83 FR 50059 - Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 12 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 193 (October 4, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 193 (October 4, 2018)
| Page Range | 50059-50061 | |
| FR Document | 2018-21616 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 50059-50061] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-21616] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 180807736-8736-01] RIN 0648-BI41 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 12 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to approve and implement measures included in Framework Adjustment 12 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan that would allow the possession of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the domestic annual harvest is projected to be caught. This action proposes to allow the possession of 5,000 lb of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the domestic annual harvest is caught instead of prohibiting the possession of Atlantic mackerel for the rest of the year. This action is necessary to prevent unintended consequences and negative economic impacts to other fisheries. The intended effect of this rule is to notify the public of this proposed measure and to solicit comment on the proposed change. DATES: Public comments must be received by October 19, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-0099, by any 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-2018-0099, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. Mail: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope, ``Comments on Mackerel Framework 12.'' Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), 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). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF formats only. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council prepared a draft supplemental environmental assessment for the Framework 12 that describes the proposed action and other alternatives considered and provides a thorough analysis of the impacts of the proposed action and alternatives considered. Copies of the Framework 12 including the draft SEA and the preliminary Regulatory Impact Review, analysis are available from: Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Suite 201, 800 State Street, Dover, DE 19901. The SEA/RIR is accessible via the internet at http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/ or http://www.mafmc.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alyson Pitts, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281-9352, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background When the Atlantic mackerel fishery starts each year, the various mackerel permit categories start with different trip limits. Tier 1 limited access permit holders have an unlimited trip limit, Tier 2 limited access permit holders have a 135,000-lb (61,235-kg) trip limit, and Tier 3 limited access permit holders have a 100,000-lb (45,359-kg) trip limit. The open access incidental permit has a 20,000-lb (9,072- kg) trip limit. When the fishery reaches 95 percent of the domestic annual harvest (DAH), all permits have 20,000-lb (9,072-kg) trip limits. When the fishery reaches 100 percent of the DAH, no mackerel possession is allowed by vessels with Federal mackerel permits. The mackerel fishery also operates under a river herring and shad (RH/S) catch cap, which closes the directed mackerel fishery and implements a 20,000-lb (9,072-kg) trip limit for all permits once the catch cap, currently 82 mt of RH/S, has been projected to be caught in the directed mackerel fishery. In 2018, the RH/S cap closed the mackerel fishery effective February 27, 2018 (83 FR 8635), at which point approximately 88 percent of the mackerel DAH had been harvested. Despite the early mackerel closure due to the RH/S cap, fishery participants, including small-scale mackerel jig fishermen and larger, directed herring fishermen, whose respective fisheries occur late in the year, raised concern to the Council that if mackerel catch reaches 100 percent of its quota and possession goes to zero pounds, they will be negatively impacted. Projections indicate a full closure could occur upon reaching 100 percent of the DAH at some point in November or December of 2018, depending on the pace of mackerel landings. There is a management uncertainty buffer for the mackerel fishery, currently 10 percent of the commercial allocation that is primarily designed to account for the difficulty in closing a high volume fishery, such as mackerel. Where the RH/S cap has already effectively closed the high-volume part of the fishery, the buffer is unlikely to be utilized in its original intent this year. Projections from Council staff suggest that if the fishery does not go to a zero possession limit at 100 percent of the DAH but rather a 5,000-lb (2,268-kg) trip limit, then only an additional 384,000-lb (174,180-kg) would be landed, which is a small part (17 percent) of this year's management uncertainty buffer. The Atlantic mackerel stock was recently declared overfished, with overfishing occurring in 2016. The Council is preparing a rebuilding plan via a separate action that is on track to be effective in 2019. The projections from the assessment for that action indicate that the stock can be rebuilt in 3-, 5-, or 7-year timelines even if the full management uncertainty buffer is caught this year. The rebuilding plan projections assume that the full management uncertainty buffer will be caught in 2018. Under the proposed change to possession limits when the DAH is harvested, at its June 2018 meeting, the Council recommended to change the trip limit once 100 percent of the DAH is landed, from zero pounds to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) through Framework 12. The New England Fishery Management Council also discussed the issue in June 2018 and expressed support for an action that would avoid the full [[Page 50060]] prohibition of mackerel possession due to impacts on the herring fishery. This action would allow a 5,000-lb (2,269-kg) possession limit after the DAH has been harvested. The Council has reviewed the proposed regulations in this rule as drafted by NMFS and deemed them to be necessary and appropriate as specified in section 303(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). This rule proposes a 15-day comment period to ensure final measures can be effective by early November to avoid adverse economic impacts on the commercial fishing industry. The Council discussed the development of this action in April and May, and made a final recommendation in June, 2018. Because the public had an opportunity to comment on this action at these meetings, an expedited comment period would allow this action to be effective without compromising public input and our goal of implementing this action by early November. Proposed Measure The proposed measure would allow the possession of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the DAH has been projected to be harvested. Framework 12 proposes to allow the possession of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the DAH is harvested for the remainder of fishing year 2018. Current regulations prohibit the possession of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the DAH is harvested. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the Framework Adjustment 12, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public comment. In making a final determination, NMFS will take into account the data, views, and comments received during the comment period. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The purpose, context, and statutory basis for this action is described above and not repeated here. In determining the significance of the economic impacts of the proposed action, we considered the following two criteria outlined in applicable NMFS guidance: Disproportionality and profitability. The Regulatory Impact Review determined that the proposed measures would not place a substantial number of small entities at a significant competitive disadvantage to large entities. This measure would allow commerce to continue that would otherwise be stopped, and would benefit small business owners and commercial fishing entities. There are no distributional economic effects from this action, as proposed measures would maintain fishing opportunities for Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring if 100 percent of the DAH is harvested. The combined mackerel and herring fisheries are worth $50 million or less annually, and only a relatively small portion of the overall fishery may be affected by this action. The proposed measures would allow maintenance of, or a relatively small increase in, fishery landings/revenues. As such, the proposed measures should help maintain the sustainability of the mackerel and herring fisheries, and should positively rather than adversely affect the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Dated: October 1, 2018. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 0 1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 0 2. In Sec. 648.14, revise paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(D) and remove and reserve paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(F). The revision reads as follows: Sec. 648.14 Prohibitions. * * * * * (g)* * * (2)* * * (ii)* * * (D) Take and retain, possess, or land mackerel, squid, or butterfish in excess of the possession limits specified in Sec. 648.26. * * * * * 0 3. In Sec. 648.24, revise paragraph (b)(1)(i) to read as follows: Sec. 648.24 Fishery closures and accountability measures. * * * * * (b) * * * (1)(i) Mackerel commercial sector EEZ closure. NMFS will close the commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery in the EEZ when the Regional Administrator projects that 95 percent of the Atlantic mackerel DAH is harvested if such a closure is necessary to prevent the DAH from being exceeded. The closure of the commercial fishery shall be in effect for the remainder of that fishing year, with incidental catches allowed as specified in Sec. 648.26. When the Regional Administrator projects that 100 percent of the Atlantic mackerel DAH will be landed, NMFS will reduce the possession of Atlantic mackerel in the EEZ for the remainder of the fishing year to the amount specified in Sec. 648.26(a)(2)(ii). * * * * * 0 4. In Sec. 648.26, revise paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text and (a)(2) to read as follows: Sec. 648.26 Mackerel, squid, and butterfish possession restrictions. (a) * * * (1) Initial possession limits. A vessel must be issued a valid limited access mackerel permit to fish for, possess, or land more than 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel from or in the EEZ per trip, provided that the fishery has not been closed, as specified in Sec. 648.24(b)(1). * * * * * (2) Closure possession restrictions-- (i) Limited Access Fishery. During a closure of the commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i), when 95 percent of the DAH is harvested, vessels issued a limited access Atlantic mackerel permit may not take and retain, possess, or land more than 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours. Pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(ii), when 90 percent of the Tier 3 allocation is harvested, vessels issued a Tier 3 limited access Atlantic mackerel permit may not take and retain, possess, or land more than 20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land Atlantic mackerel [[Page 50061]] once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours. (ii) Entire commercial fishery. During a closure of the directed commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.24(b)(1)(i), when 100 percent of the DAH is harvested, vessels issued an open or limited access Atlantic mackerel permit may not take and retain, possess, or land more than 5,000 lb (2.26 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land Atlantic mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2018-21616 Filed 10-3-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Proposed Rules 50059
Dated: October 1, 2018. Mark the outside of the envelope, catch cap, which closes the directed
Margo Schulze-Haugen, ‘‘Comments on Mackerel Framework mackerel fishery and implements a
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable 12.’’ 20,000-lb (9,072-kg) trip limit for all
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. Instructions: Comments sent by any permits once the catch cap, currently 82
[FR Doc. 2018–21635 Filed 10–3–18; 8:45 am] other method, to any other address or mt of RH/S, has been projected to be
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P individual, or received after the end of caught in the directed mackerel fishery.
the comment period, may not be In 2018, the RH/S cap closed the
considered by NMFS. All comments mackerel fishery effective February 27,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE received are a part of the public record 2018 (83 FR 8635), at which point
and will generally be posted for public approximately 88 percent of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric viewing on www.regulations.gov mackerel DAH had been harvested.
Administration without change. All personal identifying Despite the early mackerel closure due
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), to the RH/S cap, fishery participants,
50 CFR Part 648 confidential business information, or including small-scale mackerel jig
[Docket No. 180807736–8736–01] otherwise sensitive information fishermen and larger, directed herring
submitted voluntarily by the sender will fishermen, whose respective fisheries
RIN 0648–BI41 be publicly accessible. NMFS will occur late in the year, raised concern to
accept anonymous comments (enter the Council that if mackerel catch
Fisheries of the Northeastern United reaches 100 percent of its quota and
‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish
States; Framework Adjustment 12 to possession goes to zero pounds, they
to remain anonymous). Attachments to
the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and will be negatively impacted. Projections
electronic comments will be accepted in
Butterfish Fishery Management Plan indicate a full closure could occur upon
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries formats only. reaching 100 percent of the DAH at
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and The Mid-Atlantic Fishery some point in November or December of
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Management Council prepared a draft 2018, depending on the pace of
Commerce. supplemental environmental assessment mackerel landings.
for the Framework 12 that describes the There is a management uncertainty
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for
proposed action and other alternatives buffer for the mackerel fishery, currently
comments.
considered and provides a thorough 10 percent of the commercial allocation
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to approve analysis of the impacts of the proposed that is primarily designed to account for
and implement measures included in action and alternatives considered. the difficulty in closing a high volume
Framework Adjustment 12 to the Copies of the Framework 12 including fishery, such as mackerel. Where the
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish the draft SEA and the preliminary RH/S cap has already effectively closed
Fishery Management Plan that would Regulatory Impact Review, analysis are the high-volume part of the fishery, the
allow the possession of Atlantic available from: Christopher Moore, buffer is unlikely to be utilized in its
mackerel after 100 percent of the Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic original intent this year. Projections
domestic annual harvest is projected to Fishery Management Council, Suite 201, from Council staff suggest that if the
be caught. This action proposes to allow 800 State Street, Dover, DE 19901. The fishery does not go to a zero possession
the possession of 5,000 lb of Atlantic SEA/RIR is accessible via the internet at limit at 100 percent of the DAH but
mackerel after 100 percent of the http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries. rather a 5,000-lb (2,268-kg) trip limit,
domestic annual harvest is caught noaa.gov/ or http://www.mafmc.org. then only an additional 384,000-lb
instead of prohibiting the possession of (174,180-kg) would be landed, which is
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: a small part (17 percent) of this year’s
Atlantic mackerel for the rest of the Alyson Pitts, Fishery Management
year. This action is necessary to prevent management uncertainty buffer.
Specialist, (978) 281–9352, The Atlantic mackerel stock was
unintended consequences and negative Alyson.Pitts@noaa.gov.
economic impacts to other fisheries. The recently declared overfished, with
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: overfishing occurring in 2016. The
intended effect of this rule is to notify
Background Council is preparing a rebuilding plan
the public of this proposed measure and
via a separate action that is on track to
to solicit comment on the proposed When the Atlantic mackerel fishery be effective in 2019. The projections
change. starts each year, the various mackerel from the assessment for that action
DATES: Public comments must be permit categories start with different indicate that the stock can be rebuilt in
received by October 19, 2018. trip limits. Tier 1 limited access permit 3-, 5-, or 7-year timelines even if the full
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments holders have an unlimited trip limit, management uncertainty buffer is
on this document, identified by NOAA– Tier 2 limited access permit holders caught this year. The rebuilding plan
NMFS–2018–0099, by any of the have a 135,000-lb (61,235-kg) trip limit, projections assume that the full
following methods: and Tier 3 limited access permit holders management uncertainty buffer will be
• Electronic Submission: Submit all have a 100,000-lb (45,359-kg) trip limit. caught in 2018.
electronic public comments via the The open access incidental permit has Under the proposed change to
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to a 20,000-lb (9,072-kg) trip limit. When possession limits when the DAH is
www.regulations.gov/ the fishery reaches 95 percent of the harvested, at its June 2018 meeting, the
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018- domestic annual harvest (DAH), all Council recommended to change the
0099, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, permits have 20,000-lb (9,072-kg) trip trip limit once 100 percent of the DAH
complete the required fields, and enter limits. When the fishery reaches 100 is landed, from zero pounds to 5,000 lb
or attach your comments. percent of the DAH, no mackerel (2,268 kg) through Framework 12. The
• Mail: Michael Pentony, Regional possession is allowed by vessels with New England Fishery Management
Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Federal mackerel permits. Council also discussed the issue in June
Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great The mackerel fishery also operates 2018 and expressed support for an
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. under a river herring and shad (RH/S) action that would avoid the full
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2018 / Proposed Rules 50061
once on any calendar day, which is DATES: Written comments regarding the harvest consistent with the long-term
defined as the 24-hr period beginning at issues in this ANPR must be received by maintenance of the striped bass stock.
0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours. 5 p.m., local time, on November 19, The latest stock assessment update
(ii) Entire commercial fishery. During 2018. completed in 2016 determined that the
a closure of the directed commercial ADDRESSES: You may submit comments Atlantic striped bass stock is not
Atlantic mackerel fishery pursuant to overfished or experiencing overfishing.
on this document, identified by NOAA–
§ 648.24(b)(1)(i), when 100 percent of NMFS promulgates regulations in
NMFS–2018–0106, by any of the
the DAH is harvested, vessels issued an Federal waters that are compatible with
following methods:
open or limited access Atlantic • Electronic Submission: Submit all the Commission’s ISFMP. The Atlantic
mackerel permit may not take and electronic public comments via the Striped Bass Conservation Act (Pub. L.
retain, possess, or land more than 5,000 Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 100–589, 16 U.S.C. 5151, et seq.) sets
lb (2.26 mt) of Atlantic mackerel per trip www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail; forth the basis for Federal striped bass
at any time, and may only land Atlantic regulatory authority. Under the act,
D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0106, click the
mackerel once on any calendar day, Federal Atlantic striped bass regulations
‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the
which is defined as the 24-hr period must comply with the following: (1) Be
required fields, and enter or attach your
beginning at 0001 hours and ending at consistent with the national standards
comments.
2400 hours. • Mail: Submit written comments to in Section 301 of the Magnuson-Stevens
* * * * * Kelly Denit, Division Chief, Office of Fishery Conservation and Management
[FR Doc. 2018–21616 Filed 10–3–18; 8:45 am] Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) (16 U.S.C.
Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 1851); (2) be compatible with the fishery
Highway, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD
management plan for managing Atlantic
20910.
• Fax: 301–713–1193; Attn: Kelly striped bass and each Federal
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Denit. moratorium in effect on fishing for
Instructions: Comments sent by any Atlantic striped bass within the coastal
National Oceanic and Atmospheric waters of a coastal state; (3) ensure the
Administration other method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the end of effectiveness of State regulations on
the comment period, may not be fishing for Atlantic striped bass within
50 CFR Part 697 the coastal waters of a coastal state; and
considered by NMFS. All comments
[Docket No. 180709616–8616–01] received are a part of the public record (4) be sufficient to assure the long-term
and will generally be posted for public conservation of Atlantic striped bass
RIN 0648–BI07 populations. Further, in developing the
viewing on www.regulations.gov
regulations, the Secretary is to consult
Fisheries of the United States; without change. All personal identifying
with the Commission, the appropriate
Regulations for Striped Bass Fishing information (e.g., name, address, etc.),
Regional Fishery Management Councils
in the Block Island Transit Zone confidential business information, or
(Councils), and each affected Federal,
otherwise sensitive information
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries state, and local government entity.
submitted voluntarily by the sender will Existing Federal regulations prohibit
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and be publicly accessible. NMFS will
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recreational and commercial fishing for
accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ Atlantic striped bass in the EEZ. The
Commerce.
A’’ in the required fields if you wish to regulations do, however, allow fishers to
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed remain anonymous).
rulemaking; request for comments. transport Atlantic striped bass caught in
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: adjoining state fisheries while transiting
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this advance Kelly Denit, Division Chief, Office of the Block Island Transit Zone (Transit
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Zone; 50 CFR 697.7). The Transit Zone
to provide background information and Fisheries Service, 301–427–8517. is defined in NMFS regulations as the
make the public aware of a proposal to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: area of Federal waters within Block
remove the current prohibition on Island Sound, located between areas
recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing Background
south of Montauk Point, New York, and
in the Block Island Transit Zone Atlantic striped bass occur Point Judith, Rhode Island. The Transit
(Transit Zone) within the Federal predominately within 12 nautical miles Zone area is unique because it is a small
exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The from shore, an area which includes both area of Federal waters (Block Island
ANPR is in response to the 2018 waters (0–3 miles from shore) under Sound) substantially bounded by state
Omnibus Appropriations Act which state jurisdiction, as well as portions of waters (Long Island, New York on one
included the provision directing NOAA, the Exclusive Economic Zone (3–200 side, Block Island, Rhode Island on
in consultation with the Atlantic States miles from shore) under Federal another, and the mainland of
Marine Fisheries Commission, to jurisdiction. Management responsibility Connecticut and Rhode Island on a third
consider lifting the ban on striped bass for Atlantic striped bass resides side).
fishing in the Federal Block Island primarily with the coastal states, and NMFS is considering revising current
Transit Zone. NMFS communicated the interstate management occurs through regulations to authorize recreational
intent to issue this ANPR at the Atlantic the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries fishing in the Block Island Transit Zone.
States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Commission’s (Commission) Interstate This would allow recreational
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
August 2018 public meeting. By this Fisheries Management Plan for the fishermen to harvest, retain, and
action, NMFS is soliciting public Atlantic Striped Bass (ISFMP), first transport striped bass within the Block
comment on options presented to adopted in 1981. In 1995, the Island Transit Zone. The ANPR is in
regulate fishing for striped bass in the Commission declared the Atlantic response to the 2018 Omnibus
Transit Zone. In addition, comments on striped bass population fully restored Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115–141)
other options to improve management of and implemented Amendment 5 to the which included the provision directing
Atlantic striped bass in the Transit Zone ISFMP to perpetuate the stock so as to ‘‘NOAA, in consultation with the
are welcomed and encouraged. allow a commercial and recreational Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
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Document Created: 2018-10-04 02:02:21
Document Modified: 2018-10-04 02:02:21
| 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; request for comments. | |
| Dates | Public comments must be received by October 19, 2018. | |
| Contact | Alyson Pitts, Fishery Management Specialist, (978) 281-9352, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 50059 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-BI41 | |
| CFR Associated | Fisheries; Fishing and Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements |
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