83 FR 26010 - Pacific Island Fisheries; Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review; Public Meeting
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 108 (June 5, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 108 (June 5, 2018)
| Page Range | 26010-26011 | |
| FR Document | 2018-11977 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 26010-26011] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-11977] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648-XG270 Pacific Island Fisheries; Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will convene a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR) of a draft 2018 benchmark stock assessment for main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab. DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for meeting dates and times and daily agenda. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council office at 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Seki, Director--NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), telephone: (808) 725-5360. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PIFSC conducted a draft 2018 benchmark stock assessment for main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab (Ranina ranina). The assessment provides the basis for management of this culturally important species. Previously, non-NOAA scientists conducted stock assessments for Kona crab in 1978 and, in collaboration with PIFSC scientists, in 2010-2011. The draft 2018 benchmark assessment incorporates data from 1948 through 2016 and uses a production model, incorporating improvements to data standardization and model assumptions. Specifically, catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the model includes new standardization coefficients split into two time series (1948-2005 and 2006-2016), due to passage of Hawaii state law prohibiting the taking of female Kona crab in 2006. The assessment model accounts for unreported catch by evaluating the use of published estimates of non-reporting ratios estimated for other fisheries in the main Hawaiian Islands, and by incorporating estimates of fishing effort specific to crustaceans from ancillary surveys. Stock status is evaluated against MSY-based reference points set in the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Hawaii Archipelago. Projections are provided to inform management setting of annual catch limits. Section 301(a)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires that fishery conservation and management measures be based upon the best scientific information available. Magnuson-Stevens Act Section 302(g)(1)(E) provides that the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and each regional fishery management council may establish a peer review process for that Council for scientific information used to advise the Council about the conservation and management of a fishery. Consistent with this provision, the Council, PIFSC, and the NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office have established the WPSAR process in [[Page 26011]] an effort to improve the quality, timeliness, objectivity, and integrity of stock assessments and other scientific information used in managing fishery resources in the Pacific Islands Region. Meeting Agenda for WPSAR Review The meeting schedule and agenda follow. The WPSAR panel will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The agenda order may change and the meeting will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. Day 1 Monday June 25, 2018 1. Welcome and introductions 2. Background information--Objectives and Terms of Reference 3. Fishery operation and management 4. History of stock assessments and reviews 5. Data a. State of Hawaii fishery data reporting system b. Post-release mortality and sex ratio 6. Presentation and review of stock assessment a. Life history b. Catch (reported and unreported) c. Catch per unit effort d. Assessment model i. Base case model and priors ii. Base case results e. Retrospective analysis f. Sensitivities g. Projections Day 2 Tuesday June 26, 2018 7. Continue presentation and review of stock assessment Day 3 Wednesday June 27, 2018 8. Continue review of stock assessment Day 4 Thursday June 28, 2018 9. Continue review of stock assessment 10. Public comment period 11. Panel discussions (Closed) Day 5 Friday June 29, 2018 12. Panel discussions (Closed) 13. Panel presents recommendations (afternoon) 14. Adjourn Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Please direct requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aides to Michael Seki, Director, PIFSC, tel (808) 725-5360, fax (808) 725-5360, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: May 30, 2018. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-11977 Filed 6-4-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![26010 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Notices
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that attachment. The applicant proposes to stock assessment for main Hawaiian
NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science capture up to 200 harbor seals, 400 gray Islands Kona crab.
Center, Woods Hole, MA (Responsible seals, five harp seals, and five hooded DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Party: John Hare), has applied in due seals annually for measurement of body for meeting dates and times and daily
form for a permit to conduct research on condition, biological sampling (e.g., agenda.
four species of pinnipeds. blood, blubber biopsy, skin, hair, swab
samples, and vibrissae), and attachment ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
of telemetry devices. Up to 27,175 the Western Pacific Fishery
comments must be received on or before
harbor seals and 66,700 gray seals could Management Council office at 1164
July 5, 2018.
be harassed annually incidental to Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI
ADDRESSES: The application and related 96813.
documents are available for review by surveys, scat collections, and capture
selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public operations. The applicant also requests FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on research-related mortalities of up to 5 Michael Seki, Director—NMFS Pacific
the Applications and Permits for gray seals, 5 harbor seals, 1 harp seal, Islands Fisheries Science Center
Protected Species (APPS) home page, and 1 hooded seal per year. Permission (PIFSC), telephone: (808) 725–5360.
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then is also sought to import and export SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PIFSC
selecting File No. 21719 from the list of pinniped specimen material (including conducted a draft 2018 benchmark stock
available applications. soft and hard tissue, blood, extracted assessment for main Hawaiian Islands
These documents are also available DNA, and whole dead animals or parts Kona crab (Ranina ranina). The
upon written request or by appointment thereof) worldwide. The study area assessment provides the basis for
in the Permits and Conservation includes waters within or proximal to management of this culturally important
Division, Office of Protected Resources, the U.S. EEZ from North Carolina species. Previously, non-NOAA
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room northward to Maine, and Canadian scientists conducted stock assessments
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone waters in the Gulf of Maine. for Kona crab in 1978 and, in
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. In compliance with the National collaboration with PIFSC scientists, in
Written comments on this application Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 2010–2011. The draft 2018 benchmark
should be submitted to the Chief, U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial assessment incorporates data from 1948
Permits and Conservation Division, at determination has been made that the through 2016 and uses a production
the address listed above. Comments may activity proposed is categorically model, incorporating improvements to
also be submitted by facsimile to (301) excluded from the requirement to data standardization and model
713–0376, or by email to prepare an environmental assessment or assumptions. Specifically, catch per
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please environmental impact statement. unit effort (CPUE) in the model includes
include the File No. in the subject line Concurrent with the publication of new standardization coefficients split
of the email comment. this notice in the Federal Register, into two time series (1948–2005 and
Those individuals requesting a public NMFS is forwarding copies of the 2006–2016), due to passage of Hawaii
hearing should submit a written request application to the Marine Mammal state law prohibiting the taking of
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Commission and its Committee of female Kona crab in 2006. The
Division at the address listed above. The Scientific Advisors. assessment model accounts for
request should set forth the specific Dated: May 31, 2018. unreported catch by evaluating the use
reasons why a hearing on this Julia Marie Harrison, of published estimates of non-reporting
application would be appropriate. ratios estimated for other fisheries in the
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Office of Protected Resources, National main Hawaiian Islands, and by
Young or Shasta McClenahan, (301) Marine Fisheries Service. incorporating estimates of fishing effort
427–8401. [FR Doc. 2018–12001 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] specific to crustaceans from ancillary
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
surveys. Stock status is evaluated
subject permit is requested under the against MSY-based reference points set
authority of the Marine Mammal in the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the
Protection Act of 1972, as amended DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Hawaii Archipelago. Projections are
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the provided to inform management setting
regulations governing the taking and National Oceanic and Atmospheric of annual catch limits.
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR Administration Section 301(a)(2) of the Magnuson-
part 216). Stevens Fishery Conservation and
The applicant requests a five-year RIN 0648–XG270 Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens
permit to take harbor seals (Phoca Act) requires that fishery conservation
Pacific Island Fisheries; Western
vitulina), gray seals (Halichoerus and management measures be based
Pacific Stock Assessment Review;
grypus), harp seals (Pagophilus upon the best scientific information
Public Meeting
groenlandicus), and hooded seals available. Magnuson-Stevens Act
(Cystophora cristata) during stock AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Section 302(g)(1)(E) provides that the
assessment research, including Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and
estimation of distribution and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), each regional fishery management
abundance, determination of stock Commerce. council may establish a peer review
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
structure, habitat requirements, foraging ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. process for that Council for scientific
ecology, health assessment, and effects information used to advise the Council
of natural and anthropogenic factors. SUMMARY: NMFS and the Western about the conservation and management
Types of take include harassment Pacific Fishery Management Council of a fishery. Consistent with this
during ground, vessel, or aerial surveys, (Council) will convene a Western provision, the Council, PIFSC, and the
and scat collection; and capture with Pacific Stock Assessment Review NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office
tissue sampling and instrument or tag (WPSAR) of a draft 2018 benchmark have established the WPSAR process in
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Notices 26011
an effort to improve the quality, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE interests across RFMOs in which the
timeliness, objectivity, and integrity of United States participates.
stock assessments and other scientific National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Special Accommodations
information used in managing fishery
resources in the Pacific Islands Region. The meeting location is physically
RIN 0648–XG249
accessible to people with disabilities.
Meeting Agenda for WPSAR Review Requests for sign language
Public Meeting on the Definition of
The meeting schedule and agenda Fish Aggregating Devices interpretation or other auxiliary aids
follow. The WPSAR panel will meet should be directed to Dawn Graham (see
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) by
agenda order may change and the Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and June 15, 2018.
meeting will run as late as necessary to Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Dated: May 31, 2018.
complete scheduled business. Commerce.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
Day 1 Monday June 25, 2018 Deputy Assistant Administrator for
1. Welcome and introductions SUMMARY: NMFS announces a public Regulatory Programs, National Marine
2. Background information—Objectives meeting to seek input on the definition Fisheries Service.
and Terms of Reference of fish aggregating devices (FADs) that [FR Doc. 2018–12029 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am]
3. Fishery operation and management could be applied for conservation BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
4. History of stock assessments and measures by international fishery
reviews management organizations in which the
5. Data United States participates. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
a. State of Hawaii fishery data reporting DATES: The meeting will be held on
system National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Friday June 29, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to Administration
b. Post-release mortality and sex ratio 1:00 p.m. PDT.
6. Presentation and review of stock
assessment ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Submission for OMB Review;
a. Life history the Pacific Conference Room (Room Comment Request
b. Catch (reported and unreported) 300) at NMFS, Southwest Fisheries
Science Center, 8901 La Jolla Shores The Department of Commerce will
c. Catch per unit effort
d. Assessment model Drive, La Jolla, California 92037–1508. submit to the Office of Management and
i. Base case model and priors Please notify Dawn Graham (see FOR Budget (OMB) for clearance the
ii. Base case results FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) by June following proposal for collection of
e. Retrospective analysis 22, 2018, if you plan to attend the information under the provisions of the
f. Sensitivities meeting in person or remotely. The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
g. Projections meeting will be accessible by webinar— Chapter 35).
instructions will be emailed to meeting Agency: National Oceanic and
Day 2 Tuesday June 26, 2018 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
participants who provide notice.
7. Continue presentation and review of Title: Fishery Capacity Reduction
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
stock assessment Program Buyback Requests.
Rachael Wadsworth by email at
Day 3 Wednesday June 27, 2018 OMB Control Number: 0648–0376.
rachael.wadsworth@noaa.gov, or by Form Number(s): None.
8. Continue review of stock assessment phone at (562) 980–4036; or Dawn Type of Request: Regular (extension of
Graham by email at dawn.graham@ a currently approved information
Day 4 Thursday June 28, 2018 noaa.gov, or by phone at (858) 546– collection).
9. Continue review of stock assessment 7081. Number of Respondents: 1,000.
10. Public comment period SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS Average Hours per Response:
11. Panel discussions (Closed) would like to meet with interested Implementation plan, 6,634 hours;
Day 5 Friday June 29, 2018 members of the public to discuss and referenda votes, bids, seller/buyer
12. Panel discussions (Closed) receive public input on the various reports and annual fee collection
13. Panel presents recommendations definitions of FADs used in regional reports, 4 hours each; completion of fish
(afternoon) fishery management organizations ticket, 10 minutes; monthly fee
14. Adjourn (RFMOs) in which the United States collection report, 2 hours; advising
participates. This could include the holder/owner of conflict with accepted
Special Accommodations effect of the definitions on the bidders’ representations, 1 hour;
This meeting is physically accessible management of FAD fishing, tropical potentially 270 hours-state approval/
to people with disabilities. Please direct tuna stock health, and U.S. fishing review of plans.
requests for sign language interpretation interests; whether NMFS should pursue Burden Hours: 15,579.
or other auxiliary aides to Michael Seki, efforts to adopt a common definition of Needs and Uses: This request is for an
Director, PIFSC, tel (808) 725–5360, fax FADs that could be applied across extension of a current information
(808) 725–5360, at least 5 days prior to organizations; and if so, the scope and collection.
the meeting date. content of that definition. Additionally, The National Oceanic and
NMFS requests public input on defining Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
non-entangling FADs and active National Marine Fisheries Service
Dated: May 30, 2018. beacons on FADs. NMFS is also (NMFS) established programs to reduce
Jennifer M. Wallace, interested in any public input on excess fishing capacity by paying
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable alternative approaches to addressing fishermen to surrender their vessels/
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. stakeholder concerns related to the permits. These fishing capacity
[FR Doc. 2018–11977 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] management of FAD fishing, tropical reduction programs, or buybacks, are
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P tuna stock health, and U.S. fishing conducted pursuant to the Magnuson-
VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:19 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_26118/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-02 11:46:58
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 11:46:58
| 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 | Notice of a public meeting. | |
| Dates | See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for meeting dates and times and daily agenda. | |
| Contact | Michael Seki, Director--NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), telephone: (808) 725-5360. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 26010 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XG27 |
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