83 FR 13478 - Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Scoping Process
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 61 (March 29, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 61 (March 29, 2018)
| Page Range | 13478-13479 | |
| FR Document | 2018-06314 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 13478-13479] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-06314] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XG018 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Scoping Process AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Supplemental notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has been preparing an amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, known as the ``Comprehensive Summer Flounder Amendment,'' to modify aspects of the fishery management plan related to summer flounder commercial and recreational management. To avoid delaying the amendment while waiting for updated recreational information, the Council is now splitting several issues within this original action, including fishery management plan goals and objectives, commercial allocation, commercial moratorium permits, and commercial framework provisions into a separate action that will continue to be developed as an EIS. The Council is taking comments on this modified action, which is now being referred to as the ``Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment.'' Following completion of this ``Commercial Issues'' amendment, the Council may then develop at least one future action relating to recreational fishery issues and commercial/recreational allocation to incorporate updated recreational fishery data when it becomes available later this year. The purpose of this notification is to alert and seek comment from the public about the Council's consideration of splitting this amendment, by delaying some issues to be pursued via later actions. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 30, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:Email: [email protected]; Include ``Summer Flounder Amendment Scoping Comments'' in the subject line; Mail: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Fax: (302) 674-5399. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, telephone: (302) 526-5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 16, 2014, an NOI was published in the Federal Register (79 FR 55432) announcing the Council's intent to prepare an EIS for a broad management action addressing several categories of summer flounder issues in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council initiated this Comprehensive Summer Flounder Amendment jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to review all aspects of the FMP related to summer flounder. The amendment was intended to consider updating the goals and objectives of the FMP as related to summer flounder, revising the allocation between the commercial and recreational sector, and modifying many management strategies and requirements for both commercial and recreational fisheries for summer flounder. Since publication of the original NOI, the Council has delayed development of recreational fishery issues and recreational/ commercial allocation and narrowed the remaining range of issues to a more focused list of priority topics. The primary driver of this proposed split is the ongoing revisions to recreational data by the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), which are expected to substantially change the current understanding of recreational catch and landings. Due to these changes, the Council and Commission chose to delay development of any issues that would rely heavily on recreational data, including quota allocation between the commercial and recreational sectors, as well as recreational management measures and strategies. If this action [[Page 13479]] was not split, the Council and Commission would either need to wait for revised MRIP data to become available to begin analysis of recreational-related alternatives, or begin analysis with the current data and later revise substantial portions of the document once new MRIP data became available. Because substantial progress has been made on development of alternatives for commercial issues, the Council and Commission have proposed splitting the action in order to more quickly complete the revisions to the commercial issues and FMP objectives without letting these issues become delayed by recreational data revisions. The purpose of this revised amendment is to consider revisions to the current qualification criteria for Federal moratorium permit holders, the current allocation of commercial quota, and the current list of frameworkable items in the FMP (i.e., including a provision for commercial landings flexibility). In addition, the purpose of the action is to revise the FMP goals and objectives for summer flounder only. An EIS will be prepared for this action. The Council believes that the measures have separate utility, a clearly unique purpose and need, and are not directly linked to the remaining measures from the original amendment proposed to be pursued in a future action. The Council and Commission intend to initiate a separate action or actions once revised MRIP data become available. This future action is expected to consider revisions to the allocation between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, as well as several recreational fishery issues. General categories of recreational issues previously identified for evaluation include: Recreational process, conservation equivalency framework, and recreational allocations; recreational sector separation (for-hire and/or private mode); alternative recreational strategies (allow for alternatives to minimum size, bag limit, and season restrictions; e.g., slot limits); recreational gear requirements or restrictions; and recreational data collection requirements and protocols. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 23, 2018. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-06314 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![13478 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Notices
and collection of these carcasses, for Special Accommodations and seek comment from the public
each species that may result from The meeting is physically accessible about the Council’s consideration of
capture activities. In addition, live to people with disabilities. Requests for splitting this amendment, by delaying
animals may be harassed during vessel sign language interpretation or other some issues to be pursued via later
and aerial surveys for species counts auxiliary aids should be directed to M. actions.
and observation. Jan Saunders at the Mid-Atlantic DATES: Written comments must be
Dated: March 26, 2018. Council Office (302) 526–5251 at least 5 received on or before April 30, 2018.
Julia Harrison, days prior to the meeting date. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Dated: March 26, 2018. by any of the following methods:
Office of Protected Resources, National • Email: nmfs.flukeamendment@
Tracey L. Thompson,
Marine Fisheries Service. noaa.gov; Include ‘‘Summer Flounder
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
[FR Doc. 2018–06376 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am] Amendment Scoping Comments’’ in the
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P subject line;
[FR Doc. 2018–06311 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am] • Mail: Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D.,
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Fishery Management Council, 800 N.
State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE • Fax: (302) 674–5399.
Administration FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive
RIN 0648–XG062 Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery
RIN 0648–XG018 Management Council, telephone: (302)
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 526–5255.
Council (MAFMC); Public Meetings Fisheries of the Northeastern United
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries September 16, 2014, an NOI was
Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Scoping
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and published in the Federal Register (79
Process
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), FR 55432) announcing the Council’s
Commerce. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries intent to prepare an EIS for a broad
ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and management action addressing several
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), categories of summer flounder issues in
SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Commerce. the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Management Council’s (Council) ACTION: Supplemental notice of intent Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory (NOI) to prepare an environmental (FMP). The Council initiated this
Panel will hold a public meeting. impact statement (EIS). Comprehensive Summer Flounder
DATES: The meeting will be held on Amendment jointly with the Atlantic
Friday, April 13, 2018, from 10 a.m. SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery States Marine Fisheries Commission to
until 3 p.m. Management Council has been review all aspects of the FMP related to
preparing an amendment to the Summer summer flounder. The amendment was
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass intended to consider updating the goals
via internet Webinar. Detailed Fishery Management Plan, known as the and objectives of the FMP as related to
connection details are available at ‘‘Comprehensive Summer Flounder summer flounder, revising the
http://www.mafmc.org. To join the Amendment,’’ to modify aspects of the allocation between the commercial and
Webinar, follow this link and enter the fishery management plan related to recreational sector, and modifying many
online meeting room: http:// summer flounder commercial and management strategies and
mafmc.adobeconnect.com/scoq2018ap/ recreational management. To avoid requirements for both commercial and
Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery delaying the amendment while waiting recreational fisheries for summer
Management Council, 800 North State for updated recreational information, flounder. Since publication of the
Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; the Council is now splitting several original NOI, the Council has delayed
telephone: (302) 674–2331. issues within this original action, development of recreational fishery
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: including fishery management plan issues and recreational/commercial
Christopher M. Moore Ph.D., Executive goals and objectives, commercial allocation and narrowed the remaining
Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery allocation, commercial moratorium range of issues to a more focused list of
Management Council, 800 N. State permits, and commercial framework priority topics.
Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; provisions into a separate action that The primary driver of this proposed
telephone: (302) 526–5255. will continue to be developed as an EIS. split is the ongoing revisions to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The The Council is taking comments on this recreational data by the Marine
purpose of the meeting is to develop a modified action, which is now being Recreational Information Program
fishery performance report by the referred to as the ‘‘Summer Flounder (MRIP), which are expected to
Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Commercial Issues Amendment.’’ substantially change the current
Advisory Panel. The intent of this report Following completion of this understanding of recreational catch and
is to facilitate structured input from the ‘‘Commercial Issues’’ amendment, the landings. Due to these changes, the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Council may then develop at least one Council and Commission chose to delay
Panel members to the Council and its future action relating to recreational development of any issues that would
Scientific and Statistical Committee. fishery issues and commercial/ rely heavily on recreational data,
Advisors will also receive an update on recreational allocation to incorporate including quota allocation between the
the clam dredge access framework updated recreational fishery data when commercial and recreational sectors, as
under development by the New England it becomes available later this year. The well as recreational management
Fishery Management Council. purpose of this notification is to alert measures and strategies. If this action
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Notices 13479
was not split, the Council and DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE on inclusion/exclusion of species and
Commission would either need to wait species groupings in fishery
for revised MRIP data to become National Oceanic and Atmospheric management plans; and hold a
available to begin analysis of Administration discussion on historical captain permits.
recreational-related alternatives, or RIN 0648–XG112 After lunch, the Reef Fish Management
begin analysis with the current data and Committee will review the Reef Fish
later revise substantial portions of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Landings; receive an update on state
document once new MRIP data became Council; Public Meeting management of recreational Red
available. Because substantial progress AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits
has been made on development of Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (EFPs); review a public hearing draft for
alternatives for commercial issues, the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Joint Reef Fish Amendment 48 and Red
Council and Commission have proposed Commerce. Drum Amendment 4—Status
splitting the action in order to more Determination Criteria and Optimum
ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.
quickly complete the revisions to the Yield; and discuss the State
commercial issues and FMP objectives SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Program for Recreational
without letting these issues become Management Council (Council) will Red Snapper.
delayed by recreational data revisions. hold a five-day meeting to consider
Wednesday, April 18, 2018; 8 a.m.–5:30
actions affecting the Gulf of Mexico
The purpose of this revised p.m.
fisheries in the exclusive economic zone
amendment is to consider revisions to
(EEZ). The Reef Fish Management
the current qualification criteria for
DATES: The meeting will be held on Committee will reconvene and receive a
Federal moratorium permit holders, the
Monday, April 16 through Friday, April presentation on recreational data
current allocation of commercial quota,
20, 2018. challenges and potential South Atlantic
and the current list of frameworkable
ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place Council responses; discuss the
items in the FMP (i.e., including a
at the Marriott Courtyard hotel, located Commercial Individual Fishing Quotas
provision for commercial landings
at 1600 E. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, (IFQ) Programs; and, review an options
flexibility). In addition, the purpose of
MS 39501; telephone: (228) 864–4310. paper on framework action Greater
the action is to revise the FMP goals and Council address: Gulf of Mexico Amberjack Recreational Bag Limits,
objectives for summer flounder only. An Fishery Management Council, 2203 N. Seasonal Quotas and Commercial Trip
EIS will be prepared for this action. The Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL Limits. After lunch, the Committee will
Council believes that the measures have 33607; telephone: (813) 348–1630. review the decision tools and
separate utility, a clearly unique FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: amendments for Amendment 42—Reef
purpose and need, and are not directly Douglas Gregory, Executive Director, Fish Management for Headboat Survey
linked to the remaining measures from Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management and Amendment 41—Allocation-based
the original amendment proposed to be Council; telephone: (813) 348–1630. Management for Federally Permitted
pursued in a future action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Charters Vessels; and, receive a
The Council and Commission intend summary from the Scientific and
Agenda
to initiate a separate action or actions Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting.
once revised MRIP data become Monday, April 16, 2018; 8 a.m.–5:30
available. This future action is expected p.m.; Closed Session Thursday, April 19, 2018; 8:30 a.m.–
to consider revisions to the allocation 4:45 p.m.
The meeting will begin in a Closed
between the commercial and Session of the Full Council all day to The Full Council will reconvene with
recreational sectors for summer hold applicant interviews, select the a Call to Order, Announcements, and
flounder, as well as several recreational 2017 Law Enforcement Officer of the Introductions; Adoption of Agenda and
fishery issues. General categories of Year, and to select members to the Approval of Minutes. The Council will
recreational issues previously identified Shrimp and Reef Fish Advisory Panels. receive a presentation from Mississippi
for evaluation include: Recreational Law Enforcement; a summary from the
Tuesday, April 17, 2018; 8:30 a.m.–5:45
process, conservation equivalency p.m. Law Enforcement Technical Committee
framework, and recreational allocations; meeting; a regulatory review; and, a
recreational sector separation (for-hire The Coral Committee will meet briefly presentation on Highly Migratory
and/or private mode); alternative to review a public hearing draft for Species on Shortfin Mako. The Council
recreational strategies (allow for Coral Amendment 9. The Shrimp will review Exempted Fishing Permit
alternatives to minimum size, bag limit, Committee will review updated stock (EFPs) Applications and public
assessments, biological review of the comments on EFP applications, if any.
and season restrictions; e.g., slot limits);
Texas closure, and receive a summary
recreational gear requirements or After lunch, the Council will receive
from the Shrimp Advisory Panel
restrictions; and recreational data open public testimony from 12:30 p.m.
Meeting. The Mackerel Committee will
collection requirements and protocols. until 3:30 p.m. on Fishery Issues or
review and discuss the South Atlantic
Concerns. Anyone wishing to speak
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Council’s Amendment 31: Atlantic
during public comment should sign in
Cobia Management. The
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Dated: March 23, 2018. at the registration station located at the
Administrative/Budget Committee will
Jennifer M. Wallace, entrance to the meeting room.
review the grant expenditures, and
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable anticipated budget activities and After public testimony, the Full
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. funding. The Sustainable Fisheries Council will receive committee reports
[FR Doc. 2018–06314 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am] Committee will review a revised policy from the Coral, Shrimp, Mackerel and
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P statement on the use of descending tools Administrative/Budget Management
and venting devices and a 5-year review Committees.
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Document Created: 2018-03-29 00:25:45
Document Modified: 2018-03-29 00:25:45
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Supplemental notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). | |
| Dates | Written comments must be received on or before April 30, 2018. | |
| Contact | Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, telephone: (302) 526-5255. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 13478 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XG01 |
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