Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit, 13174-13175 [E5-1193]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 52 / Friday, March 18, 2005 / Notices
as NMFS observers, however, at the
time of the experiment. The ‘‘sea
samplers’’ would conduct the data
collection and perform other observer
duties that would normally be required
for vessels directed fishing for pollock.
The activities under the EFP are not
expected to have a significant impact on
the marine environment, but the
potential effects on the marine
environment will be further analyzed
during review of the application.
In accordance with § 679.6, NMFS has
determined that the proposal warrants
further consideration and has initiated
consultation with the Council by
forwarding the application to the
Council. The Council will consider the
EFP application during its April 4–11,
2005, meeting which will be held at the
Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, AK. The
applicants have been invited to appear
in support of the application, if the
applicants desire. Interested persons
may comment on the application at the
Council meeting during public
testimony. A notice announcing the
upcoming meeting will be published in
the Federal Register.
A copy of the application is available
for review from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 15, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5–1186 Filed 3–17–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 031505F]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Zone Off Alaska; Application for an
Exempted Fishing Permit
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of amended
application for an exempted fishing
permit.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS has received an
amended application for an exempted
fishing permit (EFP) from William
Thornton Smith of the North Pacific
Longline Association (NPLA). If granted,
this EFP would authorize the applicant
to conduct an experiment to evaluate
the integrated weight groundline as a
potential seabird avoidance measure in
the 2005 Pacific cod hook-and-line
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:14 Mar 17, 2005
Jkt 205001
fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area (BSAI). The
project is intended to promote the
objectives of the Fishery Management
Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP) by reducing fishery interactions
with the endangered short-tailed
albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) and
other seabird species.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP
application may be requested from Sue
Salveson, Assistant Regional
Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
Alaska Region, NMFS, Attn: Lori Durall
by: mail to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK
99802; fax to 907–586–7557; or email to
Lori.Durall@noaa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim
Rivera, 907–586–7424 or
Kim.Rivera@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
manages the domestic groundfish
fisheries in the BSAI under the FMP.
The North Pacific Fishery Management
Council (Council) prepared the FMP
under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act). Regulations
governing the groundfish fisheries of the
BSAI appear at 50 CFR parts 600 and
679. The FMP and the implementing
regulations at §§ 679.6 and 600.745(b)
authorize the issuance of EFPs to allow
fishing that would otherwise be
prohibited. Procedures for issuing EFPs
are contained in the implementing
regulations.
In June 2004, the Council approved
the application for an EFP for this
experiment which was submitted by the
Washington Sea Grant Program (WSGP).
The WSGP was unable to secure vessels
for the work, and an EFP was not issued
in 2004. In February 2005, NMFS
received an amended application for
this EFP from the NPLA. The purpose
of this EFP is to authorize experimental
fishing using integrated weight
groundline to evaluate its effectiveness
as a potential new seabird avoidance
measure. The application calls for
testing integrated weight groundlines
against unweighted groundlines, with
and without paired streamer lines. This
proposed experiment builds on work
that was completed in Alaska in 2002,
and compliments efforts taking place in
other fisheries. Information from this
experiment could ultimately result in
better and more effective seabird
avoidance measures. The hook-and-line
fishing industry appears especially
interested in this experiment, because it
may provide a better tool with which to
avoid the incidental catch of the
endangered short-tailed albatross and
other seabird species. In addition, the
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
integrated weight groundline may
improve fishing efficiency with better
gear handling characteristics and
increased target catch rates resulting
from getting baited hooks down more
quickly. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service issued a Biological Opinion
(September 2003) that includes a
conservation recommendation for
NMFS to support research efforts to
develop new and novel deterrent
technologies such as integrated weight
groundlines. This experiment would
fulfill such a recommendation.
The goal of the experiment is to
reduce the incidental catch of the
endangered short-tailed albatross and
other seabird species in ways that are
consistent with Magnuson-Stevens Act
National Standard 9 which requires
conservation and management measures
to minimize bycatch and bycatch
mortality and that the effects on birds
should be considered when selecting
these measures. A preliminary WSGP
investigation in 2002 evaluated four
weightings of integrated weight
groundline (25g/m, 50g/m, 75g/m and
100 g/m). The four weighting treatments
were compared to a control of
unweighted groundline in the sablefish
fishery in the Aleutian Islands and the
Pacific cod fishery in the Gulf of Alaska.
Preliminary results strongly suggest that
50g/m line was the optimal weighting.
It was the most practical gear in terms
of operational performance in
mechanical baiting (auto-bait) hook-andline systems, and it sank quickly beyond
the range of seabirds.
Based on these initial results, NPLA
proposes to continue this work by
comparing the catch rates of all species,
the abundance and behavior of seabirds,
and the sink rate of groundlines under
three scenarios: 50g/m integrated weight
groundline, and un-weighted
groundlines with and without paired
streamer lines. Regulations at
§ 679.24(e)(4)(ii)(c) require the use of
paired streamer lines by vessels greater
than 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall (LOA).
Because vessels used in the experiment
would be greater than 55 ft (16.8 m)
LOA, an EFP is necessary to conduct the
experimental control treatments that
call for the experimental gear to be
deployed in the absence of paired
streamer lines. Work will take place on
two freezer-longliner vessels using autobait systems in the Pacific cod fishery in
the BSAI during 2005 and 2006, if
unforeseen circumstances prohibit
completion of the work in 2005.
Amendments to the application
approved in June 2004, include: (1)
starting the experimental fishing a
month earlier (July 15, 2005 instead of
August 15, 2005), (2) allocating
E:\FR\FM\18MRN1.SGM
18MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 52 / Friday, March 18, 2005 / Notices
specified amounts of Pacific cod and
bycatch species to participating vessels,
(3) harvesting Pacific cod beyond the
total allowable catch and acceptable
biological catch amounts specified for
2005, and (4) exemption from improved
retention/improved utilization
regulations at § 679.27.
These levels of harvest and manner of
harvest are not expected to have a
significant impact on the marine
environment, but the potential effects
on the marine environment will be
further analyzed during review of the
application.
In accordance with § 679.6, NMFS has
determined that the application
warrants further consideration and has
initiated consultation with the Council
by forwarding the amended application
to the Council for consultation. The
Council will consider the application
during its April 4–11, 2005 meeting
which will be held at the Hilton Hotel
in Anchorage, AK. While the applicant
has been invited to appear in support of
the application, all interested parties
may comment on the application at the
meeting during public testimony. A
notice announcing the upcoming
meeting will be published in the
Federal Register.
The vessels that would conduct the
experimental fishing were not identified
on the application, but would be
identified on the EFP, once they have
been selected for the project. The NMFS
Regional Administrator may consider
and attach additional terms and
conditions to the EFP that are consistent
with the purpose of the experiment.
Public comment may help determine
such conditions.
A copy of the amended application is
available for review from NMFS (see
ADDRESSES).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 15, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5–1193 Filed 3–17–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of vessel monitoring
systems; approval.
SUMMARY: This document provides
notice of vessel monitoring systems
(VMS) approved by NOAA for use by
vessels participating in the Rock Shrimp
Fishery of the South Atlantic Region
and sets forth relevant features of the
VMS, and supersedes all previous type
approval notices for the South Atlantic
Rock Shrimp Fishery.
ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list
of NOAA-approved VMS mobile
transmitting units and NOAA-approved
VMS communications service providers,
or to obtain information regarding the
status of VMS systems being evaluated
by NOAA for approval, write to NOAA
Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement
(OLE), 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415,
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
To submit a completed and signed
checklist, mail or fax it to NOAA
Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center
Drive North, Koger Building, St.
Petersburg, FL 33702, fax 727–570–
5355. For more addresses regarding
approved VMS, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section, under the heading
VMS Provider Addresses.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
current listing information contact Mark
Oswell, Outreach Specialist, phone
301–427–2300, fax 301–427–2055. For
questions regarding VMS installation,
activation checklists, and status of
evaluations, contact Jonathan Pinkerton,
National VMS Program Manager, phone
301–427–2300, fax 301–427–2055. For
questions regarding the installation
checklist, contact Beverly Lambert,
Southeast Division VMS Program
Manager, NMFS Office for Law
Enforcement, phone 727–570–5344.
The public may acquire this notice,
installation checklist, and relevant
updates via the OLE website https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html.
Telephone requests can be made by
calling 301–427–2300.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 122104A]
Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved
Mobile Transmitting Units for use in
the South Atlantic Rock Shrimp
Fishery
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
AGENCY:
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:14 Mar 17, 2005
Jkt 205001
A. Inmarsat-C Transceivers
The Inmarsat-C satellite
communications VMS transmitting
units that meet the minimum technical
requirements for the Rock Shrimp
Fishery are the Thrane & Thrane Fishery
‘‘Capsat’’ (part number TT–3022DNMFS) and the Thrane & Thrane
Fishery ‘‘Mini-C’’ (part number TT–
3026–NMFS). The address for the
Thrane & Thrane distributor (Thrane &
Thrane) dealer contact is provided in
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
13175
this notice under the heading VMS
Provider Addresses.
Thrane & Thrane TT–3022D-NMFS
features: The transceiver consists of an
integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit in the
wheelhouse and an antenna mounted
atop the vessel. The unit is factory preconfigured for NMFS VMS operations
(non-Global Maritime Distress & Safety
System (non-GMDSS)). Satellite
commissioning services are provided by
Thrane & Thrane personnel.
Automatic GPS position reporting
starts after transceiver installation and
power activation onboard the vessel.
The unit is a car-radio-sized transceiver
using a floating 10 to 32 VDC power
supply. The unit is configured for
automatic reduced position
transmissions when the vessel is
stationary (i.e., in port). It allows for
port stays without power drain or power
shut down. The unit restarts normal
position transmission automatically
when the vessel goes to sea.
The outside antenna, model TT–
3005M, is a compact omni-directional
Inmarsat-C/GPS antenna, providing
operation down to +/-15 deg. angles.
A configuration option is available to
automatically send position reports to a
private address, such as a fleet
management company. Another
available option is the ability to send
and receive private e-mail and other
messages with the purchase and
installation of an input device such as
a laptop, personal computer, or message
display terminal.
Thrane & Thrane TT–3026–NMFS
features: The transceiver consists of an
integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit
mounted atop the vessel. The unit is
factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS
operations (non-Global Maritime
Distress & Safety System (non-GMDSS)).
Satellite commissioning services are
provided by Thrane & Thrane
personnel.
Automatic GPS position reporting
starts after transceiver installation and
power activation onboard the vessel.
The unit is an integrated transceiver/
antenna/GPS design using a floating 10
to 32 VDC power supply. The unit is
configured for automatic reduced
position transmissions when the vessel
is stationary (i.e., in port). It allows for
port stays without power drain or power
shut down. The unit restarts normal
position transmission automatically
when the vessel goes to sea.
The TT–3026–NMFS provides
operation down to +/-15 degree angles.
Although the unit has the capability of
two-way communication to send and
receive private e-mail and other
messages, it can only use this capability
when additional equipment - not
E:\FR\FM\18MRN1.SGM
18MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 52 (Friday, March 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13174-13175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-1193]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 031505F]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application
for an Exempted Fishing Permit
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of amended application for an exempted fishing
permit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS has received an amended application for an exempted
fishing permit (EFP) from William Thornton Smith of the North Pacific
Longline Association (NPLA). If granted, this EFP would authorize the
applicant to conduct an experiment to evaluate the integrated weight
groundline as a potential seabird avoidance measure in the 2005 Pacific
cod hook-and-line fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area (BSAI). The project is intended to promote the
objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering
Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) by reducing fishery
interactions with the endangered short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria
albatrus) and other seabird species.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP application may be requested from Sue
Salveson, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
Alaska Region, NMFS, Attn: Lori Durall by: mail to P.O. Box 21668,
Juneau, AK 99802; fax to 907-586-7557; or email to
Lori.Durall@noaa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Rivera, 907-586-7424 or
Kim.Rivera@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the domestic groundfish
fisheries in the BSAI under the FMP. The North Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council) prepared the FMP under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Regulations governing the groundfish fisheries of the BSAI appear at 50
CFR parts 600 and 679. The FMP and the implementing regulations at
Sec. Sec. 679.6 and 600.745(b) authorize the issuance of EFPs to allow
fishing that would otherwise be prohibited. Procedures for issuing EFPs
are contained in the implementing regulations.
In June 2004, the Council approved the application for an EFP for
this experiment which was submitted by the Washington Sea Grant Program
(WSGP). The WSGP was unable to secure vessels for the work, and an EFP
was not issued in 2004. In February 2005, NMFS received an amended
application for this EFP from the NPLA. The purpose of this EFP is to
authorize experimental fishing using integrated weight groundline to
evaluate its effectiveness as a potential new seabird avoidance
measure. The application calls for testing integrated weight
groundlines against unweighted groundlines, with and without paired
streamer lines. This proposed experiment builds on work that was
completed in Alaska in 2002, and compliments efforts taking place in
other fisheries. Information from this experiment could ultimately
result in better and more effective seabird avoidance measures. The
hook-and-line fishing industry appears especially interested in this
experiment, because it may provide a better tool with which to avoid
the incidental catch of the endangered short-tailed albatross and other
seabird species. In addition, the integrated weight groundline may
improve fishing efficiency with better gear handling characteristics
and increased target catch rates resulting from getting baited hooks
down more quickly. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issued a Biological
Opinion (September 2003) that includes a conservation recommendation
for NMFS to support research efforts to develop new and novel deterrent
technologies such as integrated weight groundlines. This experiment
would fulfill such a recommendation.
The goal of the experiment is to reduce the incidental catch of the
endangered short-tailed albatross and other seabird species in ways
that are consistent with Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standard 9 which
requires conservation and management measures to minimize bycatch and
bycatch mortality and that the effects on birds should be considered
when selecting these measures. A preliminary WSGP investigation in 2002
evaluated four weightings of integrated weight groundline (25g/m, 50g/
m, 75g/m and 100 g/m). The four weighting treatments were compared to a
control of unweighted groundline in the sablefish fishery in the
Aleutian Islands and the Pacific cod fishery in the Gulf of Alaska.
Preliminary results strongly suggest that 50g/m line was the optimal
weighting. It was the most practical gear in terms of operational
performance in mechanical baiting (auto-bait) hook-and-line systems,
and it sank quickly beyond the range of seabirds.
Based on these initial results, NPLA proposes to continue this work
by comparing the catch rates of all species, the abundance and behavior
of seabirds, and the sink rate of groundlines under three scenarios:
50g/m integrated weight groundline, and un-weighted groundlines with
and without paired streamer lines. Regulations at Sec.
679.24(e)(4)(ii)(c) require the use of paired streamer lines by vessels
greater than 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall (LOA). Because vessels used
in the experiment would be greater than 55 ft (16.8 m) LOA, an EFP is
necessary to conduct the experimental control treatments that call for
the experimental gear to be deployed in the absence of paired streamer
lines. Work will take place on two freezer-longliner vessels using
auto-bait systems in the Pacific cod fishery in the BSAI during 2005
and 2006, if unforeseen circumstances prohibit completion of the work
in 2005.
Amendments to the application approved in June 2004, include: (1)
starting the experimental fishing a month earlier (July 15, 2005
instead of August 15, 2005), (2) allocating
[[Page 13175]]
specified amounts of Pacific cod and bycatch species to participating
vessels, (3) harvesting Pacific cod beyond the total allowable catch
and acceptable biological catch amounts specified for 2005, and (4)
exemption from improved retention/improved utilization regulations at
Sec. 679.27.
These levels of harvest and manner of harvest are not expected to
have a significant impact on the marine environment, but the potential
effects on the marine environment will be further analyzed during
review of the application.
In accordance with Sec. 679.6, NMFS has determined that the
application warrants further consideration and has initiated
consultation with the Council by forwarding the amended application to
the Council for consultation. The Council will consider the application
during its April 4-11, 2005 meeting which will be held at the Hilton
Hotel in Anchorage, AK. While the applicant has been invited to appear
in support of the application, all interested parties may comment on
the application at the meeting during public testimony. A notice
announcing the upcoming meeting will be published in the Federal
Register.
The vessels that would conduct the experimental fishing were not
identified on the application, but would be identified on the EFP, once
they have been selected for the project. The NMFS Regional
Administrator may consider and attach additional terms and conditions
to the EFP that are consistent with the purpose of the experiment.
Public comment may help determine such conditions.
A copy of the amended application is available for review from NMFS
(see ADDRESSES).
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: March 15, 2005.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E5-1193 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
