83 FR 38292 - Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 151 (August 6, 2018)

Page Range		38292-38293
FR Document		2018-16764

This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks are overfished or subject to overfishing. Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, and Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. Upper Columbia River summer-run Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark are still overfished. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now both overfished and subject to overfishing. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines that overfishing is occurring, a stock is in an overfished condition or a stock is approaching an overfished condition.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38292-38293]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16764]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG311


Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks 
are overfished or subject to overfishing. Klamath River fall-run 
Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish 
coho salmon, and

[[Page 38293]]

Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. Upper 
Columbia River summer-run Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. 
Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark 
are still overfished. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel 
stock is now both overfished and subject to overfishing. NMFS, on 
behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate fishery management 
council (Council) whenever it determines that overfishing is occurring, 
a stock is in an overfished condition or a stock is approaching an 
overfished condition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, 
must notify Councils, and publish in the Federal Register, whenever it 
determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, 
overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
    NMFS has determined that Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, 
Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, 
and Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. 
Pacific salmon stocks are overfished when the 3-year geometric mean of 
annual spawning escapement falls below the stock's minimum stock size 
threshold (MSST). MSST for Pacific salmon is generally defined as 
0.5*SMSY or 0.75*SMSY, although there are some 
exceptions including Juan de Fuca and Snohomish coho, where MSST is 
0.636*SMSY and 0.62 SMSY, respectively. 
SMSY is the number of spawners corresponding to maximum 
sustainable yield (MSY). The determinations for the two Chinook stocks 
are based on 2018 assessments--using data from 2017--produced by the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical 
Team (STT) using methodologies that have been reviewed by the Pacific 
Council's Science and Statistical Committee (SSC). The determinations 
for the three coho stocks are based on 2018 assessments--using data 
from 2016--produced by the Pacific Council's STT, using methodologies 
that have been reviewed by the Pacific Council's SSC.
    NMFS has further determined that Upper Columbia River summer-run 
Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. This stock is subject to 
overfishing when the Fyear exceeds the maximum fishing 
mortality threshold (MFMT), where the MFMT is generally defined as less 
than or equal to FMSY. This determination is based on a 2018 
assessment--using data from 2015--produced by the Pacific Salmon 
Commission's Chinook Technical Committee. Consistent with the 
requirements in the Salmon FMP, the Pacific Council has directed the 
STT to develop rebuilding plans for each overfished stock for the 
Council's consideration. Of the six salmon stocks, only the two Chinook 
stocks are not internationally managed stocks. For all other stocks, 
the Council has limited ability to control ocean fisheries in waters 
outside its jurisdiction.
    Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar 
shark are still overfished. Thorny skate is overfished if the three-
year moving average of the autumn survey mean weight per tow (B) is 
less than BTHRESHOLD, which is one-half of the 75th 
percentile of the mean weight per tow observed in the autumn trawl 
survey from the selected reference time series. A stock assessment was 
completed in 2017--using data through 2016--which supported the 
determination that thorny skate remains overfished. NMFS is working 
with the New England Fishery Management Council (New England Council) 
to implement conservation and management measures to rebuild thorny 
skate. The sandbar shark stock is overfished when current biomass (B) 
proxy is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST) (B < 
BMSST). The B proxy for sandbar shark is spawning stock 
fecundity. The sandbar shark determination is based on a stock 
assessment completed in 2018--using data through 2015--following the 
Southeast Data Assessment and Review process. NMFS manages sandbar 
shark under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan and its amendments.
    The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now both 
overfished and subject to overfishing. Atlantic mackerel is subject to 
overfishing if the fishing mortality rate (F) exceeds 
F40. The stock is overfished if spawning stock 
biomass (SSB) is less than \1/2\ SSBMSY, the SSB associated 
with fishing at FMSY. This determination is based on a 
benchmark assessment, finalized in 2018 and using data through 2016. 
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has been notified of its 
requirement to adopt measures to end overfishing and approve a 
rebuilding plan for Atlantic mackerel.

    Dated: August 1, 2018.
Margo Schulze-Haugen,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16764 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

38292 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices

This final IHA includes identical we anticipate no new or changed effects to MAFAC and is being convened to
required mitigation, monitoring, and of the action beyond what was develop recommendations for long-term
reporting measures as the 2018 IHA, and considered in the 2017 Biological goals to meet Columbia Basin salmon
there is no new information suggesting Opinion. recovery, conservation needs, and
that our analysis or findings should harvest opportunities, in the context of
Authorization
change. habitat capacity and other factors that
Based on the information contained NMFS has issued an IHA to affect salmon mortality. More
here and in the referenced documents, ADOT&PF for the Sand Point City Dock information is available at the CBP Task
NMFS has determined the following: (1) Replacement Project for 2019–2020, Force web page: http://
The required mitigation measures will provided the previously described www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/
effect the least practicable impact on mitigation, monitoring, and reporting columbia_river/index.html.
marine mammal species or stocks and requirements from the 2018–2019 IHA
their habitat; (2) the authorized takes are incorporated. Matters To Be Considered
will have a negligible impact on the Dated: August 1, 2018. The Committee is convening to
affected marine mammal species or Elaine T. Saiz,
discuss feedback from CBP Task Force
stocks; (3) the authorized takes members as they shared provisional
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected
represent small numbers of marine goals with their constituents and
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
mammals relative to the affected stock communities; drafting of their
[FR Doc. 2018–16767 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
abundances; and (4) ADOT&PF’s recommendations and report; and next
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
activities will not have an unmitigable steps for the CBP Task Force.
adverse impact on taking for subsistence
purposes as no relevant subsistence uses Time and Date
of marine mammals are implicated by DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE The meeting is scheduled for August
this action. National Oceanic and Atmospheric 22, 2018, 1–4 p.m., Pacific Time by
Administration conference call and webinar. Access
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
information for the public will be
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered RIN 0648–XG358 posted at http://
Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/
1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal Meeting of the Columbia Basin columbia_river/index.html by August 8,
agency insure that any action it Partnership Task Force of the Marine 2018.
authorizes, funds, or carries out is not Fisheries Advisory Committee
likely to jeopardize the continued Special Accommodations
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
existence of any endangered or Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and These meetings are physically
threatened species or result in the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), accessible to people with disabilities.
destruction or adverse modification of Commerce. Requests for auxiliary aids should be
designated critical habitat. To ensure directed to Katherine Cheney, 503–231–
ACTION: Notice of open public meeting.
ESA compliance for the issuance of 6730 by August 8, 2018.
IHAs, NMFS consults internally SUMMARY: This notice sets forth the Dated: August 1, 2018.
whenever we propose to authorize take proposed schedule and agenda of a Jennifer L. Lukens,
for endangered or threatened species. forthcoming meeting of the Marine
In order to comply with the ESA, Federal Program Officer, Marine Fisheries
Fisheries Advisory Committee’s Advisory Committee, National Marine
NMFS Alaska Regional Office (AKR) (MAFAC’s) Columbia Basin Partnership Fisheries Service.
Protected Resources Division issued a Task Force (CBP Task Force). The CBP [FR Doc. 2018–16731 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
Biological Opinion in September 2017 Task Force will discuss the issues
under section 7 of the ESA, on the BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY
issuance of an IHA to ADOT&PF under INFORMATION below.
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA. There
DATES: The meeting will be held August DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
are four distinct population segments
(DPSs) of three marine mammal species 22, 2018, 1–4 p.m., Pacific Time.
ADDRESSES: There is no public access. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
that are listed under the ESA with Administration
confirmed or possible occurrence in the Meeting is by conference call.
study area: The Western North Pacific FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RIN 0648–XG311
DPS and Mexico DPS of humpback Katherine Cheney; NFMS West Coast
whale; the Western DPS of Steller sea Region; 503–231–6730; email: Determination of Overfishing or an
lion; and fin whale. The Biological Katherine.Cheney@noaa.gov. Overfished Condition
Opinion concluded that while the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
issuance of the authorization may hereby given of a meeting of MAFAC’s Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
adversely affect members of some listed CBP Task Force. The MAFAC was Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
species it is not likely to jeopardize the established by the Secretary of Commerce.
continued existence of any listed marine Commerce (Secretary), and, since 1971, ACTION: Notice.
mammal species or destroy or modify advises the Secretary on all living
any critical habitat. Note that the only marine resource matters that are the SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

modification to the IHA is a change in responsibility of the Department of that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of
effective dates. No additional take has Commerce. The MAFAC charter and Commerce (Secretary), has found that
been requested or is being authorized summaries of prior MAFAC meetings the following stocks are overfished or
and all mitigation measures described in are located online at https:// subject to overfishing. Klamath River
the Biological Opinion will continue to www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/ fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets coho
be implemented to limit Level A and partners#marine-fisheries-advisory- salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon,
Level B exposures. For these reasons, committee. The CBP Task Force reports Snohomish coho salmon, and

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices 38293

Sacramento River fall-run Chinook (MFMT), where the MFMT is generally Dated: August 1, 2018.
salmon are now overfished. Upper defined as less than or equal to FMSY. Margo Schulze-Haugen,
Columbia River summer-run Chinook This determination is based on a 2018 Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
salmon is now subject to overfishing. assessment—using data from 2015— Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf produced by the Pacific Salmon [FR Doc. 2018–16764 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am]
of Mexico stock of sandbar shark are Commission’s Chinook Technical BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
still overfished. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Committee. Consistent with the
Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now requirements in the Salmon FMP, the
both overfished and subject to Pacific Council has directed the STT to DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
overfishing. NMFS, on behalf of the develop rebuilding plans for each
Secretary, notifies the appropriate National Oceanic and Atmospheric
overfished stock for the Council’s
fishery management council (Council) Administration
consideration. Of the six salmon stocks,
whenever it determines that overfishing only the two Chinook stocks are not
is occurring, a stock is in an overfished RIN 0648–XG368
internationally managed stocks. For all
condition or a stock is approaching an other stocks, the Council has limited
overfished condition. New England Fishery Management
ability to control ocean fisheries in Council; Public Meeting
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: waters outside its jurisdiction.
Regina Spallone, (301) 427–8568. AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
to section 304(e)(2) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and are still overfished. Thorny skate is Commerce.
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens overfished if the three-year moving
ACTION: Notice; public meeting.
Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on average of the autumn survey mean
behalf of the Secretary, must notify weight per tow (B) is less than SUMMARY: The New England Fishery
Councils, and publish in the Federal BTHRESHOLD, which is one-half of the Management Council (Council) is
Register, whenever it determines that a 75th percentile of the mean weight per scheduling a public meeting of its
stock or stock complex is subject to tow observed in the autumn trawl Whiting Advisory Panel and Committee
overfishing, overfished, or approaching survey from the selected reference time on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 to
an overfished condition. series. A stock assessment was consider actions affecting New England
NMFS has determined that Klamath completed in 2017—using data through fisheries in the exclusive economic zone
River fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets 2016—which supported the (EEZ). Recommendations from this
coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho determination that thorny skate remains group will be brought to the full Council
salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, and overfished. NMFS is working with the for formal consideration and action, if
Sacramento River fall-run Chinook New England Fishery Management appropriate.
salmon are now overfished. Pacific Council (New England Council) to The meeting will be held on
DATES:
salmon stocks are overfished when the implement conservation and Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 9:30
3-year geometric mean of annual management measures to rebuild thorny a.m.
spawning escapement falls below the skate. The sandbar shark stock is
stock’s minimum stock size threshold overfished when current biomass (B) ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The
(MSST). MSST for Pacific salmon is meeting will be held at the Hotel
proxy is less than the minimum stock
generally defined as 0.5*SMSY or Providence, 139 Mathewson Street,
size threshold (MSST) (B < BMSST). The
0.75*SMSY, although there are some Providence, RI 02903; telephone: (401)
B proxy for sandbar shark is spawning
exceptions including Juan de Fuca and 861–8000.
stock fecundity. The sandbar shark
Snohomish coho, where MSST is Council address: New England
determination is based on a stock
0.636*SMSY and 0.62 SMSY, respectively. Fishery Management Council, 50 Water
assessment completed in 2018—using Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950.
SMSY is the number of spawners data through 2015—following the
corresponding to maximum sustainable FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Southeast Data Assessment and Review
yield (MSY). The determinations for the process. NMFS manages sandbar shark Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director,
two Chinook stocks are based on 2018 under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic New England Fishery Management
assessments—using data from 2017— Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492.
Highly Migratory Species Fishery
produced by the Pacific Fishery Management Plan and its amendments. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Management Council’s (Pacific Council)
Salmon Technical Team (STT) using The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Agenda
methodologies that have been reviewed Atlantic mackerel stock is now both The Whiting Advisory Panel and
by the Pacific Council’s Science and overfished and subject to overfishing. Committee will evaluate Amendment 22
Statistical Committee (SSC). The Atlantic mackerel is subject to (limited access alternatives) public
determinations for the three coho stocks overfishing if the fishing mortality rate hearing comments and impact analyses
are based on 2018 assessments—using (F) exceeds F40%. The stock is overfished to recommend final action to the
data from 2016—produced by the if spawning stock biomass (SSB) is less Council at its September meeting. The
Pacific Council’s STT, using than 1⁄2 SSBMSY, the SSB associated will also receive the Annual Monitoring
with fishing at FMSY. This determination Report for Fishing Year 2017 from the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

methodologies that have been reviewed
by the Pacific Council’s SSC. is based on a benchmark assessment, Whiting Plan Development Team. The
NMFS has further determined that finalized in 2018 and using data through Advisory Panel and Committee will
Upper Columbia River summer-run 2016. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery review recommendations to streamline
Chinook salmon is now subject to Management Council has been notified small-mesh multispecies fishery
overfishing. This stock is subject to of its requirement to adopt measures to regulations and make final
overfishing when the Fyear exceeds the end overfishing and approve a recommendations to the Council. Other
maximum fishing mortality threshold rebuilding plan for Atlantic mackerel. business will be discussed as necessary.

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Document Created: 2018-11-06 10:36:45
Document Modified: 2018-11-06 10:36:45

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		Notice.
Contact		Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.
FR Citation		83 FR 38292
RIN Number		0648-XG31

83 FR 38292 - Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 151 (August 6, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration