Source: https://www.global-regulation.com/law/united-states/28321/taking-of-marine-mammals-incidental-to-commercial-fishing-operations%253b-atlantic-large-whale-take-reduction-plan-regulations.html
Timestamp: 2018-11-13 16:16:09
Document Index: 573782813

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 229', '§ 229', '§ 229', '§ 229', '§ 697', '§ 697', '§ 229']

Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations (United States)
Link to law: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/text/raw_text/201/512/869.txt
NMFS issues this final rule to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This action will change the minimum number of traps per trawl to allow fishing with a single trap in certain Massachusetts and Rhode Island state waters; and modifies the requirement to use one endline on trawls within certain areas in Massachusetts state waters. Also, this rule creates a 1/4 mile buffer in waters surrounding certain islands in Maine to allow fishing with a single trap. In addition, this rule includes 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 ).
This rule is effective May 28, 2015, except for the amendment to § 229.32(b)(3), which is effective July 1, 2015, and the amendment to § 229.32(b)(1)(i) and (ii), which is effective September 1, 2015.
Copies of the supporting documents for this action, as well as the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team meeting summaries and supporting documents, may be obtained from the Plan Web site ( http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected/whaletrp/index.html ). Written comments regarding the burden hour estimates or other aspects of the collection of information requirements contained in this final rule can be submitted to Kimberly Damon-Randall, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Dr, Gloucester, MA 10930 or Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by email at OIRA_submissions@omb.eop.gov .
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 .
The DMF proposal adequately addressed the Team's established protocols and criteria for considering modifications or exemptions to the Plan's regulations, which enabled NMFS to consult with the Team on the DMF proposal. 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.
In addition, those fishing in all Massachusetts state waters are required to have one endline for trawls less than or 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., ≥6 traps/pots) will not be required to have only one endline.
Response 10: We disagree. The Team felt that there was little increase in overall entanglement risk with improved safety, economics and operational considerations for the smaller vessels. That said, some were concerned about the conservation implications of any increase in lines; therefore, the proposals triggered extensive discussions about the need for distinct and unique gear-markings to improve the NMFS ability to identify the likely source of entanglements if an increase in lines were to occur as a result of the proposals. This unique gear marking discussed at the January meeting (in particular the marking in two new `high use areas') is the approach the Team agreed was an appropriate “trade-off” for the potential for an increased risk. The Team identified the need for distinct and unique gear-markings to improve the NMFS ability to identify the likely source of entanglements if an increase in lines were to occur as a result of the proposals.
This action 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 was sought regarding whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 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 ADDRESSEES ) and by email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov , or fax to (202) 395-7285.
2. Alternative 2, the preferred alternative, will 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 will 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 single traps in these areas will avoid the costs associated with converting their gear from single traps to double traps, and would also avoid other possible costs, such as a loss in revenue due to a reduction in catch. The 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 will require the use of colors that will differentiate gear set in these areas from gear fished in other waters. NMFS has determined, however, that the marking requirements will introduce minimal additional burden for the affected vessels; thus, a substantial increase in compliance costs is unlikely. The rule does not include any other reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements.
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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), (a)(6), (b), and (c)(2) are revised to read as follows:
From the New Hampshire border to 70° W longitude south of Cape Cod, waters in EEZ Nearshore Management Area 1 and the Outer Cape Lobster Management Area (as defined in the American Lobster Fishery regulations under § 697.18 of this title), from the shoreline to 3 nautical miles from shore, and including waters of Cape Cod Bay southeast of a straight line connecting 41° 55.8′ N lat., 70°8.4′ W long. and 41°47.2′ N lat., 70°19.5′ W long.
From 70° W longitude south of Cape Cod to the Rhode Island border, all Massachusetts state waters in EEZ Nearshore Management Area 2 and the Outer Cape Lobster Management Area (as defined in the American Lobster Fishery regulations under § 697.18 of this title), including federal waters of Nantucket Sound west of 70° W longitude.
(ii) Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area —The Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area is bounded by the following points connected by a straight line in the order listed:
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 (single traps)
Isles of Shoals, ME (single traps)
Southeast Restricted Area North (State Waters)
Southeast Restricted Area North (Federal Waters)
Black and Purple (LMA 3); Red and and Purple (LMA 1).
ME State and Pocket Waters 1
2 (1 endline)
≤600 lbs.
ME Zones A-G (3-6 miles) 1
3 (1 endline)
ME Zones A-C (6-12 miles) 1
5 (1 endline)
ME Zones D-G (6-12 miles) 1
≤600 lbs (≤1500 lbs in offshore, 2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot).
MA State Waters 2
No minimum number of traps per trawl. Trawls up to and including 3 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line
Other MA State Waters
2 (1 endline) Trawls up to and including 3 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line
NH State Waters
No minimum trap/trawl
No minimum number of traps per trawl
RI State Waters
No minimum number of traps per trawl.
Offshore and Great South Channel Restricted Area
≤1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if red crab trap/pot).
Offshore waters North of 40° and Great South Channel Restricted Area
LMA 4,5,6
Southeast US Restricted Area North i
≤200 lbs.
Southeast US Restricted Area North 3
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 as paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section.
3 See § 229.32(f)(1) for description of area.