83_FR_17701 83 FR 17623 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2018 Recreational Fishing Seasons for Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico

83 FR 17623 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2018 Recreational Fishing Seasons for Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 78 (April 23, 2018)

Page Range17623-17625
FR Document2018-08419

NMFS announces the 2018 recreational fishing seasons for the private angling and Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) components for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. The Federal recreational season for red snapper in the Gulf EEZ begins at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2018. For recreational harvest by the private angling component, the season closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2018. For recreational harvest by the Federal for-hire component, the season closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 22, 2018. These closures are necessary to prevent the private angling and Federal for-hire components from exceeding their respective quotas, equivalent to annual catch limits (ACLs), for the 2018 fishing year and to prevent overfishing of the Gulf red snapper resource.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 78 (Monday, April 23, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 78 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17623-17625]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08419]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 140818679-5356-02]
RIN 0648-XG060


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2018 Recreational Fishing 
Seasons for Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the 2018 recreational fishing seasons for the 
private angling and Federal charter vessel/headboat (for-hire) 
components for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the 
Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary rule. The Federal 
recreational season for red snapper in the Gulf EEZ begins at 12:01 
a.m., local time, on June 1, 2018. For recreational harvest by the 
private angling component, the season closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, 
on June 1, 2018.

[[Page 17624]]

For recreational harvest by the Federal for-hire component, the season 
closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 22, 2018. These closures are 
necessary to prevent the private angling and Federal for-hire 
components from exceeding their respective quotas, equivalent to annual 
catch limits (ACLs), for the 2018 fishing year and to prevent 
overfishing of the Gulf red snapper resource.

DATES: The closure is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, June 1, 
2018, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2019, for the private 
angling component. The closure is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, 
July 22, 2018, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2019, for the 
Federal for-hire component.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelli O'Donnell, NMFS Southeast 
Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery, which includes 
red snapper, is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and is implemented by NMFS 
under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 
622.
    The final rule implementing Amendment 40 to the FMP established two 
components within the recreational sector fishing for Gulf red snapper: 
The private angling component, and the Federal for-hire component (80 
FR 22422; April 22, 2015). Amendment 40 also allocated the red snapper 
recreational ACL (recreational quota) between the components and 
established separate seasonal closures for the two components. The 
recreational seasonal closures are projected from the component annual 
catch targets (ACTs), set 20 percent less than the component quotas, to 
reduce the likelihood of the harvest exceeding the component quotas and 
the total recreational ACL.
    According to regulations at 50 CFR 622.39(a)(2)(i), the 2018 total 
recreational quota for red snapper in the Gulf EEZ is 6.733 million lb 
(3.54 million kg), which is allocated 57.7 percent to the private 
angling component and 42.3 percent to the for-hire component. For the 
private angling component, the 2018 quota is 3.885 million lb (1.762 
million kg), and the 2018 ACT is 3.108 million lb (1.410 million kg) 
(50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(iii)(C). For the Federal for-hire component, the 
2018 quota is 2.848 million lb (1.292 million kg), and the 2018 ACT is 
2.278 million lb (1.033 million kg) (50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(iii)(B)). All 
weights given are in round weight.
    For the private angling component, NMFS has issued exempted fishing 
permits (EFPs) that allow each Gulf state (Texas, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida) to set the season for red snapper 
that are landed from state and federal waters in that state during 2018 
and 2019. The EFPs do so by exempting private anglers from regulations 
at 50 CFR 622.34(b) (recreational season closure for red snapper) and 
50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(i) (private angler component in-season closure) if 
these anglers hold the appropriate state fishing permits and are 
landing red snapper in a participating state during the state's open 
season. The EFPs allocate a portion of the private angling quota to 
each state, and each state is required under the terms and conditions 
of the EFPs to constrain landings to its allocation. The combined 
allocations equal the private angling component quota. Therefore, there 
will be no Federal season for the private angling component in 2018, 
and this closure notice will take effect at 12:01 a.m., local time, 
June 1, 2018.
    The Gulf states will establish seasons during which red snapper 
caught in state and Federal waters can be landed. States will monitor 
red snapper landings and close their respective fishing seasons if the 
state's assigned quota is reached or projected to be reached. Private 
anglers should consult the regulations for the Gulf state where they 
wish to land red snapper to determine state season dates and landing 
requirements. If the EFPs remain effective in 2019, NMFS anticipates 
announcing a similar Federal recreational fishing season for the 
private angling component next year.
    The 2018 red snapper Federal for-hire fishing season has been 
determined to be 51 days based on NMFS' projection of the date landings 
are expected to reach the component ACT. For details about the 
calculation of the projection for 2018, see http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/red_snapper/index.html. Therefore, 
the 2018 Federal recreational season for the Federal for-hire component 
will begin at 12:01 a.m., local time, June 1, 2018, and close at 12:01 
a.m., local time, July 22, 2018.
    On and after the effective date of the Federal for-hire component 
closure, the bag and possession limits for red snapper for Federal for-
hire vessels are zero. When either the Federal for-hire component or 
entire recreational sector is closed, these bag and possession limits 
apply in the Gulf onboard a vessel for which a valid Federal for-hire 
permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such 
species were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters (EEZ).

Classification

    The Regional Administrator for the NMFS Southeast Region has 
determined this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and 
management of Gulf red snapper and is consistent with the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and other applicable laws.
    This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(i) and (ii) and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
    These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act because the temporary rule is issued without 
opportunity for prior notice and comment.
    This action is based on the best scientific information available. 
The Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA), finds that the 
need to immediately implement this action to close the private angling 
and Federal for-hire components for the red snapper recreational sector 
constitute good cause to waive the requirements to provide prior notice 
and opportunity for public comment on this temporary rule pursuant to 
the authority set forth in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), because such procedures 
are unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures 
are unnecessary because the rule implementing the recreational red 
snapper ACLs and ACTs, and the rule implementing the requirement to 
close the recreational components when the ACTs are projected to be 
reached have already been subject to notice and comment, and all that 
remains is to notify the public of the closures.

[[Page 17625]]

Providing prior notice and opportunity for public comment are contrary 
to the public interest because of the need to immediately implement 
this action to protect Gulf red snapper by timely closing the Federal 
recreational seasons. In addition, prior notice and opportunity for 
public comment would require time and many of those affected by the 
length of the recreational fishing seasons, particularly for-hire 
operations that book trips for clients in advance, need as much advance 
notice as NMFS is able to provide to adjust their business plans to 
account for the recreational fishing seasons.
    For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to 
waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(3).

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: April 18, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08419 Filed 4-18-18; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 17623 jeopardizing the safety or security of Dated: April 11, 2018. Coast Guard notified known commercial people, places or vessels. D.G. Throop, vessel operators that transit the area, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, including the Sandy Hook Pilots and the List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100 Thirteenth Coast Guard District. local Tug/Tow Committee; there were Marine safety, Navigation (water), [FR Doc. 2018–08413 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am] no objections to this temporary Reporting and recordkeeping BILLING CODE 9110–04–P deviation. Vessels able to pass under the requirements, Waterways. bridge in the closed position may do so For the reasons discussed in the at any time. The bridge will not be able preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND to open for emergencies and there is no CFR part 100 as follows: SECURITY immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. PART 100—SAFETY OF LIFE ON Coast Guard The Coast Guard will inform the users NAVIGABLE WATERS of the waterways through our Local and 33 CFR Part 117 Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 100 [Docket No. USCG–2018–0298] change in operating schedule for the continues to read as follows: bridge so that vessel operators can Drawbridge Operation Regulation; arrange their transits to minimize any Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233; 33 CFR 1.05–1. Harlem River, Bronx, New York impact caused by the temporary deviation. ■ 2. Add § 100.T13–0154 to read as AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), follows: ACTION:Notice of deviation from the drawbridge must return to its regular drawbridge regulation. operating schedule immediately at the § 100.T13–0154 Special Local Regulations; end of the effective period of this USS PORTLAND Commissioning, Portland, SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation. This deviation OR. temporary deviation from the operating from the operating regulations is (a) Regulated area. The following area schedule that governs the Broadway authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. is designated as a regulated area: All Bridge across the Harlem River, mile 6.8, at Bronx, New York. This temporary Dated: April 17, 2018 navigable waters of the Willamette River deviation is necessary to allow the Christopher J. Bisignano, within 500 yards of the USS PORTLAND while moored at the Port of bridge to remain in the closed-to- Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist, navigation position to facilitate the First Coast Guard District. Portland Terminal 2, specifically the navigable waters bounded by the replacement of track panels. [FR Doc. 2018–08372 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am] following points: 45°33.34′ N, BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DATES: This deviation is effective from 122°42.34′ W; 45°33.12′ N, 122°42.51′ 6 a.m. on April 28, 2018, to 5 p.m. on W; 45°32.71′ N, 122°41.37′ W; and May 13, 2018. 45°32.58′ N, 122°41.54′ W. ADDRESSES: The docket for this DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (b) Special local regulations. (1) The deviation, USCG–2018–0298 is available National Oceanic and Atmospheric Coast Guard may patrol the regulated at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the Administration area under the direction of a designated docket number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box Coast Guard Patrol Commander and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open 50 CFR Part 622 (PATCOM). PATCOM may be contacted Docket Folder on the line associated on Channel 16 VHF–FM (156.8 MHz) by with this deviation. [Docket No. 140818679–5356–02] the call sign ‘‘PATCOM.’’ Official patrol FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If RIN 0648–XG060 vessels may consist of any Coast Guard, you have questions on this temporary Coast Guard Auxiliary, state, or local deviation, call or email Judy Leung-Yee, Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of law enforcement vessels assigned or Project Officer, First Coast Guard Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish approved by the Captain of the Port, District, telephone 212–514–4330, email Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; 2018 Sector Columbia River. Judy.K.Leung-yee@uscg.mil. Recreational Fishing Seasons for Red (2) Entrance into the regulated area is SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: New York Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico prohibited unless authorized by the City Transit, the owner of the bridge, AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries PATCOM. The PATCOM may control requested a temporary deviation from Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and the movement of all vessels in the the normal operating schedule to Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), regulated area. When hailed or signaled facilitate the replacement of track Commerce. to stop by an official patrol vessel, a panels. The Broadway Bridge across the vessel must come to an immediate stop ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. Harlem River, mile 6.8, has a vertical and comply with the lawful directions clearance in the closed position of 24 SUMMARY: NMFS announces the 2018 issued. Failure to comply with a lawful feet at mean high water and 29 feet at recreational fishing seasons for the direction may result in expulsion from mean low water. The existing bridge private angling and Federal charter the area, citation for failure to comply, operating regulations are listed at 33 vessel/headboat (for-hire) components or both. CFR 117.789(b)(1). for red snapper in the exclusive (3) All vessels permitted to transit the Under this temporary deviation, the economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES regulated area must maintain a Broadway Bridge shall remain in the Mexico (Gulf) through this temporary separation of at least 100 yards away closed position between 6 a.m. and 7 rule. The Federal recreational season for from the USS PORTLAND. p.m. on April 28, May 5 and May 12, red snapper in the Gulf EEZ begins at (c) Enforcement period. This 2018; and between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. on 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2018. regulated area is subject to enforcement April 29, May 6 and May 13, 2018. For recreational harvest by the private from 11:59 p.m. on April 14, 2018 to The waterway is transited by angling component, the season closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2018. commercial and recreational traffic. The 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 1, 2018. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:32 Apr 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\23APR1.SGM 23APR1

17624 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations For recreational harvest by the Federal million lb (1.762 million kg), and the snapper/index.html. Therefore, the 2018 for-hire component, the season closes at 2018 ACT is 3.108 million lb (1.410 Federal recreational season for the 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 22, 2018. million kg) (50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(iii)(C). Federal for-hire component will begin at These closures are necessary to prevent For the Federal for-hire component, the 12:01 a.m., local time, June 1, 2018, and the private angling and Federal for-hire 2018 quota is 2.848 million lb (1.292 close at 12:01 a.m., local time, July 22, components from exceeding their million kg), and the 2018 ACT is 2.278 2018. respective quotas, equivalent to annual million lb (1.033 million kg) (50 CFR On and after the effective date of the catch limits (ACLs), for the 2018 fishing 622.41(q)(2)(iii)(B)). All weights given Federal for-hire component closure, the year and to prevent overfishing of the are in round weight. bag and possession limits for red Gulf red snapper resource. For the private angling component, snapper for Federal for-hire vessels are DATES: The closure is effective at 12:01 NMFS has issued exempted fishing zero. When either the Federal for-hire a.m., local time, June 1, 2018, until permits (EFPs) that allow each Gulf state component or entire recreational sector 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2019, (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, is closed, these bag and possession for the private angling component. The Alabama, and Florida) to set the season limits apply in the Gulf onboard a vessel closure is effective at 12:01 a.m., local for red snapper that are landed from for which a valid Federal for-hire permit time, July 22, 2018, until 12:01 a.m., state and federal waters in that state for Gulf reef fish has been issued, local time, January 1, 2019, for the during 2018 and 2019. The EFPs do so without regard to where such species Federal for-hire component. by exempting private anglers from were harvested, i.e., in state or Federal FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: regulations at 50 CFR 622.34(b) waters (EEZ). Kelli O’Donnell, NMFS Southeast (recreational season closure for red snapper) and 50 CFR 622.41(q)(2)(i) Classification Regional Office, telephone: 727–824– 5305, email: kelli.odonnell@noaa.gov. (private angler component in-season The Regional Administrator for the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf closure) if these anglers hold the NMFS Southeast Region has determined reef fish fishery, which includes red appropriate state fishing permits and are this temporary rule is necessary for the snapper, is managed under the Fishery landing red snapper in a participating conservation and management of Gulf Management Plan for the Reef Fish state during the state’s open season. The red snapper and is consistent with the Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). EFPs allocate a portion of the private Magnuson-Stevens Act and other The FMP was prepared by the Gulf of angling quota to each state, and each applicable laws. Mexico Fishery Management Council state is required under the terms and conditions of the EFPs to constrain This action is taken under 50 CFR and is implemented by NMFS under the 622.41(q)(2)(i) and (ii) and is exempt authority of the Magnuson-Stevens landings to its allocation. The combined allocations equal the private angling from review under Executive Order Fishery Conservation and Management 12866. Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by component quota. Therefore, there will regulations at 50 CFR part 622. be no Federal season for the private These measures are exempt from the The final rule implementing angling component in 2018, and this procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility Amendment 40 to the FMP established closure notice will take effect at 12:01 Act because the temporary rule is issued two components within the recreational a.m., local time, June 1, 2018. without opportunity for prior notice and sector fishing for Gulf red snapper: The The Gulf states will establish seasons comment. private angling component, and the during which red snapper caught in This action is based on the best Federal for-hire component (80 FR state and Federal waters can be landed. scientific information available. The 22422; April 22, 2015). Amendment 40 States will monitor red snapper Assistant Administrator for NOAA also allocated the red snapper landings and close their respective Fisheries (AA), finds that the need to recreational ACL (recreational quota) fishing seasons if the state’s assigned immediately implement this action to between the components and quota is reached or projected to be close the private angling and Federal established separate seasonal closures reached. Private anglers should consult for-hire components for the red snapper for the two components. The the regulations for the Gulf state where recreational sector constitute good cause recreational seasonal closures are they wish to land red snapper to to waive the requirements to provide projected from the component annual determine state season dates and prior notice and opportunity for public catch targets (ACTs), set 20 percent less landing requirements. If the EFPs comment on this temporary rule than the component quotas, to reduce remain effective in 2019, NMFS pursuant to the authority set forth in 5 the likelihood of the harvest exceeding anticipates announcing a similar U.S.C. 553(b)(B), because such the component quotas and the total Federal recreational fishing season for procedures are unnecessary and recreational ACL. the private angling component next contrary to the public interest. Such According to regulations at 50 CFR year. procedures are unnecessary because the 622.39(a)(2)(i), the 2018 total The 2018 red snapper Federal for-hire rule implementing the recreational red recreational quota for red snapper in the fishing season has been determined to snapper ACLs and ACTs, and the rule Gulf EEZ is 6.733 million lb (3.54 be 51 days based on NMFS’ projection implementing the requirement to close million kg), which is allocated 57.7 of the date landings are expected to the recreational components when the percent to the private angling reach the component ACT. For details ACTs are projected to be reached have component and 42.3 percent to the for- about the calculation of the projection already been subject to notice and jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES hire component. For the private angling for 2018, see http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/ comment, and all that remains is to component, the 2018 quota is 3.885 sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/red_ notify the public of the closures. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Apr 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\23APR1.SGM 23APR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 17625 Providing prior notice and opportunity seasons, particularly for-hire operations Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. for public comment are contrary to the that book trips for clients in advance, Dated: April 18, 2018. public interest because of the need to need as much advance notice as NMFS Jennifer M. Wallace, immediately implement this action to is able to provide to adjust their protect Gulf red snapper by timely business plans to account for the Acting Director, Office of Sustainable closing the Federal recreational seasons. Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. recreational fishing seasons. In addition, prior notice and For the aforementioned reasons, the [FR Doc. 2018–08419 Filed 4–18–18; 4:15 pm] opportunity for public comment would AA also finds good cause to waive the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P require time and many of those affected 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this by the length of the recreational fishing action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:32 Apr 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\23APR1.SGM 23APR1


Document Created: 2018-04-21 00:33:12
Document Modified: 2018-04-21 00:33:12
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionTemporary rule; closure.
DatesThe closure is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, June 1, 2018, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2019, for the private angling component. The closure is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, July 22, 2018, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2019, for the Federal for-hire component.
ContactKelli O'Donnell, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 17623 
RIN Number0648-XG06
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