83_FR_6862 83 FR 6830 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures

83 FR 6830 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Mutton Snapper and Gag Management Measures

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 32 (February 15, 2018)

Page Range6830-6833
FR Document2018-03180

NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council). This proposed rule would revise the mutton snapper commercial and recreational minimum size limits, the recreational bag limit, and the stock annual catch limit (ACL). In addition, this proposed rule would revise the gag commercial minimum size limit. The purpose of this proposed rule is to reduce harvest of mutton snapper to prevent overfishing while also achieving optimum yield (OY), and to streamline management measures to help increase compliance with the fishing regulations for mutton snapper and gag in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf off Florida.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6830-6833]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03180]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 170627600-8076-01]
RIN 0648-BG99


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Mutton Snapper and Gag 
Management Measures

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a 
framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of 
Mexico (Gulf) Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council). This proposed 
rule would revise the mutton snapper commercial and recreational 
minimum size limits, the recreational bag limit, and the stock annual 
catch limit (ACL). In addition, this proposed rule would revise the gag 
commercial minimum size limit. The purpose of this proposed rule is to 
reduce harvest of mutton snapper to prevent overfishing while also 
achieving optimum yield (OY), and to streamline management measures to 
help increase compliance with the fishing regulations for mutton 
snapper and gag in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf off 
Florida.

DATES: Written comments must be received by March 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2017-0082'' by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic comments via 
the Federal Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/NOAA-NMFS-
2017-0082, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required 
fields, and enter your attached comments.
     Mail: Submit all written comments to Rich Malinowski, NMFS 
Southeast Regional Office (SERO), 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701.
    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), 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 required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).
    Electronic copies of the framework action, which includes an 
environmental assessment, Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis, 
and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from 
www.regulations.gov or the SERO website at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/mutton_gag/mutton_gag_index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, NMFS SERO, telephone: 
727-824-5305, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery includes mutton 
snapper and gag and is managed under

[[Page 6831]]

the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Gulf Council and is implemented by 
NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Steven Act) (16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.).

Background

    The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery 
management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing 
basis, the OY from federally managed fish stocks. These mandates are 
intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest 
overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect to providing 
food production and recreational opportunities, while also protecting 
marine ecosystems. To further attain this goal, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act requires fishery managers to consider, among other things, 
efficiency in the utilization of fishery resources.
    In the Gulf and South Atlantic, mutton snapper are harvested by 
both commercial and recreational fishers, and landings come 
predominantly from waters adjacent to Florida. In the Gulf, 68 percent 
of recreational landings come from Florida state waters, but only 2 
percent of the commercial landings come from Florida state waters.
    Mutton snapper are managed separately by the Gulf Council and the 
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council), but 
it is a single genetic stock throughout both regions. The stock 
acceptable biological catch (ABC) is apportioned 18 percent to the Gulf 
and 82 percent to the South Atlantic. The Gulf stock ACL is equal to 
the Gulf portion of the ABC and is not allocated between sectors. The 
Gulf Council established an annual catch target (ACT) set 14 percent 
below the ACL. However, this ACT is not codified and is not used for 
management purposes.
    The 2015 Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 15A Update 
determined that the mutton snapper stock is not overfished and not 
experiencing overfishing, but that the adult population was smaller 
than previously estimated through SEDAR 15A (2008). Therefore, the 
SEDAR 15A Update includes lower overfishing limits (OFLs). These OFLs 
increase through 2020 but are still well below the OFL included in 
SEDAR 15A. The Gulf and South Atlantic Councils' Scientific and 
Statistical Committees (SSCs) reviewed the update assessment, agreed 
with the stock status determinations, and recommended new stock ABCs 
based on the revised stock OFLs produced by the assessment.

Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule

    For mutton snapper, this proposed rule would revise the stock ACL 
(given in round weight), the commercial and recreational minimum size 
limits, and the recreational bag limit. This proposed rule would also 
revise the gag commercial minimum size limit.

Mutton Snapper Stock ACL

    The current stock ACL for mutton snapper is 203,000 lb (92,079 kg), 
round weight, and was initially established in 2011 (76 FR 82044; 
December 29, 2011). This proposed rule would set the Gulf mutton 
snapper stock ACL at 134,424 lb (60,974 kg) for the 2018 fishing year, 
139,392 lb (63,227 kg) for the 2019 fishing year, and 143,694 lb 
(65,179 kg) for the 2020 fishing year and subsequent fishing years. 
These ACLs are based on the ABCs recommended by the SSCs and adopted by 
the Gulf Council in the framework action. The ACLs are consistent with 
the current apportionment between the Gulf and South Atlantic and are 
equal to the Gulf ABCs. The Council did not establish ACTs.

Mutton Snapper Recreational Bag Limit

    The recreational bag and possession limit for mutton snapper in the 
Gulf EEZ is 10 fish per day within the 10-snapper aggregate 
recreational bag limit, as established by Amendment 1 to the FMP (55 FR 
2078; January 22, 1990). On January 1, 2017, the Florida Fish and 
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) decreased the state's 
recreational bag limit from 10 mutton snapper per person per day to 5 
mutton snapper per person per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag 
limit. On January 11, 2018, NMFS published a final rule that changes 
the recreational bag limit in the South Atlantic EEZ to 5 mutton 
snapper per person per day within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit 
(83 FR 1305). This final rule reduces the recreational bag limit 
applicable to the Gulf EEZ to 5 mutton snapper per person per day 
within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit to be consistent with the 
Florida state bag limit and South Atlantic bag limit. Consistent mutton 
snapper recreational bag limits across the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZs 
and Florida state waters is expected to improve compliance and decrease 
the burden for law enforcement.
    During the development of this framework action, the public 
expressed concern regarding the impacts of fishing effort on mutton 
snapper spawning aggregations in the Florida Keys during the April 
through June peak spawning season. This reduction in the recreational 
bag limit could reduce impacts to the stock that may occur during the 
mutton snapper spawning season.

Mutton Snapper Minimum Size Limit

    In the Gulf Federal waters, the commercial and recreational minimum 
size limit for mutton snapper is 16 inches (40.6 cm), total length 
(TL), as established by Amendment 16B to the FMP (64 FR 57403; October 
25, 1999). On August 24, 2017, the FWC increased the mutton snapper 
commercial and recreational minimum size limit to 18 inches (45.7 cm), 
TL, in Florida state waters. In addition, on January 11, 2018, NMFS 
published a final rule to change the mutton snapper commercial and 
recreational minimum size limit to 18 inches (45.7 cm), TL, in the 
South Atlantic EEZ (83 FR 1305). This rule revises the mutton snapper 
commercial and recreational minimum size limits to 18 inches (45.7 cm), 
TL, in the Gulf EEZ to be consistent with Florida and South Atlantic 
minimum size limits. As with the proposed change to the recreational 
bag limit, this change increases regulatory consistency, to improve 
compliance and decrease the burden for law enforcement.
    Generally, increasing the minimum size limit for a species 
increases the age of harvested fish, making it more likely that an 
individual reaches sexual maturity before leaving the population and 
also slows harvest rates. However, more than 95 percent of mutton 
snapper landings from the Gulf are from the commercial sector and 95 
percent of the commercial landings are larger than 20 inches (50.8 cm). 
Therefore, NMFS expects little effect on the spawning population and 
harvest rates as a result of this proposed change.

Gag Commercial Minimum Size Limit

    In the Gulf EEZ, the commercial minimum size limit for gag is 22 
inches (55.8 cm), TL, and was put into place through Amendment 32 to 
the FMP (72 FR 6988; February 10, 2012) to reduce discard mortality of 
gag. This proposed rule would increase the Gulf gag commercial minimum 
size limit to 24 inches (60.9 cm), TL to make the commercial minimum 
size limit consistent with the Gulf recreational minimum size limit as 
well as consistent with the South Atlantic and Florida commercial and 
recreational size limits.
    Over 98 percent of Gulf commercial gag landings come from waters 
adjacent to Florida, and a recent analysis of Gulf

[[Page 6832]]

commercial landings from 2013 through 2015 indicates that 94.5 percent 
of commercially harvested gag in the Gulf waters are at least 24 inches 
(60.9 cm), TL. Therefore, increasing the commercial minimum is expected 
to improve compliance and decrease the burden for law enforcement by 
increasing regulatory consistency, but it is not expected to increase 
regulatory discards of gag.

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 action, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after 
public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) for 
this proposed rule, as required by section 603 of the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 
603. The IRFA describes the economic impact that this proposed rule, if 
implemented, would have on small entities. A description of the 
proposed rule, why it is being considered, and the objectives of, and 
legal basis for this proposed rule are contained at the beginning of 
this section in the preamble and in the SUMMARY section of the 
preamble. A copy of the full analysis is available from the NMFS (see 
ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this 
proposed rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal 
rules have been identified. In addition, no new reporting, record-
keeping, or other compliance requirements are introduced by this 
proposed rule. Accordingly, this proposed rule does not implicate the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly 
affect all commercial vessels that harvest Gulf mutton snapper and/or 
gag under the FMP. Changes to recreational ACLs, minimum size limits, 
or recreational bag limits in this framework and proposed rule would 
not directly apply to or regulate charter vessel and headboat (for-
hire) businesses. Any impact to the profitability or competitiveness of 
for-hire fishing businesses would be the result of changes in for-hire 
angler demand and would therefore be indirect in nature. The RFA does 
not consider recreational anglers, who would be directly affected by 
this proposed rule, to be small entities, so they are outside the scope 
of this analysis and only the effects on commercial vessels were 
analyzed. For RFA purposes only, NMFS has established a small business 
size standard for businesses, including their affiliates, whose primary 
industry is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2). A business primarily 
engaged in commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411) is classified as a 
small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not 
dominant in its field of operation (including affiliates), and has 
combined annual receipts not in excess of $11 million for all its 
affiliated operations worldwide.
    As of July 8, 2017, there were 839 vessels with valid or renewable 
Federal Gulf reef fish commercial vessel permits. From 2010 through 
2015, an average of 119 vessels per year landed mutton snapper in state 
and Federal waters of the Gulf. These vessels, combined, averaged 429 
trips per year in the Gulf on which mutton snapper were landed and 
1,594 other trips taken in the Gulf on which no mutton snapper were 
landed or were taken in the South Atlantic. The average annual total 
dockside revenue (2015 dollars) was approximately $0.22 million from 
mutton snapper, approximately $4.34 million from other species co-
harvested with mutton snapper (on the same trips), and approximately 
$12.10 million from other trips by these vessels in the Gulf on which 
no mutton snapper were harvested or occurred in the South Atlantic. 
Total average annual revenue from all species harvested by vessels 
harvesting mutton snapper in the Gulf was approximately $16.66 million, 
or approximately $138,764 per vessel. For the same period, an average 
of 375 vessels per year landed gag in the Gulf. These vessels, 
combined, averaged 2,936 trips per year in the Gulf on which gag were 
landed and 2,416 trips taken either in the Gulf on which gag were not 
harvested or trips taken in the South Atlantic. The average annual 
total dockside revenue (2015 dollars) for these 375 vessels was 
approximately $2.39 million from gag, approximately $25.32 million from 
other species co-harvested with gag (on the same trips in the Gulf), 
and approximately $17.06 million from the other trips taken by these 
vessels. The total average annual revenue from all species harvested by 
these 375 vessels was approximately $44.77 million, or approximately 
$120,238 per vessel. Based on the foregoing revenue information, all 
commercial vessels affected by the proposed rule may be assumed to be 
small entities.
    Because all entities expected to be directly affected by this 
proposed rule are assumed to be small entities, NMFS has determined 
that this proposed rule would affect a substantial number of small 
entities; however, the issue of disproportionate effects on small 
versus large entities does not arise in the present case.
    Relevant to commercial vessels, the proposed rule would modify the 
2018-2020, and subsequent years', ACLs for the Gulf apportionment of 
mutton snapper; increase the minimum size limit for commercial mutton 
snapper in the Gulf to 18 inches (45.7 cm) TL; and, increase the 
commercial minimum size limit for gag in the Gulf to 24 inches (60.9 
cm) TL.
    Modifying the ACLs for mutton snapper would result in ACL 
reductions each year from 2018 through 2020. Vessel revenue reductions 
corresponding to these reduced ACLs would be approximately $166,000 in 
2018, $154,000 in 2019, and $143,000 in 2020, or an annual average of 
approximately $160,000 for the four-year period. If distributed equally 
among the 119 vessels, average annual revenue loss would be 
approximately $1,350 per vessel. This annual revenue loss per vessel 
would be approximately 1 percent of average per vessel revenues from 
all species.
    Increasing the Gulf mutton snapper minimum size limit from 16 
inches (40.6 cm), TL, to 18 inches (45.7 cm), TL, would affect 
approximately 0.2 percent of commercial landings, or approximately $495 
annually in total vessel revenues. This revenue reduction is minimal, 
and it is also unlikely to be in addition to the estimated revenue 
losses from the reductions in ACLs, because NMFS expects fishermen to 
catch the full amount of the ACLs even with an increase in the minimum 
size limit for mutton snapper.
    Increasing the commercial gag minimum size limit in the Gulf from 
22 inches (55.8 cm), TL, to 24 inches (60.9 cm), TL, could potentially 
reduce commercial gag landings by 12,207 lb (5,537 kg) annually, or 
approximately $61,890 in total vessel revenues. These landings and 
revenue loss, however, appear unlikely because gag are managed under an 
individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, and IFQ participants would 
likely adjust their trip level catch composition throughout the year or 
sell a portion of their annual gag allocation to other fishers, rather 
than suffer a loss in revenues.
    The following discussion analyzes the alternatives that were 
considered by the Council, including those that were not selected as 
preferred by the Council.
    Three alternatives, including the preferred alternative described 
in this proposed rule, were considered for

[[Page 6833]]

establishing ACLs for Gulf mutton snapper. The first alternative, the 
no-action alternative, would maintain the current economic benefits to 
all participants in the mutton snapper component of the reef fish 
fishery. This alternative, however, would be inconsistent with the best 
scientific information available and would allow more harvest than is 
recommended by the SSCs based on the most recent stock assessment.
    The second alternative, which is the preferred alternative, 
includes two options, one of which is the preferred option. The non-
preferred option would apply the Gulf's ACL/ACT control rule, with the 
resultant ACT being 12 percent less than the ACL. Because the ACT is 
not currently used for management purposes, the economic effects of 
this option would be the same as that of the preferred option.
    The third alternative would establish ACLs that would be lower than 
the ACLs in the preferred alternative, and thus would be expected to 
result in larger revenue losses than the preferred alternative.
    Three alternatives, one of which includes the preferred alternative 
described in this proposed rule, were considered for modifying the 
mutton snapper minimum size limit. The first alternative, the no-action 
alternative, would maintain the 16-inch (40.6 cm), TL, minimum size 
limit for commercial and recreational mutton snapper, and thus would 
not be expected to change the economic benefits from fishing for mutton 
snapper. However, this alternative would not achieve one of the stated 
goals of changing the minimum size limit, which is to establish 
consistent size limit regulations between the Gulf EEZ, the South 
Atlantic EEZ, and Florida state waters.
    The second alternative would increase the minimum size limit for 
commercial and recreational mutton snapper to 20 inches (50.8 cm), TL. 
This alternative would be expected to result in larger revenue 
reductions to commercial vessels than the preferred alternative.
    Two alternatives, including the preferred alternative described in 
this proposed rule, were considered for modifying the commercial gag 
minimum size limit. The only alternative to the preferred action is the 
no-action alternative which would retain the 22-inch (55.8 cm), TL, 
minimum size limit for gag. However, this alternative would not 
establish consistent size limit regulations between the Gulf EEZ, the 
South Atlantic EEZ, and Florida state waters. Furthermore, although the 
preferred alternative would be expected to reduce vessel revenues by 
approximately $61,890 relative to the no-action alternative, as 
previously noted, such revenue reduction is deemed unlikely under an 
IFQ program.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Gag, Gulf of Mexico, Mutton snapper, South 
Atlantic.

    Dated: February 12, 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 622 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

0
1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  622.37, revise paragraphs (a)(5) and (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  622.37  Size limits.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (5) Mutton snapper--18 inches (45.7 cm), TL.
    (b) * * *
    (1) Gag--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  622.38, revise paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.38  Bag and possession limits.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) Snappers, combined, excluding red, lane, and vermilion 
snapper--10. In addition, within the 10-fish aggregate snapper bag 
limit, no more than 5 fish may be mutton snapper.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec.  622.41, revise the last sentence of paragraph (o) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  622.41  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), 
and accountability measures (AMs).

* * * * *
    (o) * * * The stock ACL for mutton snapper, in round weight, is 
134,424 lb (60,974 kg) for 2018, 139,392 lb (63,227 kg) for 2019, and 
143,694 lb (65,179 kg) for 2020 and subsequent fishing years.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-03180 Filed 2-14-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P



                                                  6830                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 32 / Thursday, February 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  agency to describe any significant,                     Commission has invited comment on                     Fishery Management Council (Gulf
                                                  specifically small business, alternatives               modifications or conforming changes to                Council). This proposed rule would
                                                  that it has considered in reaching its                  Section 73.3613, or any other                         revise the mutton snapper commercial
                                                  proposed approach, which may include                    Commission rule, that are necessary or                and recreational minimum size limits,
                                                  the following four alternatives (among                  appropriate to implement the proposals                the recreational bag limit, and the stock
                                                  others): (1) The establishment of                       discussed in the NPRM and on any                      annual catch limit (ACL). In addition,
                                                  differing compliance or reporting                       alternative proposals for making these                this proposed rule would revise the gag
                                                  requirements or timetables that take into               documents available in a less costly and              commercial minimum size limit. The
                                                  account the resources available to small                more effective manner. The Commission                 purpose of this proposed rule is to
                                                  entities; (2) the clarification,                        will review and analyze any information               reduce harvest of mutton snapper to
                                                  consolidation, or simplification of                     received in promulgating any final rules              prevent overfishing while also achieving
                                                  compliance and reporting requirements                   in this proceeding.                                   optimum yield (OY), and to streamline
                                                  under the rule for such small entities;                    48. Federal Rules that May Duplicate,              management measures to help increase
                                                  (3) the use of performance, rather than                 Overlap, or Conflict with the Proposed                compliance with the fishing regulations
                                                  design, standards; and (4) an exemption                 Rule. None.                                           for mutton snapper and gag in the
                                                  from coverage of the rule, or any part                     49. Ordering Clauses. Accordingly, it              exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the
                                                  thereof, for small entities.                            is ordered that, pursuant to the                      Gulf off Florida.
                                                     45. The NPRM proposes to amend                       authority found in sections 1, 4(i), 4(j),            DATES: Written comments must be
                                                  Section 73.3613 to eliminate the paper                  303(r), 309, 310, and 336 of the                      received by March 17, 2018.
                                                  filing requirement for Section 73.3613                  Communications Act of 1934, as                        ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                  documents, and seeks comment on                         amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j),               on the proposed rule, identified by
                                                  other proposed modifications to                         303(r), 309, 310, and 336, this Notice of             ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2017–0082’’ by either
                                                  broadcasters’ current obligations under                 Proposed Rulemaking is adopted.                       of the following methods:
                                                  Section 73.3613, including, among other                    50. It is further ordered that the                    • Electronic Submission: Submit all
                                                  things, eliminating certain redundant                   Commission’s Consumer and                             electronic comments via the Federal
                                                  filing obligations and providing                        Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference                Rulemaking Portal. Go to
                                                  enhanced confidentiality protections.                   Information Center, shall send a copy of              www.regulations.gov/NOAA–NMFS–
                                                  Under the proposal in the NPRM,                         this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,                   2017–0082, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’
                                                  redaction of confidential or proprietary                including the Initial Regulatory                      icon, complete the required fields, and
                                                  information would only be necessary                     Flexibility Act Analysis, to the Chief                enter your attached comments.
                                                  when a document is posted to the                        Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                        • Mail: Submit all written comments
                                                  online public file or provided to the                   Business Administration.                              to Rich Malinowski, NMFS Southeast
                                                  Commission or the public upon request.
                                                                                                          Federal Communications Commission.                    Regional Office (SERO), 263 13th
                                                  The rule changes proposed in the
                                                                                                          Marlene H. Dortch,                                    Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
                                                  NPRM, if adopted, would relieve                                                                                  Instructions: Comments sent by any
                                                  broadcast licensees and permittees,                     Secretary.
                                                                                                                                                                other method, to any other address or
                                                  including small entities, of the time and               [FR Doc. 2018–03098 Filed 2–14–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                individual, or received after the end of
                                                  expense associated with filing paper                    BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
                                                                                                                                                                the comment period, may not be
                                                  copies of Section 73.3613 documents
                                                                                                                                                                considered by NMFS. All comments
                                                  with the Commission.
                                                                                                                                                                received are a part of the public record
                                                     46. For licensees and permittees of
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                and will generally be posted for public
                                                  commercial and noncommercial AM,
                                                  FM, and television stations, the NPRM                                                                         viewing on www.regulations.gov
                                                                                                          National Oceanic and Atmospheric                      without change. All personal identifying
                                                  proposes to rely instead on the                         Administration
                                                  Commission’s existing public file rules,                                                                      information (e.g., name, address),
                                                  which already require that these                                                                              confidential business information, or
                                                                                                          50 CFR Part 622                                       otherwise sensitive information
                                                  licensees and permittees make copies of
                                                  Section 73.3613 documents available to                  [Docket No. 170627600–8076–01]                        submitted voluntarily by the sender will
                                                  the public. The existing public file rules                                                                    be publicly accessible. NMFS will
                                                                                                          RIN 0648–BG99                                         accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/
                                                  provide these licensees and permittees
                                                  with flexibility to select the disclosure                                                                     A’’ in required fields if you wish to
                                                                                                          Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of                   remain anonymous).
                                                  method that is less burdensome with                     Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish
                                                  respect to Section 73.3613 documents,                                                                            Electronic copies of the framework
                                                                                                          Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Mutton                 action, which includes an
                                                  while still ensuring timely access to the               Snapper and Gag Management
                                                  documents by the public and the                                                                               environmental assessment, Regulatory
                                                                                                          Measures                                              Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis, and a
                                                  Commission. For international
                                                  broadcast stations, the NPRM proposes                   AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries                    regulatory impact review, may be
                                                  that the Commission retain its ability to               Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                  obtained from www.regulations.gov or
                                                  obtain Section 73.3613 documents from                   Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                    the SERO website at http://
                                                  licensees and permittees of these                       Commerce.                                             sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_
                                                  stations upon request, as needed.                                                                             fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                          ACTION: Proposed rule; request for
                                                     47. We anticipate that affected small                                                                      mutton_gag/mutton_gag_index.html.
                                                                                                          comments.
                                                  entities will only benefit from the                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich
                                                  revisions proposed in the NPRM.                         SUMMARY:  NMFS proposes to implement                  Malinowski, NMFS SERO, telephone:
                                                  However, in an effort to better                         management measures described in a                    727–824–5305, email:
                                                  understand the impact and identify                      framework action to the Fishery                       Rich.Malinowski@noaa.gov.
                                                  alternative actions that can be taken to                Management Plan for the Reef Fish                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf
                                                  minimize any significant economic                       Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP),                reef fish fishery includes mutton
                                                  impact on small entities, the                           as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf)              snapper and gag and is managed under


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 32 / Thursday, February 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           6831

                                                  the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the                    based on the revised stock OFLs                       aggregations in the Florida Keys during
                                                  Gulf Council and is implemented by                      produced by the assessment.                           the April through June peak spawning
                                                  NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR                                                                            season. This reduction in the
                                                                                                          Management Measures Contained in
                                                  part 622 under the authority of the                                                                           recreational bag limit could reduce
                                                                                                          This Proposed Rule
                                                  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery                                                                                      impacts to the stock that may occur
                                                  Conservation and Management Act                           For mutton snapper, this proposed                   during the mutton snapper spawning
                                                  (Magnuson-Steven Act) (16 U.S.C. 1801,                  rule would revise the stock ACL (given                season.
                                                  et seq.).                                               in round weight), the commercial and
                                                                                                          recreational minimum size limits, and                 Mutton Snapper Minimum Size Limit
                                                  Background                                              the recreational bag limit. This proposed               In the Gulf Federal waters, the
                                                     The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires                    rule would also revise the gag                        commercial and recreational minimum
                                                  NMFS and regional fishery management                    commercial minimum size limit.                        size limit for mutton snapper is 16
                                                  councils to prevent overfishing and                                                                           inches (40.6 cm), total length (TL), as
                                                                                                          Mutton Snapper Stock ACL
                                                  achieve, on a continuing basis, the OY                                                                        established by Amendment 16B to the
                                                                                                             The current stock ACL for mutton                   FMP (64 FR 57403; October 25, 1999).
                                                  from federally managed fish stocks.
                                                                                                          snapper is 203,000 lb (92,079 kg), round              On August 24, 2017, the FWC increased
                                                  These mandates are intended to ensure
                                                                                                          weight, and was initially established in              the mutton snapper commercial and
                                                  that fishery resources are managed for
                                                                                                          2011 (76 FR 82044; December 29, 2011).                recreational minimum size limit to 18
                                                  the greatest overall benefit to the nation,
                                                                                                          This proposed rule would set the Gulf                 inches (45.7 cm), TL, in Florida state
                                                  particularly with respect to providing
                                                                                                          mutton snapper stock ACL at 134,424 lb                waters. In addition, on January 11, 2018,
                                                  food production and recreational
                                                                                                          (60,974 kg) for the 2018 fishing year,                NMFS published a final rule to change
                                                  opportunities, while also protecting
                                                                                                          139,392 lb (63,227 kg) for the 2019                   the mutton snapper commercial and
                                                  marine ecosystems. To further attain
                                                                                                          fishing year, and 143,694 lb (65,179 kg)              recreational minimum size limit to 18
                                                  this goal, the Magnuson-Stevens Act
                                                                                                          for the 2020 fishing year and subsequent              inches (45.7 cm), TL, in the South
                                                  requires fishery managers to consider,
                                                                                                          fishing years. These ACLs are based on                Atlantic EEZ (83 FR 1305). This rule
                                                  among other things, efficiency in the
                                                                                                          the ABCs recommended by the SSCs                      revises the mutton snapper commercial
                                                  utilization of fishery resources.
                                                                                                          and adopted by the Gulf Council in the                and recreational minimum size limits to
                                                     In the Gulf and South Atlantic,                      framework action. The ACLs are                        18 inches (45.7 cm), TL, in the Gulf EEZ
                                                  mutton snapper are harvested by both                    consistent with the current                           to be consistent with Florida and South
                                                  commercial and recreational fishers,                    apportionment between the Gulf and                    Atlantic minimum size limits. As with
                                                  and landings come predominantly from                    South Atlantic and are equal to the Gulf              the proposed change to the recreational
                                                  waters adjacent to Florida. In the Gulf,                ABCs. The Council did not establish                   bag limit, this change increases
                                                  68 percent of recreational landings come                ACTs.                                                 regulatory consistency, to improve
                                                  from Florida state waters, but only 2
                                                                                                          Mutton Snapper Recreational Bag Limit                 compliance and decrease the burden for
                                                  percent of the commercial landings
                                                                                                                                                                law enforcement.
                                                  come from Florida state waters.                            The recreational bag and possession                  Generally, increasing the minimum
                                                     Mutton snapper are managed                           limit for mutton snapper in the Gulf                  size limit for a species increases the age
                                                  separately by the Gulf Council and the                  EEZ is 10 fish per day within the 10-                 of harvested fish, making it more likely
                                                  South Atlantic Fishery Management                       snapper aggregate recreational bag limit,             that an individual reaches sexual
                                                  Council (South Atlantic Council), but it                as established by Amendment 1 to the                  maturity before leaving the population
                                                  is a single genetic stock throughout both               FMP (55 FR 2078; January 22, 1990). On                and also slows harvest rates. However,
                                                  regions. The stock acceptable biological                January 1, 2017, the Florida Fish and                 more than 95 percent of mutton snapper
                                                  catch (ABC) is apportioned 18 percent                   Wildlife Conservation Commission                      landings from the Gulf are from the
                                                  to the Gulf and 82 percent to the South                 (FWC) decreased the state’s recreational              commercial sector and 95 percent of the
                                                  Atlantic. The Gulf stock ACL is equal to                bag limit from 10 mutton snapper per                  commercial landings are larger than 20
                                                  the Gulf portion of the ABC and is not                  person per day to 5 mutton snapper per                inches (50.8 cm). Therefore, NMFS
                                                  allocated between sectors. The Gulf                     person per day within the 10-snapper                  expects little effect on the spawning
                                                  Council established an annual catch                     aggregate bag limit. On January 11,                   population and harvest rates as a result
                                                  target (ACT) set 14 percent below the                   2018, NMFS published a final rule that                of this proposed change.
                                                  ACL. However, this ACT is not codified                  changes the recreational bag limit in the
                                                  and is not used for management                          South Atlantic EEZ to 5 mutton snapper                Gag Commercial Minimum Size Limit
                                                  purposes.                                               per person per day within the 10-                       In the Gulf EEZ, the commercial
                                                     The 2015 Southeast Data, Assessment,                 snapper aggregate bag limit (83 FR                    minimum size limit for gag is 22 inches
                                                  and Review (SEDAR) 15A Update                           1305). This final rule reduces the                    (55.8 cm), TL, and was put into place
                                                  determined that the mutton snapper                      recreational bag limit applicable to the              through Amendment 32 to the FMP (72
                                                  stock is not overfished and not                         Gulf EEZ to 5 mutton snapper per                      FR 6988; February 10, 2012) to reduce
                                                  experiencing overfishing, but that the                  person per day within the 10-snapper                  discard mortality of gag. This proposed
                                                  adult population was smaller than                       aggregate bag limit to be consistent with             rule would increase the Gulf gag
                                                  previously estimated through SEDAR                      the Florida state bag limit and South                 commercial minimum size limit to 24
                                                  15A (2008). Therefore, the SEDAR 15A                    Atlantic bag limit. Consistent mutton                 inches (60.9 cm), TL to make the
                                                  Update includes lower overfishing                       snapper recreational bag limits across                commercial minimum size limit
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                                                  limits (OFLs). These OFLs increase                      the Gulf and South Atlantic EEZs and                  consistent with the Gulf recreational
                                                  through 2020 but are still well below the               Florida state waters is expected to                   minimum size limit as well as
                                                  OFL included in SEDAR 15A. The Gulf                     improve compliance and decrease the                   consistent with the South Atlantic and
                                                  and South Atlantic Councils’ Scientific                 burden for law enforcement.                           Florida commercial and recreational
                                                  and Statistical Committees (SSCs)                          During the development of this                     size limits.
                                                  reviewed the update assessment, agreed                  framework action, the public expressed                  Over 98 percent of Gulf commercial
                                                  with the stock status determinations,                   concern regarding the impacts of fishing              gag landings come from waters adjacent
                                                  and recommended new stock ABCs                          effort on mutton snapper spawning                     to Florida, and a recent analysis of Gulf


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                                                  6832                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 32 / Thursday, February 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  commercial landings from 2013 through                   effects on commercial vessels were                    has determined that this proposed rule
                                                  2015 indicates that 94.5 percent of                     analyzed. For RFA purposes only,                      would affect a substantial number of
                                                  commercially harvested gag in the Gulf                  NMFS has established a small business                 small entities; however, the issue of
                                                  waters are at least 24 inches (60.9 cm),                size standard for businesses, including               disproportionate effects on small versus
                                                  TL. Therefore, increasing the                           their affiliates, whose primary industry              large entities does not arise in the
                                                  commercial minimum is expected to                       is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR                     present case.
                                                  improve compliance and decrease the                     200.2). A business primarily engaged in                  Relevant to commercial vessels, the
                                                  burden for law enforcement by                           commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411)                 proposed rule would modify the 2018–
                                                  increasing regulatory consistency, but it               is classified as a small business if it is            2020, and subsequent years’, ACLs for
                                                  is not expected to increase regulatory                  independently owned and operated, is                  the Gulf apportionment of mutton
                                                  discards of gag.                                        not dominant in its field of operation                snapper; increase the minimum size
                                                                                                          (including affiliates), and has combined              limit for commercial mutton snapper in
                                                  Classification                                                                                                the Gulf to 18 inches (45.7 cm) TL; and,
                                                                                                          annual receipts not in excess of $11
                                                     Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the              million for all its affiliated operations             increase the commercial minimum size
                                                  Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Assistant                     worldwide.                                            limit for gag in the Gulf to 24 inches
                                                  Administrator has determined that this                     As of July 8, 2017, there were 839                 (60.9 cm) TL.
                                                  proposed rule is consistent with the                    vessels with valid or renewable Federal                  Modifying the ACLs for mutton
                                                  framework action, the FMP, the                          Gulf reef fish commercial vessel                      snapper would result in ACL reductions
                                                  Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other                         permits. From 2010 through 2015, an                   each year from 2018 through 2020.
                                                  applicable law, subject to further                      average of 119 vessels per year landed                Vessel revenue reductions
                                                  consideration after public comment.                     mutton snapper in state and Federal                   corresponding to these reduced ACLs
                                                     This proposed rule has been                          waters of the Gulf. These vessels,                    would be approximately $166,000 in
                                                  determined to be not significant for                    combined, averaged 429 trips per year                 2018, $154,000 in 2019, and $143,000 in
                                                  purposes of Executive Order 12866.                      in the Gulf on which mutton snapper                   2020, or an annual average of
                                                     NMFS prepared an Initial Regulatory                  were landed and 1,594 other trips taken               approximately $160,000 for the four-
                                                  Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) for this                    in the Gulf on which no mutton snapper                year period. If distributed equally
                                                  proposed rule, as required by section                   were landed or were taken in the South                among the 119 vessels, average annual
                                                  603 of the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 603. The IRFA                  Atlantic. The average annual total                    revenue loss would be approximately
                                                  describes the economic impact that this                 dockside revenue (2015 dollars) was                   $1,350 per vessel. This annual revenue
                                                  proposed rule, if implemented, would                    approximately $0.22 million from                      loss per vessel would be approximately
                                                  have on small entities. A description of                mutton snapper, approximately $4.34                   1 percent of average per vessel revenues
                                                  the proposed rule, why it is being                      million from other species co-harvested               from all species.
                                                  considered, and the objectives of, and                  with mutton snapper (on the same                         Increasing the Gulf mutton snapper
                                                  legal basis for this proposed rule are                  trips), and approximately $12.10 million              minimum size limit from 16 inches
                                                  contained at the beginning of this                      from other trips by these vessels in the              (40.6 cm), TL, to 18 inches (45.7 cm),
                                                  section in the preamble and in the                      Gulf on which no mutton snapper were                  TL, would affect approximately 0.2
                                                  SUMMARY section of the preamble. A                      harvested or occurred in the South                    percent of commercial landings, or
                                                  copy of the full analysis is available                  Atlantic. Total average annual revenue                approximately $495 annually in total
                                                  from the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A                        from all species harvested by vessels                 vessel revenues. This revenue reduction
                                                  summary of the IRFA follows.                            harvesting mutton snapper in the Gulf                 is minimal, and it is also unlikely to be
                                                     The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides                    was approximately $16.66 million, or                  in addition to the estimated revenue
                                                  the statutory basis for this proposed                   approximately $138,764 per vessel. For                losses from the reductions in ACLs,
                                                  rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or                   the same period, an average of 375                    because NMFS expects fishermen to
                                                  conflicting Federal rules have been                     vessels per year landed gag in the Gulf.              catch the full amount of the ACLs even
                                                  identified. In addition, no new                         These vessels, combined, averaged                     with an increase in the minimum size
                                                  reporting, record-keeping, or other                     2,936 trips per year in the Gulf on                   limit for mutton snapper.
                                                  compliance requirements are introduced                  which gag were landed and 2,416 trips                    Increasing the commercial gag
                                                  by this proposed rule. Accordingly, this                taken either in the Gulf on which gag                 minimum size limit in the Gulf from 22
                                                  proposed rule does not implicate the                    were not harvested or trips taken in the              inches (55.8 cm), TL, to 24 inches (60.9
                                                  Paperwork Reduction Act.                                South Atlantic. The average annual total              cm), TL, could potentially reduce
                                                     This proposed rule, if implemented,                  dockside revenue (2015 dollars) for                   commercial gag landings by 12,207 lb
                                                  would be expected to directly affect all                these 375 vessels was approximately                   (5,537 kg) annually, or approximately
                                                  commercial vessels that harvest Gulf                    $2.39 million from gag, approximately                 $61,890 in total vessel revenues. These
                                                  mutton snapper and/or gag under the                     $25.32 million from other species co-                 landings and revenue loss, however,
                                                  FMP. Changes to recreational ACLs,                      harvested with gag (on the same trips in              appear unlikely because gag are
                                                  minimum size limits, or recreational bag                the Gulf), and approximately $17.06                   managed under an individual fishing
                                                  limits in this framework and proposed                   million from the other trips taken by                 quota (IFQ) program, and IFQ
                                                  rule would not directly apply to or                     these vessels. The total average annual               participants would likely adjust their
                                                  regulate charter vessel and headboat                    revenue from all species harvested by                 trip level catch composition throughout
                                                  (for-hire) businesses. Any impact to the                these 375 vessels was approximately                   the year or sell a portion of their annual
                                                  profitability or competitiveness of for-                $44.77 million, or approximately                      gag allocation to other fishers, rather
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                                                  hire fishing businesses would be the                    $120,238 per vessel. Based on the                     than suffer a loss in revenues.
                                                  result of changes in for-hire angler                    foregoing revenue information, all                       The following discussion analyzes the
                                                  demand and would therefore be indirect                  commercial vessels affected by the                    alternatives that were considered by the
                                                  in nature. The RFA does not consider                    proposed rule may be assumed to be                    Council, including those that were not
                                                  recreational anglers, who would be                      small entities.                                       selected as preferred by the Council.
                                                  directly affected by this proposed rule,                   Because all entities expected to be                   Three alternatives, including the
                                                  to be small entities, so they are outside               directly affected by this proposed rule               preferred alternative described in this
                                                  the scope of this analysis and only the                 are assumed to be small entities, NMFS                proposed rule, were considered for


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 32 / Thursday, February 15, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                6833

                                                  establishing ACLs for Gulf mutton                       between the Gulf EEZ, the South                       PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE
                                                  snapper. The first alternative, the no-                 Atlantic EEZ, and Florida state waters.               CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH
                                                  action alternative, would maintain the                     The second alternative would                       ATLANTIC
                                                  current economic benefits to all                        increase the minimum size limit for
                                                  participants in the mutton snapper                                                                            ■ 1. The authority citation for part 622
                                                                                                          commercial and recreational mutton
                                                  component of the reef fish fishery. This                                                                      continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                          snapper to 20 inches (50.8 cm), TL. This
                                                  alternative, however, would be                          alternative would be expected to result                   Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
                                                  inconsistent with the best scientific                   in larger revenue reductions to
                                                  information available and would allow                                                                         ■ 2. In § 622.37, revise paragraphs (a)(5)
                                                                                                          commercial vessels than the preferred                 and (b)(1) to read as follows:
                                                  more harvest than is recommended by
                                                                                                          alternative.
                                                  the SSCs based on the most recent stock                                                                       § 622.37    Size limits.
                                                  assessment.                                                Two alternatives, including the
                                                                                                          preferred alternative described in this               *     *     *      *    *
                                                     The second alternative, which is the                                                                         (a) * * *
                                                  preferred alternative, includes two                     proposed rule, were considered for
                                                                                                          modifying the commercial gag                            (5) Mutton snapper—18 inches (45.7
                                                  options, one of which is the preferred                                                                        cm), TL.
                                                  option. The non-preferred option would                  minimum size limit. The only
                                                                                                                                                                  (b) * * *
                                                  apply the Gulf’s ACL/ACT control rule,                  alternative to the preferred action is the
                                                                                                                                                                  (1) Gag—24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
                                                  with the resultant ACT being 12 percent                 no-action alternative which would
                                                                                                          retain the 22-inch (55.8 cm), TL,                     *     *     *      *    *
                                                  less than the ACL. Because the ACT is
                                                                                                          minimum size limit for gag. However,                  ■ 3. In § 622.38, revise paragraph (b)(4)
                                                  not currently used for management
                                                                                                          this alternative would not establish                  to read as follows:
                                                  purposes, the economic effects of this
                                                  option would be the same as that of the                 consistent size limit regulations                     § 622.38    Bag and possession limits.
                                                  preferred option.                                       between the Gulf EEZ, the South                       *     *     *      *    *
                                                     The third alternative would establish                Atlantic EEZ, and Florida state waters.                 (b) * * *
                                                  ACLs that would be lower than the                       Furthermore, although the preferred                     (4) Snappers, combined, excluding
                                                  ACLs in the preferred alternative, and                  alternative would be expected to reduce               red, lane, and vermilion snapper—10. In
                                                  thus would be expected to result in                     vessel revenues by approximately                      addition, within the 10-fish aggregate
                                                  larger revenue losses than the preferred                $61,890 relative to the no-action                     snapper bag limit, no more than 5 fish
                                                  alternative.                                            alternative, as previously noted, such                may be mutton snapper.
                                                     Three alternatives, one of which                     revenue reduction is deemed unlikely
                                                                                                                                                                *     *     *      *    *
                                                  includes the preferred alternative                      under an IFQ program.
                                                                                                                                                                ■ 4. In § 622.41, revise the last sentence
                                                  described in this proposed rule, were                   List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622                   of paragraph (o) to read as follows:
                                                  considered for modifying the mutton
                                                  snapper minimum size limit. The first                     Fisheries, Fishing, Gag, Gulf of                    § 622.41 Annual catch limits (ACLs),
                                                  alternative, the no-action alternative,                 Mexico, Mutton snapper, South                         annual catch targets (ACTs), and
                                                  would maintain the 16-inch (40.6 cm),                   Atlantic.                                             accountability measures (AMs).
                                                  TL, minimum size limit for commercial                                                                         *     *    *     *     *
                                                                                                            Dated: February 12, 2018.
                                                  and recreational mutton snapper, and                                                                            (o) * * * The stock ACL for mutton
                                                                                                          Samuel D. Rauch III,                                  snapper, in round weight, is 134,424 lb
                                                  thus would not be expected to change
                                                  the economic benefits from fishing for                  Deputy Assistant Administrator for                    (60,974 kg) for 2018, 139,392 lb (63,227
                                                  mutton snapper. However, this                           Regulatory Programs, National Marine                  kg) for 2019, and 143,694 lb (65,179 kg)
                                                                                                          Fisheries Service.                                    for 2020 and subsequent fishing years.
                                                  alternative would not achieve one of the
                                                  stated goals of changing the minimum                      For the reasons set out in the                      *     *    *     *     *
                                                  size limit, which is to establish                       preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed                 [FR Doc. 2018–03180 Filed 2–14–18; 8:45 am]
                                                  consistent size limit regulations                       to be amended as follows:                             BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-15 00:20:49
Document Modified: 2018-02-15 00:20:49
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule; request for comments.
DatesWritten comments must be received by March 17, 2018.
ContactRich Malinowski, NMFS SERO, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 6830 
RIN Number0648-BG99
CFR AssociatedFisheries; Fishing; Gag; Gulf of Mexico; Mutton Snapper and South Atlantic

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