83 FR 55640 - Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; 2019 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs; and Suspension of Minimum Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 216 (November 7, 2018)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 216 (November 7, 2018)
| Page Range | 55640-55641 | |
| FR Document | 2018-24368 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 7, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 55640-55641] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-24368] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 900124-0127] RIN 0648-XG418 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries; 2019 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs; and Suspension of Minimum Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NMFS suspends the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2019 fishing year. NMFS also announces that the quotas for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries for 2019 will remain status quo. Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to notify the public of the allowable harvest levels for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Exclusive Economic Zone if the previous year's quota specifications remain unchanged. DATES: Effective January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst, 978-281-9341. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations implementing the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (FMP) at 50 CFR 648.75(b)(3) authorize the Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), to suspend annually, by publication in the Federal Register, the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams. This action may be taken unless discard, catch, and biological sampling data indicate that 30 percent or more of the Atlantic surfclam resource have a shell length less than 4.75 inches (120 mm), and the overall reduced size is not attributable to harvest from beds where growth of the individual clams has been reduced because of density-dependent factors. At its June 2018 meeting, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommended the Regional Administrator suspend the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the 2019 fishing year. Commercial surfclam data for 2018 were analyzed to determine the percentage of surfclams that were smaller than the minimum size requirement. The analysis indicated that 20.2 percent of the overall commercial landings were composed of surfclams that were less than the 4.75-in (120-mm) default minimum size. Based on the information available, the Regional Administrator concurs with the Council's recommendation, and is suspending the minimum size limit for Atlantic surfclams in the upcoming fishing year (January 1 through December 31, 2019). The Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP requires that NMFS issue a notice in the Federal Register of the upcoming year's quota, even in cases where the quota remains unchanged from the previous year. At its June 2018 meeting, the Council recommended no change to the quota specifications for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs for the 2019 fishing year. As a result, we are announcing that the 2018 quota levels of 3.4 million bu (181 million L) for Atlantic surfclams, 5.33 million bu (288 million L) for ocean quahogs, and 100,000 Maine bu (3.52 million L) for Maine ocean quahogs, as announced in [[Page 55641]] the Federal Register on February 6, 2018 (83 FR 5212), remain effective for the 2019 fishing year. Classification This action is authorized by 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: November 2, 2018. Karen H. Abrams, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018-24368 Filed 11-6-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![55640 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 7, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
and ‘‘no sale’’ provisions apply upward to 45 would result in minimal status quo. Regulations governing these
(§ 635.22(a) and (c)); or if the vessel risks of exceeding the aggregated LCS fisheries require NMFS to notify the
possesses a valid shark research permit and hammerhead shark quotas in the public of the allowable harvest levels for
under § 635.32 and a NMFS-approved Atlantic region based on our Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs
observer is onboard, in which case the consideration of previous years’ data, in from the Exclusive Economic Zone if
restrictions noted on the shark research which the fisheries have opened in July. the previous year’s quota specifications
permit apply. With quota available and with no remain unchanged.
All other retention limits and shark measurable impacts to the stocks DATES: Effective January 1, 2019,
fisheries in the Atlantic region remain expected, it would be contrary to the through December 31, 2019.
unchanged. This retention limit will public interest to require vessels to wait FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
remain at 45 LCS other than sandbar to harvest the sharks otherwise Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst,
sharks per vessel per trip for the rest of allowable through this action. 978–281–9341.
the 2018 fishing season, or until NMFS Therefore, the AA finds good cause SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
announces via a notice in the Federal under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive prior
Register another adjustment to the regulations implementing the Atlantic
notice and the opportunity for public Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery
retention limit or a fishery closure, if comment. Adjustment of the LCS
warranted. Management Plan (FMP) at 50 CFR
commercial retention limit in the 648.75(b)(3) authorize the
Classification Atlantic region is effective November 6, Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region,
2018, to minimize any unnecessary NMFS (Regional Administrator), to
The Assistant Administrator for disruption in fishing patterns and to
NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable suspend annually, by publication in the
allow fishermen to benefit from the Federal Register, the minimum size
and contrary to the public interest to adjustment. Foregoing opportunities to
provide prior notice of, and an limit for Atlantic surfclams. This action
harvest the respective quotas could have may be taken unless discard, catch, and
opportunity for public comment on, this negative social and economic impacts
action for the following reasons: biological sampling data indicate that 30
for U.S. fishermen that depend upon percent or more of the Atlantic surfclam
Prior notice is impracticable because
catching the available quotas. Therefore, resource have a shell length less than
the regulatory criteria for inseason
retention limit adjustments are intended the AA finds there is also good cause 4.75 inches (120 mm), and the overall
to allow the agency to respond quickly under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the reduced size is not attributable to
to existing management considerations, 30-day delay in effectiveness. harvest from beds where growth of the
This action is being taken under
including remaining available shark individual clams has been reduced
§ 635.24(a)(2) and is exempt from
quotas, estimated dates for the fishery because of density-dependent factors. At
review under Executive Order 12866.
closures, the regional variations in the its June 2018 meeting, the Mid-Atlantic
shark fisheries, and equitable fishing Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Fishery Management Council
opportunities. Additionally, regulations Dated: November 1, 2018. recommended the Regional
implementing Amendment 6 of the 2006 Karen H. Abrams, Administrator suspend the minimum
Atlantic Consolidated HMS FMP (80 FR Acting Director, Office of Sustainable size limit for Atlantic surfclams for the
50074, August 18, 2015) intended that Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 2019 fishing year. Commercial surfclam
the LCS retention limit could be [FR Doc. 2018–24274 Filed 11–6–18; 8:45 am] data for 2018 were analyzed to
adjusted quickly throughout the fishing BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
determine the percentage of surfclams
season to provide management that were smaller than the minimum
flexibility for the shark fisheries and size requirement. The analysis indicated
provide equitable fishing opportunities DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE that 20.2 percent of the overall
to fishermen throughout a region. Based commercial landings were composed of
on available shark quotas and informed National Oceanic and Atmospheric surfclams that were less than the 4.75-
by shark landings in previous seasons, Administration in (120-mm) default minimum size.
responsive adjustment to the LCS Based on the information available,
commercial retention limit from the 50 CFR Part 648 the Regional Administrator concurs
incidental level is warranted as quickly [Docket No. 900124–0127]
with the Council’s recommendation,
as possible to allow fishermen to take and is suspending the minimum size
advantage of available quotas while RIN 0648–XG418 limit for Atlantic surfclams in the
sharks are present in their region. For upcoming fishing year (January 1
such adjustment to be practicable, it Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog through December 31, 2019).
must occur in a timeframe that allows Fisheries; 2019 Fishing Quotas for The Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean
fishermen to take advantage of it. Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahog FMP requires that NMFS issue
Adjustment of the LCS fisheries Quahogs; and Suspension of Minimum a notice in the Federal Register of the
retention limit in the Atlantic region Atlantic Surfclam Size Limit upcoming year’s quota, even in cases
will begin on November 6, 2018. Prior AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries where the quota remains unchanged
notice would result in delays in Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and from the previous year. At its June 2018
increasing the retention limit and would Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), meeting, the Council recommended no
adversely affect those shark fishermen Commerce. change to the quota specifications for
that would otherwise have an ACTION: Temporary rule.
Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs
opportunity to harvest more than the for the 2019 fishing year. As a result, we
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
current retention limit of 36 LCS other SUMMARY: NMFS suspends the are announcing that the 2018 quota
than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip minimum size limit for Atlantic levels of 3.4 million bu (181 million L)
and could result in low catch rates and surfclams for the 2019 fishing year. for Atlantic surfclams, 5.33 million bu
underutilized quotas. Analysis of NMFS also announces that the quotas (288 million L) for ocean quahogs, and
available data shows that adjustment of for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean 100,000 Maine bu (3.52 million L) for
the LCS commercial retention limit quahog fisheries for 2019 will remain Maine ocean quahogs, as announced in
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Nov 06, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_55856/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 7, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 55641
the Federal Register on February 6, 808–522–8220, fax 808–522–8226, or DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
2018 (83 FR 5212), remain effective for http://www.wpcouncil.org.
the 2019 fishing year. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration
Classification Rebecca Walker, NMFS PIRO
This action is authorized by 50 CFR Sustainable Fisheries, 808–725–5184. 50 CFR Part 679
part 648 and is exempt from review SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a final
under Executive Order 12866. [Docket No. 170817779–8161–02]
rule published on October 23, 2018,
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. NMFS specified a 2018 limit of 2,000 t RIN 0648–XG116
Dated: November 2, 2018. of longline-caught bigeye tuna for the
U.S. Pacific Island territories of Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Karen H. Abrams,
American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
(83 FR 53399). NMFS allows each in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
territory to allocate up to 1,000 t of the Management Area
[FR Doc. 2018–24368 Filed 11–6–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 2,000 t limit to U.S. longline fishing AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
vessels identified in a valid specified Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
fishing agreement. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE On October 22, 2018, NMFS received Commerce.
from the Council a specified fishing ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration agreement between the CNMI and Quota
Management, Inc. (QMI). The Council’s SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed
Executive Director advised that the fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the
50 CFR Part 665 Eastern Aleutian district (EAI) of the
specified fishing agreement was
RIN 0648–XG025 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
consistent with the criteria set forth in
management area (BSAI) by vessels
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2018 50 CFR 665.819(c)(1). NMFS reviewed participating in the BSAI trawl limited
U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna the agreement and determined that it is access fishery. This action is necessary
Catch Limits for the Commonwealth of consistent with the Pelagic FEP, the to prevent exceeding the 2018 total
the Northern Mariana Islands Magnuson-Stevens Fishery allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean
Conservation and Management Act, perch in the EAI allocated to vessels
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries implementing regulations, and other participating in the BSAI trawl limited
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and applicable laws. access fishery.
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce. In accordance with 50 CFR 300.224(d) DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local
and 50 CFR 665.819(c)(9), vessels time (A.l.t.), November 2, 2018, through
ACTION: Announcement of a valid
identified in the agreement may retain 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2018.
specified fishing agreement.
and land bigeye tuna in the western and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUMMARY: NMFS announces a valid central Pacific Ocean under the CNMI Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228.
specified fishing agreement that limit. NMFS will begin attributing SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
allocates up to 1,000 metric tons (t) of bigeye tuna caught by vessels identified manages the groundfish fishery in the
the 2018 bigeye tuna limit for the in the agreement to the CNMI starting BSAI exclusive economic zone
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana on October 25, 2018. If NMFS according to the Fishery Management
Islands (CNMI) to identified U.S. determines that the fishery will reach Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
longline fishing vessels. The agreement the attribution limit of 1,000 t, we will and Aleutian Islands Management Area
supports the long-term sustainability of restrict the retention of bigeye tuna (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
fishery resources of the U.S. Pacific caught by vessels identified in the Fishery Management Council under
Islands, and fisheries development in agreement, unless the vessels are authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
the CNMI. included in a subsequent specified Fishery Conservation and Management
DATES: The specified fishing agreement fishing agreement with another U.S. Act. Regulations governing fishing by
is valid on November 6, 2018. territory. U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
ADDRESSES: NMFS prepared appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
environmental analyses that describe and 50 CFR part 679.
the potential impacts on the human Dated: November 1, 2018. The 2018 TAC of Pacific ocean perch,
environment that would result from the Karen H. Abrams, in the EAI, allocated to vessels
action. The analyses, identified by Acting Director, Office of Sustainable participating in the BSAI trawl limited
NOAA–NMFS–2018–0026, are available Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. access fishery was established as a
from https://www.regulations.gov/ [FR Doc. 2018–24278 Filed 11–6–18; 8:45 am] directed fishing allowance of 794 metric
docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0026, or tons by the final 2018 and 2019 harvest
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
from Michael D. Tosatto, Regional specifications for groundfish in the
Administrator, NMFS Pacific Islands BSAI (83 FR 8365, February 27, 2018).
Region (PIR), 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(iii),
176, Honolulu, HI 96818. the Regional Administrator finds that
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
The Fishery Ecosystem Plan for this directed fishing allowance has been
Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific reached. Consequently, NMFS is
(Pelagic FEP) is available from the prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific
Western Pacific Fishery Management ocean perch in the EAI by vessels
Council (Council), 1164 Bishop St., participating in the BSAI trawl limited
Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, tel access fishery.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Nov 06, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_55856/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-07 00:04:29
Document Modified: 2018-11-07 00:04:29
| 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. | |
| Dates | Effective January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. | |
| Contact | Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst, 978-281-9341. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 55640 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XG41 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR