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Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex Fishery; Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016-2017 Specifications, 36251-36253 [2016-13236] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex Fishery; Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016-2017 Specifications, 36251-36253 [2016-13236]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex Fishery; Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016-2017 Specifications, 36251-36253 [2016-13236]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Proposed Rules • Mail: NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ‘‘Comments on Skate Framework 3.’’ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Instructions: Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods National Oceanic and Atmospheric to ensure that the comments are Administration received, documented, and considered by NMFS. Comments sent by any other 50 CFR Part 648 method, to any other address or [Docket No. 160301164–6164–01] individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be RIN 0648–BF87 considered. All comments received are a part of the public record and will Fisheries of the Northeastern United generally be posted for public viewing States; Northeast Skate Complex on www.regulations.gov without change. Fishery; Framework Adjustment 3 and All personal identifying information 2016–2017 Specifications (e.g., name, address) submitted AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries voluntarily by the sender will be Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and publicly accessible. Do not submit Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), confidential business information, or Commerce. otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept ACTION: Proposed rule; request for anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in comments. the required fields if you wish to remain SUMMARY: This rule proposes regulations anonymous). to approve and implement measures in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016– Tobey Curtis, Fishery Policy Analyst, 2017 Specifications (Framework 3) to (978) 281–9273. the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Management Plan (FMP). Framework 3 would implement skate fishery Background specifications and a new seasonal quota The New England Fishery allocation for the skate wing fishery. Management Council is responsible for The action is necessary to update the developing management measures for Skate FMP to be consistent with the skate fisheries in the northeastern U.S. most recent scientific information, and through the Northeast Skate Complex improve management of the skate Fishery Management Plan (Skate FMP). fisheries. The proposed action is Seven skate species are managed under expected to help conserve skate stocks, the Skate FMP: Winter; little; thorny; while maintaining economic barndoor; smooth; clearnose; and opportunities for the skate fisheries. rosette. The Council’s Scientific and DATES: Comments must be received on Statistical Committee reviews the best or before June 21, 2016. available information on the status of ADDRESSES: Copies of the framework, skate populations and makes including the Environmental recommendations on acceptable Assessment and Regulatory Impact biological catch (ABC) for the skate Review (EA/RIR) and other supporting complex (all seven species). This documents for the action are available recommendation is then used as the from Thomas A. Nies, Executive basis for catch limits and other Director, New England Fishery management measures for the skate Management Council, 50 Water Street, fisheries. The regulations implementing the Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. The Skate FMP at 50 CFR part 648, subpart framework is also accessible via the O, outline the management procedures Internet at: http:// and measures for the skate fisheries. www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov. You may submit comments, identified Specifications including the annual catch limit (ACL), annual catch target by NOAA–NMFS–2016–0054, by any (ACT), total allowable landings (TALs) one of the following methods: for the skate wing and bait fisheries, and • Electronic Submissions: Submit all possession limits may be specified for electronic public comments via the up to 2 years. The current specifications Federal e-Rulemaking portal. Go to were implemented as part of Framework www.regulations.gov/ Adjustment 2 to the Skate FMP (79 FR #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-201651504, August 29, 2014). The Council is 0054, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, required to develop new specifications complete the required fields, and enter for the 2016 and 2017 fishing years. The or attach your comments. [FR Doc. 2016–13189 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am] sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 6820–EP–C VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Jun 03, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 36251 existing specifications and possession limits remain in effect until they are replaced. In addition to setting specifications, the Council desired to modify the in-season management of the skate wing fishery, including a new seasonal allocation of the quota in a framework adjustment. In September 2015, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee reviewed updated information on the status of the seven species in the skate complex, including new research on discard mortality rates, and recommended an ABC of 31,081 mt for 2016 and 2017 (a 12-percent reduction from 2015). The recommended catch reduction is based on trawl survey biomass declines in little and clearnose skates, as well as adjustments to historical catch estimates derived from the new discard mortality rate data (lower than previously assumed). According to the most recent stock status information, no skates are experiencing overfishing, and only thorny skate is in an overfished condition. Thorny skate continues to be a prohibited species as part of its longterm stock rebuilding plan. More details are provided in the EA (see ADDRESSES). The Council’s Skate Oversight Committee and Advisory Panel (AP) met in October 2015 to develop specification recommendations for Council consideration, following the procedures in Amendment 3 to the Skate FMP (75 FR 34049, June 16, 2010). Following these procedures, the recommended ABC reduction, in addition to increases in the skate discard rate in recent years, resulted in a 23-percent decline in the total allowable landings (TAL) from 2015 levels. Due to the 23-percent reduction in the TAL, the Committee and AP discussed tradeoffs between reducing possession limits versus seasonally allocating the TAL in an effort to avoid in-season closures and maintain a steady supply of skate wings across the year. Proposed Framework Adjustment Measure The Council ultimately decided to recommend status quo possession limits (see Proposed Specification Measures), but to use a framework adjustment to allocate 57 percent of the skate wing TAL to a Season 1 quota (May 1–August 31). Under this action, the Regional Administrator would be given the authority to reduce the skate wing possession limit from 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) to an incidental catch level of 500 lb (227 kg) when 85 percent of the Season 1 quota is projected to be landed. If 85 percent of the Season 1 quota is projected to be landed between May 1 E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM 06JNP1 36252 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Proposed Rules and August 17, the Regional Administrator would be required to reduce the possession limit. However, if 85 percent of the quota is projected to be landed between August 18 and August 31, the Regional Administrator would have discretion on whether or not to reduce the possession limit. The directed fishery would re-open with a 4,100-lb (1,860-kg) possession limit on September 1 with the remainder of the annual skate wing TAL available in Season 2. In Season 2, the Regional Administrator may reduce the possession limit to 500 lb (227 kg) when 85 percent of the annual skate wing TAL is projected to be landed, consistent with the existing authority provided in the regulations implemented in Framework Adjustment 1 to the Skate FMP (76 FR 28328, May 17, 2011). These in-season possession limit reductions are designed to mitigate the potential for prolonged closures for the directed skate fishery, while still allowing some incidental catches to be landed. sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Proposed Specification Measures The Council has recommended, and NMFS is proposing in this rule, the following specifications for the skate fisheries for the 2016–2017 fishing years: 1. Skate Complex ABC and ACL of 31,081 mt; 2. Skate Complex ACT of 23,311 mt; 3. A TAL of 8,372 mt for the skate wing fishery, with 4,772 mt (57 percent) allocated to Season 1 (May 1–August 31), and the remainder of the TAL (at least 43 percent) allocated to Season 2 (September 1–April 30); 4. Status quo skate wing possession limits, as defined in § 648.322(b): 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) wing weight per trip for Season 1 (May 1 through August 31), and 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) wing weight per trip for Season 2 (September 1 through April 30) for vessels fishing on a Northeast Multispecies, Monkfish, or Scallop day-at-sea. The Northeast Multispecies Category-B day-at-sea possession limit remains at 220 lb (100 kg) wing weight per trip, and the nonday-at-sea incidental possession limit remains at 500 lb (227 kg) wing weight per trip; 5. A TAL of 4,218 mt for the skate bait fishery, divided into three seasons according to the current regulations at § 648.322; and 6. Status quo skate bait possession limit, as defined in § 648.322(c): 25,000 lb (11,340 kg) whole weight per trip for vessels carrying a valid Skate Bait Letter of Authorization. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Jun 03, 2016 Jkt 238001 Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has made a preliminary determination that this proposed rule is consistent with the Skate FMP, other provisions of 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 the purpose of E.O. 12866. The Council prepared an IRFA, as required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The IRFA consists of Framework 3, the EA for Framework 3, and this preamble to the proposed rule. The IRFA describes the economic impact this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. A copy of this analysis is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). The following is a summary of the IRFA. Description of the Reasons Why Action by the Agency Is Being Considered and Statement of Objectives of, and Legal Basis for, This Proposed Rule A description of the action, why it is being considered, and the legal basis for this action are contained in the Background section of the preamble and in the SUMMARY of this proposed rule. Description of the Projected Reporting, Record-Keeping, and Other Compliance Requirements of This Proposed Rule This action does not introduce any new reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements. Federal Rules Which May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With This Proposed Rule This proposed rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with other Federal rules. Description and Estimate of Number of Small Entities to Which the Rule Would Apply This proposed rule would impact fishing vessels, including commercial fishing entities. In 2014, there were 2,012 vessels that held an open access skate permit. However, only 431 of those permit holders were active participants in the commercial skate fishery (i.e., landed any amount of skates). If two or more vessels have identical owners, these vessels are considered to be part of the same firm. In 2014, there were 67 vessels within affiliate groups; therefore, the total number of active entities is 364. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), firms are PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 classified as finfish or shellfish firms based on the activity from which they derive the most revenue. Using the $5.5M cutoff for shellfish firms (NAICS 114112) and the $20.5M cutoff for finfish firms (NAICS 114111), 361 of the 364 entities were small businesses in 2014; only three entities (0.8%) qualified as large businesses. On average, for small entities, skate is responsible for a small fraction of total landings, and active participants derive a small share of gross receipts from the skate fishery. Description of Significant Alternatives to the Proposed Action Which Accomplish the Stated Objectives of Applicable Statutes and Which Minimize Any Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities This proposed rule includes management measure alternatives for (1) the skate complex ACL and associated ACT and TALs, (2) possession limits in the skate wing and bait fisheries, and (3) seasonal allocation alternatives in the skate wing fishery. With respect to the latter two management measures, the proposed action includes the alternatives that are expected to minimize any potential economic impacts compared to the other alternatives. This action proposes to maintain the current skate bait and skate wing trip limits. It would also apportion a percentage of the wing TAL to each season and establish an inseason trigger for season one. Therefore, the remainder of this summary will focus on the first management measure alternatives (i.e., ACLs). The proposed ACL alternative described in the preamble of this proposed rule represents a reduction in the allowable catch and landings as compared to the no action alternative. Therefore, as compared to the proposed action, the no action alternative would result in less short-term economic impacts. During 2014, total revenues from skate landings were valued at approximately $8.9 million. Compared to the no action alternative, the proposed reduction in the skate TALs (23 percent) could reduce potential annual skate revenues. However, actual skate landings in recent years have been close to the proposed TAL, suggesting that it is unlikely that potential revenue losses would be directly commensurate with the TAL reduction. If skate landings in 2016 and 2017 are comparable to those observed in 2014 and 2015, then most skate vessels may experience little loss of skate revenue, and the fishery may actually come closer to fully harvesting the available amount of landings. According to the E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM 06JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Proposed Rules analysis in the EA (see ADDRESSES), based on 2014 data, most entities (95 percent) would experience total landings revenue losses of less than 10 percent. Approximately 12 affiliate groups would experience losses of 10– 15 percent, and 7 affiliate groups would experience losses greater than 15 percent. The no action alternative is not expected to result in any additional short-term reductions in landings revenue. Given the recent performance of the skate fisheries, the no action alternative could minimize economic impacts and still achieve the stated objectives of this action. However, the no action alternative does not include all of the most recent information on skate stock status and discard mortality rates, and could result in a higher risk of overfishing the skate complex resulting in long-term economic impacts. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: May 26, 2016. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS proposes to amend 50 CFR part 648 as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Jun 03, 2016 Jkt 238001 PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 648.322, revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(2) to read as follows: ■ § 648.322 Skate allocation, possession, and landing provisions. (a) * * * (1) A total of 66.5 percent of the annual skate complex TAL shall be allocated to the skate wing fishery. All skate products that are landed in wing form, for the skate wing market, or classified by Federal dealers as food as required under § 648.7(a)(1)(i), shall count against the skate wing fishery TAL. The annual skate wing fishery TAL shall be allocated in two seasonal quota periods as follows: (i) Season 1—May 1 through August 31, 57 percent of the annual skate wing fishery TAL shall be allocated; (ii) Season 2—September 1 through April 30, the remainder of the annual skate wing fishery TAL not landed in Season 1 shall be allocated. * * * * * (b) * * * (2) In-season adjustment of skate wing possession limits. The Regional Administrator shall, through a notice in the Federal Register consistent with the PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 36253 Administrative Procedure Act, reduce the skate wing possession limit to 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings (1,135 lb (515 kg) whole weight or any prorated combination of the allowable landing forms defined at paragraph (b)(4) of this section) for the remainder of the applicable quota season, under the following circumstances: (i) When 85 percent of the Season 1 skate wing quota is projected to be landed between May 1 and August 17, the Regional Administrator shall reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (ii) When 85 percent of the Season 1 skate wing quota is projected to be landed between August 18 and August 31, the Regional Administrator may reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (iii) In Season 2, when 85 percent of the annual skate wing fishery TAL is projected to be landed, the Regional Administrator shall reduce the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described in this paragraph, unless such a reduction would be expected to prevent attainment of the annual TAL. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2016–13236 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM 06JNP1
[Pages 36251-36253]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13236]
[Docket No. 160301164-6164-01]
SUMMARY: This rule proposes regulations to approve and implement
measures in Framework Adjustment 3 and 2016-2017 Specifications
(Framework 3) to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan
(FMP). Framework 3 would implement skate fishery specifications and a
new seasonal quota allocation for the skate wing fishery. The action is
necessary to update the Skate FMP to be consistent with the most recent
scientific information, and improve management of the skate fisheries.
The proposed action is expected to help conserve skate stocks, while
maintaining economic opportunities for the skate fisheries.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 21, 2016.
You may submit comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2016-0054, by any
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-0054, click the
Mail: NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55
envelope ``Comments on Skate Framework 3.''
The regulations implementing the Skate FMP at 50 CFR part 648,
subpart O, outline the management procedures and measures for the skate
fisheries. Specifications including the annual catch limit (ACL),
annual catch target (ACT), total allowable landings (TALs) for the
skate wing and bait fisheries, and possession limits may be specified
for up to 2 years. The current specifications were implemented as part
of Framework Adjustment 2 to the Skate FMP (79 FR 51504, August 29,
2014). The Council is required to develop new specifications for the
2016 and 2017 fishing years. The existing specifications and possession
limits remain in effect until they are replaced. In addition to setting
specifications, the Council desired to modify the in-season management
of the skate wing fishery, including a new seasonal allocation of the
quota in a framework adjustment.
In September 2015, the Council's Scientific and Statistical
Committee reviewed updated information on the status of the seven
species in the skate complex, including new research on discard
mortality rates, and recommended an ABC of 31,081 mt for 2016 and 2017
(a 12-percent reduction from 2015). The recommended catch reduction is
based on trawl survey biomass declines in little and clearnose skates,
as well as adjustments to historical catch estimates derived from the
new discard mortality rate data (lower than previously assumed).
According to the most recent stock status information, no skates are
experiencing overfishing, and only thorny skate is in an overfished
condition. Thorny skate continues to be a prohibited species as part of
its long-term stock rebuilding plan. More details are provided in the
EA (see ADDRESSES).
The Council's Skate Oversight Committee and Advisory Panel (AP) met
in October 2015 to develop specification recommendations for Council
consideration, following the procedures in Amendment 3 to the Skate FMP
(75 FR 34049, June 16, 2010). Following these procedures, the
recommended ABC reduction, in addition to increases in the skate
discard rate in recent years, resulted in a 23-percent decline in the
total allowable landings (TAL) from 2015 levels. Due to the 23-percent
reduction in the TAL, the Committee and AP discussed tradeoffs between
reducing possession limits versus seasonally allocating the TAL in an
effort to avoid in-season closures and maintain a steady supply of
skate wings across the year.
Proposed Framework Adjustment Measure
The Council ultimately decided to recommend status quo possession
limits (see Proposed Specification Measures), but to use a framework
adjustment to allocate 57 percent of the skate wing TAL to a Season 1
quota (May 1-August 31). Under this action, the Regional Administrator
would be given the authority to reduce the skate wing possession limit
from 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) to an incidental catch level of 500 lb (227
kg) when 85 percent of the Season 1 quota is projected to be landed. If
85 percent of the Season 1 quota is projected to be landed between May
and August 17, the Regional Administrator would be required to reduce
the possession limit. However, if 85 percent of the quota is projected
Administrator would have discretion on whether or not to reduce the
possession limit. The directed fishery would re-open with a 4,100-lb
(1,860-kg) possession limit on September 1 with the remainder of the
annual skate wing TAL available in Season 2.
In Season 2, the Regional Administrator may reduce the possession
limit to 500 lb (227 kg) when 85 percent of the annual skate wing TAL
is projected to be landed, consistent with the existing authority
provided in the regulations implemented in Framework Adjustment 1 to
the Skate FMP (76 FR 28328, May 17, 2011). These in-season possession
limit reductions are designed to mitigate the potential for prolonged
closures for the directed skate fishery, while still allowing some
incidental catches to be landed.
Proposed Specification Measures
The Council has recommended, and NMFS is proposing in this rule,
the following specifications for the skate fisheries for the 2016-2017
1. Skate Complex ABC and ACL of 31,081 mt;
2. Skate Complex ACT of 23,311 mt;
3. A TAL of 8,372 mt for the skate wing fishery, with 4,772 mt (57
percent) allocated to Season 1 (May 1-August 31), and the remainder of
the TAL (at least 43 percent) allocated to Season 2 (September 1-April
4. Status quo skate wing possession limits, as defined in Sec.
648.322(b): 2,600 lb (1,179 kg) wing weight per trip for Season 1 (May
Season 2 (September 1 through April 30) for vessels fishing on a
possession limit remains at 500 lb (227 kg) wing weight per trip;
5. A TAL of 4,218 mt for the skate bait fishery, divided into three
seasons according to the current regulations at Sec.  648.322; and
6. Status quo skate bait possession limit, as defined in Sec.
carrying a valid Skate Bait Letter of Authorization.
this proposed rule is consistent with the Skate FMP, other provisions
the purpose of E.O. 12866.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The IRFA consists of Framework 3, the
EA for Framework 3, and this preamble to the proposed rule. The IRFA
have on small entities. A copy of this analysis is available from the
Council (see ADDRESSES). The following is a summary of the IRFA.
and Statement of Objectives of, and Legal Basis for, This Proposed Rule
legal basis for this action are contained in the Background section of
the preamble and in the SUMMARY of this proposed rule.
This proposed rule would impact fishing vessels, including
commercial fishing entities. In 2014, there were 2,012 vessels that
held an open access skate permit. However, only 431 of those permit
holders were active participants in the commercial skate fishery (i.e.,
landed any amount of skates). If two or more vessels have identical
owners, these vessels are considered to be part of the same firm. In
2014, there were 67 vessels within affiliate groups; therefore, the
total number of active entities is 364. According to the Small Business
firms based on the activity from which they derive the most revenue.
Using the $5.5M cutoff for shellfish firms (NAICS 114112) and the
$20.5M cutoff for finfish firms (NAICS 114111), 361 of the 364 entities
were small businesses in 2014; only three entities (0.8%) qualified as
large businesses. On average, for small entities, skate is responsible
for a small fraction of total landings, and active participants derive
a small share of gross receipts from the skate fishery.
This proposed rule includes management measure alternatives for (1)
the skate complex ACL and associated ACT and TALs, (2) possession
limits in the skate wing and bait fisheries, and (3) seasonal
allocation alternatives in the skate wing fishery.
With respect to the latter two management measures, the proposed
action includes the alternatives that are expected to minimize any
potential economic impacts compared to the other alternatives. This
action proposes to maintain the current skate bait and skate wing trip
limits. It would also apportion a percentage of the wing TAL to each
season and establish an in-season trigger for season one. Therefore,
the remainder of this summary will focus on the first management
measure alternatives (i.e., ACLs).
The proposed ACL alternative described in the preamble of this
proposed rule represents a reduction in the allowable catch and
landings as compared to the no action alternative. Therefore, as
compared to the proposed action, the no action alternative would result
in less short-term economic impacts. During 2014, total revenues from
skate landings were valued at approximately $8.9 million. Compared to
the no action alternative, the proposed reduction in the skate TALs (23
percent) could reduce potential annual skate revenues. However, actual
skate landings in recent years have been close to the proposed TAL,
suggesting that it is unlikely that potential revenue losses would be
directly commensurate with the TAL reduction. If skate landings in 2016
and 2017 are comparable to those observed in 2014 and 2015, then most
skate vessels may experience little loss of skate revenue, and the
fishery may actually come closer to fully harvesting the available
amount of landings. According to the
[[Page 36253]]
analysis in the EA (see ADDRESSES), based on 2014 data, most entities
(95 percent) would experience total landings revenue losses of less
than 10 percent. Approximately 12 affiliate groups would experience
losses of 10-15 percent, and 7 affiliate groups would experience losses
The no action alternative is not expected to result in any
additional short-term reductions in landings revenue. Given the recent
performance of the skate fisheries, the no action alternative could
minimize economic impacts and still achieve the stated objectives of
this action. However, the no action alternative does not include all of
the most recent information on skate stock status and discard mortality
rates, and could result in a higher risk of overfishing the skate
complex resulting in long-term economic impacts.
Regional Administrator shall, through a notice in the Federal Register
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, reduce the skate wing
possession limit to 500 lb (227 kg) of skate wings (1,135 lb (515 kg)
whole weight or any prorated combination of the allowable landing forms
defined at paragraph (b)(4) of this section) for the remainder of the
applicable quota season, under the following circumstances:
(iii) In Season 2, when 85 percent of the annual skate wing fishery
TAL is projected to be landed, the Regional Administrator shall reduce
the skate wing possession limit to the incidental level described in
this paragraph, unless such a reduction would be expected to prevent
attainment of the annual TAL.
[FR Doc. 2016-13236 Filed 6-3-16; 8:45 am]