Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2005/03/21/05-5543.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-14 23:43:44
Document Index: 746622259

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

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries, 13406-13410 [05-5543] :: 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; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries, 13406-13410 [05-5543]
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries, 13406-13410 [05-5543]
Download as PDF 13406 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Rules and Regulations in Florida as a consequence of the proposed 2005 quota compared to 2003 landings in that state. Alternative 3 represents a 9 percent decrease in the total allowable commercial landings for bluefish in 2005 versus 2004. The 2004 recreational harvest limit under this alternative would be 34 percent higher than the estimated recreational landings in 2003. Under this scenario, a total of 61 vessels would incur revenue losses of from 5 to 39 percent due to the reduction in the commercial quota. An additional 244 commercial vessels would incur revenue losses of less than 5 percent of their total ex-vessel revenue. The same conclusions as were drawn under Alternative 2 for fishermen that land bluefish in North Carolina and Florida can be applied to this alternative. Table 2 (below) contains a summary of the allocations to the recreational and commercial fisheries under the three alternatives. TABLE 2.—COMPARISON (IN LBS) OF THE ALTERNATIVES OF QUOTA COMBINATIONS REVIEWED 2005 Initial TAL 2005 Initial commercial quota 2005 Research setaside 2005 Adjusted commercial quota 2005 Adjusted recreational harvest limit 20,353,578 297,750 10,398,671 20,157,157 25,608,470 297,750 5,194,491 25,361,337 21,270,578 297,750 9,490,520 21,065,308 2005 Initial recreational harvest limit Quota Alternative 1 (Status Quo/No Action) Council Preferred Alternative ........................................... 30,853,578 10,500,000 Quota Alternative 2 Projection Based Alternative ............................................ 30,853,578 5,245,108 Quota Alternative 3 Based on 1995 to 2000 Commercial TAL ....................... The Council further analyzed the impacts on revenues of the proposed RSA specified in all three alternatives. The social and economic impacts of this proposed RSA are expected to be minimal. Assuming the full RSA is allocated for bluefish, the set-aside amount could be worth as much as $86,348 dockside, based on an average 2003 ex-vessel price of $0.29 per pound for bluefish. Assuming an equal reduction among all 853 active dealer reported vessels, this could mean a reduction of about $101 per individual vessel. Changes in the recreational harvest limit would be insignificant (less than a 1 percent decrease), if 1 percent of the TAL is used for research. It is unlikely that there would be negative economic impacts as a result of the RSA. A full analysis is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 15, 2005. Rebecca Lent, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–5541 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate jul<14>2003 15:51 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 30,853,578 9,583,000 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 041221358–5065–02; I.D. 121504A] RIN 0648–AR56 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule, 2005 initial specifications. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS announces final specifications for the 2005 fishing year for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB) fisheries. This action also implements a 3.0–inch (7.62–cm) minimum codend mesh size requirement for butterfish otter trawl trips greater than 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). In addition, this action includes three regulatory language changes that reflect previously approved measures in the FMP. The intent of this final rule is to promote the development and conservation of the MSB resource. DATES: Effective April 20, 2005, through December 31, 2005. ADDRESSES: Copies of supporting documents used by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 including the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Regulatory Impact Review (RIR)/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA), are available from: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Regional Office, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2298. The EA/RIR/IRFA is accessible via the Internet at http:/www.nero.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Jay Dolin, Fishery Policy Analyst, 978– 281–9259, fax 978–281–9135. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Proposed 2005 initial specifications were published on January 10, 2005 (70 FR 1686). Public comments were accepted through February 9, 2005. The final specifications are unchanged from those that were proposed. A complete discussion of the development of the specifications appears in the preamble to the proposed rule and is not repeated here. 2005 Final Initial Specifications The following table contains the final initial specifications and research set aside (RSA) for the 2005 MSB fisheries. For 2005, two project proposals requesting Loligo squid set-aside landings were recommended for approval and will be forwarded to the NOAA Grants Office for award, for a total RSA of 255.1 mt. Consistent with the recommendations, the quotas in this final rule have been adjusted to reflect the projects recommended for approval. If the awards are not made by the NOAA E:\FR\FM\21MRR1.SGM 21MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Grants Office for any reason, NMFS will give notice of an adjustment to the 13407 annual quota to return the unawarded set-aside amount to the fishery. TABLE 1. FINAL INITIAL ANNUAL SPECIFICATIONS, IN METRIC TONS (MT), FOR ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FOR THE FISHING YEAR JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2005. Specifications Loligo Illex Mackerel Butterfish N/A1 Max OY 26,000 24,000 12,175 ABC 17,000 24,000 335,000 4,545 IOY 16,744.94 24,000 115,0002 1,681 DAH 16,744.9 24,000 115,0003 1,681 DAP 16,744.9 24,000 100,000 1,681 JVP 0 0 0 0 TALFF 0 0 0 0 1Not applicable. 2IOY may be increased during the year, but the total ABC will not exceed 335,000 mt. 3Includes 15,000 mt of Atlantic mackerel recreational allocation. 4Excludes 255.1 mt for Research Set-Aside. OY is optimum yield; ABC is allowable biological catch; IOY is initial optimum yield; DAH is domestic annual harvest; DAP is domestic annual processing; JVP is joint venture processing; and TALFF is total allowable level of foreign fishing. NMFS also implements three clarifications to the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish regulations. The first, in § 648.21, removes references to the dates on which the proposed and final rules for the annual specifications must be published by the Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), because it is not necessary to specify these dates in regulatory text. The second clarification, in § 648.23, revises a confusing sentence to make it clearer. The third clarification, in § 648.4(a)(5)(i), clarifies that the Illex permit moratorium is in effect until July 1, 2009. 2005 Final Specifications Atlantic Mackerel The final rule specifies an Atlantic mackerel IOY of 115,000 mt, as well as a DAH of 115,000 mt (which includes 15,000 mt for the recreational fishery), a JVP of zero, and a TALFF of zero. Loligo Squid In 2004, the Council specified the annual quota and other measures for Loligo squid for a period of up to 3 years (i.e., 2004 - 2007). After a review of available information, the Council recommended no change to the Loligo quota or other measures in 2005, and NMFS concurs with this recommendation. Based on research projects approved for 2005, the Council recommended that the RSA for scientific research for Loligo squid not exceed 255.1 mt. This final rule specifies a 2005 Max OY for Loligo squid of 26,000 mt, an ABC of 17,000 mt, and an IOY is 16,744.9, which takes into account the 255.1–mt RSA. The 2005 quarterly allocations for Loligo are as follows: VerDate jul<14>2003 15:51 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 TABLE 2. Loligo SQUID QUARTERLY ALLOCATIONS Quarter Percent Metric Tons1 Research Set-aside I (Jan-Mar) 33.23 5,564.3 N/A II (Apr-Jun) 17.61 2,948.8 N/A III (Jul-Sep) 17.3 2,896.9 N/A IV (Oct-Dec) 31.86 5,334.9 N/A Total 100 16,744.9 255.1 1Quarterly allocations after 255.1–mt RSA deduction. Also unchanged from 2004, the 2005 directed fishery will be closed in Quarters I-III when 80 percent of the periods’ allocation are harvested, with vessels restricted to a 2,500–lb (1,134– kg) Loligo squid trip limit per single calender day until the end of the respective quarter. The directed fishery will close when 95 percent of the total annual DAH has been harvested, with vessels restricted to a 2,500–lb (1,134– kg) Loligo squid trip limit per single calender day for the remainder of the year. Quota overages from Quarter I will be deducted from the allocation in Quarter III, and any overages from Quarter II will be deducted from Quarter IV. By default, quarterly underages from Quarters II and III will carry over into Quarter IV, because Quarter IV does not close until 95 percent of the total annual quota has been harvested. Additionally, if the Quarter I landings for Loligo squid are less than 80 percent of the Quarter I allocation, the underage below 80 percent will be applied to Quarter III. Illex Squid This final rule specifies that Max OY, IOY, ABC and DAH will be 24,000 mt, which maintains the status quo. The Illex directed fishery will be closed when 95 percent of the quota (22,800 mt) is harvested. The catch limit for squid/butterfish incidental catch permit PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 holders will be 10,000 lb (4,536 kg). This also represents the trip limit in effect when the directed fishery is closed. Butterfish This final rule specifies that the IOY will be 1,681 mt, which will achieve the target fishing mortality rate (75 percent of Fmsy) specified in the FMP based on the most recent stock assessment for the species (Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) 38). This final rule also implements a 3.0–inch (7.62–cm) minimum codend mesh size requirement for butterfish otter trawl trips greater than 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), the level that would qualify as a directed butterfish trip. Comments and Responses Comment 1: Five comments from industry members and associations and one comment from the Council supported the proposed specifications for an IOY/DAH of 115,000 mt, though they believed the industry could potentially harvest the 165,000 mt recommended by the Council. All six commenters raised the same concern about the timeliness of an in-season adjustment for the mackerel OY and DAH, should one become necessary. They requested that the final 2005 specifications include a clear and specific contingency provision that would enable NMFS to implement a timely in-season adjustment. They suggested that NMFS use vessel trip report data and dealer reports, in conjunction with catch-trend analysis from previous years, to track mackerel harvest with a minimum amount of lag time. They also suggested that NMFS initiate the in-season adjustment process when a trigger amount of mackerel is caught; for example, when the 2005 projected catch is equal to the E:\FR\FM\21MRR1.SGM 21MRR1 13408 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Rules and Regulations previous year’s catch (roughly 54,000 mt) or some reasonable percentage (e.g., 70 percent of the IOY) of the total available DAH of 100,000 mt. Response 1: NMFS agrees that it is important to keep close watch on the mackerel catch throughout 2005 so that, should an in-season adjustment become necessary, it can be implemented as quickly as possible. NMFS will take advantage of all data sources and projection techniques to ensure that it can achieve that goal. NMFS sees no need to specify the contingency provision that the commenters requested, e.g., a pre-established trigger for increasing OY and DAH. NMFS will closely monitor landings in order to take any necessary action on an in-season adjustment as noted in the proposed rule. Comment 2: One private citizen stated that all quotas should be cut by 50 percent this year and by 10 percent each succeeding year. The commenter added that the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) estimates are too high, but provided no justification for these claims. Response 2: The quotas, as well as the MSY calculations that form the basis of this final rule, are all based on the best available science, as required by National Standard 2 of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Classification This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Included in this final rule is the FRFA prepared pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 604(a). The FRFA incorporates the discussion that follows, the comments and responses to the proposed rule, and the initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) and other analyses completed in support of this action. A copy of the IRFA is available from the Regional Administrator (see ADDRESSES). Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Statement of Objective and Need A description of the reasons why this action is being considered, and the objectives of and legal basis for this action, is contained in the preamble to the proposed rule and is not repeated here. Summary of Significant Issues Raised in Public Comments Seven sets of comments were submitted on the proposed rule, but none were specific to the IRFA or the economic impacts of the rule. VerDate jul<14>2003 15:51 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 Description and Estimate of Number of Small Entities to Which the Rule Will Apply The number of potential fishing vessels in the 2005 fisheries are 381 for Loligo squid/butterfish, 72 for Illex squid, 2,407 for Atlantic mackerel, and 2,119 vessels with incidental catch permits for squid/butterfish, based on vessel permit issuance. Many vessels participate in more than one of these fisheries; therefore, the numbers are not additive. There are no large entities participating in this fishery, as defined in section 601 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Therefore, there are no disproportionate economic impacts on small entities. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements This action does not contain any new collection-of-information, reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements. It does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules. Minimizing Significant Economic Impacts on Small Entities The annual setting of the specifications focuses on the allocation of mackerel, squid, and butterfish to various groups and for various purposes. Alternatives that were considered to lessen the impacts on small entities are summarized below. Three alternatives for mackerel were evaluated. One would have set IOY at 175,000 mt. The two other alternatives would have set IOY at 165,000 mt. Neither of these IOYs would constrain vessels in these fisheries. Absent such a constraint, no impacts on revenues in this fishery would be expected as a result of any of these alternatives. Two of these alternatives one setting IOY at 165,000 mt and the other setting it at 175,000 mt would have set the ABC at 347,000 mt. These two alternatives were rejected on biological grounds because that level of ABC would not be consistent with the overfishing rule adopted in Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan (F=0.25 yield estimate of 369,000 mt minus the estimated Canadian catch of 34,000 mt). Furthermore, the Atlantic mackerel alternative that would have set IOY at 175,000 mt was rejected because it would have been too high in light of social and economic concerns relating to TALFF. The Atlantic mackerel alternative that would set IOY at 175,000 mt would also allocate 5,000 mt for JVP. This allocation of JVP was rejected because it was concluded that PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 U.S. processing capacity is sufficient to process the entire DAH. The third alternative for mackerel considered was one that would have set IOY at 165,000 mt, and ABC at 335,000 mt. Although this ABC is the same as in the proposed action, this IOY was rejected because it would have been too high in light of social and economic concerns relating to TALFF. The specification of TALFF would have limited the opportunities for the domestic fishery to expand, and therefore would have resulted in negative social and economic impacts to both U.S. harvesters and processors, as explained in detail in the proposed rule. For Illex, one alternative considered would have set Max OY, ABC, IOY, DAH, and DAP at a level higher than the 24,000 mt established in this rule-30,000 mt. This alternative would allow harvest far in excess of recent landings in this fishery. Therefore, there would be no constraints and, thus, no revenue reductions, associated with these specifications. However, the Council considered this alternative unacceptable because an ABC specification of 30,000 mt may not prevent overfishing in years of moderate to low abundance of Illex squid. For butterfish, one alternative considered would have set IOY at 5,900 mt, while another would have set it at 9,131 mt. These amounts exceed the landings of this species in recent years. Therefore, neither alternative would constrain vessels in this fishery. In the absence of such a constraint, neither of these alternatives would reduce revenues in the fishery. However, both of these alternatives were rejected because they would likely result in overfishing and additional depletion of the spawning stock biomass. Small Entity Compliance Guide Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 states that, for each rule, or group of related rules, for which an agency is required to prepare a FRFA, the agency shall publish one or more guides to assist small entities in complying with the rule and shall designate such publications as ‘‘small entity compliance guides.’’ The agency shall explain the actions a small entity is required to take to comply with a rule or group of rules. As part of this rulemaking process, a small entity compliance guide will be sent to all holders of permits issued for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. In addition, copies of this final rule and guide (i.e., permit holder letter) are available from the Regional Administrator (see ADDRESSES) and may E:\FR\FM\21MRR1.SGM 21MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Rules and Regulations (d) Annual fishing measures. (1) The Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee will review the List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648 recommendations of the Monitoring Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and Committee. Based on these recordkeeping requirements. recommendations and any public comment received thereon, the Squid, Dated: March 15, 2005 Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee Rebecca Lent must recommend to the MAFMC Deputy Assistant Administrator for appropriate specifications and any Regulatory Programs, National Marine measures necessary to assure that the Fisheries Service. specifications will not be exceeded. The I For the reasons set out above 50 CFR MAFMC will review these part 648 is amended as follows: recommendations and, based on the PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE recommendations and any public NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES comment received thereon, must recommend to the Regional I 1. The authority citation for part 648 Administrator appropriate continues to read as follows: specifications and any measures Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. necessary to assure that the I 2. In § 648.4, the introductory heading specifications will not be exceeded. The of paragraph (a)(5)(i) is revised to read as MAFMC’s recommendations must follows: include supporting documentation, as appropriate, concerning the § 648.4 Vessel permits. environmental, economic, and social (a) * * * impacts of the recommendations. The (5 )* * * Regional Administrator will review the (i) Loligo squid/butterfish and Illex recommendations and will publish squid moratorium permits (Illex squid notification in the Federal Register moratorium is in effect until July 1, proposing specifications and any 2009)— measures necessary to assure that the * * * * * specifications will not be exceeded and I 3. In § 648.14, paragraphs (a)(74) and providing a 30-day public comment (p)(5) are revised and new paragraph period. If the proposed specifications (p)(11) is added to read as follows: differ from those recommended by the MAFMC, the reasons for any differences § 648.14 Prohibitions. must be clearly stated and the revised (a) * * * (74) Possess nets or netting with mesh specifications must satisfy the criteria set forth in this section. The MAFMC’s not meeting the minimum size recommendations will be available for requirements of § 648.23, and not inspection at the office of the Regional stowed in accordance with the Administrator during the public requirements of § 648.23, if in comment period. If the annual possession of Loligo or butterfish specifications for squid, mackerel, and harvested in or from the EEZ. butterfish are not published in the * * * * * Federal Register prior to the start of the (p) * * * fishing year, the previous year’s annual (5) Fish with or possess nets or specifications, excluding specifications netting that do not meet the minimum of TALFF, will remain in effect. The mesh requirements for Loligo or previous year’s specifications will be butterfish specified in § 648.23(a), or superceded as of the effective date of the that are modified, obstructed, or final rule implementing the current constricted, if subject to the minimum year’s annual specifications. mesh requirements, unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with (2) The Assistant Administrator will § 648.23(b) or the vessel is fishing under make a final determination concerning an exemption specified in § 648.23(a). the specifications for each species and any measures necessary to assure that * * * * * (11) Possess 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) or more the specifications contained in the of butterfish unless the vessel meets the Federal Register notification will not be exceeded. After the Assistant minimum mesh size requirement Administrator considers all relevant specified in § 648.23(a)(2). data and any public comments, * * * * * notification of the final specifications I 4. In § 648.21, paragraph (d) is revised and any measures necessary to assure to read as follows: that the specifications will not be § 648.21 Procedures for determining initial exceeded and responses to the public annual amounts. comments will be published in the Federal Register. If the final * * * * * be found at the following web site: http://www.nmfs.gov/ro/doc/nero.html. VerDate jul<14>2003 15:51 Mar 18, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 13409 specification amounts differ from those recommended by the MAFMC, the reason(s) for the difference(s) must be clearly stated and the revised specifications must be consistent with the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. * * * * * I 5. In § 648.23, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: § 648.23 Gear restrictions. (a) Mesh restrictions and exemptions. (1) Vessels subject to the mesh restrictions outlined in this paragraph (a) may not have available for immediate use any net, or any piece of net, with a mesh size smaller than that required. (2) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) or more of butterfish harvested in or from the EEZ may only fish with nets having a minimum codend mesh of 3 inches (76 mm) diamond mesh, inside stretch measure, applied throughout the codend for at least 100 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, or for codends with less than 100 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall be a minimum of one-third of the net measured from the terminus of the codend to the head rope. (3) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing Loligo harvested in or from the EEZ may only fish with nets having a minimum mesh size of 1 7/8 inches (48 mm) diamond mesh, inside stretch measure, applied throughout the codend for at least 150 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, or for codends with less than 150 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall be a minimum of one-third of the net measured from the terminus of the codend to the head rope, unless they are fishing during the months of June, July, August, and September for Illex seaward of the following coordinates (copies of a map depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request): Point M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 E:\FR\FM\21MRR1.SGM N. Lat. 43°58.0′ 43°50.0′ 43°30.0′ 43°20.0′ 42°45.0′ 42°13.0′ 41°00.0′ 41°45.0′ 42°10.0′ 41°18.6′ 40°55.5′ 40°45.5′ 40°37.0′ 40°30.0′ 40°22.7′ 21MRR1 W. Long. 67°22.0′ 68°35.0′ 69°40.0′ 70°00.0′ 70°10.0′ 69°55.0′ 69°00.0′ 68°15.0′ 67°10.0′ 66°24.8′ 66°38.0′ 68°00.0′ 68°00.0′ 69°00.0′ 69°00.0′ 13410 Point M16 M17 M18 M19 M20 M21 M22 M23 VerDate jul<14>2003 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 53 / Monday, March 21, 2005 / Rules and Regulations N. Lat. 40°18.7′ 40°21.0′ 39°41.0′ 38°47.0′ 38°04.0′ 37°08.0′ 36°00.0′ 35°45.0′ 15:51 Mar 18, 2005 W. Long. 69°40.0′ 71°03.0′ 72°32.0′ 73°11.0′ 74°06.0′ 74°46.0′ 74°52.0′ 74°53.0′ Jkt 205001 (48 mm) diamond mesh or any net, or any piece of net, with mesh that is M24 35°28.0′ 74°52.0′ rigged in a manner that is prohibited by paragraph (c) and (d) of this section, when the vessel is landward of the Vessels fishing under this exemption specified coordinates. may not have available for immediate * * * * * use, as defined in paragraph (b) of this [FR Doc. 05–5543 Filed 3–18–05; 8:45 am] section, any net, or any piece of net, with a mesh size less than 1 7/8 inches BILLING CODE 3510–22–S PO 00000 Point Frm 00068 N. Lat. Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 W. Long. E:\FR\FM\21MRR1.SGM 21MRR1
[Pages 13406-13410]
[FR Doc No: 05-5543]
[Docket No. 041221358-5065-02; I.D. 121504A]
RIN 0648-AR56
Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries
ACTION: Final rule, 2005 initial specifications.
SUMMARY: NMFS announces final specifications for the 2005 fishing year
for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB) fisheries. This
action also implements a 3.0-inch (7.62-cm) minimum codend mesh size
requirement for butterfish otter trawl trips greater than 5,000 lb
(2,268 kg). In addition, this action includes three regulatory language
changes that reflect previously approved measures in the FMP. The
intent of this final rule is to promote the development and
conservation of the MSB resource.
Assessment (EA) and Regulatory Impact Review (RIR)/Final Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA), are available from: Patricia A. Kurkul,
Regional Administrator, Northeast Regional Office, NMFS, One Blackburn
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. The EA/RIR/IRFA is accessible via the
Internet at http:/www.nero.noaa.gov.
Analyst, 978-281-9259, fax 978-281-9135.
Proposed 2005 initial specifications were published on January 10,
2005 (70 FR 1686). Public comments were accepted through February 9,
2005. The final specifications are unchanged from those that were
proposed. A complete discussion of the development of the
specifications appears in the preamble to the proposed rule and is not
2005 Final Initial Specifications
The following table contains the final initial specifications and
research set aside (RSA) for the 2005 MSB fisheries. For 2005, two
project proposals requesting Loligo squid set-aside landings were
Office for award, for a total RSA of 255.1 mt. Consistent with the
recommendations, the quotas in this final rule have been adjusted to
reflect the projects recommended for approval. If the awards are not
made by the NOAA
[[Page 13407]]
Grants Office for any reason, NMFS will give notice of an adjustment to
the annual quota to return the unawarded set-aside amount to the
Table 1. Final Initial Annual Specifications, in Metric Tons (mt), for
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish for the Fishing Year January 1
Specifications           Loligo     Illex   Mackerel  Butterfish
Max OY                         26,000     24,000    N/A\1\    12,175
ABC                            17,000     24,000    335,000   4,545
IOY                            16,744.9\  24,000    115,000\  1,681
4\                   2\
DAH                            16,744.9   24,000    115,000\  1,681
DAP                            16,744.9   24,000    100,000   1,681
JVP                            0          0         0         0
TALFF                          0          0         0         0
\1\Not applicable.
\2\IOY may be increased during the year, but the total ABC will not
exceed 335,000 mt.
\3\Includes 15,000 mt of Atlantic mackerel recreational allocation.
\4\Excludes 255.1 mt for Research Set-Aside.
OY is optimum yield; ABC is allowable biological catch; IOY is initial
optimum yield; DAH is domestic annual harvest; DAP is domestic annual
processing; JVP is joint venture processing; and TALFF is total
allowable level of foreign fishing.
NMFS also implements three clarifications to the Atlantic mackerel,
squid, and butterfish regulations. The first, in Sec.  648.21, removes
references to the dates on which the proposed and final rules for the
annual specifications must be published by the Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), because it is not necessary to
specify these dates in regulatory text. The second clarification, in
Sec.  648.23, revises a confusing sentence to make it clearer. The
third clarification, in Sec.  648.4(a)(5)(i), clarifies that the Illex
permit moratorium is in effect until July 1, 2009.
2005 Final Specifications
The final rule specifies an Atlantic mackerel IOY of 115,000 mt, as
well as a DAH of 115,000 mt (which includes 15,000 mt for the
recreational fishery), a JVP of zero, and a TALFF of zero.
change to the Loligo quota or other measures in 2005, and NMFS concurs
with this recommendation. Based on research projects approved for 2005,
the Council recommended that the RSA for scientific research for Loligo
squid not exceed 255.1 mt. This final rule specifies a 2005 Max OY for
Loligo squid of 26,000 mt, an ABC of 17,000 mt, and an IOY is 16,744.9,
which takes into account the 255.1-mt RSA. The 2005 quarterly
allocations for Loligo are as follows:
Metric    Research Set-
Quarter                Percent      Tons\1\        aside
I (Jan-Mar)                       33.23        5,564.3      N/A
II (Apr-Jun)                      17.61        2,948.8      N/A
III (Jul-Sep)                     17.3         2,896.9      N/A
IV (Oct-Dec)                      31.86        5,334.9      N/A
Total                             100          16,744.9     255.1
\1\Quarterly allocations after 255.1-mt RSA deduction.
Also unchanged from 2004, the 2005 directed fishery will be closed
in Quarters I-III when 80 percent of the periods' allocation are
respective quarter. The directed fishery will close when 95 percent of
the remainder of the year. Quota overages from Quarter I will be
Quarter II will be deducted from Quarter IV. By default, quarterly
underages from Quarters II and III will carry over into Quarter IV,
because Quarter IV does not close until 95 percent of the total annual
quota has been harvested. Additionally, if the Quarter I landings for
Loligo squid are less than 80 percent of the Quarter I allocation, the
underage below 80 percent will be applied to Quarter III.
This final rule specifies that Max OY, IOY, ABC and DAH will be
24,000 mt, which maintains the status quo. The Illex directed fishery
will be closed when 95 percent of the quota (22,800 mt) is harvested.
The catch limit for squid/butterfish incidental catch permit holders
will be 10,000 lb (4,536 kg). This also represents the trip limit in
effect when the directed fishery is closed.
This final rule specifies that the IOY will be 1,681 mt, which will
achieve the target fishing mortality rate (75 percent of Fmsy)
specified in the FMP based on the most recent stock assessment for the
species (Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) 38). This final rule
also implements a 3.0-inch (7.62-cm) minimum codend mesh size
(2,268 kg), the level that would qualify as a directed butterfish trip.
Comment 1: Five comments from industry members and associations and
one comment from the Council supported the proposed specifications for
an IOY/DAH of 115,000 mt, though they believed the industry could
potentially harvest the 165,000 mt recommended by the Council. All six
commenters raised the same concern about the timeliness of an in-season
adjustment for the mackerel OY and DAH, should one become necessary.
They requested that the final 2005 specifications include a clear and
specific contingency provision that would enable NMFS to implement a
timely in-season adjustment. They suggested that NMFS use vessel trip
report data and dealer reports, in conjunction with catch-trend
analysis from previous years, to track mackerel harvest with a minimum
amount of lag time. They also suggested that NMFS initiate the in-
season adjustment process when a trigger amount of mackerel is caught;
for example, when the 2005 projected catch is equal to the
[[Page 13408]]
previous year's catch (roughly 54,000 mt) or some reasonable percentage
(e.g., 70 percent of the IOY) of the total available DAH of 100,000 mt.
Response 1: NMFS agrees that it is important to keep close watch on
the mackerel catch throughout 2005 so that, should an in-season
adjustment become necessary, it can be implemented as quickly as
possible. NMFS will take advantage of all data sources and projection
techniques to ensure that it can achieve that goal. NMFS sees no need
to specify the contingency provision that the commenters requested,
e.g., a pre-established trigger for increasing OY and DAH. NMFS will
closely monitor landings in order to take any necessary action on an
in-season adjustment as noted in the proposed rule.
Comment 2: One private citizen stated that all quotas should be cut
by 50 percent this year and by 10 percent each succeeding year. The
commenter added that the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) estimates are
too high, but provided no justification for these claims.
Response 2: The quotas, as well as the MSY calculations that form
the basis of this final rule, are all based on the best available
science, as required by National Standard 2 of the Magnuson-Stevens
U.S.C. 604(a). The FRFA incorporates the discussion that follows, the
comments and responses to the proposed rule, and the initial regulatory
flexibility analysis (IRFA) and other analyses completed in support of
this action. A copy of the IRFA is available from the Regional
the preamble to the proposed rule and is not repeated here.
Seven sets of comments were submitted on the proposed rule, but
none were specific to the IRFA or the economic impacts of the rule.
The number of potential fishing vessels in the 2005 fisheries are
381 for Loligo squid/butterfish, 72 for Illex squid, 2,407 for Atlantic
mackerel, and 2,119 vessels with incidental catch permits for squid/
butterfish, based on vessel permit issuance. Many vessels participate
in more than one of these fisheries; therefore, the numbers are not
additive. There are no large entities participating in this fishery, as
defined in section 601 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
The annual setting of the specifications focuses on the allocation
of mackerel, squid, and butterfish to various groups and for various
purposes. Alternatives that were considered to lessen the impacts on
small entities are summarized below.
Three alternatives for mackerel were evaluated. One would have set
IOY at 175,000 mt. The two other alternatives would have set IOY at
165,000 mt. Neither of these IOYs would constrain vessels in these
fisheries. Absent such a constraint, no impacts on revenues in this
fishery would be expected as a result of any of these alternatives. Two
of these alternatives one setting IOY at 165,000 mt and the other
setting it at 175,000 mt would have set the ABC at 347,000 mt. These
two alternatives were rejected on biological grounds because that level
of ABC would not be consistent with the overfishing rule adopted in
Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan (F=0.25 yield estimate of
369,000 mt minus the estimated Canadian catch of 34,000 mt).
Furthermore, the Atlantic mackerel alternative that would have set IOY
at 175,000 mt was rejected because it would have been too high in light
of social and economic concerns relating to TALFF. The Atlantic
mackerel alternative that would set IOY at 175,000 mt would also
allocate 5,000 mt for JVP. This allocation of JVP was rejected because
it was concluded that U.S. processing capacity is sufficient to process
the entire DAH. The third alternative for mackerel considered was one
that would have set IOY at 165,000 mt, and ABC at 335,000 mt. Although
this ABC is the same as in the proposed action, this IOY was rejected
because it would have been too high in light of social and economic
concerns relating to TALFF. The specification of TALFF would have
limited the opportunities for the domestic fishery to expand, and
therefore would have resulted in negative social and economic impacts
to both U.S. harvesters and processors, as explained in detail in the
IOY, DAH, and DAP at a level higher than the 24,000 mt established in
this rule--30,000 mt. This alternative would allow harvest far in
excess of recent landings in this fishery. Therefore, there would be no
constraints and, thus, no revenue reductions, associated with these
specifications. However, the Council considered this alternative
unacceptable because an ABC specification of 30,000 mt may not prevent
overfishing in years of moderate to low abundance of Illex squid.
alternative would constrain vessels in this fishery. In the absence of
such a constraint, neither of these alternatives would reduce revenues
in the fishery. However, both of these alternatives were rejected
because they would likely result in overfishing and additional
depletion of the spawning stock biomass.
to all holders of permits issued for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and
butterfish fisheries. In addition, copies of this final rule and guide
Administrator (see ADDRESSES) and may
be found at the following web site: http://www.nmfs.gov/ro/doc/
nero.html.
For the reasons set out above 50 CFR part 648 is amended as follows:
2. In Sec.  648.4, the introductory heading of paragraph (a)(5)(i) is
(5 )* * *
(i) Loligo squid/butterfish and Illex squid moratorium permits
(Illex squid moratorium is in effect until July 1, 2009)--
3. In Sec.  648.14, paragraphs (a)(74) and (p)(5) are revised and new
paragraph (p)(11) is added to read as follows:
(74) Possess nets or netting with mesh not meeting the minimum size
requirements of Sec.  648.23, and not stowed in accordance with the
requirements of Sec.  648.23, if in possession of Loligo or butterfish
harvested in or from the EEZ.
648.23(a), or that are modified, obstructed, or constricted, if subject
to the minimum mesh requirements, unless the nets or netting are stowed
in accordance with Sec.  648.23(b) or the vessel is fishing under an
exemption specified in Sec.  648.23(a).
(11) Possess 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) or more of butterfish unless the
4. In Sec.  648.21, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:
(d) Annual fishing measures. (1) The Squid, Mackerel, and
Butterfish Committee will review the recommendations of the Monitoring
Committee. Based on these recommendations and any public comment
received thereon, the Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee must
recommend to the MAFMC appropriate specifications and any measures
necessary to assure that the specifications will not be exceeded. The
MAFMC will review these recommendations and, based on the
recommendations and any public comment received thereon, must recommend
to the Regional Administrator appropriate specifications and any
exceeded. The MAFMC's recommendations must include supporting
will review the recommendations and will publish notification in the
Federal Register proposing specifications and any measures necessary to
assure that the specifications will not be exceeded and providing a 30-
day public comment period. If the proposed specifications differ from
those recommended by the MAFMC, the reasons for any differences must be
clearly stated and the revised specifications must satisfy the criteria
set forth in this section. The MAFMC's recommendations will be
available for inspection at the office of the Regional Administrator
during the public comment period. If the annual specifications for
squid, mackerel, and butterfish are not published in the Federal
Register prior to the start of the fishing year, the previous year's
annual specifications, excluding specifications of TALFF, will remain
in effect. The previous year's specifications will be superceded as of
the effective date of the final rule implementing the current year's
(2) The Assistant Administrator will make a final determination
concerning the specifications for each species and any measures
necessary to assure that the specifications contained in the Federal
Register notification will not be exceeded. After the Assistant
Administrator considers all relevant data and any public comments,
notification of the final specifications and any measures necessary to
assure that the specifications will not be exceeded and responses to
the public comments will be published in the Federal Register. If the
final specification amounts differ from those recommended by the MAFMC,
the reason(s) for the difference(s) must be clearly stated and the
revised specifications must be consistent with the criteria set forth
5. In Sec.  648.23, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
(a) Mesh restrictions and exemptions. (1) Vessels subject to the
mesh restrictions outlined in this paragraph (a) may not have available
for immediate use any net, or any piece of net, with a mesh size
smaller than that required.
(2) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing 5,000 lb
(2.27 mt) or more of butterfish harvested in or from the EEZ may only
be a minimum of one-third of the net measured from the terminus of the
codend to the head rope.
mesh size of 1 7/8 inches (48 mm) diamond mesh, inside stretch measure,
applied throughout the codend for at least 150 continuous meshes
forward of the terminus of the net, or for codends with less than 150
meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall be a minimum of one-third of
the net measured from the terminus of the codend to the head rope,
unless they are fishing during the months of June, July, August, and
September for Illex seaward of the following coordinates (copies of a
map depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator
Point                       N. Lat.         W. Long.
M1                                       43[deg]58.0'    67[deg]22.0'
M2                                       43[deg]50.0'    68[deg]35.0'
M3                                       43[deg]30.0'    69[deg]40.0'
M4                                       43[deg]20.0'    70[deg]00.0'
M5                                       42[deg]45.0'    70[deg]10.0'
M6                                       42[deg]13.0'    69[deg]55.0'
M7                                       41[deg]00.0'    69[deg]00.0'
M8                                       41[deg]45.0'    68[deg]15.0'
M9                                       42[deg]10.0'    67[deg]10.0'
M10                                      41[deg]18.6'    66[deg]24.8'
M11                                      40[deg]55.5'    66[deg]38.0'
M12                                      40[deg]45.5'    68[deg]00.0'
M13                                      40[deg]37.0'    68[deg]00.0'
M14                                      40[deg]30.0'    69[deg]00.0'
M15                                      40[deg]22.7'    69[deg]00.0'
[[Page 13410]]
M16                                      40[deg]18.7'    69[deg]40.0'
M17                                      40[deg]21.0'    71[deg]03.0'
M18                                      39[deg]41.0'    72[deg]32.0'
M19                                      38[deg]47.0'    73[deg]11.0'
M20                                      38[deg]04.0'    74[deg]06.0'
M21                                      37[deg]08.0'    74[deg]46.0'
M22                                      36[deg]00.0'    74[deg]52.0'
M23                                      35[deg]45.0'    74[deg]53.0'
M24                                      35[deg]28.0'    74[deg]52.0'
Vessels fishing under this exemption may not have available for
immediate use, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, any net, or
any piece of net, with a mesh size less than 1 7/8 inches (48 mm)
diamond mesh or any net, or any piece of net, with mesh that is rigged
in a manner that is prohibited by paragraph (c) and (d) of this
section, when the vessel is landward of the specified coordinates.
[FR Doc. 05-5543 Filed 3-18-05; 8:45 am]