[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 141 (Thursday, July 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39556-39557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19560]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 071798C]


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Atlantic Swordfish Fisheries; 
Exempted Fishing Permits

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

ACTION: Applications for EFPs; deadline for receipt of EFP 
applications; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the availability of Exempted Fishing Permits 
(EFPs) to swordfish driftnet vessels for the 1998 swordfish driftnet 
fishing season. If granted, these EFPs would authorize directed 
swordfish driftnet fishing after the closure date of August 9, 1998. 
This would allow for real-time quota monitoring and a continued fishing 
season should the swordfish driftnet quota not be caught by the closure 
date.

DATES: Written comments on this program must be received on or before 
July 31, 1998. Applications for EFPs must be received on or before July 
31, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Rebecca Lent, Chief, Highly Migratory 
Species Management Division (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. Copies of the regulations under which exempted 
fishing permits are subject may also be requested from this address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Stevenson, 301-713-2347; fax: 
301-713-1917.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These EFPs are requested under the authority 
of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745 concerning 
scientific research activity, exempted fishing, and exempted 
educational activity. The Atlantic swordfish driftnet fishery typically 
lasts 7-14 days at which time the quota is met and the fishery ceases. 
Current Federal regulations require NMFS to notify fishery participants 
14 days in advance of a fishery closure. This may result in a closure 
notice that is published prior to the start of fishing without benefit 
of observing current catch rates. Because catch rates in this fishery 
are so variable (in 1996, daily landings ranged from 3,910 lb (1.8 mt) 
dressed weight (dw) to 30,962 lb (14 mt)dw), it is preferable to 
implement a real-time quota monitoring program in which NMFS monitors 
daily landings of swordfish in the fleet and ``closes'' the fishery 
when the quota is met.
    Fishing vessels would apply for an EFP. EFP recipients would then 
be able

[[Page 39557]]

to fish each day after the closure (August 9, 1998) provided they 
report swordfish landings from the previous evening's driftnet set. The 
EFP would not be valid each day until the landings report was received 
by NMFS. Another condition of the EFP would be that, upon notice, all 
driftnet vessels must cease fishing and return to port for offloading 
of their catch.
    It is expected that fewer than 12 vessels will apply for the EFPs. 
The proposed quota monitoring program involves activities (fishing 
after a closure) otherwise prohibited by Atlantic swordfish 
regulations. The applicants require daily authorization to fish for, 
and to possess, Atlantic swordfish with a driftnet outside the Federal 
commercial fishing season.
    Based on 12 potential applicants, NMFS finds that this program 
warrants further consideration. A final decision on issuance of EFPs 
will depend on the submission of all required information, NMFS' review 
of public comments received on this notice, and on any consultations 
with any appropriate Regional Fishery Management Councils, states, or 
Federal agencies.

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

    Dated: July 17, 1998.
Gary C. Matlock,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19560 Filed 7-17-98; 4:20 pm]
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