83 FR 47598 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Management Measures; Proposed Amendment 11; Comment Period Extension
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 183 (September 20, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 183 (September 20, 2018)
| Page Range | 47598-47599 | |
| FR Document | 2018-20457 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 47598-47599] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-20457] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 635 [Docket No. 180212159-8159-01] RIN 0648-BH75 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Management Measures; Proposed Amendment 11; Comment Period Extension AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and [[Page 47599]] Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS previously published, on July 27, 2018, a proposed rule to amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) based on the results of the 2017 stock assessment and a subsequent binding recommendation by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. The comment period on the proposed rule ends on October 1, 2018. In this extension of comment period, NMFS is extending the comment period to October 8, 2018, to provide an opportunity for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to be briefed, and to provide additional opportunities for the Council and other interested parties to comment on the proposed rule. DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments on the proposed rule published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637) is extended from October 1, 2018 to October 8, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the referenced proposed rule published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637), identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018- 0011, by any one of the following methods:Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0011, click the ``Comment Now'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Submit written comments to Gu[yacute] DuBeck, NMFS/ SF1, 1315 East-West Highway, National Marine Fisheries Service, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Instructions: Please include the identifier NOAA-NMFS-2018-0011 when submitting comments. Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the close of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and generally will be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gu[yacute] DuBeck or Karyl Brewster- Geisz at (301) 427-8503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Atlantic shortfin mako stock is managed primarily under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and also under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). The 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 635. On July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637), NMFS published a proposed rule that announced NMFS' intent to amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP based on the results of the 2017 stock assessment and a subsequent binding recommendation by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. The North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock is overfished and is experiencing overfishing. Consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), NMFS is proposing management measures that would reduce fishing mortality on shortfin mako sharks and establish a foundation for rebuilding the shortfin mako shark population consistent with legal requirements. In the proposed rule, the end of the comment period was announced as October 1, 2018. However, due to Hurricane Florence, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council postponed its previously scheduled meeting by several weeks. Without an extension of the comment period, the Council would be unable to receive the same briefing provided to other Councils prior to providing comments on Amendment 11. As such, NMFS is extending the comment period to provide an opportunity to be briefed and an additional opportunity for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and other interested parties to comment on the proposed rule. Therefore, the comment period for the proposed rule is extended to October 8, 2018. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 17, 2018. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-20457 Filed 9-19-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![47598 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Proposed Rules
and found that RCP2.6 would result in Indo-Pacific, is projected to continue at (4) The effects of climate change,
approximately the same amount of an accelerated rate in the future; (3) including ocean warming and
additional warming and bleaching by substantial warming-induced mass acidification, on the distribution and
2100 that has occurred over the last bleaching of Indo-Pacific reef coral condition of P. meandrina and other
century, and that implementation of the communities, including P. meandrina, organisms in coral reef ecosystems over
Paris Agreement (i.e., RCP4.5) would has already occurred and continues to the short- and long-term;
lead to severe consequences for coral occur; and (4) warming-induced mass (5) The effects of other threats
reefs (Hughes et al., 2017b), despite the bleaching of Indo-Pacific reef coral including dredging; coastal
fact that RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 would be communities, including P. meandrina, development; land-based sources of
even worse. Another analysis regarding is projected to steadily increase in pollution, including coastal point
responses of coral reefs if global frequency, intensity, and magnitude in source pollution, and agricultural and
warming is limited to 1.5°C, 2.0°C, or the future. In short, ocean warming is land use practices; disease, predation,
3°C (roughly equivalent to RCP4.5, expected to continue to affect P. the trophic effects of fishing, the
RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) found that meandrina throughout its range in the aquarium trade, physical damage from
estimated levels of thermal stress would future. boats and anchors, marine debris,
be approximately seven, 11, and 23 aquatic invasive species on the
Petition Finding
times, respectively, the level of thermal distribution and abundance of P.
stress that these reefs have already After reviewing the information meandrina over the short- and long-
experienced since 1878, and presented in the petition and other term; and the inadequacy of regulatory
approximately two, three, and six times readily available information in our mechanisms; and
the level of thermal stress experienced files, we find that listing P. meandrina (6) Management programs for
in 2016 (Lough et al., 2018). across its range may be warranted based conservation of P. meandrina, including
All five analyses considered the on the threat of ocean warming alone. mitigation measures related to any of
impacts of one or both of the IPCC’s Therefore, in accordance with section the threats listed under (5) above.
lower emissions pathways (RCP2.6 and 4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA and NMFS’ We request that all information be
RCP4.5), and each analysis reached the implementing regulations (50 CFR accompanied by (1) supporting
same conclusion: Even these lower 424.14), we will commence a status documentation such as maps,
emissions pathways are likely to have review of this species. During the status bibliographic references, or reprints of
more severe impacts to reef corals in the review, we will determine whether P. pertinent publications; and (2) the
future than have been observed in meandrina is in danger of extinction submitter’s name, address, and any
recent years (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., (endangered) or likely to become so association, institution, or business that
2017; Hughes et al., 2017b; Lough et al., (threatened) throughout all or a the person represents.
2018; Maynard et al, 2015; van significant portion of its range. If listing
Hooidonk et al, 2016), partially because is warranted, we will publish a References Cited
the GHG emissions that have already proposed rule and solicit public A complete list of references upon
occurred have irreversibly locked in a comments before developing and request from Lance Smith, NOAA IRC,
certain amount of warming due to publishing a final rule. If we determine NMFS/PIRO/PRD, 1845 Wasp Blvd.,
‘‘commitment,’’ as described above. that the species is in danger of Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
Indo-Pacific reef corals would likely be extinction or likely to become so in the
even more severely impacted by foreseeable future throughout all of its Authority
warming-induced bleaching events range, we will list the species as The authority for this action is the
resulting from ocean warming under the endangered or threatened, and it will be Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
other two pathways in the future, unnecessary to determine if Hawaii amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
especially RCP8.5, as shown by two constitutes a significant portion of the
analyses (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2017b; Dated: September 17, 2018.
species’ range. If P. meandrina is not
van Hooidonk et al, 2016). Although P. Samuel D. Rauch III,
proposed for listing as endangered or
meandrina has several life history threatened throughout all of its range, Deputy Assistant Administrator for
characteristics that may buffer some of Regulatory Programs, National Marine
we will then determine if Hawaii
the effects of ocean warming (refer back Fisheries Service.
constitutes a significant portion of the
to the Habitat, Range, and Life History [FR Doc. 2018–20512 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
species’ range. If so, we will determine
section of this finding), based on the the status of P. meandrina in Hawaii, BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
effects of warming-induced bleaching to and proceed accordingly (79 FR 37578;
date on P. meandrina and its relatively July 1, 2014).
high susceptibility to warming, the DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
information in the petition and other Information Solicited
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
readily available information in our files To ensure that the status review is
suggests this species may be severely Administration
based on the best available scientific
affected across its range in the future by and commercial data, we are soliciting
ocean warming projected under RCP8.5. 50 CFR Part 635
information on whether P. meandrina is
Ocean Warming Summary. From the endangered or threatened. Specifically, [Docket No. 180212159–8159–01]
above analysis of ocean warming and its we are soliciting information in the
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS2
RIN 0648–BH75
effects on P. meandrina and the coral following areas:
reef community of which P. meandrina (1) Historical and current distribution Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
is a part, we find four key points to be and abundance of P. meandrina Shortfin Mako Shark Management
relevant: (1) Substantial ocean warming, throughout its range; Measures; Proposed Amendment 11;
including in the tropical/subtropical (2) Historical and current condition of Comment Period Extension
Indo-Pacific, has already occurred and P. meandrina and its habitat;
continues to occur; (2) ocean warming, (3) Population density and trends of AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
including in the tropical/subtropical P. meandrina; Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Proposed Rules 47599
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), • Mail: Submit written comments to Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North
Commerce. Guý DuBeck, NMFS/SF1, 1315 East- Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. The
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of West Highway, National Marine North Atlantic shortfin mako shark
comment period. Fisheries Service, SSMC3, Silver Spring, stock is overfished and is experiencing
MD 20910. overfishing. Consistent with the
SUMMARY: NMFS previously published, Instructions: Please include the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
on July 27, 2018, a proposed rule to identifier NOAA–NMFS–2018–0011 Conservation and Management Act
amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic when submitting comments. Comments (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery sent by any other method, to any other Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA),
Management Plan (FMP) based on the address or individual, or received after NMFS is proposing management
results of the 2017 stock assessment and the close of the comment period, may measures that would reduce fishing
a subsequent binding recommendation not be considered by NMFS. All mortality on shortfin mako sharks and
by the International Commission for the comments received are a part of the establish a foundation for rebuilding the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) public record and generally will be shortfin mako shark population
for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. posted for public viewing on consistent with legal requirements. In
The comment period on the proposed www.regulations.gov without change. the proposed rule, the end of the
rule ends on October 1, 2018. In this All personal identifying information comment period was announced as
extension of comment period, NMFS is (e.g., name, address), confidential October 1, 2018. However, due to
extending the comment period to business information, or otherwise Hurricane Florence, the South Atlantic
October 8, 2018, to provide an sensitive information submitted Fishery Management Council postponed
opportunity for the South Atlantic voluntarily by the sender will be its previously scheduled meeting by
Fishery Management Council (Council) publicly accessible. NMFS will accept several weeks. Without an extension of
to be briefed, and to provide additional anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the comment period, the Council would
opportunities for the Council and other the required fields if you wish to remain be unable to receive the same briefing
interested parties to comment on the anonymous). provided to other Councils prior to
proposed rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Guý providing comments on Amendment 11.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of DuBeck or Karyl Brewster-Geisz at (301) As such, NMFS is extending the
comments on the proposed rule 427–8503. comment period to provide an
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North opportunity to be briefed and an
35637) is extended from October 1, 2018 Atlantic shortfin mako stock is managed additional opportunity for the South
to October 8, 2018. primarily under the authority of the Atlantic Fishery Management Council
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Magnuson-Stevens Act and also under and other interested parties to comment
on the referenced proposed rule the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act on the proposed rule. Therefore, the
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR (ATCA). The 2006 Consolidated HMS comment period for the proposed rule is
35637), identified by NOAA–NMFS– FMP and its amendments are extended to October 8, 2018.
2018–0011, by any one of the following implemented by regulations at 50 CFR Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
methods: part 635. 1801 et seq.
• Electronic Submission: Submit all On July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637),
electronic public comments via the NMFS published a proposed rule that Dated: September 17, 2018.
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to announced NMFS’ intent to amend the Samuel D. Rauch III,
www.regulations.gov/ 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP Deputy Assistant Administrator for
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018- based on the results of the 2017 stock Regulatory Programs, National Marine
0011, click the ‘‘Comment Now’’ icon, assessment and a subsequent binding Fisheries Service.
complete the required fields, and enter recommendation by the International [FR Doc. 2018–20457 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
or attach your comments. Commission for the Conservation of BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS2
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Document Created: 2018-09-20 02:08:24
Document Modified: 2018-09-20 02:08:24
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule; extension of comment period. | |
| Dates | The deadline for receipt of comments on the proposed rule published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637) is extended from October 1, 2018 to October 8, 2018. | |
| Contact | Gu[yacute] DuBeck or Karyl Brewster- Geisz at (301) 427-8503. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 47598 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-BH75 |
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