SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The purpose of the groundfish methodology review meeting is aimed at evaluating FT-NIRS to provide a reliable alternative to traditional ageing. Proponents plan to explore and document the variability in estimated relationships between traditional age reads and spectral data across major categorical dimensions. In addition, the review may evaluate the effect that replacing large blocks of traditional ages in assessments with FT-NIRS ages has on important assessment metrics. Evaluation of the benefits of including additional variables and the costs/implications for use of the age data in estimating other relationships, such as growth, will be explored, as time permits. This review is planned in preparation for the 2025 groundfish stock assessment cycle. The results of ( printed page 74217) this review are not considered final until reviewed by the full SSC at a future Council meeting.

No management actions will be decided by the meeting participants. The participants' role will be development of recommendations and reports for consideration by the SSC and the Pacific Council at a future Council meeting.

Although nonemergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent of the workshop participants to take final action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt ( kris.kleinschmidt@noaa.gov; (503) 820-2412) at least 10 days prior to the meeting date.

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

89 FR 74216