis for this determination follows. This proposed rule, if implemented, would expand the current requirement for vessels with a Federal commercial reef fish permit in the Gulf to notify NMFS in advance of landing reef fish species managed under an IFQ program. Commercial vessels landing Gulf reef fish not managed under an IFQ program or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf would also be required to notify NMFS prior to landing these species on each trip, although information reported (i.e., date, time, approved location of landing, and vessel identification number) would be more limited than reports for IFQ species. This proposed rule would also return shares from non-activated IFQ accounts in the RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ programs to NMFS for future redistribution; and provide NMFS with the authority to withhold annual allocation of red snapper, or IFQ-managed groupers and tilefishes before distribution at the beginning of a fishing year (January 1) in which a commercial quota reduction is expected to be implemented in that same fishing year. The amount of IFQ allocation withheld from distribution would equal the amount of the expected commercial quota reduction. If a final rule to implement a commercial quota reduction is not effective by June 1 during a fishing year, NMFS would release the withheld allocation to shareholders. The purposes of this proposed rule are to increase management flexibility and improve compliance in the RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ programs, and increase the likelihood of achieving OY for reef fish stocks managed under these programs. The objectives of this proposed rule are to prevent overfishing; to achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY from federally managed reef fish stocks; and to rebuild the red snapper stock that has been determined to be overfished. This proposed rule is expected to directly regulate businesses that harvest non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species in the Gulf or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf, but do not harvest IFQ species on the same commercial fishing trips in the Gulf, and businesses that possess non-activated share accounts in the RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ programs. There were 731 vessels that landed at least 1 lb (0.5 kg) of species managed under the RS-IFQ or GT-IFQ program from 2011 through 2015. These vessels were already subject to existing advance notice of landing requirements on trips for which they landed IFQ species. There were 1,020 vessels that landed at least 1 lb (0.5 kg) of Gulf reef fish species (i.e., IFQ and non-IFQ species) managed under the FMP. Thus, 289 vessels that land non-IFQ Gulf reef fish but do not land IFQ Gulf reef fish on commercial fishing trips would be directly regulated by the proposed expansion of the advance notice of landing requirements. Although NMFS possesses complete ownership data regarding businesses and commercial vessels that land IFQ species, ownership data regarding businesses that possess Gulf reef fish permits but do not land IFQ species is incomplete. Therefore, it is not currently feasible to accurately determine affiliations between these particular businesses. While it will result in an overestimate of the actual number of businesses directly regulated by the extension of the advance notice requirement, for the purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that each vessel is independently owned by a single business. In addition, the 81 non-activated IFQ accounts with shares are held by 81 different businesses. Based on available data, these businesses are separate and distinct from the 289 businesses directly regulated by the expanded advance notice of landing requirement. Thus, NMFS expects this proposed rule, if implemented, to directly regulate 289, or about 28 percent, of the 1,020 businesses that harvested Gulf reef fish species from 2011 through 2015 and 81 businesses that possessed shares in 81 non-activated IFQ accounts, or about 11 percent, of the 750 IFQ accounts that existed on December 14, 2016. NMFS has established a small business size standard of $11 million in annual gross receipts (revenue) for all businesses primarily engaged in the commercial fishing industry (NAICS code 11411) for RFA compliance purposes only (50 CFR 200.2). In addition to this gross revenue standard, a business primarily involved in commercial fishing is classified as a small business if it is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operations (including its affiliates). Of the 1,020 vessels that harvested Gulf reef fish from 2011 through 2015, the maximum average annual gross revenue earned by a single vessel was approximately $4.65 million, while the average annual gross revenue across all commercial Gulf reef fish vessels was $130,574. Further, of the 81 businesses that possess shares in a non- activated IFQ account, only 1 of these businesses has been active in the commercial fishing industry during this time period. Because the other 80 businesses have not been active in the commercial fishing industry during this time, they have no known gross revenues. Although the one business that has been active owns six commercial fishing vessels, none of these vessels have been active in the industry since 2012. The average annual revenue for this business is confidential and therefore cannot be released, but it was significantly below the $11 million threshold. Based on the information above, all businesses directly regulated by this proposed rule are determined to be small businesses for the purpose of this analysis. Therefore, NMFS has determined that this proposed rule will affect a substantial number of small businesses. This proposed rule would establish new reporting requirements for vessels that harvest reef fish species in the Gulf that are not managed under the RS-IFQ or GT-IFQ programs. Specifically, the expansion of the advance notice of landing requirement would require commercially permitted Gulf reef fish vessels to contact NMFS prior to landing if they are landing non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf on a trip where no IFQ species are being landed. The expanded advance notification requirement would cause these vessels to incur some minor additional communication costs and an additional time burden associated with reporting the required information (i.e., date, time, approved location of landing, and vessel identification number). The additional communication costs would not only vary by VMS vendor, but also by the communication plan chosen by each vessel owner. Under plans where the owner pays a fixed amount up to some specific level of data use, there would be no additional cost as a result of having to submit the required information. Conversely, the vessel owner would incur a cost if the owner [[Page 12330]] chose a plan where communication costs are directly based, and therefore vary, depending on the size and number of messages being transmitted. The expanded advance notice of landing requirement would apply to an additional 1,042 trips per year on average by 289 additional vessels, or approximately 3.6 trips per vessel per year. Based on available information regarding VMS vendors and communication plans, vessel owners are expected to incur additional communication costs of up to about $0.33 per trip. For the 1,042 trips affected by the advance notice of landing requirement, additional communication costs across the fleet are expected to total $343.86. Thus, the average annual communication costs for each of the 289 vessel owners affected by this requirement is expected to be about $1.20, which is trivial relative to the average annual gross revenue for a commercial Gulf reef fish vessel. In addition to the communication cost, there is an opportunity cost associated with any time burden created by additional reporting requirements. Typically, opportunity cost is approximated using the average wage or salary of those covered by the requirement. Vessel owners or operators would be responsible for submitting the advance notice of landing, and thus it is appropriate to use the average wage of first line supervisors and managers in the fishing, forestry, and farming industries. As of May 2016, which is the most currently available information, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean wage of individuals in this occupation group was $23.47. The expanded advance notice of landing requirement would apply to an additional 1,042 trips per year on average and the time burden associated with this requirement is 3 minutes per trip. Thus, the total additional time burden is approximately 52.1 hours per year. The expanded requirement would apply to an additional 289 vessels. Thus, the time burden per vessel would be approximately 0.18 hours per year per vessel. This results in an opportunity cost of approximately $4.23 per business per year, which is trivial relative to the average annual gross revenue for a commercial Gulf reef fish vessel. Based on the analysis above, the additional costs per business resulting from the expanded advance notice of landing requirement are expected to be minimal. In addition, the advance notice of landing would be submitted through the vessel's VMS. All Gulf reef fish vessels are required to use VMS, and VMS has been required on these vessels since 2006. Thus, special professional skills are not necessary to comply with this requirement. With respect to NMFS taking back shares from the 81 businesses that currently possess non-activated IFQ accounts, the market price of annual allocation should approximate the expected annual profit from using the annual allocation for harvesting purposes (i.e., to land fish). Based on the current market prices for annual allocation of red snapper and IFQ-managed groupers and tilefishes, these shares would be expected to result in profits of approximately $64,255 if the businesses chose to sell the annual allocation associated with these shares or use the annual allocation to harvest fish; more specifically, profits would be $45,988 from selling or using red snapper annual allocation and $18,267 from selling or using annual allocation for IFQ- managed grouper and tilefish species. Thus, the expected annual profit from selling the annual allocation associated with these shares, or using the allocation for harvesting purposes, is approximately $793 per business. Based on the current market prices of shares in the RS-IFQ and GT-IFQ programs, the market value of these shares is $716,525 in total, or $8,846 per business, with shares of red snapper valued at $500,366 and shares of IFQ-managed groupers and tilefishes valued at $216,159. However, as previously discussed, only 1 of these 81 businesses is still active in the commercial fishing industry with respect to harvesting activities, and that single business has not been active since 2012. These 81 businesses are not currently generating any gross revenues or profits, and NMFS assumes they have been out of business for several years. Further, these businesses have held these shares and had access to the associated annual allocation for several years, but have chosen not to sell their shares or annual allocation or use their annual allocation for harvesting purposes. Thus, although these shares and annual allocations have value to other businesses in the IFQ programs based on their respective market prices, the behavior of these 81 businesses suggests they do not place any value on these shares and annual allocations. Because these businesses are not earning any revenues or profits at present and have never used these shares to earn revenues or profits, nor are they expected to, taking these shares away from them would not be expected to reduce their revenues or profits below their current or expected levels in the future. Further, if NMFS were to allow these businesses to retain these shares in non-activated IFQ accounts, these shares could not be used by other businesses still active in the IFQ programs to generate revenues and profits. Taking these shares back so they can be redistributed would allow the active businesses' revenues and profits to increase in the future. Finally, the action that provides NMFS with the authority to withhold annual allocation of red snapper, or IFQ-managed groupers and tilefishes before distribution at the beginning of a fishing year as described previously is administrative in nature, because it does not directly regulate any entities and thus would not be expected to alter their behavior. Therefore, NMFS does not expect this action to directly regulate or affect any small entities. Based on the information above, NMFS does not expect a reduction in profits for a substantial number of small entities as a result of this proposed rule. Thus, this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. This proposed rule contains a collection-of-information requirement subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been submitted to OMB for approval. NMFS is proposing to revise the collection-of-information requirement under OMB Control Number 0648- 0551, Southeast Region IFQ Programs. The proposed rule would require owners or operators of vessels with commercial Gulf reef fish permits to submit a notification to NMFS on each trip prior to landing exclusively non-IFQ Gulf reef fish species or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf. Public reporting burden for the proposed requirement is estimated to average 3 minutes per applicable trip, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information. Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of [[Page 12331]] information technology. Send comments on these or any other aspects of the collection of information to the Southeast Regional Office at the ADDRESSES above, and by email to [email protected] or fax to 202-395-5806. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, and no person will be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. All currently approved collections of information may be viewed at http://www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/prasubs.html. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Commercial, Fisheries, Fishing, Grouper, Gulf of Mexico, Individual fishing quota, Red snapper, Tilefish. Dated: March 15, 2018. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 0 1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 0 2. In Sec. 622.21, revise paragraph (a)(4) and add paragraph (a)(6) to read as follows: Sec. 622.21 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf red snapper. (a) * * * (4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is the amount of Gulf red snapper, in pounds gutted weight, an IFQ shareholder or allocation holder is authorized to possess, land, or sell during a given fishing year. IFQ allocation is derived at the beginning of each year by multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share times the annual commercial quota for Gulf red snapper. If the quota is increased after the beginning of the fishing year, then IFQ allocation is derived by multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share at the time of the quota increase by the amount the annual commercial quota for red snapper is increased. If a reduction in the commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1)(i) is expected to occur after January 1, the beginning of the fishing year, but before June 1 in that same fishing year, NMFS will withhold distribution of IFQ allocation on January 1. The amount of IFQ allocation withheld from distribution will equal the amount of the expected commercial quota reduction. If a final rule to implement the commercial quota reduction is not published in the Federal Register and effective by June 1, NMFS will distribute withheld IFQ allocation of red snapper commercial quota to current shareholders based on shareholdings on the date the withheld IFQ allocation is distributed. * * * * * (6) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares contained in IFQ accounts that have never been activated since January 1, 2010, in the IFQ program are returned permanently to NMFS on [the effective date of a final rule implementing Amendment 36A]. * * * * * 0 3. In Sec. 622.22, revise paragraph (a)(4) and add paragraph (a)(9) to read as follows: Sec. 622.22 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. (a) * * * (4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is the amount of Gulf groupers and tilefishes, in pounds gutted weight, an IFQ shareholder or allocation holder is authorized to possess, land, or sell during a given fishing year. IFQ allocation is derived at the beginning of each year by multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share times the annual commercial quota for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. If the quota is increased after the beginning of the fishing year, then IFQ allocation is derived by multiplying a shareholder's IFQ share at the time of the quota increase by the amount the annual commercial quota for groupers and tilefishes is increased. If a reduction in the applicable commercial quota specified in Sec. 622.39(a)(1) is expected to occur after January 1, the beginning of the fishing year, but before June 1 in that same fishing year, NMFS will withhold distribution of IFQ allocation of the applicable groupers and tilefishes commercial quota on January 1. The amount of IFQ allocation withheld from distribution will equal the amount of the expected commercial quota reduction. If a final rule to implement the commercial quota reduction is not published in the Federal Register and effective by June 1, NMFS will distribute withheld IFQ allocation of the applicable groupers and tilefishes commercial quota to current shareholders based on the date the withheld IFQ allocation is distributed. * * * * * (9) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares contained in IFQ accounts that have never been activated since January 1, 2010, in the IFQ program are returned permanently to NMFS on [the effective date of a final rule implementing Amendment 36A]. * * * * * 0 4. In Sec. 622.26, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows: Sec. 622.26 Recordkeeping and reporting. (a) Commercial vessel owners and operators. (1) The owner or operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as required under Sec. 622.20(a)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record on a form available from the SRD. These completed fishing records must be submitted to the SRD postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip. If no fishing occurred during a calendar month, a report so stating must be submitted on one of the forms postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of that month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (2) Advance notice of landing--(i) General requirement. For the purpose of this paragraph, landing means to arrive at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel landing Gulf reef fish not managed under an IFQ program or Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf is responsible for ensuring that NMFS is contacted at least 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours, in advance of landing to report the time, date, and location of landing, and the vessel identification number (e.g., Coast Guard registration number or state registration number). The vessel must land at an approved landing location and within 1 hour after the time given in the landing notification, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. A vessel landing Gulf reef fish managed under an IFQ program must also comply with the requirements in Sec. Sec. 622.21 and 622.22, as applicable. (ii) Submitting an advance landing notification. Authorized methods for contacting NMFS and submitting a completed landing notification include the VMS unit, or another contact method approved by NMFS. (iii) Landing prior to the notification time. The owner or operator of a vessel that has completed a landing notification and submitted it to NMFS may land prior to the notification time, only if an authorized officer is present at the landing site, is available to meet [[Page 12332]] the vessel, and has authorized the owner or operator of the vessel to land prior to the notification time. (iv) Changes to a landing notification. The owner or operator of a vessel who has submitted a landing notification to NMFS may make changes to the notification by submitting a superseding notification. If the initial superseding notification makes changes to the time of landing that is later than the original time in the notification, the vessel does not need to wait an additional 3 hours to land. If the initial superseding notification makes changes to the landing location, the time of landing is earlier than previously specified, or more than one superseding notification is submitted on a trip, the vessel must wait an additional 3 hours to land, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. (v) Approved landing locations. Gulf reef fish not managed under an IFQ program, and Florida Keys/East Florida hogfish harvested in the Gulf, must be landed at an approved landing location. Landing locations must be approved by the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement prior to a vessel landing these species at these sites. Proposed landing locations may be submitted to NMFS; however, new landing locations will be approved only at the end of each calendar-year quarter. To have a landing location approved by the end of the calendar-year quarter, it must be submitted at least 45 days before the end of the calendar-year quarter. NMFS will evaluate the proposed sites based on, but not limited to, the criteria at 50 CFR 622.21(b)(5)(v) and 622.22(b)(5)(v). * * * * * [FR Doc. 2018-05628 Filed 3-20-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![12326 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
the proceeding can be limited to the Proposed Debarment; a summary of SAM listing, the NCUA must not solicit
grounds in dispute having a genuine proceedings; the identities of affiliates offers from, award contracts to, or
issue of material fact. The disposition of or imputed conduct; and the reasons for consent to contracts with ineligible
the fact-finding proceeding will be not debarring (for example, an contractors. Suspended or debarred
documented by the SDO. The standard Administrative Agreement; mitigating contractors may continue performing
of proof for determining the disputed factors; or remedial measures taken by current contracts (unless those contracts
facts is preponderance of the evidence. the contractor). The decision shall are terminated or voided) but cannot (a)
c. Compiling the Administrative notify the contractor that it may request add new work, exercise options, or
Record. During the process, the NCUA a copy of the Administrative Record and otherwise extend the duration of the
shall maintain and document all give notice of the effective date of the contract or order; (b) issue task orders
information considered by the SDO to decision. The SDO Admin will remove exceeding the guaranteed minimum
include the ARM, the PMIO (including the contractor’s name from SAM. under indefinite quantity contracts; or
mitigating factors) and transcripts of any ii. Terminate the Suspension. The (c) place orders under blanket purchase
fact-finding proceedings. This is the SDO may decide to terminate the agreements or basic ordering
Administrative Record. The following suspension. The decision shall include, agreements. The NCUA must review any
records, in addition to any other similar if applicable, referral to the Notice of current contracts held by the contractor
materials, shall also be included if Suspension; a summary of proceedings; to determine whether to terminate or
considered by the SDO: Emails; notes; the identities of affiliates or imputed void those contracts. A decision to
contract documents; newspaper articles; conduct; and the reason for terminating terminate or void a contract requires
and summaries of oral briefings and the Suspension (for example, an OGC concurrence.
contractor submissions. Any Administrative Agreement; mitigating
[FR Doc. 2018–05626 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am]
information not relied on by the SDO factors; or remedial measures taken by
BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
should not be included. Once the SDO the contractor). The decision shall
issues a final decision, the contractor notify the contractor that it may request
may request a copy of the a copy of the Administrative Record and
Administrative Record. The SDO may give notice of the effective date of the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
deny the request or withhold or redact decision. The SDO Admin will remove
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
part of the Administrative Record if the contractor’s name from SAM.
iii. Debar the Contractor. The SDO Administration
warranted under applicable law or
because of parallel proceedings.17 In any may decide to debar the contractor. This
decision must be based on the 50 CFR Part 622
circumstance where the SDO redacts or
withholds all or part of the preponderance of the evidence. The [Docket No. 170413393–8178–01]
Administrative Record, the SDO will decision shall include, if applicable,
RIN 0648–BG83
provide the reasons for doing so to the referral to the Notice of Proposed
contractor in writing. Debarment; a summary of proceedings; Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of
d. Final Decision. The SDO shall issue identities of affiliates or imputed Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish
a written final decision based on the conduct; the information considered by Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico;
Administrative Record. The SDO shall the SDO; the reasons for debarring; the Modifications to Individual Fishing
issue a conviction-based debarment scope of ineligibility; the consequences Quota Programs
within 30 working days after closing the of debarment (application across the
Administrative Record and within 45 Executive Branch); and the effective AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
working days of closing the dates of debarment. The decision shall Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Administrative Record for a fact-based notify the contractor that it may request Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
suspension or debarment. The SDO has a copy of the Administrative Record. Commerce.
discretion to extend these deadlines. The SDO Admin will enter the debarred ACTION: Proposed rule; request for
The Administrative Record will be contractor into SAM. comments.
deemed closed when the SDO Admin iv. Enter into an Administrative
Agreement. At any time during the SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to implement
submits all evidence to the SDO for a
proceedings, the SDO may negotiate an management measures described in
final decision. The SDO Admin will
Administrative Agreement with the Amendment 36A to the Fishery
advise the contractor in writing
contractor. An Administrative Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef
promptly after the Administrative
Agreement applies across the Executive Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico
Record has been closed, including the
Branch when entered into SAM. The (Gulf) (Amendment 36A), as prepared
date it was closed. All correspondence
terms of the Administrative Agreement by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
shall be sent USPS certified mail, return
and contents of the Agreement will be Management Council (Council). This
receipt requested, by the SDO Admin.
determined on a case-by-case basis. proposed rule would require owners or
The SDO can take the following actions
e. Contractor’s Remedy. After a operators of federally permitted
in a final decision:
i. Not Debar the Contractor. The SDO decision is made, a suspended or commercial Gulf reef fish vessels
may decide not to debar the contractor. debarred contractor may seek judicial landing any commercially harvested,
The decision shall include, if review. OGC (in coordination with the federally managed reef fish from the
Department of Justice, as appropriate or Gulf to provide notification prior to
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
applicable, referral to the Notice of
required) will work with the referring landing and to land at approved
17 Parallel proceedings occur when two or more office, the SDO, and OCFO to litigate locations; require shares from the red
contemporaneous legal actions are initiated by these claims. snapper individual fishing quota (IFQ)
different Government entities against the same H. NCUA Action after a Decision. If a (RS–IFQ) program and the groupers and
contractor, and involving the same material facts. suspension or debarment is imposed, tilefishes IFQ (GT–IFQ) program that are
Often these arise when an agency has suspended or
proposed a contractor for debarment and the
NCUA offices must take steps to ensure in non-activated IFQ accounts to be
Department of Justice is investigating or prosecuting the contractor does not receive any new returned to NMFS for redistribution;
the contractor for the same misconduct. contracts. Upon the effective date of and allow NMFS to withhold a portion
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules 12331
information technology. Send comments distribution of IFQ allocation on January (9) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares
on these or any other aspects of the 1. The amount of IFQ allocation contained in IFQ accounts that have
collection of information to the withheld from distribution will equal never been activated since January 1,
Southeast Regional Office at the the amount of the expected commercial 2010, in the IFQ program are returned
ADDRESSES above, and by email to quota reduction. If a final rule to permanently to NMFS on [the effective
OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax implement the commercial quota date of a final rule implementing
to 202–395–5806. reduction is not published in the Amendment 36A].
Notwithstanding any other provision Federal Register and effective by June 1, * * * * *
of the law, no person is required to NMFS will distribute withheld IFQ ■ 4. In § 622.26, revise paragraph (a) to
respond to, and no person will be allocation of red snapper commercial read as follows:
subject to penalty for failure to comply quota to current shareholders based on
with, a collection of information subject shareholdings on the date the withheld § 622.26 Recordkeeping and reporting.
to the requirements of the PRA, unless IFQ allocation is distributed. (a) Commercial vessel owners and
that collection of information displays a operators. (1) The owner or operator of
* * * * *
currently valid OMB control number. a vessel for which a commercial permit
All currently approved collections of (6) Returning IFQ shares. Any shares for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as
information may be viewed at http:// contained in IFQ accounts that have required under § 622.20(a)(1), or whose
www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/ never been activated since January 1, vessel fishes for or lands reef fish in or
prasubs.html. 2010, in the IFQ program are returned from state waters adjoining the Gulf
permanently to NMFS on [the effective EEZ, who is selected to report by the
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 date of a final rule implementing SRD must maintain a fishing record on
Commercial, Fisheries, Fishing, Amendment 36A]. a form available from the SRD. These
Grouper, Gulf of Mexico, Individual * * * * * completed fishing records must be
fishing quota, Red snapper, Tilefish. ■ 3. In § 622.22, revise paragraph (a)(4) submitted to the SRD postmarked no
Dated: March 15, 2018. and add paragraph (a)(9) to read as later than 7 days after the end of each
Samuel D. Rauch III, follows: fishing trip. If no fishing occurred
Deputy Assistant Administrator for during a calendar month, a report so
Regulatory Programs, National Marine § 622.22 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) stating must be submitted on one of the
Fisheries Service. program for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. forms postmarked no later than 7 days
For the reasons set out in the (a) * * * after the end of that month. Information
preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed to be reported is indicated on the form
(4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is
to be amended as follows: and its accompanying instructions.
the amount of Gulf groupers and
(2) Advance notice of landing—(i)
tilefishes, in pounds gutted weight, an General requirement. For the purpose of
PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE IFQ shareholder or allocation holder is
CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND this paragraph, landing means to arrive
authorized to possess, land, or sell at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or
SOUTH ATLANTIC during a given fishing year. IFQ ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel
■ 1. The authority citation for part 622 allocation is derived at the beginning of landing Gulf reef fish not managed
continues to read as follows: each year by multiplying a shareholder’s under an IFQ program or Florida Keys/
IFQ share times the annual commercial East Florida hogfish harvested in the
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
quota for Gulf groupers and tilefishes. If Gulf is responsible for ensuring that
■ 2. In § 622.21, revise paragraph (a)(4) the quota is increased after the
and add paragraph (a)(6) to read as NMFS is contacted at least 3 hours, but
beginning of the fishing year, then IFQ no more than 24 hours, in advance of
follows: allocation is derived by multiplying a landing to report the time, date, and
§ 622.21 Individual fishing quota (IFQ) shareholder’s IFQ share at the time of location of landing, and the vessel
program for Gulf red snapper. the quota increase by the amount the identification number (e.g., Coast Guard
(a) * * * annual commercial quota for groupers registration number or state registration
(4) IFQ allocation. IFQ allocation is and tilefishes is increased. If a reduction number). The vessel must land at an
the amount of Gulf red snapper, in in the applicable commercial quota approved landing location and within 1
pounds gutted weight, an IFQ specified in § 622.39(a)(1) is expected to hour after the time given in the landing
shareholder or allocation holder is occur after January 1, the beginning of notification, except as provided in
authorized to possess, land, or sell the fishing year, but before June 1 in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. A
during a given fishing year. IFQ that same fishing year, NMFS will vessel landing Gulf reef fish managed
allocation is derived at the beginning of withhold distribution of IFQ allocation under an IFQ program must also comply
each year by multiplying a shareholder’s of the applicable groupers and tilefishes with the requirements in §§ 622.21 and
IFQ share times the annual commercial commercial quota on January 1. The 622.22, as applicable.
quota for Gulf red snapper. If the quota amount of IFQ allocation withheld from (ii) Submitting an advance landing
is increased after the beginning of the distribution will equal the amount of notification. Authorized methods for
fishing year, then IFQ allocation is the expected commercial quota contacting NMFS and submitting a
derived by multiplying a shareholder’s reduction. If a final rule to implement completed landing notification include
IFQ share at the time of the quota the commercial quota reduction is not the VMS unit, or another contact
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
increase by the amount the annual published in the Federal Register and method approved by NMFS.
commercial quota for red snapper is effective by June 1, NMFS will (iii) Landing prior to the notification
increased. If a reduction in the distribute withheld IFQ allocation of the time. The owner or operator of a vessel
commercial quota specified in applicable groupers and tilefishes that has completed a landing
§ 622.39(a)(1)(i) is expected to occur commercial quota to current notification and submitted it to NMFS
after January 1, the beginning of the shareholders based on the date the may land prior to the notification time,
fishing year, but before June 1 in that withheld IFQ allocation is distributed. only if an authorized officer is present
same fishing year, NMFS will withhold * * * * * at the landing site, is available to meet
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![12332 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules
the vessel, and has authorized the SUMMARY: On March 2, 2018, NMFS the 2017 shortfin mako shark stock
owner or operator of the vessel to land published a Notice of Intent with assessment.
prior to the notification time. scoping meeting dates for upcoming Due to a request to reschedule the
(iv) Changes to a landing notification. rulemaking for pelagic longline bluefin meeting due to a conflict with another
The owner or operator of a vessel who tuna area-based and weak hook meeting for local constituents, NMFS is
has submitted a landing notification to management. On March 5, 2018, NMFS canceling the original scoping meeting
NMFS may make changes to the published a Notice of Intent with that had been scheduled for April 12,
notification by submitting a superseding scoping meeting dates for Amendment 2018 in Manahawkin, NJ and changing
notification. If the initial superseding 11 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP. it to another date and location. The
notification makes changes to the time In this notice, per a request from
of landing that is later than the original scoping meeting in New Jersey is now
constituents in that area, NMFS
time in the notification, the vessel does scheduled for April 11, 2018, in Little
reschedules the New Jersey meeting
not need to wait an additional 3 hours Egg Harbor, NJ (see ADDRESSES and
date and provides a new meeting
to land. If the initial superseding DATES).
location.
notification makes changes to the Because the rulemakings overlap for
DATES: The scoping meeting will now be
landing location, the time of landing is some gear types, the public scoping
held on April 11, 2018, from 4 p.m. to
earlier than previously specified, or meeting being held in Little Egg Harbor,
8 p.m..
more than one superseding notification NJ will address the issues from the
is submitted on a trip, the vessel must ADDRESSES: The scoping meeting will
scoping documents for both the pelagic
wait an additional 3 hours to land, now be held in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, at longline bluefin tuna area-based and
except as provided in paragraph the Little Egg Harbor Branch Library, weak hook management and
(a)(2)(iii) of this section. 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor, Amendment 11 to the 2006
(v) Approved landing locations. Gulf NJ 08087. Consolidated HMS FMP. The shortfin
reef fish not managed under an IFQ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Guý mako shark management measure
program, and Florida Keys/East Florida DuBeck or Craig Cockrell by phone: presentation will likely be given first
hogfish harvested in the Gulf, must be 301–427–8503, or Jennifer Cudney by unless polling of the audience indicates
landed at an approved landing location. phone: 727–824–5399. another approach is appropriate. After
Landing locations must be approved by SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: each presentation, public comment for
the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Regulations implemented under the that issue will be received. Meeting
prior to a vessel landing these species at authority of the Atlantic Tunas attendees interested in this issue are
these sites. Proposed landing locations Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et encouraged to show up at the beginning
may be submitted to NMFS; however, seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery of the meeting to help determine the
new landing locations will be approved Conservation and Management Act order of the presentations. The second
only at the end of each calendar-year (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 presentation will not start any later than
quarter. To have a landing location et seq.) governing the harvest of HMS, 6 p.m.
approved by the end of the calendar- including bluefin tuna and sharks, by
year quarter, it must be submitted at persons and vessels subject to U.S. The public is reminded that NMFS
least 45 days before the end of the jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR 635. expects participants at the public
calendar-year quarter. NMFS will On March 2, 2018, NMFS published hearings to conduct themselves
evaluate the proposed sites based on, a Notice of Intent (83 FR 8969) with appropriately. At the beginning of each
but not limited to, the criteria at 50 CFR scoping meeting dates for pelagic public hearing, a representative of
622.21(b)(5)(v) and 622.22(b)(5)(v). longline bluefin tuna area-based and NMFS will explain the ground rules
* * * * * weak hook management. The notice (e.g., alcohol is prohibited from the
[FR Doc. 2018–05628 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am] announced a public process for hearing room; attendees will be called to
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P determining the scope of issues to be give their comments in the order in
addressed and for identifying the which they registered to speak; each
significant issues relating to the attendee will have an equal amount of
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE management of Atlantic HMS, with a time to speak; and attendees should not
focus on area-based management interrupt one another). The NMFS
National Oceanic and Atmospheric measures and weak hook management representative will attempt to structure
Administration measures that were implemented to the meeting so that all attending
reduce dead discards of bluefin tuna in members of the public will be able to
50 CFR Part 635 the pelagic longline fishery. On March comment, if they so choose, regardless
RINs 0648–XG007, 0648–XF947 5, 2018, NMFS published a Notice of of the controversial nature of the
Intent (83 FR 9255) with scoping subject(s). Attendees are expected to
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; meeting dates for Amendment 11 to the respect the ground rules, and, if they do
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP. This not, they may be asked to leave the
Pelagic Longline Fishery Management notice announced consideration of hearing.
and Shortfin Mako Shark Management potential new management measures for Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq; 16 U.S.C.
Measures shortfin mako sharks that could be 1801 et seq.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries implemented through rulemaking to
Dated: March 16, 2018.
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and address overfishing and to implement,
as necessary and appropriate, measures Emily H. Menashes,
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
adopted by the International Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Commerce. Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
Commission for the Conservation of
ACTION: Notice of rescheduled scoping [FR Doc. 2018–05702 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am]
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) (ICCAT
meeting.
Recommendation 17–08) in response to BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2018-03-21 00:45:50
Document Modified: 2018-03-21 00:45:50
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Written comments must be received by April 20, 2018. | |
| Contact | Peter Hood, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]; IFQ Customer Service, telephone: 1-866-425-7627, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., eastern time. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 12326 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-BG83 | |
| CFR Associated | Commercial; Fisheries; Fishing; Grouper; Gulf of Mexico; Individual Fishing Quota; Red Snapper and Tilefish |
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