Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2018/03/13/2018-04974.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-04 23:31:59
Document Index: 413418880

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', '§ 635', 'art 648', '§ 648', 'art 648', 'art 648', 'ART 648', 'art 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', '§ 648', 'art 679']

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan, 10803-10807 [2018-04974] :: 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; Framework 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan, 10803-10807 [2018-04974]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan, 10803-10807 [2018-04974]
Download as PDF amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations the aggregated LCS and hammerhead shark management groups while leaving only the blacktip shark fishery open in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region could cause large numbers of regulatory discards of aggregated LCS species. Such discards could hinder the management goals and interfere with accomplishing the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments (§ 635.28(b)(5)(iii)), which include preventing overfishing while achieving on a continuing basis optimum yield and rebuilding overfished shark stocks. Such discards would also be contrary to National Standard 9, which requires that management measures minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality, particularly if the discards are dead and are of overfished species. A single closure for the blacktip, aggregated LCS, and hammerhead management groups in the western Gulf of Mexico subregion would minimize regulatory discards, and help prevent overfishing, of aggregated LCS in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the criteria at § 635.28(b)(5). Accordingly, NMFS is closing the commercial blacktip shark fishery in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region as of 11:30 p.m. local time March 13, 2018. All other shark species or management groups in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region that are currently open will remain open, including the commercial Gulf of Mexico nonblacknose small coastal sharks (SCS), blue sharks, smoothhound sharks, and pelagic sharks other than porbeagle or blue sharks. The boundary between the Gulf of Mexico region and the Atlantic region is defined at § 635.27(b)(1) as a line beginning on the East Coast of Florida at the mainland at 25°20.4′ N. lat, proceeding due east. Any water and land to the south and west of that boundary is considered for the purposes of monitoring and setting quotas, to be within the Gulf of Mexico region. The boundary between the western and eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-regions is drawn along 88° 00′ W. long (§ 635.27(b)(1)(ii)). Persons fishing aboard vessels issued a commercial shark limited access permit under § 635.4 may still retain blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks management groups in the eastern Gulf of Mexico sub-region (east of 88° 00′ W. long). During the closure, retention of blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks management groups in the western Gulf of Mexico VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 sub-region is prohibited for persons fishing aboard vessels issued a commercial shark limited access permit under § 635.4. However, persons aboard a commercially permitted vessel that is also properly permitted to operate as a charter vessel or headboat for HMS, has a shark endorsement, and is engaged in a for-hire trip could fish under the recreational retention limits for sharks and ‘‘no sale’’ provisions (§ 635.22 (c)). Similarly, persons aboard a commercially permitted vessel that possesses a valid shark research permit under § 635.32 and has a NMFSapproved observer onboard may continue to harvest and sell blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region pursuant to the terms and conditions of the shark research permit. During this closure, a shark dealer issued a permit pursuant to § 635.4 may not purchase or receive blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region from a vessel issued an Atlantic shark limited access permit (LAP), except that a permitted shark dealer or processor may possess blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region that were harvested, off-loaded, and sold, traded, or bartered prior to the effective date of the closure and were held in storage consistent with § 635.28(b)(6). Additionally, a permitted shark dealer or processor may possess blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region that were harvested by a vessel issued a valid shark research fishery permit per § 635.32 with a NMFS-approved observer onboard during the trip the sharks were taken on as long as the LCS research fishery quota remains open. Similarly, a shark dealer issued a permit pursuant to § 635.4 may, in accordance with relevant state regulations, purchase or receive blacktip sharks, aggregated LCS, and/or hammerhead sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico sub-region if the sharks were harvested, off-loaded, and sold, traded, or bartered from a vessel that fishes only in state waters and that has not been issued an Atlantic Shark LAP, HMS Angling permit, or HMS Charter/Headboat permit pursuant to § 635.4. Classification Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds that providing prior notice and public comment for this action is impracticable and contrary to PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 10803 the public interest because the fishery is currently underway and any delay in this action would result in overharvest of the quotas for these species and management groups and thus would be inconsistent with fishery management requirements and objectives. The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and amendments provide for inseason retention limit adjustments and fishery closures to respond to the unpredictable nature of availability on the fishing grounds, the migratory nature of the species, and the regional variations. NMFS is not able to give notice sooner nor would sooner notice be practicable given the structure of the regulations, which close the fisheries under specified regulatory criteria or thresholds, and closure determinations need to be based on near real-time data to balance fishing opportunities against the management goal of preventing quota overharvests. Similarly, affording prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this action is contrary to the public interest because if a quota is exceeded, the stock may be negatively affected and fishermen ultimately could experience reductions in the available quota and a lack of fishing opportunities in future seasons. For these reasons, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effective date pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This action is required under § 635.28(b)(3) and § 635.28(b)(5) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 8, 2018 Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–05058 Filed 3–8–18; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 160229159–8236–02] RIN 0648–BF85 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 10804 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations This final rule implements the management measures contained in Framework Adjustment 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan and adjusts the 2018 specifications for this fishery. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed Framework Adjustment 2 to improve and simplify the administration of the golden tilefish fishery. These changes include removing an outdated reporting requirement, proscribing allowed gear for the recreational fishery, modifying the commercial incidental possession limit, requiring commercial golden tilefish be landed with the head and fins attached, and revising how assumed discards are accounted for when setting harvest limits. Based on new regulations implemented by this rule, this action updates previously published specifications for the commercial golden tilefish fishery for 2018 and projected specifications for 2019 and 2020. DATES: This rule is effective April 12, 2018, except for the amendment to § 648.7(b)(2)(ii), which is effective March 13, 2018. ADDRESSES: Copies of Framework 2 and the Environmental Assessment (EA), with its associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and the Regulatory Impact Review (RIR), are available from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted to the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, and by email to OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov, or fax to 202–395–7285 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Potts, Fishery Policy Analyst, 978–281–9341. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Background This action implements Framework Adjustment 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council developed this framework to improve and simplify management measures for the golden tilefish fishery in Federal waters north of the Virginia/North Carolina border, consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). We published a proposed rule for this action on October 23, 2017 (82 FR 48967), with a comment period through November 7, 2017. See Comments and Responses section for more information. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 Framework Adjustment 2 Measures Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) Reporting Requirement Removal Commercial fishing vessels that land golden tilefish under the individual fishing quota (IFQ) system are currently required to report each trip within 48 hours of landing through our IVR system. The Council originally created this reporting requirement when the fishery was managed under three permit categories, each with a sector-specific annual landing limit. The IVR system provided timely landing reports to track quota use and allowed managers to close a permit category if the annual landing cap was reached. When the Council changed the management of the fishery to an IFQ system, it retained the IVR system to allow additional monitoring of landings. Improvements in electronic dealer-reported landings and other data streams have rendered this IVR report redundant, and the data are no longer used to monitor quotas. This action eliminates this unnecessary reporting requirement. Recreational Fishing Gear Limit In recent years, the Council has received reports of recreational fishermen using ‘‘mini-longline’’ gear with a large number of hooks to target tilefish. The Council is concerned the use of this gear could result in increased dead discards of tilefish if fishermen catch more than the eight-fish per person bag limit using this type of gear. The Magnuson-Stevens Act list of authorized gear types at 50 CFR 600.75(v) already restricts the recreational fishery to rod and reel and spear gear. However, to avoid any potential confusion and clarify the amount of gear allowed, this action codifies that rod and reel with a maximum of five hooks per rod is the only authorized recreational tilefish gear for use in the Mid-Atlantic. Anglers could use either a manual or an electric reel. Commercial Golden Tilefish Landing Condition The commercial tilefish fishery typically lands fish in a head-on, gutted condition. However, quotas and possession limits are in whole (round) weight. This requires the fishing industry to use a conversion factor to change landed weight to whole weight to comply with incidental possession limits and IFQ allocations. This action requires commercially-caught golden tilefish to be landed with the head and fins attached, although they could be gutted. By requiring this, we can more reliably specify and monitor landing PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 limits and quotas in landed weight, eliminating the need to use a conversion factor. This will simplify catch accounting and improve compliance for individuals participating in the commercial tilefish fishery. Commercial Golden Tilefish Possession Limit When the Council created the tilefish IFQ system, it allocated a separate quota and commercial possession limit of 500 lb (227 kg) to allow small landings of tilefish caught by non-IFQ vessels targeting other species. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of non-IFQ vessels specifically targeting golden tilefish to land the maximum commercial incidental possession limit. In an effort to ensure that the incidental fishery functions as originally intended, this action modifies the commercial possession limit to ensure that vessels are targeting other species, and only incidentally catching golden tilefish. This action adjusts the commercial golden tilefish landing limit to: 500 lb (227 kg) or 50 percent, by weight, of all fish, including the golden tilefish, on board the vessel, whichever is less. Individual Fishing Quota Authorized Vessels Tilefish IFQ allocation holders may authorize one or more vessels to land tilefish under their allocation. All golden tilefish landed by those vessels are then deducted from that allocation. We do not currently have a mechanism for a vessel to attribute golden tilefish landings from a single trip to more than one IFQ allocation. To create such a system would increase reporting burden on vessels and dealers, and add complexity to the IFQ accounting and cost recovery systems. In order to maintain simple and efficient administration of the IFQ fishery, this action prohibits a vessel from being authorized to land tilefish under multiple IFQ allocations on the same trip. A vessel could still change IFQ allocations over the course of the year while only being authorized by one IFQ allocation at a time. In addition, IFQ allocation holders can lease quota to maintain flexibility in harvesting their allocation. Assumed Discards in Quota-Setting Process The current specification process sets the annual catch limit (ACL) equal to the acceptable biological catch (ABC). The ACL is adjusted to address any management uncertainty to set an annual catch target (ACT), then assumed discards of golden tilefish are deducted from the ACT to generate the total E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations allowable landings (TAL). The incidental fishery is then allocated 5 percent of the TAL, and the remaining 95 percent of the TAL is divided among the IFQ shareholders based on their individual quota holdings. However, discarding golden tilefish is prohibited in the IFQ fishery. As a result, observed discards occur almost entirely in the incidental fishery. This action adjusts the specification process to allocate the ACT between the incidental and IFQ fisheries using the 5- and 95-percent split. Sector-specific assumed discards are then deducted to establish sectorspecific TALs. The IFQ TAL is then allocated to the individual IFQ shareholders. Updated Specifications On November 7, 2017, we published a final rule (82 FR 51578) setting specifications for the 2018 commercial golden tilefish fishery and announcing projected specifications for the 2019 and 2020 fishing years. As discussed in that 10805 rule, the specifications were based on the regulations that were effective at the time but were anticipated to be revised if Framework 2 was fully implemented. Table 1 shows the 2018 golden tilefish specifications as implemented by the November 7, 2017, rule and new specification values that result from this rule. When this rule becomes effective, we will adjust each IFQ allocation based on the new higher IFQ TAL. Table 2 shows updated projected specifications for the 2019 and 2020 fishing years. TABLE 1—CHANGES TO 2018 GOLDEN TILEFISH SPECIFICATIONS AS A RESULT OF THIS ACTION As implemented million lb Overfishing Limit .............................................................................................. ABC .................................................................................................................. ACL .................................................................................................................. IFQ ACT ........................................................................................................... Incidental ACT ................................................................................................. TAL .................................................................................................................. IFQ TAL ........................................................................................................... Incidental TAL .................................................................................................. Framework 2 mt 2.332 1.636 1.636 NA NA 1.627 1.546 0.081 million lb 1,058 742 742 NA NA 738 701 37 mt 2.332 1.636 1.636 1.554 0.082 NA 1.554 0.072 1,058 742 742 705 37 NA 705 33 TABLE 2—UPDATED PROJECTED 2019 AND 2020 GOLDEN TILEFISH SPECIFICATIONS 2019 million lb Overfishing Limit .............................................................................................. ABC .................................................................................................................. ACL .................................................................................................................. IFQ ACT ........................................................................................................... Incidental ACT ................................................................................................. IFQ TAL ........................................................................................................... Incidental TAL .................................................................................................. Comments and Responses We received two comments on the proposed rule. One comment did not mention or relate to the proposed measures or fishing in any way and is not discussed further. The other commenter supported all of the proposed measures and stated the changes would benefit all participants in the fishery. Changes From the Proposed Rule amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES There are no changes to the measures from the proposed rule. However, a final rule published on November 15, 2017 (82 FR 52851), made changes to some of the same regulatory paragraphs as this rule. As a result, the regulatory text in this action reflects the current CFR. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has determined that this final rule is consistent with the Tilefish FMP, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 mt 2.421 1.636 1.636 1.554 0.082 1.554 0.072 other provisions of the MagnusonStevens Act, and other applicable law. This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Because this rule is not significant under Executive Order 12866, this rule is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), this rule is not subject to the 30-day delayed effectiveness provision of the Administrative Procedure Act because the change to 50 CFR 648.7(a)(2)(ii) relieves the restriction requiring tilefish IFQ vessels to report each fishing trip through the IVR system. As explained above, this reporting requirement is redundant and no longer used for monitoring catch. A delay in effectiveness of this change would unnecessarily continue this reporting burden with no benefit to the industry, the tilefish resource, or the government. All other aspects of this rule are subject to a 30-day delay in effectiveness. PO 00000 2020 million lb 1,098 742 742 705 37 705 33 2.291 1.636 1.636 1.554 0.082 1.554 0.072 mt 1,039 742 742 705 37 705 33 The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received regarding this certification and no information has arisen leading to a different conclusion. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared. This final rule contains a revision to a collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which has been approved by OMB under control number 0648–0590. Public reporting burden for the IVR reporting requirement is estimated to average 2 minutes for each IVR response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 10806 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. This rule removes this reporting burden. Send comments regarding these burden estimates 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. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to 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 OMB control number. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: March 7, 2018. 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 648 is amended as follows: 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. § 648.7 [Amended] 2. In § 648.7, paragraph (b)(2)(ii) is removed and reserved. ■ 3. In § 648.14, paragraphs (u)(2)(vi) and (viii) are revised and paragraph (u)(2)(ix) is added to read as follows: ■ § 648.14 § 648.291 (ACT). Tilefish Annual Catch Targets (a) Golden tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall identify and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to recommend ACTs for the individual fishing quota (IFQ) and incidental sectors of the fishery as part of the golden tilefish specification process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee recommendations shall identify the specific sources of management uncertainty that were considered, technical approaches to mitigating these sources of uncertainty, and any additional relevant information considered in the ACT recommendation process. (1) ACT allocation. (i) The ACT shall be less than or equal to the ACL. (ii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall include the fishing mortality associated with the recreational fishery in its ACT recommendations only if this source of mortality has not already been accounted for in the ABC recommended by the SSC. (iii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall allocate 5 percent of the ACT to the incidental sector of the fishery and the remaining 95 percent to the IFQ sector. * * * * * ■ 5. In § 648.292, paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) are revised to read as follows: Prohibitions. * amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES not compliant with the gear restrictions specified at § 648.296. * * * * * ■ 4. In § 648.291, paragraph (a) introductory text and paragraph (a)(1) are revised to read as follows: * * * * (u) * * * (2) * * * (vi) Land or possess golden tilefish in or from the Tilefish Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid tilefish permit under this part, after the incidental golden tilefish fishery is closed pursuant to § 648.295(a)(3), unless fishing under a valid tilefish IFQ allocation permit as specified in § 648.294(a), or engaged in recreational fishing. * * * * * (viii) Land or possess golden or blueline tilefish in or from the Tilefish Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid commercial tilefish permit under this part, that do not have the head and fins naturally attached to the fish. (ix) Engage in recreational fishing for golden tilefish with fishing gear that is VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 § 648.292 Tilefish specifications. (a) * * * (1) Annual specification process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall review the ABC recommendation of the SSC, golden tilefish landings and discards information, and any other relevant available data to determine if the golden tilefish ACL, ACT, or total allowable landings (TAL) for the IFQ and/or incidental sectors of the fishery require modification to respond to any changes to the golden tilefish stock’s biological reference points or to ensure any applicable rebuilding schedule is maintained. The Monitoring Committee will consider whether any additional management measures or revisions to existing measures are necessary to ensure that the IFQ and/or incidental TAL will not be exceeded. Based on that review, the Monitoring Committee will PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 recommend golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, and TALs to the Tilefish Committee of the MAFMC. Based on these recommendations and any public comment received, the Tilefish Committee shall recommend to the MAFMC the appropriate golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, and other management measures for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery for a single fishing year or up to 3 years. The MAFMC shall review these recommendations and any public comments received, and recommend to the Regional Administrator, at least 120 days prior to the beginning of the next fishing year, the appropriate golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, the percentage of TAL allocated to research quota, and any management measures to ensure that the TAL will not be exceeded, for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery, for the next fishing year, or up to 3 fishing years. The MAFMC’s recommendations must include supporting documentation, as appropriate, concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review these recommendations, and after such review, NMFS will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register specifying the annual golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, and any management measures to ensure that the TAL will not be exceeded for the upcoming fishing year or years for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery. After considering public comments, NMFS will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to implement the golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, TALs and any management measures. The previous year’s specifications will remain effective unless revised through the specification process and/or the research quota process described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section. NMFS will issue notification in the Federal Register if the previous year’s specifications will not be changed. (2) Total Allowable Landings (TAL). (i) The TALs for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery for each fishing year will be specified pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section. (ii) The sum of the sector-specific TAL and the estimated sector-specific discards shall be less than or equal to the ACT for that sector of the fishery. (3) TAL allocation. For each fishing year, up to 3 percent of the incidental and IFQ TALs may be set aside for the purpose of funding research. The remaining IFQ TAL will be allocated to the individual IFQ permit holders as described in § 648.294(a). E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (4) Adjustments to the quota. If the incidental harvest exceeds the incidental TAL for a given fishing year, the incidental trip limit specified at § 648.295(a)(2) may be reduced in the following fishing year. If an adjustment is required, a notification of adjustment of the quota will be published in the Federal Register. * * * * * ■ 6. In § 648.293, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows: § 648.293 Tilefish accountability measures. (a) * * * (1) Commercial incidental fishery closure. See § 648.295(a)(3). * * * * * ■ 7. In § 648.294, paragraph (b)(4) is revised to read as follows: § 648.294 Golden tilefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) program. amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES * * * * * (b) * * * (4) IFQ vessel. (i) All Federal vessel permit numbers listed on the IFQ allocation permit are authorized to possess golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ allocation permit. (ii) An IFQ allocation permit holder who wishes to authorize an additional vessel(s) to possess golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ allocation permit must send written notification to NMFS. This notification must include: (A) The vessel name and permit number, and (B) The dates on which the IFQ allocation permit holder desires the vessel to be authorized to land golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ allocation permit. (iii) A vessel listed on the IFQ allocation permit is authorized to possess golden tilefish pursuant to the subject permit, until the end of the fishing year or until NMFS receives written notification from the IFQ allocation permit holder to remove the vessel. (iv) A single vessel may not be listed on more than one IFQ allocation permit at the same time. (v) A copy of the IFQ allocation permit must be carried on board each vessel so authorized to possess IFQ golden tilefish. * * * * * ■ 8. Amend § 648.295 by: ■ a. Revising the section heading; ■ b. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(1); and ■ c. Adding paragraph (c). The revisions and addition read as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 § 648.295 Tilefish commercial trip limits and landing condition. (a) Golden tilefish—(1) IFQ landings. Any golden tilefish landed by a vessel fishing under an IFQ allocation permit as specified at § 648.294(a), on a given fishing trip, count as landings under the IFQ allocation permit. (2) Incidental trip limit for vessels not fishing under an IFQ allocation. Any vessel of the United States fishing under a tilefish vessel permit, as described at § 648.4(a)(12), unless the vessel is fishing under a tilefish IFQ allocation permit, is prohibited from possessing more than: (i) 500 lb (226.8 kg) of golden tilefish at any time, or (ii) 50 percent, by weight, of the total of all species being landed; whichever is less. (3) In-season closure of the incidental fishery. The Regional Administrator will monitor the harvest of the golden tilefish incidental TAL based on dealer reports and other available information, and shall determine the date when the incidental golden tilefish TAL has been landed. The Regional Administrator shall publish a notice in the Federal Register notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that, effective upon a specific date, the incidental golden tilefish fishery is closed for the remainder of the fishing year. (b) Blueline tilefish—(1) Commercial possession limit. Any vessel of the United States fishing under a tilefish permit, as described at § 648.4(a)(12), is prohibited from possessing more than 300 lb (136 kg) of gutted blueline tilefish per trip in or from the Tilefish Management Unit. * * * * * (c) Landing condition. Commercial golden or blueline tilefish must be landed with head and fins naturally attached, but may be gutted. 9. In § 648.296, the section heading and paragraph (a) are revised to read as follows: ■ § 648.296 Tilefish recreational possession limits and gear restrictions. (a) Golden tilefish. (1) Any person fishing from a vessel that is not fishing under a tilefish commercial vessel permit issued pursuant to § 648.4(a)(12), may land up to eight golden tilefish per trip. Anglers fishing onboard a charter/ party vessel shall observe the recreational possession limit. (2) Any vessel engaged in recreational fishing may not retain golden tilefish, unless exclusively using rod and reel fishing gear, with a maximum limit of PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 10807 five hooks per rod. Anglers may use either a manual or an electric reel. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2018–04974 Filed 3–12–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 170816769–8162–02 and 170817779–8161–02] RIN 0648–XG019 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Sablefish Managed Under the Individual Fishing Quota Program National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; opening. AGENCY: NMFS is opening directed fishing for sablefish with fixed gear managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The season will open 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), March 24, 2018, and will close 1200 hours, A.l.t., November 7, 2018. This period is the same as the 2018 commercial halibut fishery opening dates adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. The IFQ and CDQ halibut season is specified by a separate publication in the Federal Register of annual management measures. DATES: Effective 1200 hours, A.l.t., March 24, 2018, until 1200 hours, A.l.t., November 7, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907–586–7228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Beginning in 1995, fishing for Pacific halibut and sablefish with fixed gear in the IFQ regulatory areas defined in 50 CFR 679.2 has been managed under the IFQ Program. The IFQ Program is a regulatory regime designed to promote the conservation and management of these fisheries and to further the objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act. Persons holding quota share receive an annual allocation of IFQ. Persons receiving an annual allocation of IFQ are authorized to harvest IFQ species within specified limitations. Further information on the implementation of the IFQ Program, and the rationale SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1
[Pages 10803-10807]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04974]
[Docket No. 160229159-8236-02]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 2 to the
Tilefish Fishery Management Plan
[[Page 10804]]
SUMMARY: This final rule implements the management measures contained
in Framework Adjustment 2 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan and
adjusts the 2018 specifications for this fishery. The Mid-Atlantic
Fishery Management Council developed Framework Adjustment 2 to improve
and simplify the administration of the golden tilefish fishery. These
changes include removing an outdated reporting requirement, proscribing
allowed gear for the recreational fishery, modifying the commercial
incidental possession limit, requiring commercial golden tilefish be
landed with the head and fins attached, and revising how assumed
discards are accounted for when setting harvest limits. Based on new
regulations implemented by this rule, this action updates previously
published specifications for the commercial golden tilefish fishery for
2018 and projected specifications for 2019 and 2020.
DATES: This rule is effective April 12, 2018, except for the amendment
to Sec.  648.7(b)(2)(ii), which is effective March 13, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Copies of Framework 2 and the Environmental Assessment (EA),
with its associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and the
Regulatory Impact Review (RIR), are available from the Mid-Atlantic
Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, and by email to
[email protected], or fax to 202-395-7285
This action implements Framework Adjustment 2 to the Tilefish
Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council developed this framework to improve and simplify management
measures for the golden tilefish fishery in Federal waters north of the
Virginia/North Carolina border, consistent with the requirements of the
Stevens Act). We published a proposed rule for this action on October
23, 2017 (82 FR 48967), with a comment period through November 7, 2017.
See Comments and Responses section for more information.
Framework Adjustment 2 Measures
Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) Reporting Requirement Removal
Commercial fishing vessels that land golden tilefish under the
individual fishing quota (IFQ) system are currently required to report
each trip within 48 hours of landing through our IVR system. The
Council originally created this reporting requirement when the fishery
was managed under three permit categories, each with a sector-specific
annual landing limit. The IVR system provided timely landing reports to
track quota use and allowed managers to close a permit category if the
annual landing cap was reached. When the Council changed the management
of the fishery to an IFQ system, it retained the IVR system to allow
additional monitoring of landings. Improvements in electronic dealer-
reported landings and other data streams have rendered this IVR report
redundant, and the data are no longer used to monitor quotas. This
action eliminates this unnecessary reporting requirement.
Recreational Fishing Gear Limit
In recent years, the Council has received reports of recreational
fishermen using ``mini-longline'' gear with a large number of hooks to
target tilefish. The Council is concerned the use of this gear could
result in increased dead discards of tilefish if fishermen catch more
than the eight-fish per person bag limit using this type of gear. The
Magnuson-Stevens Act list of authorized gear types at 50 CFR 600.75(v)
already restricts the recreational fishery to rod and reel and spear
gear. However, to avoid any potential confusion and clarify the amount
of gear allowed, this action codifies that rod and reel with a maximum
of five hooks per rod is the only authorized recreational tilefish gear
for use in the Mid-Atlantic. Anglers could use either a manual or an
Commercial Golden Tilefish Landing Condition
The commercial tilefish fishery typically lands fish in a head-on,
gutted condition. However, quotas and possession limits are in whole
(round) weight. This requires the fishing industry to use a conversion
factor to change landed weight to whole weight to comply with
incidental possession limits and IFQ allocations. This action requires
commercially-caught golden tilefish to be landed with the head and fins
attached, although they could be gutted. By requiring this, we can more
reliably specify and monitor landing limits and quotas in landed
weight, eliminating the need to use a conversion factor. This will
simplify catch accounting and improve compliance for individuals
participating in the commercial tilefish fishery.
Commercial Golden Tilefish Possession Limit
When the Council created the tilefish IFQ system, it allocated a
separate quota and commercial possession limit of 500 lb (227 kg) to
allow small landings of tilefish caught by non-IFQ vessels targeting
other species. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of
non-IFQ vessels specifically targeting golden tilefish to land the
maximum commercial incidental possession limit. In an effort to ensure
that the incidental fishery functions as originally intended, this
action modifies the commercial possession limit to ensure that vessels
are targeting other species, and only incidentally catching golden
tilefish. This action adjusts the commercial golden tilefish landing
limit to: 500 lb (227 kg) or 50 percent, by weight, of all fish,
including the golden tilefish, on board the vessel, whichever is less.
Individual Fishing Quota Authorized Vessels
Tilefish IFQ allocation holders may authorize one or more vessels
to land tilefish under their allocation. All golden tilefish landed by
those vessels are then deducted from that allocation. We do not
currently have a mechanism for a vessel to attribute golden tilefish
landings from a single trip to more than one IFQ allocation. To create
such a system would increase reporting burden on vessels and dealers,
and add complexity to the IFQ accounting and cost recovery systems. In
order to maintain simple and efficient administration of the IFQ
fishery, this action prohibits a vessel from being authorized to land
tilefish under multiple IFQ allocations on the same trip. A vessel
could still change IFQ allocations over the course of the year while
only being authorized by one IFQ allocation at a time. In addition, IFQ
allocation holders can lease quota to maintain flexibility in
harvesting their allocation.
Assumed Discards in Quota-Setting Process
The current specification process sets the annual catch limit (ACL)
equal to the acceptable biological catch (ABC). The ACL is adjusted to
address any management uncertainty to set an annual catch target (ACT),
then assumed discards of golden tilefish are deducted from the ACT to
generate the total
[[Page 10805]]
allowable landings (TAL). The incidental fishery is then allocated 5
percent of the TAL, and the remaining 95 percent of the TAL is divided
among the IFQ shareholders based on their individual quota holdings.
However, discarding golden tilefish is prohibited in the IFQ fishery.
As a result, observed discards occur almost entirely in the incidental
fishery. This action adjusts the specification process to allocate the
ACT between the incidental and IFQ fisheries using the 5- and 95-
percent split. Sector-specific assumed discards are then deducted to
establish sector-specific TALs. The IFQ TAL is then allocated to the
individual IFQ shareholders.
On November 7, 2017, we published a final rule (82 FR 51578)
setting specifications for the 2018 commercial golden tilefish fishery
and announcing projected specifications for the 2019 and 2020 fishing
years. As discussed in that rule, the specifications were based on the
regulations that were effective at the time but were anticipated to be
revised if Framework 2 was fully implemented. Table 1 shows the 2018
golden tilefish specifications as implemented by the November 7, 2017,
rule and new specification values that result from this rule. When this
rule becomes effective, we will adjust each IFQ allocation based on the
new higher IFQ TAL. Table 2 shows updated projected specifications for
the 2019 and 2020 fishing years.
Table 1--Changes to 2018 Golden Tilefish Specifications as a Result of This Action
As implemented                    Framework 2
Overfishing Limit...............................           2.332           1,058           2.332           1,058
ABC.............................................           1.636             742           1.636             742
ACL.............................................           1.636             742           1.636             742
IFQ ACT.........................................              NA              NA           1.554             705
Incidental ACT..................................              NA              NA           0.082              37
TAL.............................................           1.627             738              NA              NA
IFQ TAL.........................................           1.546             701           1.554             705
Incidental TAL..................................           0.081              37           0.072              33
Table 2--Updated Projected 2019 and 2020 Golden Tilefish Specifications
2019                            2020
Overfishing Limit...............................           2.421           1,098           2.291           1,039
IFQ ACT.........................................           1.554             705           1.554             705
Incidental ACT..................................           0.082              37           0.082              37
IFQ TAL.........................................           1.554             705           1.554             705
Incidental TAL..................................           0.072              33           0.072              33
We received two comments on the proposed rule. One comment did not
mention or relate to the proposed measures or fishing in any way and is
not discussed further. The other commenter supported all of the
proposed measures and stated the changes would benefit all participants
However, a final rule published on November 15, 2017 (82 FR 52851),
made changes to some of the same regulatory paragraphs as this rule. As
a result, the regulatory text in this action reflects the current CFR.
Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has determined that this
final rule is consistent with the Tilefish FMP, other provisions of the
purposes of Executive Order 12866. Because this rule is not significant
under Executive Order 12866, this rule is not an Executive Order 13771
day delayed effectiveness provision of the Administrative Procedure Act
because the change to 50 CFR 648.7(a)(2)(ii) relieves the restriction
requiring tilefish IFQ vessels to report each fishing trip through the
IVR system. As explained above, this reporting requirement is redundant
and no longer used for monitoring catch. A delay in effectiveness of
this change would unnecessarily continue this reporting burden with no
benefit to the industry, the tilefish resource, or the government. All
other aspects of this rule are subject to a 30-day delay in
regarding this certification and no information has arisen leading to a
different conclusion. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis
was not required and none was prepared.
This final rule contains a revision to a collection-of-information
requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which has
been approved by OMB under control number 0648-0590. Public reporting
burden for the IVR reporting requirement is estimated to average 2
minutes for each IVR response, including the time for reviewing
[[Page 10806]]
completing and reviewing the collection of information. This rule
removes this reporting burden. Send comments regarding these burden
email to [email protected], or fax to 202-395-7285.
Sec.  648.7   [Amended]
2. In Sec.  648.7, paragraph (b)(2)(ii) is removed and reserved.
3. In Sec.  648.14, paragraphs (u)(2)(vi) and (viii) are revised and
paragraph (u)(2)(ix) is added to read as follows:
(vi) Land or possess golden tilefish in or from the Tilefish
Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid tilefish permit under this
part, after the incidental golden tilefish fishery is closed pursuant
to Sec.  648.295(a)(3), unless fishing under a valid tilefish IFQ
allocation permit as specified in Sec.  648.294(a), or engaged in
(viii) Land or possess golden or blueline tilefish in or from the
Tilefish Management Unit, on a vessel issued a valid commercial
tilefish permit under this part, that do not have the head and fins
naturally attached to the fish.
(ix) Engage in recreational fishing for golden tilefish with
fishing gear that is not compliant with the gear restrictions specified
at Sec.  648.296.
4. In Sec.  648.291, paragraph (a) introductory text and paragraph
(a)(1) are revised to read as follows:
Sec.  648.291   Tilefish Annual Catch Targets (ACT).
(a) Golden tilefish. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall
identify and review the relevant sources of management uncertainty to
recommend ACTs for the individual fishing quota (IFQ) and incidental
sectors of the fishery as part of the golden tilefish specification
process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee recommendations shall
identify the specific sources of management uncertainty that were
considered, technical approaches to mitigating these sources of
uncertainty, and any additional relevant information considered in the
ACT recommendation process.
(1) ACT allocation. (i) The ACT shall be less than or equal to the
(ii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall include the fishing
mortality associated with the recreational fishery in its ACT
recommendations only if this source of mortality has not already been
accounted for in the ABC recommended by the SSC.
(iii) The Tilefish Monitoring Committee shall allocate 5 percent of
the ACT to the incidental sector of the fishery and the remaining 95
percent to the IFQ sector.
5. In Sec.  648.292, paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) are revised to
Sec.  648.292   Tilefish specifications.
(1) Annual specification process. The Tilefish Monitoring Committee
shall review the ABC recommendation of the SSC, golden tilefish
landings and discards information, and any other relevant available
data to determine if the golden tilefish ACL, ACT, or total allowable
landings (TAL) for the IFQ and/or incidental sectors of the fishery
require modification to respond to any changes to the golden tilefish
stock's biological reference points or to ensure any applicable
rebuilding schedule is maintained. The Monitoring Committee will
consider whether any additional management measures or revisions to
existing measures are necessary to ensure that the IFQ and/or
incidental TAL will not be exceeded. Based on that review, the
Monitoring Committee will recommend golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, and TALs
to the Tilefish Committee of the MAFMC. Based on these recommendations
and any public comment received, the Tilefish Committee shall recommend
to the MAFMC the appropriate golden tilefish ACL, ACT, TAL, and other
management measures for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the
fishery for a single fishing year or up to 3 years. The MAFMC shall
review these recommendations and any public comments received, and
recommend to the Regional Administrator, at least 120 days prior to the
beginning of the next fishing year, the appropriate golden tilefish
ACL, ACT, TAL, the percentage of TAL allocated to research quota, and
any management measures to ensure that the TAL will not be exceeded,
for both the IFQ and the incidental sectors of the fishery, for the
next fishing year, or up to 3 fishing years. The MAFMC's
concerning the environmental and economic impacts of the
recommendations. The Regional Administrator shall review these
recommendations, and after such review, NMFS will publish a proposed
rule in the Federal Register specifying the annual golden tilefish ACL,
ACT, TAL, and any management measures to ensure that the TAL will not
be exceeded for the upcoming fishing year or years for both the IFQ and
the incidental sectors of the fishery. After considering public
comments, NMFS will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to
implement the golden tilefish ACL, ACTs, TALs and any management
measures. The previous year's specifications will remain effective
unless revised through the specification process and/or the research
quota process described in paragraph (a)(5) of this section. NMFS will
issue notification in the Federal Register if the previous year's
specifications will not be changed.
(2) Total Allowable Landings (TAL). (i) The TALs for both the IFQ
and the incidental sectors of the fishery for each fishing year will be
specified pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(ii) The sum of the sector-specific TAL and the estimated sector-
specific discards shall be less than or equal to the ACT for that
sector of the fishery.
(3) TAL allocation. For each fishing year, up to 3 percent of the
incidental and IFQ TALs may be set aside for the purpose of funding
research. The remaining IFQ TAL will be allocated to the individual IFQ
permit holders as described in Sec.  648.294(a).
[[Page 10807]]
(4) Adjustments to the quota. If the incidental harvest exceeds the
incidental TAL for a given fishing year, the incidental trip limit
specified at Sec.  648.295(a)(2) may be reduced in the following
fishing year. If an adjustment is required, a notification of
adjustment of the quota will be published in the Federal Register.
6. In Sec.  648.293, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  648.293   Tilefish accountability measures.
(1) Commercial incidental fishery closure. See Sec.  648.295(a)(3).
7. In Sec.  648.294, paragraph (b)(4) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  648.294   Golden tilefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) program.
(4) IFQ vessel. (i) All Federal vessel permit numbers listed on the
IFQ allocation permit are authorized to possess golden tilefish
pursuant to the IFQ allocation permit.
(ii) An IFQ allocation permit holder who wishes to authorize an
additional vessel(s) to possess golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ
allocation permit must send written notification to NMFS. This
(B) The dates on which the IFQ allocation permit holder desires the
vessel to be authorized to land golden tilefish pursuant to the IFQ
allocation permit.
(iii) A vessel listed on the IFQ allocation permit is authorized to
possess golden tilefish pursuant to the subject permit, until the end
of the fishing year or until NMFS receives written notification from
the IFQ allocation permit holder to remove the vessel.
(iv) A single vessel may not be listed on more than one IFQ
allocation permit at the same time.
(v) A copy of the IFQ allocation permit must be carried on board
each vessel so authorized to possess IFQ golden tilefish.
8. Amend Sec.  648.295 by:
b. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(1); and
Sec.  648.295   Tilefish commercial trip limits and landing condition.
(a) Golden tilefish--(1) IFQ landings. Any golden tilefish landed
by a vessel fishing under an IFQ allocation permit as specified at
Sec.  648.294(a), on a given fishing trip, count as landings under the
IFQ allocation permit.
(2) Incidental trip limit for vessels not fishing under an IFQ
allocation. Any vessel of the United States fishing under a tilefish
vessel permit, as described at Sec.  648.4(a)(12), unless the vessel is
fishing under a tilefish IFQ allocation permit, is prohibited from
possessing more than:
(ii) 50 percent, by weight, of the total of all species being
landed; whichever is less.
(3) In-season closure of the incidental fishery. The Regional
Administrator will monitor the harvest of the golden tilefish
incidental TAL based on dealer reports and other available information,
and shall determine the date when the incidental golden tilefish TAL
has been landed. The Regional Administrator shall publish a notice in
the Federal Register notifying vessel and dealer permit holders that,
effective upon a specific date, the incidental golden tilefish fishery
is closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
(b) Blueline tilefish--(1) Commercial possession limit. Any vessel
of the United States fishing under a tilefish permit, as described at
Sec.  648.4(a)(12), is prohibited from possessing more than 300 lb (136
kg) of gutted blueline tilefish per trip in or from the Tilefish
(c) Landing condition. Commercial golden or blueline tilefish must
be landed with head and fins naturally attached, but may be gutted.
9. In Sec.  648.296, the section heading and paragraph (a) are revised
Sec.  648.296   Tilefish recreational possession limits and gear
(a) Golden tilefish. (1) Any person fishing from a vessel that is
not fishing under a tilefish commercial vessel permit issued pursuant
to Sec.  648.4(a)(12), may land up to eight golden tilefish per trip.
Anglers fishing onboard a charter/party vessel shall observe the
recreational possession limit.
(2) Any vessel engaged in recreational fishing may not retain
golden tilefish, unless exclusively using rod and reel fishing gear,
with a maximum limit of five hooks per rod. Anglers may use either a
manual or an electric reel.
[FR Doc. 2018-04974 Filed 3-12-18; 8:45 am]