Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2015/03/19/2015-06272.html
Timestamp: 2020-08-05 17:16:14
Document Index: 382561956

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 217', 'art 229', 'art 229', 'art 229', 'ART 229', 'art 229', '§ 229', '§ 229', '§ 229', 'arts 1', 'art 80', '§ 229', 'art 229', 'ART 229', 'art 229', 'arts 1', 'art 80']

Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations, 14345-14356 [2015-06272] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations, 14345-14356 [2015-06272]
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations, 14345-14356 [2015-06272]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041– 3803. We request that you send comments only by one of the methods described above. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (for more information, see the Information Requested section of the March 11, 2015, proposed rule at 80 FR 12846). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Ricks, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Field Office, 6578 Dogwood View Parkway, Jackson, MS 39213; telephone: 601–321–1122; facsimile: 601–965– 4340. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a proposed rule that published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2015, at 80 FR 12846, the ADDRESSES section provided the wrong address for the submission of hard-copy comments. The corrected ADDRESSES section appears above. Dated: March 16, 2015. Tina A. Campbell, Chief, Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06302 Filed 3–18–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 217 RIN 0648–BE53 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Seismic Surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: On February 23, 2015, the NMFS published its proposed rulemaking to govern the take of marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a marine geophysical (seismic) survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska from March 1, 2015 to February 29, 2020. The Federal Register document indicated that written comments are due SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 by March 25, 2015. However, in response to a request to extend the public comment period, NMFS has decided to extend the public comment period by an additional 15 calendar days. NMFS has extended the public comment period published on February 23, 2015 (80 FR 9509) to April 9, 2015. NMFS must receive written comments and information on or before April 9, 2015. DATES: Address comments on the application to Jolie Harrison, Supervisor, Incidental Take Program, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. The mailbox address for providing email comments is ITP.Young@noaa.gov. Please include 0648–BE53 in the subject line. Comments sent via email to ITP.Young@ noaa.gov, including all attachments, must not exceed a 25-megabyte file size. NMFS is not responsible for email comments sent to addresses other than the one provided here. Instructions: All submitted comments are a part of the public record and NMFS will post them to http:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm#applications without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Young, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS (301) 427–8484. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. On February 23, 2015, NMFS published a Federal Register notice (80 FR 9509, February 23, 2015) announcing proposed issuance of regulations to Apache Alaska Corporation (Apache) to take marine mammals, by harassment incidental to conducting a seismic survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2020. The ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14345 30-day public comment period for the Federal Register notice (80 FR 9509, February 23, 2015) ends on March 25, 2015. This is the first time that NMFS has proposed to issue regulations for harassment incidental to a seismic survey in Cook Inlet, Alaska. On March 2, 2015, the Natural Resource Defense Council requested an extension of the public comment period to aid in their review of the proposed rulemaking. NMFS has considered the request and will extend the comment period to April 9, 2015. This extension provides a total of 45 days for public input and continuing Federal agency reviews to inform NMFS’ final decision to issue or deny the regulations. NMFS refers the reader to the February 23, 2015, notice of proposed regulations (80 FR 9509, February 23, 2015) for background information concerning the proposed rulemaking as this notice does not repeat the information here. For additional information about Apache’s request and the environmental analyses, please visit the Web site at: http:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm#applications. Dated: March 11, 2015. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–06342 Filed 3–18–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 229 [Docket No. 150122067–5229–01] RIN 0648–BE83 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This action proposes to change the minimum number of traps per trawl to allow fishing with a single trap in certain Massachusetts and Rhode Island state SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 14346 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS waters; and proposes to modify the requirement to use one endline on trawls within certain areas in Massachusetts state waters. NMFS also proposes a 1⁄4 mile buffer in waters surrounding certain islands in Maine to allow fishing with a single trap. In addition, NMFS proposes additional gear marking requirements for those waters allowing single traps as well as two new high use areas for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). DATES: Submit comments on or before April 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2015–0127, by either of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal 1. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20150127, 2. Click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, 3. Enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Kim Damon-Randall, Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, NMFS Greater Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Dr., Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn: Large Whale Proposed Rule. 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, etc.), 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 the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Swails, NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 978–282–8481, Kate.Swails@noaa.gov; or, Kristy Long, NMFS Office of Protected Resources, 206–526–4792, Kristy.Long@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Several of the background documents for the Plan and the take reduction planning process can be downloaded from the Plan Web site at http:// www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/ protected/whaletrp/index.html. The complete text of the regulations VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 implementing the Plan can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 229.32 or downloaded from the Web site, along with a guide to the regulations. The draft Environmental Assessment for this action is also available online. Background NMFS published an amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan) on June 27, 2014 (79 FR 36586) to address large whale entanglement risks associated with vertical line (or buoy lines) from commercial trap/pot fisheries. This amendment included gear modifications, gear setting requirements, a seasonal closure (Massachusetts Restricted Area) and gear marking for both the trap/pot and the gillnet fisheries. In consultation with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (Team), we developed protocols for considering modifications or exemptions to the regulations implementing the Plan. Following these protocols, on August 18, 2014, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) submitted a proposal to modify the Massachusetts Bay Restricted Area and exempted several areas from the gear setting requirements to address safety and economic concerns raised by their industry members. The DMF proposal adequately addressed the protocols and criteria established by the Team for considering modifications or exemptions to the Plan’s regulations enabling us to consult with the Team. We decided to address the modifications to the Massachusetts Restricted Area and the exemption of the minimum number of traps per trawl requirements separately, beginning with the Massachusetts Restricted Area. After discussions with the Team, NMFS published an amendment to the Plan on December 12, 2014 (79 FR 73848) changing the timing and size of the Massachusetts Restricted Area. Along with the DMF proposal we also received proposals from other state partners requesting certain waters be exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirements due to safety concerns. The conservation members of the Team also submitted a proposal in an effort to offset this potential increase in vertical lines should NMFS approve the proposed state exemptions. NMFS convened the team in January 2015 to discuss these proposals. At the conclusion of the January meeting, the Team, by near consensus, recommended that we amend the Plan as proposed by the PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 states. The Team also recommended that the current gear marking scheme be updated to include unique marks for those fishing singles in the proposed exempted areas and a unique mark for both gillnets and trap/pots fished in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin. This recommendation forms the basis for the proposed alternative described below. Changes Proposed to the Plan for Trap/ Pot Gear This action proposes to exempt Rhode Island state waters and portions of Massachusetts state waters from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement and allow singles to be fished in certain state waters (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively). This exemption is based on safety and financial concerns raised by the industry. In addition, in Rhode Island state waters and portions of Massachusetts state waters (particularly in Southern Massachusetts waters) the co-occurrence of fishing effort and whale distribution is minimal. According to DMF along the Outer Cape there are dynamic tides and featureless substrate that dictate the use of single traps in this area. Massachusetts also has a student lobster permit that allows for permit holders to fish alone and with small boats. Single traps are used in this fishery and other inshore waters as a matter of safety. In addition, those fishing in all Massachusetts state waters would be required to have one endline for trawls less than and equal to three traps. The current requirement of one endline for trawls less than or equal to five traps remains in place in all other management areas. Larger trawls (i.e., > 5 traps/pots) will not be required to have only one endline. An exemption from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement is also proposed for a 1⁄4 mile buffer in waters surrounding the following islands in Maine—Matinicus Island Group (Metinic, Small Green, Large Green, Seal, and Wooden Ball) and Isle of Shoals Island Group (Duck, Appledore, Cedar, and Smuttynose). Boats within this 1⁄4 mile buffer would be allowed to continue fishing single traps rather than multiple trap trawls due to safety issues since these waters are generally less than 30 fathoms deep with rocky edges and boats fishing close to shore areas are usually small. A similar exemption for the inhabited islands of Monhegan, Matinicus, and Ragged Islands was established in the June 2014 rule. The proposed islands in this rule have the same bottom habitat as the previously exempt islands and many residents from many island E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules communities fish around these islands. Similarly, the New Hampshire side of the Isle of Shoals group was also exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement in the June 2014 rule. Allowing the islands in the chain that fall on the Maine side of the border to have the same exemption would provide parity to fishermen using islands on both sides of the border. Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME DMR) estimates that the fishing effort within the proposed buffer areas is small (0.3% of total vertical lines in the Northeast), consists of around 20 fishermen and has peak use in the summer months. In addition, ME DMR is pursuing funding for aerial surveys that would determine the use of marine mammals in these coastal areas as well as document the gear density. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Changes Proposed to the Plan for Gear Marking This action proposes to implement a gear marking scheme that builds off the current color combinations and the size and frequency of the current gear marking requirements. In an effort to learn if entanglements occur in these newly exempted areas, this action proposes to add a unique gear mark to those single vertical lines fished in the exempted areas of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Matinicus Island Group, Maine. Also, this action proposes unique trap/pot and gillnet gear marking in two important high use areas for both humpback and right whales—Jeffreys Ledge (Figure 3) and Jordan Basin (Figure 4). The mark must equal 12-inches (30.5 cm) in length and buoy lines must be marked three times (top, middle, bottom) with the appropriate unique color combination for that area. NMFS proposes a phased-in implementation of the new gear marking. Industry would have 30 days from publication of the final rule to mark gear fished in the newly exempted areas and 90 days from publication of the final rule to mark gear in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin areas. Classification This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule contains collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), specifically, the marking of fishing gear. The collection of information requirement was approved by OMB under control number (0648–0364). Public comment is sought regarding whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 performance and function of the agency, including: The practical utility of the information; the accuracy of the burden estimate; the opportunities to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and the ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of this data collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see ADDRESSES) and by email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov, or fax to (202) 395–7285. This revision to the collection of information requirement applies to a total of 399 vessels. The estimated number of vessels affected by the overall gear marking provisions in the Plan is 4,008. The estimated number of those vessels affected only by the proposed amendment is 399. Model vessel types were developed for gillnet fisheries, lobster trap/pot fisheries, and other trap/pot fisheries. Total burden hours for all affected vessels in the Plan are 35,571 hours over three years or 11,857 hours per year. Total cost burden for all affected vessels in the Plan is $24,758 over three years or $8,253 per year. The total cost burden for those vessels affected by the proposed amendment is $3,450 over three years or $1,150 per year. For more information, please see the PRA submission associated with this rulemaking. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, NMFS prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) for this proposed rule; a summary of the IRFA follows. A description of the reasons why this action is being considered, its objectives, and the legal basis for this proposed action can be found in the Summary section and earlier in the Supplementary Information section of this proposed rule, and are not repeated here. This proposed rule would not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other federal rules. The small entities affected by this proposed rule are commercial gillnet and trap/pot fishermen. The geographic range of the proposed rule is the Northeast Atlantic waters. By changing the minimum number of traps per trawl PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14347 requirement to allow singles, in the lobster trap/pot fishery, there are potentially 182 vessels that would be affected. Additionally, in the other trap/ pot fisheries, there are potentially 123 vessels that would be affected. All vessels are assumed to be small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Alternatives were evaluated using model vessels, each of which represents a group of vessels that share similar operating characteristics and would face similar requirements under a given regulatory alternative. Both an upper and lower bound of annual economic savings for lobster and other trap/pot were analyzed. A summary of analysis describing the potential range of savings resulting from allowing singles to be fished follows: 1. NMFS considered a ‘‘no action’’ or status quo alternative (Alternative 1) that would result in no changes to the current measures under the Plan and, as such, would result in no additional economic effects on the fishing industry. 2. Alternative 2 would modify the Plan by allowing the use of single traps in Rhode Island state waters, in most Massachusetts state waters, and some waters around Maine Islands. This change would constitute an exemption to the minimum two-trap-per-trawl requirement specified for these areas under the 2014 vertical line rulemaking. Those who until now have fished singles in these areas would avoid the costs associated with converting their gear from singles to doubles, and would also avoid other possible costs, such as a loss in revenue due to a reduction in catch. The proposed action also revises gear marking requirements that would apply to vessels fishing in waters that would be exempt from trawling requirements, as well as to vessels fishing in two additional regions (Jordan Basin and Jeffreys Ledge). The changes would require the use of colors that would differentiate gear set in these areas from gear fished in other waters. NMFS has determined, however, that the marking requirements would introduce minimal additional burden for the affected vessels; thus, a substantial increase in compliance costs is unlikely. The proposed rule does not include any other reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements. Overall, the economic impacts of the preferred alternative results in a vessel cost savings that would equal or range from $163,200 to $345,700 for lobster trap/pot vessels and $257,000 to $512,500 for other trap/pot vessels when compared to the no action E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 14348 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS alternative, resulting in a largely positive impact. NMFS has determined that this action is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the approved coastal management programs of Massachusetts. This determination was VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 submitted for review by the responsible state agency under section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act. This proposed rule contains policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, the Assistant PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs will provide notice of the proposed action to the appropriate official(s) of affected state, local, and/or tribal governments. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules 14349 Figure 1. Proposed Rhode Island Exempted Waters 0 2.5 I I 5 I I 10 I I I Nautical Miles Legend VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 EP19MR15.008 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Rhode Island Slate Waters 14350 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Figure 2. Proposed Massachusetts Exempted Waters Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS I VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 5 I 10 I I I Nautical Miles I E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM I 19MRP1 20 I I ! /f4.. EP19MR15.009 0 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules 14351 Figure 3. Proposed Jeffreys Ledge Area for Trap/Pot and Gillnet Gear Marking 0 5 10 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 EP19MR15.010 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Jeffreys Ledge Gear Marking Area 14352 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Figure 4. Proposed Jordan Basin Area for Trap/Pot and Gillnet VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 EP19MR15.011 Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Gear Marking Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules BILLING CODE 3510–22–C List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 229 Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Fisheries, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: March 12, 2015. 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 229 is proposed to be amended to read as follows: PART 229—AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES UNDER THE MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972 1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 229 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; § 229.32(f) also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. 2. In § 229.32, paragraphs (a)(3)(iii), and (a)(6), and (b) are revised to read as follows: ■ § 229.32 Atlantic large whale take reduction plan regulations. * * * * (a) * * * (3) Exempted waters. (i) The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of the 72 COLREGS demarcation lines (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972), as depicted or noted on nautical charts published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Coast Charts 1:80,000 scale), and as described in 33 CFR part 80 with the exception of the COLREGS lines for Casco Bay (Maine), Portsmouth Harbor (New Hampshire), Gardiners Bay and Long Island Sound (New York), and the state of Massachusetts. (ii) Other exempted waters. Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * Maine The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of a line connecting the following points (Quoddy Narrows/US-Canada border to Odiornes Pt., Portsmouth, New Hampshire): 44°49.67′ N. lat., 66°57.77′ W. long. (R N ‘‘2’’, Quoddy Narrows) 44°48.64′ N. lat., 66°56.43′ W. long. (G ‘‘1’’ Whistle, West Quoddy Head) 44°47.36′ N. lat., 66°59.25′ W. long. (R N ‘‘2’’, Morton Ledge) 44°45.51′ N. lat., 67°02.87′ W. long. (R ‘‘28M’’ Whistle, Baileys Mistake) 44°37.70′ N. lat., 67°09.75′ W. long. (Obstruction, Southeast of Cutler) VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 14353 44°27.77′ N. lat., 67°32.86′ W. long. (Freeman Rock, East of Great Wass Island) 44°25.74′ N. lat., 67°38.39′ W. long. (R ‘‘2SR’’ Bell, Seahorse Rock, West of Great Wass Island) 44°21.66′ N. lat., 67°51.78′ W. long. (R N ‘‘2’’, Petit Manan Island) 44°19.08′ N. lat., 68°02.05′ W. long. (R ‘‘2S’’ Bell, Schoodic Island) 44°13.55′ N. lat., 68°10.71′ W. long. (R ‘‘8BI’’ Whistle, Baker Island) 44°08.36′ N. lat., 68°14.75′ W. long. (Southern Point, Great Duck Island) 43°59.36′ N. lat., 68°37.95′ W. long. (R ‘‘2’’ Bell, Roaring Bull Ledge, Isle Au Haut) 43°59.83′ N. lat., 68°50.06′ W. long. (R ‘‘2A’’ Bell, Old Horse Ledge) 43°56.72′ N. lat., 69°04.89′ W. long. (G ‘‘5TB’’ Bell, Two Bush Channel) 43°50.28′ N. lat., 69°18.86′ W. long. (R ‘‘2 OM’’ Whistle, Old Man Ledge) 43°48.96′ N. lat., 69°31.15′ W. long. (GR C ‘‘PL’’, Pemaquid Ledge) 43°43.64′ N. lat., 69°37.58′ W. long. (R ‘‘2BR’’ Bell, Bantam Rock) 43°41.44′ N. lat., 69°45.27′ W. long. (R ‘‘20ML’’ Bell, Mile Ledge) 43°36.04′ N. lat., 70°03.98′ W. long. (RG N ‘‘BS’’, Bulwark Shoal) 43°31.94′ N. lat., 70°08.68′ W. long. (G ‘‘1’’, East Hue and Cry) 43°27.63′ N. lat., 70°17.48′ W. long. (RW ‘‘WI’’ Whistle, Wood Island) 43°20.23′ N. lat., 70°23.64′ W. long. (RW ‘‘CP’’ Whistle, Cape Porpoise) 43°04.06′ N. lat., 70°36.70′ W. long. (R N ‘‘2MR’’, Murray Rock) 43°02.93′ N. lat., 70°41.47′ W. long. (R ‘‘2KR’’ Whistle, Kittery Point) 43°02.55′ N. lat., 70°43.33′ W. long. (Odiornes Pt., Portsmouth, New Hampshire) A line from 41°22.441′ N. lat., 71°30.781′ W. long. to 41°22.447′ N. lat., 71°30.893′ W. long. (Pt. Judith Pond Inlet) A line from 41°21.310′ N. lat., 71°38.300′ W. long. to 41°21.300′ N. lat., 71°38.330′ W. long. (Ninigret Pond Inlet) A line from 41°19.875′ N. lat., 71°43.061′ W. long. to 41°19.879′ N. lat., 71°43.115′ W. long. (Quonochontaug Pond Inlet) A line from 41°19.660′ N. lat., 71°45.750′ W. long. to 41°19.660′ N. lat., 71°45.780′ W. long. (Weekapaug Pond Inlet) New Hampshire South Carolina The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of a line connecting the following points from 32°34.717′ N. lat., 80°08.565′ W. long. to 32°34.686′ N. lat., 80°08.642′ W. long. (Captain Sams Inlet) * * * * * (6) Island buffer. Those fishing in waters within 1⁄4 mile of the following Maine islands are exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section: Monhegan Island, Matinicus Island Group (Metinic Island, Small Green Island, Large Green Island, Seal Island, Wooden Ball Island, Matinicus Island, Ragged Island) and Isle of Shoals Island Group (Duck Island, Appledore Island, Cedar Island, Smuttynose Island). (b) Gear marking requirements—(1) Specified areas. The following areas are specified for gear marking purposes: New Hampshire state waters are exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section. Harbor waters landward of the following lines are exempt from all the regulations in this section. A line from 42°53.691′ N. lat., 70°48.516′ W. long. to 42°53.516′ N. lat., 70°48.748′ W. long. (Hampton Harbor) A line from 42°59.986′ N. lat., 70°44.654′ W. long. to 42°59.956′ N., 70°44.737′ W. long. (Rye Harbor) Rhode Island Rhode Island state waters are exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section. Harbor waters landward of the following lines are exempt from all the regulations in this section. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 New York The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of a line that follows the territorial sea baseline through Block Island Sound (Watch Hill Point, RI, to Montauk Point, NY). Massachusetts The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of the first bridge over any embayment, harbor, or inlet in Massachusetts. The following Massachusetts state waters are exempt from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section: Massachusetts state waters in LMA 1 and Outer Cape north and east of Cape Cod from 0–3 miles from shore and including a portion of waters east of the line connecting the following points: 41.925° N, 70.147° W and 41.792° N, 70.319° W Massachusetts state waters in LMA 2 and Outer Cape south of 41.67°40′ N and west of 70.0°00′ W to the Rhode Island border E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 14354 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules Northern Inshore State Trap/Pot Waters, Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area, Massachusetts Restricted Area, Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area, Northern Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Great South Channel Restricted Trap/Pot Area, Great South Channel Restricted Gillnet Area, Great South Channel Sliver Restricted Area, Southern Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Offshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Other Northeast Gillnet Waters Area, Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters Area, Other Southeast Gillnet Waters Area, Southeast U.S. Restricted Areas, and Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area. (i) Jordan Basin. The Jordan Basin Restricted Area is bounded by the following points: Point JBRA1 JBRA2 JBRA3 JBRA4 JBRA5 N. Lat. ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... 43°15′ 43°35′ 43°25′ 43°05′ 43°05′ W. Long. 68°50′ 68°20′ 68°05′ 68°20′ 68°35′ (ii) Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area— The Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area is bounded by the following points: Point JLRA1 JLRA2 JLRA3 JLRA4 N. Lat. ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... 43°15′ 43°15′ 42°50′ 42°50′ W. Long. 70°25′ 70°00′ 70°00′ 70°25′ (2) Markings. All specified gear in specified areas must be marked with the color code shown in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The color of the color code must be permanently marked on or along the line or lines specified below under paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section. Each color mark of the color codes must be clearly visible when the gear is hauled or removed from the water, including if the color of the rope is the same as or similar to the respective color code. The rope must be marked at least three times (top, middle, bottom) and each mark must total 12inch (30.5 cm) in length. If the mark consists of two colors then each color mark may be 6-inch (15.25 cm) for a total mark of 12-inch (30.5 cm). In marking or affixing the color code, the line may be dyed, painted, or marked with thin colored whipping line, thin colored plastic, or heat-shrink tubing, or other material; or a thin line may be woven into or through the line; or the line may be marked as approved in writing by the Assistant Administrator. A brochure illustrating the techniques for marking gear is available from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon request. (i) Buoy line markings. All buoy lines must be marked as stated above. Shark gillnet gear in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S, Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and Other Southeast Gillnet Waters, greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) long must be marked within 2 feet (0.6 m) of the top of the buoy line (closest to the surface), midway along the length of the buoy line, and within 2 feet (0.6 m) of the bottom of the buoy line. (ii) Net panel markings. Shark gillnet gear net panels in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S, Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and Other Southeast Gillnet Waters is required to be marked. The net panel must be marked along both the floatline and the leadline at least once every 100 yards (91.4 m). (iii) Surface buoy markings. Trap/pot and gillnet gear regulated under this section must mark all surface buoys to identify the vessel or fishery with one of the following: The owner’s motorboat registration number, the owner’s U.S. vessel documentation number, the federal commercial fishing permit number, or whatever positive identification marking is required by the vessel’s home-port state. When marking of surface buoys is not already required by state or federal regulations, the letters and numbers used to mark the gear to identify the vessel or fishery must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height in block letters or arabic numbers in a color that contrasts with the background color of the buoy. A brochure illustrating the techniques for marking gear is available from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon request. (3) Color code. Gear must be marked with the appropriate colors to designate gear types and areas as follows: COLOR CODE SCHEME Plan management area Color Trap/Pot Gear Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Massachusetts Restricted Area ...................................................................................................... Northern Nearshore ......................................................................................................................... Northern Inshore State .................................................................................................................... Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area ........................................................................... Great South Channel Restricted Area overlapping with LMA 2 and/or Outer Cape ...................... Exempt RI state waters (single traps) ............................................................................................. Exempt MA state waters in LMA 1 (single traps) ........................................................................... Exempt MA state waters in LMA 2 (single traps) ........................................................................... Exempt MA state waters in Outer Cape (singles) .......................................................................... Isle of Shoals, ME (single traps) ..................................................................................................... Southern Nearshore ........................................................................................................................ Southeast Restricted Area North (State Waters) ............................................................................ Southeast Restricted Area North (Federal Waters) ........................................................................ Offshore ........................................................................................................................................... Great South Channel Restricted Area overlapping with LMA 2/3 and/or LMA 3 ........................... Jordan Basin ................................................................................................................................... Jeffreys Ledge ................................................................................................................................. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red. Red and Blue. Red and White. Red and Black. Red and Yellow. Red and Orange. Orange. Blue and Orange. Green and Orange. Black. Black. Black and Purple (LMA 3); Red and and Purple (LMA 1). Red and Green. Gillnet Excluding Shark Gillnet Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area ....................................................................................................... Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area ........................................................................... Great South Channel Restricted Area ............................................................................................ Great South Channel Restricted Sliver Area .................................................................................. Other Northeast Gillnet Waters ....................................................................................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Green. Green. Green. Green. Green. E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules 14355 COLOR CODE SCHEME—Continued Plan management area Color Jordan Basin ................................................................................................................................... Jeffreys Ledge ................................................................................................................................. Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters ................................................................................................... Southeast US Restricted Area South ............................................................................................. Other Southeast Gillnet Waters ...................................................................................................... Green and Yellow. Green and Black. Blue. Yellow. Yellow. Shark Gillnet (With Webbing of 5″ or Greater) Southeast US Restricted Area South ............................................................................................. Southeast Monitoring Area .............................................................................................................. Other Southeast Waters .................................................................................................................. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Area specific gear requirements. Trap/pot gear must be set according to the requirements outlined below and in the table in paragraph(c)(2)(iii) of this section. (i) Single traps and multiple-trap trawls. All traps must be set according to the configuration outlined in the Table (c)(2)(iii) of this section. Trawls up to and including 5 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line unless specified otherwise in Table (c)(2)(iii) of this section. (ii) Buoy line weak links. All buoys, flotation devices and/or weights (except traps/pots, anchors, and leadline woven into the buoy line), such as surface buoys, high flyers, sub-surface buoys, toggles, window weights, etc., must be attached to the buoy line with a weak link placed as close to each individual buoy, flotation device and/or weight as operationally feasible and that meets the following specifications: (A) The breaking strength of the weak links must not exceed the breaking strength listed in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section for a specified management area. (B) The weak link must be chosen from the following list approved by Green and Blue. Green and Blue. Green and Blue. NMFS: Swivels, plastic weak links, rope of appropriate breaking strength, hog rings, rope stapled to a buoy stick, or other materials or devices approved in writing by the Assistant Administrator. A brochure illustrating the techniques for making weak links is available from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon request. (C) Weak links must break cleanly leaving behind the bitter end of the line. The bitter end of the line must be free of any knots when the weak link breaks. Splices are not considered to be knots for the purposes of this provision. (iii)—TABLE OF AREA SPECIFIC GEAR REQUIREMENTS Management area Minimum number traps/trawl ME State and Pocket Waters1. ME Zones A–G (3–6 miles) i. ME Zones A–C (6–12 miles) 1. ME Zones D–G (6–12 miles) 1. ME Zones A–E (12+ miles). ME Zones F–G (12+ miles). MA State Waters ii ....... Northern Inshore State ................................... 2 (1 endline) ............... ≤600 lbs. Northern Nearshore ........................................ 3 (1 endline) ............... ≤600 lbs. Northern Nearshore ........................................ 5 (1 endline) ............... ≤600 lbs. Northern Nearshore ........................................ 10 ............................... ≤600 lbs. Northern Nearshore and Offshore .................. 15 ............................... Northern Nearshore and Offshore .................. Northern Inshore State and Massachusetts Restricted Area. NH State Waters ......... LMA 1 (3–12 miles) ..... Northern Inshore State ................................... Northern Nearshore and Massachusetts Restricted Area and Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area. Northern Nearshore ........................................ Northern Inshore State and Massachusetts Restricted Area. Northern Inshore State and Massachusetts Restricted Area. Northern Nearshore and Massachusetts Restricted Area. 15 (Mar 1–Oct 31) 20 (Nov 1–Feb 28/29). No minimum number of traps per trawl. Trawls up to and including 3 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line. 2 (1 endline) Trawls up to and including 3 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line. No minimum trap/trawl 10 ............................... ≤600 lbs (≤1500 lbs in offshore, 2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot). ≤600 lbs (≤1500 lbs in offshore, 2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot). ≤600 lbs. Other MA State Waters Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Location LMA 1 (12+ miles) ....... LMA1/OC Overlap (0–3 miles). OC (0–3 miles) ............ OC (3–12 miles) .......... VerDate Sep<11>2014 Northern Inshore State and Massachusetts Restricted Area. 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 20 ............................... No minimum number of traps per trawl. No minimum number of traps per trawl. 10 ............................... Sfmt 4702 Weak link strength ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 14356 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 53 / Thursday, March 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules (iii)—TABLE OF AREA SPECIFIC GEAR REQUIREMENTS—Continued Location Management area Minimum number traps/trawl OC (12+ miles) ............ Northern Nearshore and Great South Channel Restricted Area. Northern Inshore State ................................... 20 ............................... ≤600 lbs. No minimum number of traps per trawl.. 10 ............................... 20 ............................... ≤600 lbs. 20 ............................... ≤1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot). 20 ............................... ≤1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot). ..................................... 1 ................................. 1 ................................. 1 ................................. 1 ................................. ≤600 ≤200 ≤600 ≤600 ≤600 RI State Waters ........... LMA 2 (3–12 miles) ..... LMA 2 (12 + miles) ...... LMA 2/3 Overlap (12+ miles). LMA 3 (12+ miles) ....... LMA 4,5,6 .................... FL State Waters .......... GA State Waters ......... SC State Waters ......... Federal Waters off FL, GA, SC. Northern Nearshore ........................................ Northern Nearshore and Great South Channel Restricted Area. Offshore and Great South Channel Restricted Area. Offshore waters North of 40° and Great South Channel Restricted Area. Southern Nearshore ........................................ Southeast US Restricted Area North iii ........... Southeast US Restricted Area North 3 ............ Southeast US Restricted Area North 3 ............ Southeast US Restricted Area North 3 ............ Weak link strength ≤600 lbs. ≤600 lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 1 The pocket waters and 6-mile line as defined in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)–(a)(2)(iii) of this section. State waters as defined in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii) of this section. 3 See § 229.32 (f)(1) for description of area. 2 MA * * * * * [FR Doc. 2015–06272 Filed 3–18–15; 8:45 am] Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Mar 18, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Pages 14345-14356]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06272]
[Docket No. 150122067-5229-01]
RIN 0648-BE83
Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the
Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This action proposes to
change the minimum number of traps per trawl to allow fishing with a
single trap in certain Massachusetts and Rhode Island state
[[Page 14346]]
waters; and proposes to modify the requirement to use one endline on
trawls within certain areas in Massachusetts state waters. NMFS also
proposes a \1/4\ mile buffer in waters surrounding certain islands in
Maine to allow fishing with a single trap. In addition, NMFS proposes
additional gear marking requirements for those waters allowing single
traps as well as two new high use areas for humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) and North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).
DATES: Submit comments on or before April 20, 2015.
NOAA-NMFS-2015-0127, by either of the following methods:
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal
1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0127,
2. Click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields,
Mail: Submit written comments to Kim Damon-Randall,
Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, NMFS Greater
Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Dr., Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn:
Large Whale Proposed Rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Swails, NMFS Greater Atlantic
Regional Fisheries Office, 978-282-8481, Kate.Swails@noaa.gov; or,
Kristy Long, NMFS Office of Protected Resources, 206-526-4792,
Kristy.Long@noaa.gov.
Several of the background documents for the Plan and the take
reduction planning process can be downloaded from the Plan Web site at
http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected/whaletrp/index.html. The complete text of the regulations implementing the Plan
can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 229.32
or downloaded from the Web site, along with a guide to the regulations.
The draft Environmental Assessment for this action is also available
NMFS published an amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take
Reduction Plan (Plan) on June 27, 2014 (79 FR 36586) to address large
whale entanglement risks associated with vertical line (or buoy lines)
from commercial trap/pot fisheries. This amendment included gear
modifications, gear setting requirements, a seasonal closure
(Massachusetts Restricted Area) and gear marking for both the trap/pot
and the gillnet fisheries.
In consultation with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team
(Team), we developed protocols for considering modifications or
exemptions to the regulations implementing the Plan. Following these
protocols, on August 18, 2014, the Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries (DMF) submitted a proposal to modify the Massachusetts Bay
Restricted Area and exempted several areas from the gear setting
requirements to address safety and economic concerns raised by their
The DMF proposal adequately addressed the protocols and criteria
established by the Team for considering modifications or exemptions to
the Plan's regulations enabling us to consult with the Team. We decided
to address the modifications to the Massachusetts Restricted Area and
the exemption of the minimum number of traps per trawl requirements
separately, beginning with the Massachusetts Restricted Area. After
discussions with the Team, NMFS published an amendment to the Plan on
December 12, 2014 (79 FR 73848) changing the timing and size of the
Massachusetts Restricted Area.
Along with the DMF proposal we also received proposals from other
state partners requesting certain waters be exempt from the minimum
number of traps per trawl requirements due to safety concerns. The
conservation members of the Team also submitted a proposal in an effort
to offset this potential increase in vertical lines should NMFS approve
the proposed state exemptions. NMFS convened the team in January 2015
to discuss these proposals. At the conclusion of the January meeting,
the Team, by near consensus, recommended that we amend the Plan as
proposed by the states. The Team also recommended that the current gear
marking scheme be updated to include unique marks for those fishing
singles in the proposed exempted areas and a unique mark for both
gillnets and trap/pots fished in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin. This
recommendation forms the basis for the proposed alternative described
Changes Proposed to the Plan for Trap/Pot Gear
This action proposes to exempt Rhode Island state waters and
portions of Massachusetts state waters from the minimum number of traps
per trawl requirement and allow singles to be fished in certain state
waters (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively). This exemption is based on
safety and financial concerns raised by the industry. In addition, in
Rhode Island state waters and portions of Massachusetts state waters
(particularly in Southern Massachusetts waters) the co-occurrence of
fishing effort and whale distribution is minimal. According to DMF
along the Outer Cape there are dynamic tides and featureless substrate
that dictate the use of single traps in this area. Massachusetts also
has a student lobster permit that allows for permit holders to fish
alone and with small boats. Single traps are used in this fishery and
other inshore waters as a matter of safety.
In addition, those fishing in all Massachusetts state waters would
be required to have one endline for trawls less than and equal to three
traps. The current requirement of one endline for trawls less than or
equal to five traps remains in place in all other management areas.
Larger trawls (i.e., > 5 traps/pots) will not be required to have only
one endline.
An exemption from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement
is also proposed for a \1/4\ mile buffer in waters surrounding the
following islands in Maine--Matinicus Island Group (Metinic, Small
Green, Large Green, Seal, and Wooden Ball) and Isle of Shoals Island
Group (Duck, Appledore, Cedar, and Smuttynose).
Boats within this \1/4\ mile buffer would be allowed to continue
fishing single traps rather than multiple trap trawls due to safety
issues since these waters are generally less than 30 fathoms deep with
rocky edges and boats fishing close to shore areas are usually small. A
similar exemption for the inhabited islands of Monhegan, Matinicus, and
Ragged Islands was established in the June 2014 rule. The proposed
islands in this rule have the same bottom habitat as the previously
exempt islands and many residents from many island
communities fish around these islands. Similarly, the New Hampshire
side of the Isle of Shoals group was also exempt from the minimum
number of traps per trawl requirement in the June 2014 rule. Allowing
the islands in the chain that fall on the Maine side of the border to
have the same exemption would provide parity to fishermen using islands
on both sides of the border. Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME
DMR) estimates that the fishing effort within the proposed buffer areas
is small (0.3% of total vertical lines in the Northeast), consists of
around 20 fishermen and has peak use in the summer months. In addition,
ME DMR is pursuing funding for aerial surveys that would determine the
use of marine mammals in these coastal areas as well as document the
gear density.
Changes Proposed to the Plan for Gear Marking
This action proposes to implement a gear marking scheme that builds
off the current color combinations and the size and frequency of the
current gear marking requirements. In an effort to learn if
entanglements occur in these newly exempted areas, this action proposes
to add a unique gear mark to those single vertical lines fished in the
exempted areas of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Matinicus Island
Group, Maine. Also, this action proposes unique trap/pot and gillnet
gear marking in two important high use areas for both humpback and
right whales--Jeffreys Ledge (Figure 3) and Jordan Basin (Figure 4).
The mark must equal 12-inches (30.5 cm) in length and buoy lines must
be marked three times (top, middle, bottom) with the appropriate unique
color combination for that area.
NMFS proposes a phased-in implementation of the new gear marking.
Industry would have 30 days from publication of the final rule to mark
gear fished in the newly exempted areas and 90 days from publication of
the final rule to mark gear in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin areas.
the purposes of Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule contains
collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA), specifically, the marking of fishing gear. The
collection of information requirement was approved by OMB under control
number (0648-0364). Public comment is sought regarding whether this
performance and function of the agency, including: The practical
utility of the information; the accuracy of the burden estimate; the
opportunities to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and the ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of this data
collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see
ADDRESSES) and by email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov, or fax to (202)
This revision to the collection of information requirement applies
to a total of 399 vessels. The estimated number of vessels affected by
the overall gear marking provisions in the Plan is 4,008. The estimated
number of those vessels affected only by the proposed amendment is 399.
Model vessel types were developed for gillnet fisheries, lobster trap/
pot fisheries, and other trap/pot fisheries. Total burden hours for all
affected vessels in the Plan are 35,571 hours over three years or
11,857 hours per year. Total cost burden for all affected vessels in
the Plan is $24,758 over three years or $8,253 per year. The total cost
burden for those vessels affected by the proposed amendment is $3,450
over three years or $1,150 per year. For more information, please see
the PRA submission associated with this rulemaking.
a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number.
As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, NMFS prepared an
initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) for this proposed rule;
a summary of the IRFA follows.
A description of the reasons why this action is being considered,
its objectives, and the legal basis for this proposed action can be
found in the Summary section and earlier in the Supplementary
Information section of this proposed rule, and are not repeated here.
This proposed rule would not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any
other federal rules.
The small entities affected by this proposed rule are commercial
gillnet and trap/pot fishermen. The geographic range of the proposed
rule is the Northeast Atlantic waters. By changing the minimum number
of traps per trawl requirement to allow singles, in the lobster trap/
pot fishery, there are potentially 182 vessels that would be affected.
Additionally, in the other trap/pot fisheries, there are potentially
123 vessels that would be affected. All vessels are assumed to be small
entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Alternatives were evaluated using model vessels, each of which
represents a group of vessels that share similar operating
characteristics and would face similar requirements under a given
regulatory alternative. Both an upper and lower bound of annual
economic savings for lobster and other trap/pot were analyzed. A
summary of analysis describing the potential range of savings resulting
from allowing singles to be fished follows:
1. NMFS considered a ``no action'' or status quo alternative
(Alternative 1) that would result in no changes to the current measures
under the Plan and, as such, would result in no additional economic
effects on the fishing industry.
2. Alternative 2 would modify the Plan by allowing the use of
single traps in Rhode Island state waters, in most Massachusetts state
waters, and some waters around Maine Islands. This change would
constitute an exemption to the minimum two-trap-per-trawl requirement
specified for these areas under the 2014 vertical line rulemaking.
Those who until now have fished singles in these areas would avoid the
costs associated with converting their gear from singles to doubles,
and would also avoid other possible costs, such as a loss in revenue
due to a reduction in catch. The proposed action also revises gear
marking requirements that would apply to vessels fishing in waters that
would be exempt from trawling requirements, as well as to vessels
fishing in two additional regions (Jordan Basin and Jeffreys Ledge).
The changes would require the use of colors that would differentiate
gear set in these areas from gear fished in other waters. NMFS has
determined, however, that the marking requirements would introduce
minimal additional burden for the affected vessels; thus, a substantial
increase in compliance costs is unlikely. The proposed rule does not
include any other reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements.
Overall, the economic impacts of the preferred alternative results
in a vessel cost savings that would equal or range from $163,200 to
$345,700 for lobster trap/pot vessels and $257,000 to $512,500 for
other trap/pot vessels when compared to the no action
alternative, resulting in a largely positive impact.
NMFS has determined that this action is consistent to the maximum
extent practicable with the approved coastal management programs of
Massachusetts. This determination was submitted for review by the
responsible state agency under section 307 of the Coastal Zone
This proposed rule contains policies with federalism implications
as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, the
Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs will
provide notice of the proposed action to the appropriate official(s) of
affected state, local, and/or tribal governments.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19MR15.008
[[Page 14350]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19MR15.009
[[Page 14351]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19MR15.010
[[Page 14352]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19MR15.011
[[Page 14353]]
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Fisheries, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 229 is
proposed to be amended to read as follows:
PART 229--AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES UNDER THE MARINE
MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972
1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 229 continues to read as
Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; Sec.  229.32(f) also issued
under 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
2. In Sec.  229.32, paragraphs (a)(3)(iii), and (a)(6), and (b) are
Sec.  229.32  Atlantic large whale take reduction plan regulations.
(3) Exempted waters. (i) The regulations in this section do not
apply to waters landward of the 72 COLREGS demarcation lines
(International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972), as
depicted or noted on nautical charts published by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (Coast Charts 1:80,000 scale), and as
described in 33 CFR part 80 with the exception of the COLREGS lines for
Casco Bay (Maine), Portsmouth Harbor (New Hampshire), Gardiners Bay and
Long Island Sound (New York), and the state of Massachusetts.
(ii) Other exempted waters.
The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of
a line connecting the following points (Quoddy Narrows/US-Canada border
to Odiornes Pt., Portsmouth, New Hampshire):
44[deg]49.67' N. lat., 66[deg]57.77' W. long. (R N ``2'', Quoddy
44[deg]48.64' N. lat., 66[deg]56.43' W. long. (G ``1'' Whistle, West
Quoddy Head)
44[deg]47.36' N. lat., 66[deg]59.25' W. long. (R N ``2'', Morton Ledge)
44[deg]45.51' N. lat., 67[deg]02.87' W. long. (R ``28M'' Whistle,
Baileys Mistake)
44[deg]37.70' N. lat., 67[deg]09.75' W. long. (Obstruction, Southeast
of Cutler)
44[deg]27.77' N. lat., 67[deg]32.86' W. long. (Freeman Rock, East of
Great Wass Island)
44[deg]25.74' N. lat., 67[deg]38.39' W. long. (R ``2SR'' Bell, Seahorse
Rock, West of Great Wass Island)
44[deg]21.66' N. lat., 67[deg]51.78' W. long. (R N ``2'', Petit Manan
44[deg]19.08' N. lat., 68[deg]02.05' W. long. (R ``2S'' Bell, Schoodic
44[deg]13.55' N. lat., 68[deg]10.71' W. long. (R ``8BI'' Whistle, Baker
44[deg]08.36' N. lat., 68[deg]14.75' W. long. (Southern Point, Great
Duck Island)
43[deg]59.36' N. lat., 68[deg]37.95' W. long. (R ``2'' Bell, Roaring
Bull Ledge, Isle Au Haut)
43[deg]59.83' N. lat., 68[deg]50.06' W. long. (R ``2A'' Bell, Old Horse
Ledge)
43[deg]56.72' N. lat., 69[deg]04.89' W. long. (G ``5TB'' Bell, Two Bush
43[deg]50.28' N. lat., 69[deg]18.86' W. long. (R ``2 OM'' Whistle, Old
Man Ledge)
43[deg]48.96' N. lat., 69[deg]31.15' W. long. (GR C ``PL'', Pemaquid
43[deg]43.64' N. lat., 69[deg]37.58' W. long. (R ``2BR'' Bell, Bantam
43[deg]41.44' N. lat., 69[deg]45.27' W. long. (R ``20ML'' Bell, Mile
43[deg]36.04' N. lat., 70[deg]03.98' W. long. (RG N ``BS'', Bulwark
Shoal)
43[deg]31.94' N. lat., 70[deg]08.68' W. long. (G ``1'', East Hue and
43[deg]27.63' N. lat., 70[deg]17.48' W. long. (RW ``WI'' Whistle, Wood
43[deg]20.23' N. lat., 70[deg]23.64' W. long. (RW ``CP'' Whistle, Cape
43[deg]04.06' N. lat., 70[deg]36.70' W. long. (R N ``2MR'', Murray
43[deg]02.93' N. lat., 70[deg]41.47' W. long. (R ``2KR'' Whistle,
Kittery Point)
43[deg]02.55' N. lat., 70[deg]43.33' W. long. (Odiornes Pt.,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire)
New Hampshire state waters are exempt from the minimum number of
traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section.
Harbor waters landward of the following lines are exempt from all the
regulations in this section.
A line from 42[deg]53.691' N. lat., 70[deg]48.516' W. long. to
42[deg]53.516' N. lat., 70[deg]48.748' W. long. (Hampton Harbor)
A line from 42[deg]59.986' N. lat., 70[deg]44.654' W. long. to
42[deg]59.956' N., 70[deg]44.737' W. long. (Rye Harbor)
Rhode Island state waters are exempt from the minimum number of
A line from 41[deg]22.441' N. lat., 71[deg]30.781' W. long. to
41[deg]22.447' N. lat., 71[deg]30.893' W. long. (Pt. Judith Pond Inlet)
A line from 41[deg]21.310' N. lat., 71[deg]38.300' W. long. to
41[deg]21.300' N. lat., 71[deg]38.330' W. long. (Ninigret Pond Inlet)
A line from 41[deg]19.875' N. lat., 71[deg]43.061' W. long. to
41[deg]19.879' N. lat., 71[deg]43.115' W. long. (Quonochontaug Pond
A line from 41[deg]19.660' N. lat., 71[deg]45.750' W. long. to
41[deg]19.660' N. lat., 71[deg]45.780' W. long. (Weekapaug Pond Inlet)
a line that follows the territorial sea baseline through Block Island
Sound (Watch Hill Point, RI, to Montauk Point, NY).
the first bridge over any embayment, harbor, or inlet in Massachusetts.
The following Massachusetts state waters are exempt from the minimum
number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this
Massachusetts state waters in LMA 1 and Outer Cape north and east
of Cape Cod from 0-3 miles from shore and including a portion of waters
east of the line connecting the following points:
41.925[deg] N, 70.147[deg] W and 41.792[deg] N, 70.319[deg] W
Massachusetts state waters in LMA 2 and Outer Cape south of
41.67[deg]40' N and west of 70.0[deg]00' W to the Rhode Island border
a line connecting the following points from 32[deg]34.717' N. lat.,
80[deg]08.565' W. long. to 32[deg]34.686' N. lat., 80[deg]08.642' W.
long. (Captain Sams Inlet)
(6) Island buffer. Those fishing in waters within \1/4\ mile of the
following Maine islands are exempt from the minimum number of traps per
trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section: Monhegan
Island, Matinicus Island Group (Metinic Island, Small Green Island,
Large Green Island, Seal Island, Wooden Ball Island, Matinicus Island,
Ragged Island) and Isle of Shoals Island Group (Duck Island, Appledore
Island, Cedar Island, Smuttynose Island).
(b) Gear marking requirements--(1) Specified areas. The following
areas are specified for gear marking purposes:
[[Page 14354]]
Northern Inshore State Trap/Pot Waters, Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area,
Massachusetts Restricted Area, Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge
Restricted Area, Northern Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Great South
Channel Restricted Trap/Pot Area, Great South Channel Restricted
Gillnet Area, Great South Channel Sliver Restricted Area, Southern
Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Offshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Other
Northeast Gillnet Waters Area, Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters Area,
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters Area, Southeast U.S. Restricted Areas,
and Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area.
(i) Jordan Basin. The Jordan Basin Restricted Area is bounded by
Point                     N. Lat.            W. Long.
JBRA1.............................  43[deg]15'         68[deg]50'
JBRA2.............................  43[deg]35'         68[deg]20'
JBRA3.............................  43[deg]25'         68[deg]05'
JBRA4.............................  43[deg]05'         68[deg]20'
JBRA5.............................  43[deg]05'         68[deg]35'
(ii) Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area--The Jeffreys Ledge Restricted
Area is bounded by the following points:
JLRA1.............................  43[deg]15'         70[deg]25'
JLRA2.............................  43[deg]15'         70[deg]00'
JLRA3.............................  42[deg]50'         70[deg]00'
JLRA4.............................  42[deg]50'         70[deg]25'
(2) Markings. All specified gear in specified areas must be marked
with the color code shown in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The
color of the color code must be permanently marked on or along the line
or lines specified below under paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this
section. Each color mark of the color codes must be clearly visible
when the gear is hauled or removed from the water, including if the
color of the rope is the same as or similar to the respective color
code. The rope must be marked at least three times (top, middle,
bottom) and each mark must total 12-inch (30.5 cm) in length. If the
mark consists of two colors then each color mark may be 6-inch (15.25
cm) for a total mark of 12-inch (30.5 cm). In marking or affixing the
color code, the line may be dyed, painted, or marked with thin colored
whipping line, thin colored plastic, or heat-shrink tubing, or other
material; or a thin line may be woven into or through the line; or the
line may be marked as approved in writing by the Assistant
Administrator. A brochure illustrating the techniques for marking gear
is available from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic
Region upon request.
(i) Buoy line markings. All buoy lines must be marked as stated
above. Shark gillnet gear in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S,
Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and Other Southeast Gillnet Waters,
greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) long must be marked within 2 feet (0.6 m)
of the top of the buoy line (closest to the surface), midway along the
length of the buoy line, and within 2 feet (0.6 m) of the bottom of the
buoy line.
(ii) Net panel markings. Shark gillnet gear net panels in the
Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S, Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters is required to be marked. The net panel
must be marked along both the floatline and the leadline at least once
every 100 yards (91.4 m).
(iii) Surface buoy markings. Trap/pot and gillnet gear regulated
under this section must mark all surface buoys to identify the vessel
or fishery with one of the following: The owner's motorboat
registration number, the owner's U.S. vessel documentation number, the
federal commercial fishing permit number, or whatever positive
identification marking is required by the vessel's home-port state.
When marking of surface buoys is not already required by state or
federal regulations, the letters and numbers used to mark the gear to
identify the vessel or fishery must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in
height in block letters or arabic numbers in a color that contrasts
with the background color of the buoy. A brochure illustrating the
techniques for marking gear is available from the Regional
Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon request.
(3) Color code. Gear must be marked with the appropriate colors to
designate gear types and areas as follows:
Plan management area                        Color
Massachusetts Restricted Area................  Red.
Northern Nearshore...........................  Red.
Northern Inshore State.......................  Red.
Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted      Red.
Great South Channel Restricted Area            Red.
overlapping with LMA 2 and/or Outer Cape.
Exempt RI state waters (single traps)........  Red and Blue.
Exempt MA state waters in LMA 1 (single        Red and White.
traps).
Exempt MA state waters in LMA 2 (single        Red and Black.
Exempt MA state waters in Outer Cape           Red and Yellow.
(singles).
Isle of Shoals, ME (single traps)............  Red and Orange.
Southern Nearshore...........................  Orange.
Southeast Restricted Area North (State         Blue and Orange.
Waters).
Southeast Restricted Area North (Federal       Green and Orange.
Offshore.....................................  Black.
Great South Channel Restricted Area            Black.
overlapping with LMA 2/3 and/or LMA 3.
Jordan Basin.................................  Black and Purple (LMA 3);
Red and and Purple (LMA
Jeffreys Ledge...............................  Red and Green.
Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area.................  Green.
Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted      Green.
Great South Channel Restricted Area..........  Green.
Great South Channel Restricted Sliver Area...  Green.
Other Northeast Gillnet Waters...............  Green.
[[Page 14355]]
Jordan Basin.................................  Green and Yellow.
Jeffreys Ledge...............................  Green and Black.
Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters............  Blue.
Southeast US Restricted Area South...........  Yellow.
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters...............  Yellow.
Shark Gillnet (With Webbing of 5'' or Greater)
Southeast US Restricted Area South...........  Green and Blue.
Southeast Monitoring Area....................  Green and Blue.
Other Southeast Waters.......................  Green and Blue.
(2) Area specific gear requirements. Trap/pot gear must be set
according to the requirements outlined below and in the table in
paragraph(c)(2)(iii) of this section.
(i) Single traps and multiple-trap trawls. All traps must be set
according to the configuration outlined in the Table (c)(2)(iii) of
this section. Trawls up to and including 5 or fewer traps must only
have one buoy line unless specified otherwise in Table (c)(2)(iii) of
(ii) Buoy line weak links. All buoys, flotation devices and/or
weights (except traps/pots, anchors, and leadline woven into the buoy
line), such as surface buoys, high flyers, sub-surface buoys, toggles,
window weights, etc., must be attached to the buoy line with a weak
link placed as close to each individual buoy, flotation device and/or
weight as operationally feasible and that meets the following
(A) The breaking strength of the weak links must not exceed the
breaking strength listed in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section for a
specified management area.
(B) The weak link must be chosen from the following list approved
by NMFS: Swivels, plastic weak links, rope of appropriate breaking
strength, hog rings, rope stapled to a buoy stick, or other materials
or devices approved in writing by the Assistant Administrator. A
brochure illustrating the techniques for making weak links is available
from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon
(C) Weak links must break cleanly leaving behind the bitter end of
the line. The bitter end of the line must be free of any knots when the
weak link breaks. Splices are not considered to be knots for the
purposes of this provision.
(iii)--Table of Area Specific Gear Requirements
Minimum number  traps/
Location                     Management area               trawl              Weak link strength
ME State and Pocket Waters\1\.....  Northern Inshore State....  2 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-G (3-6 miles) i........  Northern Nearshore........  3 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-C (6-12 miles) \1\.....  Northern Nearshore........  5 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones D-G (6-12 miles) \1\.....  Northern Nearshore........  10...................  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-E (12+ miles)..........  Northern Nearshore and      15...................  <=600 lbs (<=1500 lbs in
Offshore.                                          offshore, 2,000 lbs if
red crab trap/pot).
ME Zones F-G (12+ miles)..........  Northern Nearshore and      15 (Mar 1-Oct 31) 20   <=600 lbs (<=1500 lbs in
Offshore.                   (Nov 1-Feb 28/29).     offshore, 2,000 lbs if
MA State Waters ii................  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
Massachusetts Restricted    traps per trawl.
Area.                       Trawls up to and
including 3 or fewer
traps must only have
one buoy line.
Other MA State Waters.............  Northern Inshore State and  2 (1 endline) Trawls   <=600 lbs.
Massachusetts Restricted    up to and including
Area.                       3 or fewer traps
must only have one
NH State Waters...................  Northern Inshore State....  No minimum trap/trawl  <=600 lbs.
LMA 1 (3-12 miles)................  Northern Nearshore and      10...................  <=600 lbs.
Massachusetts Restricted
Area and Stellwagen Bank/
Jeffreys Ledge Restricted
LMA 1 (12+ miles).................  Northern Nearshore........  20...................  <=600 lbs.
LMA1/OC Overlap (0-3 miles).......  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
OC (0-3 miles)....................  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
OC (3-12 miles)...................  Northern Nearshore and      10...................  <=600 lbs.
[[Page 14356]]
OC (12+ miles)....................  Northern Nearshore and      20...................  <=600 lbs.
Restricted Area.
RI State Waters...................  Northern Inshore State....  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
traps per trawl..
LMA 2 (3-12 miles)................  Northern Nearshore........  10...................  <=600 lbs.
LMA 2 (12 + miles)................  Northern Nearshore and      20...................  <=600 lbs.
LMA 2/3 Overlap (12+ miles).......  Offshore and Great South    20...................  <=1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if
Channel Restricted Area.                           red crab trap/pot).
LMA 3 (12+ miles).................  Offshore waters North of    20...................  <=1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if
40[deg] and Great South                            red crab trap/pot).
Channel Restricted Area.
LMA 4,5,6.........................  Southern Nearshore........  .....................  <=600 lbs.
FL State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=200 lbs.
Area North iii.
GA State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
Area North \3\.
SC State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
Federal Waters off FL, GA, SC.....  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
\1\ The pocket waters and 6-mile line as defined in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)-(a)(2)(iii) of this section.
\2\ MA State waters as defined in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii) of this section.
\3\ See Sec.   229.32 (f)(1) for description of area.
[FR Doc. 2015-06272 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]