Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2014/03/19/2014-06062.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-12 13:41:33
Document Index: 455708705

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 622', 'art 622', 'ART 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'ART 622', 'art 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', 'art 660']

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Framework Action, 15293-15296 [2014-06062] :: 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 Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Framework Action, 15293-15296 [2014-06062]
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Framework Action, 15293-15296 [2014-06062]
Download as PDF wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules (i) Advance notice of landing—(A) General requirement. For the purpose of this paragraph, landing means to arrive at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp. The owner or operator of a vessel landing IFQ groupers or tilefishes is responsible for ensuring that NMFS is contacted at least 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours, in advance of landing to report the time and location of landing, estimated grouper and tilefish landings in pounds gutted weight for each share category (gag, red grouper, DWG, Other SWG, tilefishes), vessel identification number (Coast Guard registration number or state registration number), and the name and address of the IFQ dealer(s) where the groupers or tilefishes are to be received. The vessel must land within 30 minutes after the time given in the landing notification except as provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of this section. The vessel landing groupers or tilefishes must have sufficient IFQ allocation in the IFQ vessel account, or its linked IFQ shareholder account, and in the appropriate share category or categories, at least equal to the pounds in gutted weight of all groupers and tilefishes on board (except for any overage up to the 10 percent allowed on the last fishing trip) at the time of the advance notice of landing. (B) Submitting an advanced landing notification. Authorized methods for contacting NMFS and submitting the report include calling IFQ Customer Service at 1–866–425–7627, completing and submitting to NMFS a landing notification provided through the VMS unit, or providing the required information to NMFS through the webbased form available on the IFQ Web site at ifq.sero.fisheries.noaa.gov. (C) Landing prior to the notification time. The owner or operator of a vessel that has completed a landing notification and submitted it to NMFS may land prior to the notification time, only if a state or Federal law enforcement officer is present at the landing site and has authorized the owner or operator of the vessel to land early. (D) Changes to a landing notification. The owner or operator of a vessel who has submitted a landing notification to NMFS may make changes to the notification by submitting a superseding notification. If the initial superseding notification makes changes to one or more of the following: The time of landing (if landing more than 30 minutes after the time on the notification), the dealer(s), or the estimated weights of fish to be landed, the vessel does not need to wait an additional 3 hours to land. If the initial VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 superseding notification makes changes to the landing location, the time of landing is earlier than previously specified, or more than one superseding notification is submitted on a trip, the vessel must wait an additional 3 hours to land, except as provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(C) of this section. (ii) Time restriction on offloading. For the purpose of this paragraph, offloading means to remove IFQ groupers and tilefishes from a vessel. IFQ groupers or tilefishes may be offloaded only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., local time, unless a state or Federal law enforcement officer is present at the offloading at 6 p.m. and authorizes the owner or operator of the vessel to continue offloading after 6 p.m. * * * * * (iv) Requirement for transaction approval code. If IFQ groupers or tilefishes are offloaded to a vehicle for transport or are on a vessel that is trailered for transport, on-site capability to accurately weigh the fish and to connect electronically to the online IFQ system to complete the transaction and obtain the transaction approval code is required. After a landing transaction has been completed, a transaction approval code verifying a legal transaction of the amount of IFQ groupers and tilefishes in possession and a copy of the dealer endorsement must accompany any IFQ groupers or tilefishes from the landing location through possession by a dealer. This requirement also applies to IFQ groupers and tilefishes possessed on a vessel that is trailered for transport. A dealer may only receive IFQ groupers and tilefishes transported by a vehicle or a trailered vessel that has a corresponding transaction approval code. (v) Approved landing locations. IFQ groupers and tilefishes must be landed at an approved landing location. Landing locations must be approved by NMFS Office for Law Enforcement prior to a vessel landing IFQ groupers or tilefishes at these sites. * * * * * * * * PART 622—[AMENDED] 4. In part 622, revise ‘‘IFQ online account’’ to read ‘‘IFQ account’’ wherever it occurs. ■ PART 622—[AMENDED] 5. In part 622, revise ‘‘ifq.sero.nmfs.noaa.gov’’ to read ‘‘ifq.sero.fisheries.noaa.gov’’ wherever it occurs. ■ [FR Doc. 2014–06065 Filed 3–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 15293 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 130805680–4200–01] RIN 0648–BD58 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region; Framework Action National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (FMP) (Framework Action), as prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils (Councils). If implemented, this rule would allow transfer of Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel caught in excess of the trip limit with gillnet gear from one vessel with a Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permit to another vessel with a Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permit that has not yet harvested the trip limit; allow the receiving vessel involved in a Spanish mackerel transfer-at-sea to have three gillnets onboard instead of two; and modify the commercial trip limits for king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. This rule also proposes an administrative change to correct an inadvertent error in a prior rulemaking unrelated to this Framework Action. The purpose of this rule is to modify the restrictions on transfer-at-sea and gillnet allowances for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel to minimize dead discards of Spanish mackerel and modify the king mackerel trip limit in the Florida east coast subzone to optimize utilization of the resource. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 18, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2013–0162’’ by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 15294 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20130162, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Kate Michie, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 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). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Electronic copies of the Framework Action, which includes an environmental assessment, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office Web site at http:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. Kate Michie, telephone: 727–824–5305, or email: kate.michie@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) fishery of the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Councils and implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Background The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that NMFS and regional fishery management councils prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks. These mandates are intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and recreational opportunities, and protecting marine ecosystems. To further this goal, the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires fishery managers to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule This rulemaking would allow transfer-at-sea of Spanish mackerel in gillnets between vessels with Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permits that are using gillnet gear and allow vessels engaged in this transfer activity to have three gillnets onboard. This rulemaking would also modify the Atlantic king mackerel Florida east coast subzone trip limit so that during March 1 through March 31, if 70 percent or more of the quota has been harvested, the trip limit would remain at 50 fish per vessel per trip; however, if less than 70 percent of the quota has been harvested during that time, the trip limit would increase to 75 fish per vessel per trip until March 31. The purpose of this rulemaking is to modify the restrictions on transfer-at-sea and gillnet allowances for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel to minimize dead discards of Spanish mackerel and modify the king mackerel trip limit in the Florida east coast subzone to optimize utilization of the resource. Transfer-at-Sea and Gillnet Gear Restriction Modifications Currently in the South Atlantic, transfer-at-sea of harvested fish is prohibited for any species under a commercial trip limit, and only two gillnets are allowed on a federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessel at one time. In some instances, the Spanish mackerel trip limit may be exceeded with just one gillnet set, and the excess fish must be discarded. Many Spanish mackerel caught in gillnet gear die due to trauma experienced during capture. This proposed rule would allow a portion of a gillnet and the Spanish mackerel within the gillnet to be transferred from a federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessel that has reached the Spanish mackerel trip limit to another federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessel that has not yet reached the trip limit. Allowing transfer of Spanish mackerel in gillnets between vessels with Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permits that are using gillnet gear may reduce dead discards and minimize waste. The transfer-at-sea of harvested fish would only be allowed if all the following conditions are met: (1) The owner or operator of both vessels involved in the transfer must report the transfer by telephone to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement in Port Orange, Florida, prior to the transfer; (2) harvesting gear must be allowable gillnet gear, as specified in § 622.377(b); (3) transfer can only take place in PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal waters between two vessels with valid commercial permits for Spanish mackerel; (4) the receiving vessel must possess no more than three gillnets after the transfer is completed; (5) all Spanish mackerel exceeding the applicable daily vessel limit shall remain in the gillnet until transferred; (6) the quantity of Spanish mackerel transferred to any single vessel shall not exceed the applicable daily trip limit; and (7) transfers of Spanish mackerel may only occur once per vessel per trip. Currently, only two gillnets with different mesh sizes are allowed to be possessed and used on federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessels. This proposed rule would also modify the two gillnet possession restriction in order to account for the portion of a third net that would be present onboard a vessel that receives Spanish mackerel transferred at sea. Only vessels engaged in this transfer activity would be allowed to have three gillnets onboard. Atlantic King Mackerel Trip Limit Modification in the Florida East Coast Subzone This proposed rule would modify the commercial trip limits for Atlantic king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone, which, from November 1 through March 31, is located in the area south of 29°25′ N. lat. (a line directly east from the Flagler/Volusia County, Florida, boundary) and north of 25°20.4′ N. lat. (a line directly east from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida, boundary). The current system of trip limits allows for an increase in the rate of landings, which at times can cause the commercial sector to close before the religious Lenten season ends, when demand for fish is typically substantially greater. This rule proposes to extend the period of time the current 50-fish trip limit is in place each year from November through January to November through February. The rule also proposes to lower the threshold harvest level from 75 percent of the quota to 70 percent of the quota to determine whether or not the trip limit would increase during the month of March. Therefore, if implemented, during March 1 through March 31, if 70 percent or more of the quota has been harvested, the trip limit would remain at 50 fish per vessel per trip; however, if less than 70 percent of the quota has been harvested, the trip limit would increase to 75 fish per vessel per trip until March 31. From April 1 through October 31, the Florida east coast subzone is no longer part of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel area; it is part of the Atlantic migratory group king mackerel E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules area. Therefore, during this period, the provisions proposed in this rule would not apply. The trip limit modifications proposed through this rule are expected to help minimize lost fishing opportunities and optimize revenues of the coastal migratory pelagics fishery. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Additional Changes Contained in This Proposed Rule Drift gillnets for all coastal migratory pelagic species and run-around gillnets for king mackerel were prohibited in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through the final rule implementing Amendment 3 to the FMP (54 FR 29561, July 13, 1989). However, the regulations currently at § 622.387, which address prevention of gear conflicts between hook-and-line and gillnet vessels in the South Atlantic EEZ, were inadvertently not removed at the time when the final rule for Amendment 3 was implemented. This rule proposes to correct this mistake by removing the regulations at § 622.387. This revision is unrelated to the Framework Action. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the Framework Action, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public comment. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. NMFS prepared an IRFA for this rule, as required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 603. The IRFA describes the economic impact that this proposed rule, if implemented, would have on small entities. A description of the action, why it is being considered, and the objectives of and legal basis for this action are contained in the preamble. A copy of the full analysis is available from the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows. The purpose of this rulemaking is twofold: (1) To eliminate the current prohibition on the transfer of Spanish mackerel by gillnet and (2) to modify trip limits for king mackerel that may extend the length of the open fishing season. This rule proposes to eliminate the current prohibition on the transfer of Spanish mackerel by gillnet to reduce dead discards and minimize waste. This proposed rule would modify trip limits for king mackerel to extend the length of the open fishing season, especially into the Lenten season when market demand is greater. The Magnuson- VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for these two proposed actions. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been identified. The rule would apply directly to businesses in the finfish fishing industry (NAICS 114111) that harvest Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel by gillnet and king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. On June 20, 2013, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a final rule revising the small business size standards for several industries effective July 22, 2013 (78 FR 37398). That rule increased the size standard for commercial finfish harvesters from $4.0 million to $19.0 million in annual receipts. The average ex-vessel revenue from Spanish mackerel harvested from Federal waters is estimated to be $31,000, which is substantially less than the $19 million SBA size standard. Consequently, all of the businesses that hold at least one of the 1,736 commercial vessel permits for Spanish mackerel (as of November 5, 2013) are presumed to be small businesses. The average ex-vessel revenue from king mackerel harvested in Federal waters is estimated to be $35,000. Therefore, it is presumed that all of the businesses that hold at least one of the 1,658 valid and renewable/transferrable king mackerel permits (a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel plus a commercial king mackerel gillnet permits as of September 30, 2013) are small businesses. This rule would end the prohibition on transfers of Spanish mackerel by gillnet in the EEZ. Presently, if a vessel catches a quantity of Spanish mackerel in gillnets in the EEZ that exceeds the trip limit, the excess catch cannot be transferred to another vessel. Instead the excess catch has to be discarded back into the water, although many to most of the Spanish mackerel are dead. If implemented, the proposed rule would allow that transfer under certain conditions and would require the operator(s) of the two vessels engaged in a transfer to report the transfer by telephone to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement in Port Orange, Florida, prior to the transfer. Any transfer would be voluntary, and a small business would participate in a transfer if it has a net economic benefit, and would not, if it has a net economic cost. It is unknown how many small businesses may participate in a transfer; however, the ability to transfer could generate a net economic benefit to small businesses. NMFS considered one alternative, the no action alternative, to the proposed PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 15295 action of eliminating the prohibition on the transfer of Spanish mackerel by gillnet. The status quo alternative was rejected because it would not provide the potential economic benefit to small businesses as described above. This rule would also change the commercial trip limit for king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone, which could act to increase the length of the open fishing season. The proposed modified trip limit could potentially decrease the rate of landings in January, February and March; increase the average length of the open fishing season; reduce total landings for the season, and increase ex-vessel revenues from higher landings during the Lenten season. The magnitudes of these potential economic benefits and costs are unknown. NMFS considered one status quo alternative and two non-status quo alternatives to the proposed action to modify the trip limit for king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. The status quo commercial trip limit is 50 fish from November 1 through January 31 each year; and then, beginning on February 1 and continuing through March 31, if 75 percent or more of the Gulf group Florida east coast subzone quota has been taken by January 31, the trip limit remains 50 fish. However, if less than 75 percent of the quota has been taken by January 31, the trip limit increases to 75 fish. The first of the rejected non-status quo alternatives would fix the trip limit to 50 fish for the entire fishing season. The adverse impact of this alternative is that it would not provide the flexibility to allow small businesses to increase landings of king mackerel when demand is greater during the Lenten season. The second of the non-status quo alternatives would fix the trip limit to 75 fish. This second alternative would likely reduce landings of king mackerel and associated dockside revenues when demand is greater during the religious Lenten season because its fixed trip limit of 75 fish would likely result in earlier closures, potentially before or at the beginning of the period of heightened demand. The status quo alternative would maintain the current trip limits and could result in an open fishing season that closes before the season of greater demand ends. Finally, this rule also removes language in the codified text regarding prevention of gear conflicts between hook-and-line and gillnet vessels in the South Atlantic EEZ. This change corrects an inadvertent error in the text, as discussed in the preamble. The regulation contained in § 622.387 was necessary before separate quotas, trip E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1 15296 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 19, 2014 / Proposed Rules limits, and gillnet permits were implemented for the harvest of king mackerel off Florida. Since implementation of those management measures, the impact and relevance of § 622.387 have been zero. Consequently, its removal would have no impact on small businesses. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Fisheries, Fishing, Gillnet, Mackerel, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, South Atlantic, Trip limits. Dated: March 13, 2014. Eileen Sobeck, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows: addition, to complete a legal transfer at sea, all of the following must apply: (A) All fish exceeding the applicable commercial trip limit may not be removed from the gillnet until the transfer is complete (i.e., the gillnet is onboard the receiving vessel). The fish transferred to the receiving vessel may not exceed the applicable commercial trip limit. (B) The receiving vessel may possess no more than three gillnets on board after the transfer is complete. (C) Prior to cutting the gillnet and prior to any transfer of Spanish mackerel from one vessel to another, the owner or operator of both vessels must contact NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Port Orange, Florida, phone: 1–386–492–6686. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 3. In § 622.385, the third sentence in the introductory text and paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A) and (B) are revised to read as follows: SUMMARY: ■ ■ § 622.385 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 622.377, paragraph (b)(2)(iii) is revised and paragraph (b)(2)(vi) is added to read as follows: ■ § 622.377 Gillnet restrictions. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * (b) * * * (2) * * * (iii) No more than two gillnets, including any net in use, may be possessed at any one time, except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. If two gillnets, including any net in use, are possessed at any one time, they must have stretched mesh sizes (as allowed under the regulations) that differ by at least .25 inch (.64 cm), except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, in which case the vessel may possess two gillnets of the same mesh size provided that one of the nets is transferred to that vessel. * * * * * (vi) A portion of a gillnet may be transferred at sea only in the EEZ and only from a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel that has exceeded a trip limit specified in § 622.385 (b) to another vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel that has not yet reached the trip limit (the receiving vessel). Only one such transfer is allowed per vessel per day. In VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 Mar 18, 2014 Jkt 232001 Commercial trip limits. * * * Except for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel harvested by gillnet, as specified in § 622.377 (b)(2)(vi), a species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the EEZ may not be transferred at sea, regardless of where such transfer takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. * * * * * * * * (a) * * * (2) * * * (i) * * * (A) From November 1 through the end of February—not to exceed 50 fish. (B) Beginning on March 1 and continuing through March 31— (1) If 70 percent or more of the Florida east coast subzone quota as specified in § 622.384(b)(1)(i)(A) has been taken— not to exceed 50 fish. (2) If less than 70 percent of the Florida east coast subzone quota as specified in § 622.384(b)(1)(i)(A) has been taken—not to exceed 75 fish. * * * * * § 622.387 ■ [Removed and Reserved] 4. Remove and reserve § 622.387. [FR Doc. 2014–06062 Filed 3–18–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 660 [Docket No. 130405338–4201–01] RIN 0648–BC84 Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Trawl Rationalization Program; Chafing Gear Modifications National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The proposed action modifies the existing chafing gear regulations for midwater trawl gear. This action includes regulations that affect all trawl sectors (Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota Program, Mothership Cooperative Program, Catcher/Processor Cooperative Program, and tribal fishery) managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP). DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received no later than 5 p.m., local time on April 18, 2014. During the comment period, NMFS is specifically seeking comments on the proposed method of attachment for chafing gear, including the benefits and effects relative to current minimum mesh size restrictions and prohibition on double walled codends. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA– NMFS–2012–0218, by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20120218, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Fax: 206–526–6736; Attn: Becky Renko. • Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115–0070; Attn: Becky Renko. 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 E:\FR\FM\19MRP1.SGM 19MRP1
[Pages 15293-15296]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06062]
[Docket No. 130805680-4200-01]
RIN 0648-BD58
Region; Framework Action
framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal
Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region
(FMP) (Framework Action), as prepared and submitted by the South
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils (Councils). If
implemented, this rule would allow transfer of Atlantic migratory group
Spanish mackerel caught in excess of the trip limit with gillnet gear
from one vessel with a Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permit to
another vessel with a Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permit that
has not yet harvested the trip limit; allow the receiving vessel
involved in a Spanish mackerel transfer-at-sea to have three gillnets
onboard instead of two; and modify the commercial trip limits for king
mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. This rule also proposes an
administrative change to correct an inadvertent error in a prior
rulemaking unrelated to this Framework Action. The purpose of this rule
is to modify the restrictions on transfer-at-sea and gillnet allowances
for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel to minimize dead discards
of Spanish mackerel and modify the king mackerel trip limit in the
Florida east coast subzone to optimize utilization of the resource.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before April 18, 2014.
``NOAA-NMFS-2013-0162'' by any of the following methods:
[[Page 15294]]
!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2013-0162, click the ``Comment
Mail: Submit written comments to Kate Michie, Southeast
(IRFA) and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Michie, telephone: 727-824-5305,
or email: kate.michie@noaa.gov.
of the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) is managed under
the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Councils and implemented through
The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that NMFS and regional fishery
management councils prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing
basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks. These
mandates are intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for
Stevens Act requires fishery managers to minimize bycatch and bycatch
mortality to the extent practicable.
This rulemaking would allow transfer-at-sea of Spanish mackerel in
gillnets between vessels with Federal Spanish mackerel commercial
permits that are using gillnet gear and allow vessels engaged in this
transfer activity to have three gillnets onboard. This rulemaking would
also modify the Atlantic king mackerel Florida east coast subzone trip
limit so that during March 1 through March 31, if 70 percent or more of
the quota has been harvested, the trip limit would remain at 50 fish
per vessel per trip; however, if less than 70 percent of the quota has
been harvested during that time, the trip limit would increase to 75
fish per vessel per trip until March 31. The purpose of this rulemaking
Currently in the South Atlantic, transfer-at-sea of harvested fish
is prohibited for any species under a commercial trip limit, and only
two gillnets are allowed on a federally permitted Spanish mackerel
vessel at one time. In some instances, the Spanish mackerel trip limit
may be exceeded with just one gillnet set, and the excess fish must be
discarded. Many Spanish mackerel caught in gillnet gear die due to
trauma experienced during capture. This proposed rule would allow a
portion of a gillnet and the Spanish mackerel within the gillnet to be
transferred from a federally permitted Spanish mackerel vessel that has
reached the Spanish mackerel trip limit to another federally permitted
Spanish mackerel vessel that has not yet reached the trip limit.
Allowing transfer of Spanish mackerel in gillnets between vessels with
Federal Spanish mackerel commercial permits that are using gillnet gear
may reduce dead discards and minimize waste.
The transfer-at-sea of harvested fish would only be allowed if all
the following conditions are met: (1) The owner or operator of both
vessels involved in the transfer must report the transfer by telephone
to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement in Port Orange, Florida, prior to
the transfer; (2) harvesting gear must be allowable gillnet gear, as
specified in Sec.  622.377(b); (3) transfer can only take place in
Federal waters between two vessels with valid commercial permits for
Spanish mackerel; (4) the receiving vessel must possess no more than
three gillnets after the transfer is completed; (5) all Spanish
mackerel exceeding the applicable daily vessel limit shall remain in
the gillnet until transferred; (6) the quantity of Spanish mackerel
transferred to any single vessel shall not exceed the applicable daily
trip limit; and (7) transfers of Spanish mackerel may only occur once
per vessel per trip.
Currently, only two gillnets with different mesh sizes are allowed
to be possessed and used on federally permitted Spanish mackerel
vessels. This proposed rule would also modify the two gillnet
possession restriction in order to account for the portion of a third
net that would be present onboard a vessel that receives Spanish
mackerel transferred at sea. Only vessels engaged in this transfer
activity would be allowed to have three gillnets onboard.
Atlantic King Mackerel Trip Limit Modification in the Florida East
Coast Subzone
This proposed rule would modify the commercial trip limits for
Atlantic king mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone, which, from
November 1 through March 31, is located in the area south of 29[deg]25'
N. lat. (a line directly east from the Flagler/Volusia County, Florida,
boundary) and north of 25[deg]20.4' N. lat. (a line directly east from
the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida, boundary). The current system of
trip limits allows for an increase in the rate of landings, which at
times can cause the commercial sector to close before the religious
Lenten season ends, when demand for fish is typically substantially
This rule proposes to extend the period of time the current 50-fish
trip limit is in place each year from November through January to
November through February. The rule also proposes to lower the
threshold harvest level from 75 percent of the quota to 70 percent of
the quota to determine whether or not the trip limit would increase
during the month of March. Therefore, if implemented, during March 1
through March 31, if 70 percent or more of the quota has been
harvested, the trip limit would remain at 50 fish per vessel per trip;
however, if less than 70 percent of the quota has been harvested, the
trip limit would increase to 75 fish per vessel per trip until March
31. From April 1 through October 31, the Florida east coast subzone is
no longer part of the Gulf migratory group king mackerel area; it is
part of the Atlantic migratory group king mackerel
[[Page 15295]]
area. Therefore, during this period, the provisions proposed in this
rule would not apply. The trip limit modifications proposed through
this rule are expected to help minimize lost fishing opportunities and
optimize revenues of the coastal migratory pelagics fishery.
Drift gillnets for all coastal migratory pelagic species and run-
around gillnets for king mackerel were prohibited in the South Atlantic
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through the final rule implementing
Amendment 3 to the FMP (54 FR 29561, July 13, 1989). However, the
regulations currently at Sec.  622.387, which address prevention of
gear conflicts between hook-and-line and gillnet vessels in the South
Atlantic EEZ, were inadvertently not removed at the time when the final
rule for Amendment 3 was implemented. This rule proposes to correct
this mistake by removing the regulations at Sec.  622.387. This
revision is unrelated to the Framework Action.
NMFS prepared an IRFA for this rule, as required by section 603 of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 603. The IRFA describes the
economic impact that this proposed rule, if implemented, would have on
considered, and the objectives of and legal basis for this action are
contained in the preamble. A copy of the full analysis is available
from the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows.
The purpose of this rulemaking is twofold: (1) To eliminate the
current prohibition on the transfer of Spanish mackerel by gillnet and
(2) to modify trip limits for king mackerel that may extend the length
of the open fishing season. This rule proposes to eliminate the current
prohibition on the transfer of Spanish mackerel by gillnet to reduce
dead discards and minimize waste. This proposed rule would modify trip
limits for king mackerel to extend the length of the open fishing
season, especially into the Lenten season when market demand is
greater. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for
these two proposed actions.
The rule would apply directly to businesses in the finfish fishing
industry (NAICS 114111) that harvest Atlantic migratory group Spanish
mackerel by gillnet and king mackerel in the Florida east coast
subzone. On June 20, 2013, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
issued a final rule revising the small business size standards for
several industries effective July 22, 2013 (78 FR 37398). That rule
increased the size standard for commercial finfish harvesters from $4.0
million to $19.0 million in annual receipts. The average ex-vessel
revenue from Spanish mackerel harvested from Federal waters is
estimated to be $31,000, which is substantially less than the $19
million SBA size standard. Consequently, all of the businesses that
hold at least one of the 1,736 commercial vessel permits for Spanish
mackerel (as of November 5, 2013) are presumed to be small businesses.
The average ex-vessel revenue from king mackerel harvested in Federal
waters is estimated to be $35,000. Therefore, it is presumed that all
of the businesses that hold at least one of the 1,658 valid and
renewable/transferrable king mackerel permits (a commercial vessel
permit for king mackerel plus a commercial king mackerel gillnet
permits as of September 30, 2013) are small businesses.
This rule would end the prohibition on transfers of Spanish
mackerel by gillnet in the EEZ. Presently, if a vessel catches a
quantity of Spanish mackerel in gillnets in the EEZ that exceeds the
trip limit, the excess catch cannot be transferred to another vessel.
Instead the excess catch has to be discarded back into the water,
although many to most of the Spanish mackerel are dead. If implemented,
the proposed rule would allow that transfer under certain conditions
and would require the operator(s) of the two vessels engaged in a
transfer to report the transfer by telephone to the NOAA Office of Law
Enforcement in Port Orange, Florida, prior to the transfer. Any
transfer would be voluntary, and a small business would participate in
a transfer if it has a net economic benefit, and would not, if it has a
net economic cost. It is unknown how many small businesses may
participate in a transfer; however, the ability to transfer could
generate a net economic benefit to small businesses.
NMFS considered one alternative, the no action alternative, to the
proposed action of eliminating the prohibition on the transfer of
Spanish mackerel by gillnet. The status quo alternative was rejected
because it would not provide the potential economic benefit to small
businesses as described above.
This rule would also change the commercial trip limit for king
mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone, which could act to increase
the length of the open fishing season. The proposed modified trip limit
could potentially decrease the rate of landings in January, February
and March; increase the average length of the open fishing season;
reduce total landings for the season, and increase ex-vessel revenues
from higher landings during the Lenten season. The magnitudes of these
potential economic benefits and costs are unknown.
NMFS considered one status quo alternative and two non-status quo
alternatives to the proposed action to modify the trip limit for king
mackerel in the Florida east coast subzone. The status quo commercial
trip limit is 50 fish from November 1 through January 31 each year; and
then, beginning on February 1 and continuing through March 31, if 75
percent or more of the Gulf group Florida east coast subzone quota has
been taken by January 31, the trip limit remains 50 fish. However, if
less than 75 percent of the quota has been taken by January 31, the
trip limit increases to 75 fish. The first of the rejected non-status
quo alternatives would fix the trip limit to 50 fish for the entire
fishing season. The adverse impact of this alternative is that it would
not provide the flexibility to allow small businesses to increase
landings of king mackerel when demand is greater during the Lenten
season. The second of the non-status quo alternatives would fix the
trip limit to 75 fish. This second alternative would likely reduce
landings of king mackerel and associated dockside revenues when demand
is greater during the religious Lenten season because its fixed trip
limit of 75 fish would likely result in earlier closures, potentially
before or at the beginning of the period of heightened demand. The
status quo alternative would maintain the current trip limits and could
result in an open fishing season that closes before the season of
greater demand ends.
Finally, this rule also removes language in the codified text
regarding prevention of gear conflicts between hook-and-line and
gillnet vessels in the South Atlantic EEZ. This change corrects an
inadvertent error in the text, as discussed in the preamble. The
regulation contained in Sec.  622.387 was necessary before separate
quotas, trip
[[Page 15296]]
limits, and gillnet permits were implemented for the harvest of king
mackerel off Florida. Since implementation of those management
measures, the impact and relevance of Sec.  622.387 have been zero.
Consequently, its removal would have no impact on small businesses.
Fisheries, Fishing, Gillnet, Mackerel, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, South Atlantic, Trip limits.
2. In Sec.  622.377, paragraph (b)(2)(iii) is revised and paragraph
(b)(2)(vi) is added to read as follows:
Sec.  622.377  Gillnet restrictions.
(iii) No more than two gillnets, including any net in use, may be
possessed at any one time, except for a vessel with a valid commercial
vessel permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified
in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. If two gillnets, including any
net in use, are possessed at any one time, they must have stretched
mesh sizes (as allowed under the regulations) that differ by at least
.25 inch (.64 cm), except for a vessel with a valid commercial vessel
permit for Spanish mackerel engaged in a transfer as specified in
paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section, in which case the vessel may
possess two gillnets of the same mesh size provided that one of the
nets is transferred to that vessel.
(vi) A portion of a gillnet may be transferred at sea only in the
EEZ and only from a vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for
Spanish mackerel that has exceeded a trip limit specified in Sec.
622.385 (b) to another vessel with a valid commercial vessel permit for
Spanish mackerel that has not yet reached the trip limit (the receiving
vessel). Only one such transfer is allowed per vessel per day. In
addition, to complete a legal transfer at sea, all of the following
(A) All fish exceeding the applicable commercial trip limit may not
be removed from the gillnet until the transfer is complete (i.e., the
gillnet is onboard the receiving vessel). The fish transferred to the
receiving vessel may not exceed the applicable commercial trip limit.
(B) The receiving vessel may possess no more than three gillnets on
board after the transfer is complete.
(C) Prior to cutting the gillnet and prior to any transfer of
Spanish mackerel from one vessel to another, the owner or operator of
both vessels must contact NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Port Orange,
Florida, phone: 1-386-492-6686.
3. In Sec.  622.385, the third sentence in the introductory text and
paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A) and (B) are revised to read as follows:
* * * Except for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel
harvested by gillnet, as specified in Sec.  622.377 (b)(2)(vi), a
species subject to a trip limit specified in this section taken in the
takes place, and such species may not be transferred in the EEZ. * * *
(A) From November 1 through the end of February--not to exceed 50
(B) Beginning on March 1 and continuing through March 31--
(1) If 70 percent or more of the Florida east coast subzone quota
as specified in Sec.  622.384(b)(1)(i)(A) has been taken--not to exceed
(2) If less than 70 percent of the Florida east coast subzone quota
75 fish.
Sec.  622.387  [Removed and Reserved]
4. Remove and reserve Sec.  622.387.