Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 13, 2021 / Notices 36709 

will be restricted to those issues 

specifically identified in this notice and 

any issues arising after publication of 

this notice that require emergency 

action under Section 305(c) of the 

Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the 

public has been notified of the Council’s 

intent to take final action to address the 

emergency. 

Special Accommodations 

The meeting is physically accessible 

to people with disabilities. Requests for 

sign language interpretation or other 

auxiliary aids should be directed to 

Kathy Collins at the Council Office, 

(302) 526–5253, at least 5 days prior to 

the meeting date. 

Dated: July 7, 2021. 

Tracey L. Thompson, 

Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable 

Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 2021–14783 Filed 7–12–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

[RTID 0648–XB224] 

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Council; Public Meeting 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Notice for request of proposals 

for Ageing Study on Gulf of Mexico 

Gray Triggerfish. 

SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery 

Management Council is requesting 

proposals from qualified contractors to 

organize and conduct an Expanded 

Sampling and Ageing Study on Gulf of 

Mexico Gray Triggerfish. 

DATES: This will be a 24-month project 

and a maximum $250,000 is available to 

fund the work. Proposal Submission 

Deadline: August 13, 2021. 

ADDRESSES: Council address: Gulf of 

Mexico Fishery Management Council, 

4701 W Spruce Street, Suite 200, 

Tampa, FL 33607; telephone: (813) 348– 

1630. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. 

John Froeschke, Deputy Director, Gulf of 

Mexico Fishery Management Council; 

john.froeschke@gulfcouncil.org; 

telephone: (813) 348–1630. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Proposal Submission Deadline Friday, 

August 13, 2021 

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery 

Management Council (Council) seeks a 

highly-qualified contractor to organize 

and conduct an ageing study on Gulf of 

Mexico (Gulf) gray triggerfish, Balistes 

capriscus. The Term of Contract is 24 

months and Maximum Funding 

Available for Work is $250,000. The 

contractor is tasked with evaluating and 

proposing new techniques to efficiently 

sample, process, and utilize different 

ageing structures (i.e., spines and 

otoliths) for gray triggerfish in the Gulf. 

Proposal applicants are encouraged to 

develop work plans to collaborate with 

state and federal partners to collect 

representative samples across a range of 

age classes. Typically, the various Gulf 

state and federal creel and port samplers 

would be able to contribute to this work; 

however, otoliths are not currently 

taken at dockside intercepts under 

current sample collection protocols. 

Sampling gray triggerfish otoliths that 

are small, fragile, and difficult to extract 

may require obtaining filleted carcasses 

(i.e., racks) from fishery-dependent 

intercepts. If additional samples are 

necessary, the proposal may consider an 

effective method for field collection of 

gray triggerfish otoliths and dorsal 

spines. 

Gray triggerfish have historically been 

aged by counting translucent zones in 

the first dorsal spine since gray 

triggerfish otoliths are small, fragile, and 

difficult to extract. During the Data/ 

Assessment workshop deliberations for 

SEDAR 62, it was noted that a study 

applying bomb radiocarbon validation 

to compare spine and otolith ages 

routinely resulted in lower age estimates 

from spines versus otoliths, and called 

into question the reliability of growth 

estimates derived from spine-based ages 

(Patterson et al. 2019: SEDAR62–WP– 

17). 

Background 

During its January 2021 meeting, the 

Council identified unspent Council 

funds in 2020. These unspent funds 

were primarily due to limited travel 

during the COVID–19 pandemic. The 

Council is considering funding a 

research study, on the ageing of gray 

triggerfish, that could be completed, 

available, and contributory to the 

scheduled SEDAR Research Track 

assessment of Gulf gray triggerfish to 

begin in 2024. The last assessment for 

Gulf gray triggerfish (SEDAR 62) was 

terminated because of irreconcilable 

data issues, with ageing of gray 

triggerfish being an outstanding 

concern. 

Gray triggerfish have historically been 

aged by counting translucent zones in 

the first dorsal spines since gray 

triggerfish otoliths tend to be small, 

fragile, and difficult to extract. Allman 

et al. (2016) conducted an age validation 

study of gray triggerfish spines that 

revealed two peaks in translucent zone 

formation, which was interpreted as a 

doublet pattern (two closely spaced 

translucent zones) representing a single 

year in the life. However, during 

workshop deliberations for SEDAR 62, it 

was noted that a study applying bomb 

radiocarbon validation to compare spine 

and otolith ages resulted in otolith ages 

better aligning with known regional 

coral and otolith carbon-14 values 

compared to spines, which under-aged 

known records. Whereas, the 

comparison of vertebra versus otolithderived ages indicated a close 

agreement (Patterson et al. 2019: 

SEDAR62–WP–17). 

Shervette et al. (2021), conducted a 

study on gray triggerfish in Ghana and 

U.S. South Atlantic that compared 

ageing of spines and otoliths. They also 

developed a methodology for removing 

the otoliths from gray triggerfish. Whole 

otoliths were submerged in water and 

read against a black background with 

magnified stereoscope, and then each 

opaque zone was counted. Spines were 

also read and fish were aged by 

counting the number of translucent 

zones in the spine section. Two 

independent readers with ageing 

experience of 8 years +, read the otoliths 

and spines. This study found age 

estimates for spines ranged from 1 to 8 

years and for otoliths 3 to 13 years. An 

age bias plot indicating a potential 

ageing bias starting at age-3 between 

spines and otoliths of gray triggerfish. 

Therefore, the Council is interested in 

funding an age study for Gulf gray 

triggerfish to reconcile ageing 

differences in hard parts. The Council 

also seeks expert advice from funded 

work to determine whether it is possible 

to develop an algorithm to convert 

spine-based ages to the more accurate 

otolith-based ages for Gulf gray 

triggerfish. 

Scope of Work 

The contractor will be responsible for 

all data products outlined below and is 

encouraged to contribute additional 

products and suggestions in the 

proposal for this work. The selected 

contractor is also responsible for a midterm project summary report and a 

presentation of the final results to the 

Scientific and Statistical Committees 

and the Council. The proposed scope of 

work should include the following: 


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36710 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 13, 2021 / Notices 

• Evaluating and proposing new 

techniques to efficiently sample, 

process, and utilize different ageing 

structures (i.e., spines and otoliths) for 

gray triggerfish in the Gulf. 

• Clearly define how representative 

gray triggerfish samples will be obtained 

from various fleets (i.e., private 

recreational, for-hire, and commercial) 

and/or fishery-independent survey 

samples with the goal of constructing 

age-length keys from otolith-based ages. 

The proposal should include the 

methodology of the age validation work 

proposed with a clear rationale for that 

work, such as literature cited and the 

anticipated sample sizes of fish by age 

class (0–14 years). 

• Typically, the various Gulf state 

and federal creel and port samplers 

would be able to contribute to this work; 

however, otoliths are not currently 

taken at dockside intercepts under 

current sample collection protocols. 

Thus, proposal applicants are 

encouraged to develop work plans to 

collaborate with state and federal 

partners to collect representative 

samples across a range of age classes. 

• The proposal should include 

detailed methodology for extracting and 

processing otoliths and spines and a 

clear rationale for that scope, and the 

anticipated sample sizes of fish by age 

class. 

• Compare gray triggerfish ages from 

otoliths and spines to determine 

whether it is possible to develop an 

algorithm to convert spine-based ages to 

the more accurate otolith-based ages. 

Describe the variance about these 

estimates for the conversion algorithm 

as appropriate. 

• Proposals should provide 

information and rationale for the 

consideration of seasonal growth 

increment pattern validation. 

Results and outcomes from this work 

will be provided to the Council and 

National Marine Fisheries Southeast 

Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). 

Application Process 

Contractor Qualifications: The 

successful applicant or applicant team 

will have demonstrable experience in 

marine ecology. 

How to Apply: Applicants should 

submit a proposal to Gulf of Mexico 

Fishery Management Council by email 

(rfp.graytriggerfish@gulfcouncil.org) by 

11:59 p.m. on August 13, 2021. 

Additional information including 

funding specifications can be obtained 

through inquiry to this email address. 

Proposals should include the following 

elements: 

Executive Summary: A summary of 

the work proposed, including a brief 

summary of the applicant’s 

qualifications. 

Proposed Scope of Work: See bulleted 

list above. 

Qualifications of Applicant: A 

summary of the qualifications of the 

applicant and other team members, if 

applicable. A curriculum vitae should 

be included for each individual who is 

expected to work on the project. 

Proposed Budget: A detailed budget, 

including the basis for the charges (e.g., 

hourly rates, fixed fees, approved 

federally negotiated overhead rate and 

other costs consistent with federally 

allowable costs for sub-contractors). 

Proposed Timeline: A detailed 

timeline of field and laboratory 

collections, processing of samples, data 

analysis, and mid-term and final reports 

should be provided. 

Letters of Support: Letters 

demonstrating collaboration with state 

and federal partners and fishermen to 

obtain adequate samples across age 

classes are highly encouraged. 

Applicant References: Names, titles, 

full addresses, email addresses, and 

phone numbers for three clients for 

whom the applicant has provided 

similar services to those requested or are 

familiar with the applicant’s work and 

the quality of the applicant’s work 

products. 

Proposal Evaluation Criteria and Next 

Steps 

Proposals will be evaluated based on 

methodology and scope outlined in the 

proposed work plan. An ability to 

deliver, in a timely manner, a quality 

work product as determined by 

qualifications including prior 

experience, references, budget, and 

timelines is paramount. The Council 

may request additional information as 

deemed necessary or negotiate 

modifications prior to providing support 

for a proposal. Once a proposal is 

selected for funding, a formal contract 

will be provided to the applicants. 

Disclaimer 

1. This project is being funded by 

federal funding authorized under the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act 

through NOAA Fisheries Service and 

the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Council NOAA award number 

NA20NMF4410011. Compliance with 

the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act 

(Pub. L. 104–208 as amended), the 

current requirements of the Federal 

Office of Management and Budget, the 

Department of Commerce financial 

assistance standard terms and 

conditions, the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric financial assistance 

administrative terms, all special award 

conditions specific to this award and all 

parts of the Uniform Guidance at Title 

2 of the Code of Federal Regulations 

must be maintained. 

2. The contractor is responsible for all 

costs conducting the work and 

presenting the final results to the 

Scientific and Statistical Committees 

and Council. 

3. Proposals and their accompanying 

documentation will not be returned, but 

retained as part of the Councils 

administrative documents. 

4. All applicants included in the 

proposal must disclose any conflicts of 

interest and/or pending civil/criminal/ 

fishery legal actions. 

5. The Council reserves the right to 

accept or reject any or all applications 

received, negotiate with all qualified 

applicants, cancel or modify this request 

for proposals in part or in its entirety, 

or change the application guidelines, 

when it is in the best interests of the 

Council. 

Dated: July 7, 2021. 

Tracey L. Thompson, 

Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable 

Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 2021–14785 Filed 7–12–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

[RTID 0648–XB211] 

New England Fishery Management 

Council; Public Meeting 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Notice of public meeting. 

SUMMARY: The New England Fishery 

Management Council’s is convening its 

Scientific and Statistical Committee 

(SSC) via webinar to consider actions 

affecting New England fisheries in the 

exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

Recommendations from this group will 

be brought to the full Council for formal 

consideration and action, if appropriate. 

DATES: This webinar will be held on 

Thursday, July 29, 2021, beginning at 9 

a.m. Webinar registration information: 

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ 

register/2564282533496027919. Call in 

information: +1 (415) 930–5321, Access 

Code: 971–717–154. 

ADDRESSES: Council address: New 

England Fishery Management Council, 


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