83 FR 42452 - Extension of Emergency Measures To Address Overfishing of Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 163 (August 22, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 163 (August 22, 2018)
| Page Range | 42452-42455 | |
| FR Document | 2018-18095 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 22, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 42452-42455] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-18095] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 180104009-8201-01] RIN 0648-BH49 Extension of Emergency Measures To Address Overfishing of Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; emergency action extended. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule extends the measures in an emergency interim final rule for the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark fishery published on March 2, 2018. This extension is necessary to maintain measures that address overfishing of shortfin mako sharks while long-term measures are developed and to meet requirements of a recommendation of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The rule is expected to reduce fishing mortality to address overfishing, consistent with ICCAT Recommendation 17-08, by continuing to reduce landings and increase live releases in the recreational and commercial HMS fisheries, but is not expected to result in significant economic impacts. DATES: The end of the effective period for the amendments to 50 CFR 635.20, 635.21, 635.24, and 635.71, as published on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 8946), is extended from August 29, 2018, to March 3, 2019. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and other supporting documents for the emergency action are available from the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Division website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tobey Curtis at (978) 281-9273 or Guy DuBeck or Lauren Latchford at (301) 427-8503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On March 2, 2018, NMFS implemented an interim final rule using emergency authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(c), to implement measures in HMS recreational and commercial fisheries to address overfishing consistent with ICCAT Recommendation 17-08 (83 FR 8946). The interim final rule noted that the measures may be extended for up to an additional 186 days if needed while longer-term measures were developed through an FMP amendment. This temporary rule extends the emergency interim final measures for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) without change. The interim final rule provided detailed information on the background, purpose, need, and justification for implementing these emergency management measures, and that information is not repeated here. Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act allows for the extension of an emergency regulation or interim measure, which is otherwise effective for up to 180 days, for up to another 186 days, provided that the public has had an opportunity to comment on the emergency regulation. NMFS accepted public comment on the initial emergency measures in the interim final rule through May 7, 2018; comments and responses are summarized below. This extension does not alter the emergency measures already in place. NMFS is not accepting additional public comment on this extension. NMFS has determined that all the necessary criteria for extending the emergency measures have been met and, therefore, NMFS is extending these emergency measures through March 3, 2019. NMFS has proposed long- term management measures for the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock through Draft Amendment 11 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP), 83 FR 35590 (July 27, 2018), which are expected to replace these emergency measures before the expiration date. [[Page 42453]] Extended Emergency Management Measures NMFS is extending the original emergency regulations without change. The management measures in the emergency rule that are being extended are as follows:Commercial fishermen on vessels deploying pelagic longline gear, which are required to have a functional electronic monitoring system on board under current regulations, must release all live shortfin mako sharks with a minimum of harm, while giving due consideration to the safety of crew members. Commercial fishermen using pelagic longline gear can only retain a shortfin mako shark if it is dead at haulback; Commercial fishermen using gear other than pelagic longline commercial gear (e.g., bottom longline, gillnet, handgear, etc.) must release all shortfin mako sharks, whether they are dead or alive; and Recreational fishermen (fishermen with HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permits, and fishermen with Atlantic Tunas General category and Swordfish General Commercial permits when participating in a registered HMS tournament) must release any shortfin mako sharks smaller than the minimum size of 83 inches (210 cm) fork length (FL). Comments and Responses Public comments were accepted on the original interim final rule through May 7, 2018, and one public hearing was held in conjunction with the HMS Advisory Panel meeting in Silver Spring, MD, on March 7, 2018. During the comment period, NMFS received a total of 65 individual written comments on the interim final rule from fishermen, states, and other interested parties and the members of the public. NMFS also received comments related to the emergency interim final rule during the four public scoping meetings associated with Draft Amendment 11 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP. We also included the following comments on Draft Amendment 11 that were relevant to the emergency measures or to our decision to extend them. All written comments can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/. Comment 1: NMFS received many comments expressing general support for the emergency conservation and management measures, citing the importance of sharks, including shortfin mako sharks, to the health of ocean ecosystems. Response: NMFS agrees that sharks are important predators in ocean ecosystems, and notes that there are statutory obligations to conserve and manage shark populations, prevent overfishing, and achieve long- term sustainability. NMFS has determined that the emergency measures extended in this rule will address overfishing and sustainability of the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock as required by law. Comment 2: NMFS received several comments suggesting that management measures for shortfin mako sharks should be more restrictive than those implemented in the emergency rule, including prohibiting all retention of shortfin mako sharks, or other more restrictive measures. Response: NMFS disagrees that more restrictive measures are required at this time. The emergency measures are consistent with those recommended in ICCAT Recommendation 17-08 (with one alteration with respect to the recommended minimum size limit as explained in response to Comment 9), based upon the analyses in the EA (see ADDRESSES). The selected measures are expected to reduce U.S. shortfin mako shark catch consistent with the ICCAT recommendation (72-79 percent), while still permitting fishermen to retain shortfin mako sharks under limited circumstances. Given the species' North Atlantic-wide range and that United States catches constitute only approximately 11 percent of total North Atlantic shortfin mako shark catch, the United States cannot unilaterally end overfishing and rebuild the stock through domestic regulations alone, even if there were to be a total prohibition on possession (which has not been recommended by ICCAT). Ending overfishing and rebuilding the stock can only be accomplished through international coordination with nations that harvest the majority of shortfin mako sharks. ICCAT intends to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in the coming months, update the stock assessment with the most recent data, establish a rebuilding plan, and develop additional measures if necessary. Other types of management measures are not being considered as part of this emergency interim final rule, which addresses overfishing consistent with the ICCAT recommendation. Comment 3: Several commenters argued that U.S. management of shortfin mako sharks should not be bound to ICCAT recommendations, and measures could be more, or less, restrictive than those recommended by ICCAT. Response: As a party to ICCAT, the United States is obligated under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA) to carry out binding recommendations of the Commission. Under ATCA, the Secretary is required to promulgate regulations as may be necessary and appropriate to carry out such recommendations. A range of reasonable alternatives were evaluated in the EA analyzing the impacts of the measures in the emergency rule (see ADDRESSES), and the preferred alternatives in the emergency rule were determined by NMFS to be consistent with all statutory requirements. NMFS will continue to work constructively within the ICCAT process to effectively conserve shortfin mako sharks throughout their range and balance the needs of U.S. fisheries. Comment 4: Many fishermen, recreational and commercial, expressed frustration that their opportunities to land shortfin mako sharks were being restricted by ICCAT, and stated their belief that other countries' fisheries were to blame for the problem, not U.S. fisheries. Some challenged the science behind the stock assessment determinations and argued that the stock is not as depleted as estimated by ICCAT. Most commenters felt that shortfin mako sharks have been sustainably managed in U.S. waters, and responsible U.S. fishermen should not be penalized for poor management outside the United States. Response: NMFS acknowledges that U.S. fisheries represent a comparatively small amount (approximately 11 percent annually) of total North Atlantic shortfin mako shark harvest, with other countries' fleets representing the majority of catch. NMFS also has an obligation to prevent overfishing and rebuild overfished fish stocks under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. For stocks with a broad geographic range, like North Atlantic mako sharks, however, the United States alone cannot undertake measures that effectively end overfishing and rebuild the stocks, especially where the United States is a small proportion of the overall catch. In such situations, the United States must work cooperatively with other parties to devise and enforce effective measures. Here, ICCAT, with the United States' input, determined that rather than completely prohibit any retention of shortfin mako sharks, it would implement measures that reduce shortfin mako mortality by increasing live releases in ICCAT commercial and recreational fisheries but that allowed limited retention under certain circumstances. These circumstances recognize parties, such as the United States, that have measures in place that effectively limit mako shark landings and interactions, such as minimum size restrictions or electronic monitoring. Some ICCAT parties will not meet these [[Page 42454]] circumstances allowing retention and will effectively face a complete prohibition absent additional regulatory action. Furthermore, because the stock is overfished with overfishing occurring and previous stock assessments had not assessed it as such, each party to ICCAT that fishes on the stock must take some measure of responsibility for the stock's condition and contribute to ending overfishing immediately to avoid further stock decline and additional restrictions in the future. The next steps in the recommendation include provisions for considering longer rebuilding period timeframes given the biology of the stock and developing a rebuilding plan in 2018. As conservation and management development progresses, NMFS will continue to emphasize the responsible practices of U.S. fishermen and advocate for accountability and equitable regulatory measures with other nations through the ICCAT process. NMFS will also continue to ensure that management decisions developed through ICCAT are based on the best available scientific information by providing accurate data and supporting international stock assessments. Comment 5: Some commenters opposed the commercial measure that fishermen using pelagic longline gear may only retain shortfin mako sharks that are dead at haulback because the commenters felt the measure is unenforceable. Response: ICCAT Recommendation 17-08 conditioned limited allowable retention of mako sharks on several circumstances, one of which is the use of electronic monitoring to confirm the status of the shark when caught. NMFS determined that this measure is enforceable due to the presence of video electronic monitoring equipment on all pelagic longline vessels. Video collected from these fishing trips can be used to determine if landed shortfin mako sharks were dead when they were initially brought alongside the vessel. NMFS will review the video collected using the same process as for monitoring bluefin tuna catches implemented in Amendment 7 to the 2006 Atlantic Consolidated HMS FMP (79 FR 71510). As described in the HMS 2017 SAFE Report, videos from fishing sets will be randomly sampled in proportion to a vessel's fishing effort, with approximately 10 percent of sets randomly reviewed for compliance. Thus, this preferred commercial measure is enforceable. Comment 6: Some commenters stated that recreational fisheries do not have a big impact on shortfin mako shark mortality compared to commercial fisheries, and therefore should not be subject to such restrictive management measures. Therefore, several of these commenters expressed support for the No Action alternative. Response: According to the analyses in the EA (see ADDRESSES), the percentages of commercial and recreational catches of shortfin mako sharks in U.S. waters in recent years are evenly split. Therefore, U.S. recreational fisheries have a significant role to play in reducing fishing mortality on shortfin mako sharks, and must be included in management of this overfished stock. The No Action alternative would not adequately address overfishing or be consistent with U.S. obligations to ICCAT and other legal requirements. Comment 7: Many recreational fishermen commented that the increased minimum size limit, from 54 to 83 inches fork length, is excessive and will eliminate the shortfin mako shark recreational fishery given how rarely fish greater than 83 inches fork length are caught. Most of these commenters argued for smaller increases in the minimum size limit and/or alternative management measures (shorter seasons, 1-3 shark per year limits per vessel with a tag system or lottery, slot limits, male- only retention, etc.). Response: The minimum size limit increase to 83 inches fork length was designed to significantly reduce shortfin mako shark recreational mortality consistent with the ICCAT recommendation. Based on the analyses in the EA (see ADDRESSES), less than 20 percent of the shortfin mako sharks landed in recent years were above the 83-inch fork length threshold. NMFS acknowledges that the reduction in landings as a result of this measure could be significant, and minor negative socioeconomic impacts are expected according to the EA. However, this reduction is required to address overfishing and be responsive to U.S. obligations to ICCAT. While some of the alternative measures suggested by recreational fishermen could reduce shortfin mako shark mortality while balancing the needs of the fishery, such measures were beyond the scope of this emergency rule to consider. Some of these alternative management approaches were considered as part of Amendment 11 and may be considered by ICCAT in the future. Comment 8: Several recreational fishermen raised concerns about the safety at sea associated with trying to measure the length of large, potentially active, shortfin mako sharks to determine if the shark is large enough to be retained. Response: Shark fishing, especially for shortfin mako sharks, is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience, skill, and appropriate gear to be safe. Such safety concerns were one of the reasons NMFS chose to implement a single 83-inch minimum size limit for both sexes so that these large, active fish would not have to be excessively handled boatside to determine whether it was a male or female. As with other large, active HMS, it can be difficult to accurately measure the fish without injury to fishermen or the fish. Therefore, NMFS recommends that fishermen err on the side of caution and only retain shortfin mako sharks that are obviously longer than 83 inches fork length when viewed alongside the vessel. Comment 9: Several recreational fishermen commented that NMFS should be implementing ICCAT Recommendation 17-08 as stated, and not be more restrictive than the recommendation. Specifically, commenters stated that NMFS should implement the Recommendation 17-08 minimum size limits of at least 71 inches fork length for males and at least 83 inches fork length for females (analyzed in Alternative 2 of the EA, see ADDRESSES), instead of a single 83-inch fork length minimum size limit for both sexes. Response: The 2017 ICCAT stock assessment for shortfin mako estimated that catches need to be reduced by 72-79 percent to end overfishing. Based on the analysis for Alternative 2 in the EA (see ADDRESSES), the smaller minimum size limit for males would not sufficiently reduce recreational catch to those levels (estimated recreational landings reduction = 49 percent). Thus, NMFS implemented a single minimum size limit at 83 inches fork length that would apply to both sexes to achieve the necessary catch reductions (estimated recreational landings reduction = 83 percent). This single minimum size limit also addressed the safety concerns raised by some fishermen (see response to Comment 8). Classification The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries has determined that the emergency measures extended by this temporary rule are necessary to address overfishing of the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark fishery and are consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries finds good cause to waive the 30-day delayed effectiveness of this action. These emergency measures were [[Page 42455]] undertaken to address overfishing, and if they expire before longer term measures are adopted, overfishing may occur during the lapse in regulation, contrary to the public interest in effective management of the stock and compliance with domestic and international legal obligations. As described more fully in the interim final emergency rule (March 2, 2018; 83 FR 8946), the reasons justifying promulgation of the rule on an emergency basis make a delay in effectiveness contrary to the public interest. The measures implemented for the shortfin mako shark fishery are needed to address overfishing of the stock. This action is being taken pursuant to the emergency provision of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and is exempt from OMB review. This rule is exempt from the otherwise applicable requirement of the Regulatory Flexibility Act to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis because the rule is issued without opportunity for prior public comment. Dated: August 17, 2018. Donna S. Wieting, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-18095 Filed 8-21-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![42452 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
anticipated from necessary reductions in 2019 and provide for more catch for Management Division website at https://
in 2019. the fishery. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-
A delay in implementing the new This interim final rule is exempt from highly-migratory-species.
catch limits will increase the likelihood the procedures of the Regulatory
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
that 2018 catch will exceed these new Flexibility Act because the rule is issued
without opportunity for prior notice and Tobey Curtis at (978) 281–9273 or Guy
limits. The 2018 catch reductions in this
action are based on the new benchmark opportunity for public comment. DuBeck or Lauren Latchford at (301)
assessment, which was just recently 427–8503.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
completed in June 2018. Based on this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: August 17, 2018.
new scientific information, the
reductions in this action would result in Chris Oliver, Background
a 50-percent probability of preventing Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service. On March 2, 2018, NMFS
overfishing in 2018. Exceeding the new
[FR Doc. 2018–18128 Filed 8–21–18; 8:45 am] implemented an interim final rule using
harvest limits would result in a lower
emergency authority under the
biomass and negative economic impacts BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
to the herring industry due to a lower
Conservation and Management Act, 16
allowable catch in 2019 and beyond.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE U.S.C. 1855(c), to implement measures
Because herring is a critical bait source
for the lobster fishery, these negative in HMS recreational and commercial
National Oceanic and Atmospheric fisheries to address overfishing
economic impacts are also expected to
Administration consistent with ICCAT
extend to the lobster fishery due to a
reduction in bait supply. Recommendation 17–08 (83 FR 8946).
50 CFR Part 648 The interim final rule noted that the
Additionally, we are required to
implement a 2,000-lb possession limit [Docket No. 180104009–8201–01] measures may be extended for up to an
for each management area through the additional 186 days if needed while
RIN 0648–BH49 longer-term measures were developed
end of the current fishing year once 92
percent of the area sub-ACL is projected through an FMP amendment. This
Extension of Emergency Measures To
to be caught. We are also required to temporary rule extends the emergency
Address Overfishing of Atlantic
implement the 2,000-lb possession limit Shortfin Mako Shark interim final measures for North
for the whole fishery (all areas) when Atlantic shortfin mako sharks (Isurus
95-percent of the total herring ACL is AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries oxyrinchus) without change. The
harvested. If a delay in implementing Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and interim final rule provided detailed
this action results in catch approaching, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), information on the background,
or exceeding, the new 2018 catch limits, Commerce. purpose, need, and justification for
the closure of the directed fishery is ACTION: Temporary rule; emergency implementing these emergency
more likely. An inseason closure of the action extended. management measures, and that
directed fishery would be counter to the information is not repeated here.
goals and objectives of this action, SUMMARY: This rule extends the
Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-
which is intended to reduce 2018 catch, measures in an emergency interim final
Stevens Act allows for the extension of
but also continue to provide fishing rule for the North Atlantic shortfin
mako shark fishery published on March an emergency regulation or interim
opportunities for the remainder of the measure, which is otherwise effective
2018 fishing year. 2, 2018. This extension is necessary to
maintain measures that address for up to 180 days, for up to another 186
Input from the public at the June 2018 days, provided that the public has had
Council meeting was nearly all overfishing of shortfin mako sharks
while long-term measures are developed an opportunity to comment on the
supportive of reducing 2018 catch emergency regulation. NMFS accepted
limits, and the fishing industry and the and to meet requirements of a
recommendation of the International public comment on the initial
public generally are expecting new emergency measures in the interim final
limits to be set as soon as practicable. Commission for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The rule is rule through May 7, 2018; comments
The lack of catch to date in 2018 has and responses are summarized below.
tempered the industry’s expectations, expected to reduce fishing mortality to
address overfishing, consistent with This extension does not alter the
and they no longer anticipate reaching emergency measures already in place.
even the reduced ACL. Herring industry ICCAT Recommendation 17–08, by
continuing to reduce landings and NMFS is not accepting additional public
members were concerned about the comment on this extension.
economic impact to the fishery in 2019 increase live releases in the recreational
if we do not ensure reduced catch this and commercial HMS fisheries, but is NMFS has determined that all the
year. Representatives from fishing not expected to result in significant necessary criteria for extending the
advocacy and environmental groups economic impacts. emergency measures have been met and,
also supported reducing 2018 catch DATES: The end of the effective period therefore, NMFS is extending these
limits, suggesting it could improve the for the amendments to 50 CFR 635.20, emergency measures through March 3,
projected stock estimates and expedite 635.21, 635.24, and 635.71, as published 2019. NMFS has proposed long-term
growth of the stock to previous high on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 8946), is management measures for the North
levels. The Council recommended we extended from August 29, 2018, to Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
implement this action with the goal of March 3, 2019. through Draft Amendment 11 to the
conserving herring biomass and ADDRESSES: Copies of the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery
allowing for higher fishery catch limits Environmental Assessment (EA) and Management Plan (FMP), 83 FR 35590
in the 2019–2021 specifications. We other supporting documents for the (July 27, 2018), which are expected to
expect the 2018 sub-ACL reductions to emergency action are available from the replace these emergency measures
increase the estimated herring biomass Highly Migratory Species (HMS) before the expiration date.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 42455
undertaken to address overfishing, and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), While this closure is effective the
if they expire before longer term Commerce. maximum retainable amounts at
measures are adopted, overfishing may ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. § 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time
occur during the lapse in regulation, during a trip.
contrary to the public interest in SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed
effective management of the stock and fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Classification
compliance with domestic and Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea This action responds to the best
international legal obligations. As and Aleutian Islands management area
available information recently obtained
described more fully in the interim final (BSAI) by vessels participating in the
emergency rule (March 2, 2018; 83 FR from the fishery. The Assistant
BSAI trawl limited access fishery. This
8946), the reasons justifying Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA,
action is necessary to prevent exceeding
promulgation of the rule on an the 2018 total allowable catch (TAC) of (AA) finds good cause to waive the
emergency basis make a delay in Atka mackerel in this area allocated to requirement to provide prior notice and
effectiveness contrary to the public vessels participating in the BSAI trawl opportunity for public comment
interest. The measures implemented for limited access fishery. pursuant to the authority set forth at 5
the shortfin mako shark fishery are U.S.C. 553(b)(B) as such a requirement
DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska
needed to address overfishing of the local time (A.l.t.), August 17, 2018, is impracticable and contrary to the
stock. through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, public interest. This requirement is
This action is being taken pursuant to impracticable and contrary to the public
2018.
the emergency provision of the interest as it would prevent NMFS from
Magnuson-Stevens Act and is exempt FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
responding to the most recent fisheries
from OMB review. Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
data in a timely fashion and would
This rule is exempt from the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS delay the closure of the Atka mackerel
otherwise applicable requirement of the manages the groundfish fishery in the directed fishery in the CAI for vessels
Regulatory Flexibility Act to prepare a BSAI exclusive economic zone participating in the BSAI trawl limited
regulatory flexibility analysis because according to the Fishery Management
access fishery. NMFS was unable to
the rule is issued without opportunity Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
for prior public comment. publish a notice providing time for
and Aleutian Islands Management Area
public comment because the most
Dated: August 17, 2018. (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
Fishery Management Council under recent, relevant data only became
Donna S. Wieting, available as of August 16, 2018. The AA
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management also finds good cause to waive the 30-
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service. Act. Regulations governing fishing by day delay in the effective date of this
U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This
[FR Doc. 2018–18095 Filed 8–21–18; 8:45 am]
appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 finding is based upon the reasons
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
and 50 CFR part 679. provided above for waiver of prior
The 2018 TAC of Atka mackerel, in notice and opportunity for public
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE the CAI, allocated to vessels comment.
participating in the BSAI trawl limited This action is required by § 679.20
National Oceanic and Atmospheric access fishery was established as a and is exempt from review under
Administration directed fishing allowance of 1,868 Executive Order 12866.
metric tons by the final 2018 and 2019
50 CFR Part 679 harvest specifications for groundfish in Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
[Docket No. 170817779–8161–02] the BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, Dated: August 17, 2018.
2018). Alan D. Risenhoover,
RIN 0648–XG426 In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii), Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,
the Regional Administrator finds that National Marine Fisheries Service.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
this directed fishing allowance has been
Zone Off Alaska; Atka Mackerel in the [FR Doc. 2018–18129 Filed 8–17–18; 4:15 pm]
reached. Consequently, NMFS is
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
prohibiting directed fishing for Atka
Management Area
mackerel in the CAI by vessels
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries participating in the BSAI trawl limited
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and access fishery.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
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Document Created: 2018-08-22 00:39:31
Document Modified: 2018-08-22 00:39:31
| 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 | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Temporary rule; emergency action extended. | |
| Dates | The end of the effective period for the amendments to 50 CFR 635.20, 635.21, 635.24, and 635.71, as published on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 8946), is extended from August 29, 2018, to March 3, 2019. | |
| Contact | Tobey Curtis at (978) 281-9273 or Guy DuBeck or Lauren Latchford at (301) 427-8503. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 42452 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-BH49 |
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