Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings, 58374-58377 [E6-16264]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Notices
for 2006 and beyond, measures to be
taken in cases of noncompliance with
the IATTC’s conservation and
management measures, management of
fishing capacity, and measures to
address bycatch and other issues, (5)
IATTC cooperation with other regional
fishery management organizations, and
(6) administrative matters pertaining to
the General Advisory Committee.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[I.D. 092606J]
General Advisory Committee to the
U.S. Section to the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission; Meeting
Announcement
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: NMFS announces a meeting
of the General Advisory Committee to
the U.S. Section to the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in
November 2006. Meeting topics are
provided under the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this notice.
DATES: The meeting will be held on
November 1, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(or until business is concluded), Pacific
time.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
NMFS, Southwest Regional Office, 501
West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 3400,
Long Beach, CA 90803–4213.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Allison Routt at (562) 980–4019 or (562)
980–4030.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Tuna Conventions
Act, as amended, the Department of
State has appointed a General Advisory
Committee to the U.S. Section to the
IATTC. The U.S. Section consists of the
four U.S. Commissioners to the IATTC
and the representative of the Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans
and Fisheries. The Advisory Committee
supports the work of the U.S. Section in
a solely advisory capacity with respect
to U.S. participation in the work of the
IATTC, with particular reference to the
development of policies and negotiating
positions pursued at meetings of the
IATTC. NMFS, Southwest Region,
administers the Advisory Committee in
cooperation with the Department of
State.
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Meeting Topics
The General Advisory Committee will
meet to receive and discuss information
on: (1) introductions of new General
Advisory Committee members
appointed for 2006–2009, (2) election of
a Chair for 2006–2009, (3) 2006 IATTC
activities, (4) recent and upcoming
meetings of the IATTC and its working
groups, including issues such as:
conservation and management measures
for yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore tuna
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director,
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council; telephone: (302) 674–2331,
extension 19.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
original notice published in the Federal
Register on September 26, 2006 (FR 71
56109). The agenda is updated as
follows:
Special Accommodations
The meeting location is physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
Requests for sign language
interpretation or other auxiliary aids
should be directed to Allison Routt at
(562) 980–4019 or (562) 980–4030 by
October 18, 2006.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
3 p.m. until 4 p.m.–The Council will
review and adopt the public hearing
document for Amendment 14 to the
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea
Bass FMP regarding scup rebuilding.
4 p.m. until 5 p.m.–The Council will
receive a presentation from the National
Marine Fisheries Service, Office of
Science and Technology, on the results
of a peer review of the updated 2006
summer flounder stock assessment,
completed in September 2006.
All other previously-published
information remains the same.
Dated: September 28, 2006.
C. M. Moore
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6–16292 Filed 10–2–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Dated: September 28, 2006.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
FisheriesNational Marine Fisheries Service
[FR Doc. E6–16263 Filed 10–02–06; 8:45 am]
[I.D. 091906A]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council; Public Meetings
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings;
correction.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
SUMMARY: The agenda for the MidAtlantic Fishery Council (Council); its
Research Set-Aside (RSA) Committee;
its Protected Resources Committee; its
Law Enforcement Committee; and, its
Executive Committee meetings is
updated to reflect the addition of a
presentation by the National Marine
Fisheries Service on the results of a
recently completed peer review of the
updated 2006 summer flounder stock
assessment.
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
The meetings will be held on
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 through
Thursday, October 12, 2006. See
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a
meeting agenda.
ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at
The Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 North
Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
27949; telephone: (252) 261–1290.
Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery
Management Council, 300 S. New
Street, Dover, DE 19904, telephone:
(302) 674–2331.
DATES:
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[I.D. 092706B]
Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council; Public Meetings
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings and
hearings.
SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Council) will
hold its 135th meeting to consider and
take actions on fishery management
issues in the Western Pacific Region.
DATES: The 135th Council meeting and
public hearings will be held on October
16 - 19, 2006. For specific times and the
agenda, see SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: The 135th Council meeting
and public hearings will be held at the
Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive,
Honolulu, HI 96814–4722; telephone:
(808) 955–4811.
Council address: Western Pacific
Fishery Management Council,1164
Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Notices
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Precious Corals &
Crustaceans, Bottomfish, Ecosystems &
Habitat Standing Committees
11 a.m. to 12 noon – Enforcement/
VMS Standing Committee
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Pelagics &
International Standing Committee
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Fishery
Rights of Indigenous People Standing
Committee
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Program
Planning & Executive/Budget Standing
Committee
The agenda during the full Council
meeting will include the items listed
below.
E. Automatic Identification System
Pilot Project Report
F. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and
Hawaii Longline Vessel Monitoring
System Issues
G. Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish
Regulations Enforcement
H. Standing Committee
Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
8. Hawaii Archipelago
A. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
(NWHI) National Marine Monument
(ACTION ITEM)
B. Addition of Heterocarpus to the
Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
(ACTION ITEM)
C. 2006 NWHI Lobster Research
Update
D. Black Coral Workshop Report
E. Bottomfish Stock Assessment
F. Status of Bottomfish Stocks Report
G. Fishery Independent Research
Workshop
H. Hawaii Bottomfish Research,
Monitoring, and Compliance Plan
I. Plan Team Reports
J. Scientific and Statistical Committee
(SSC) Recommendations
K. Standing Committee
Recommendations
L. Public Hearing
M. Council Discussion and Action
Schedule and Agenda for Council
Meeting
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, October
18, 2006
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 17,
2006
9. Marianas Archipelago
A. Guam Bottomfish Assessment
B. Guam Offshore Project
C. Standing Committee
Recommendations
D. Public Comment
E. Council Discussion and Action
10. American Samoa Archipelago
A. Status of American Samoa Tuna
Canneries
B. Fisheries Development in
American Samoa
C. Standing Committee
Recommendations
D. Public Comment
E. Council Discussion and Action
11. Fishery Rights of Indigenous People
A. Hoohanohano I Na Kupuna Puwalu
Report
B. Communities Program and
Community Demonstration Project
Program Update
C. Request for Special Hawaii
Longline Permit
D. American Samoa Village-based
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
E. Guam Community Management
Projects
1. Guam Fishermen’s Co-Op Longline
Vessel Project
2. Guam Voluntary Data Collection
Program Project
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director;
telephone: (808) 522–8220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
addition to the agenda items listed here,
the Council will hear recommendations
from other Council advisory groups.
Public comment periods will be
provided throughout the agenda. The
order in which agenda items are
addressed may change. The Council will
meet as late as necessary to complete
scheduled business.
Schedule and Agenda for Council
Standing Committee Meetings
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Monday, October 16, 2006
1. Presentation to Hawaii Archipelago
Ecosystem Poster Contest Winners
2. Introductions
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of 133rd and 134th Meeting
Minutes
5. Island Reports
A. American Samoa
B. Guam
C. Hawaii
D. Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas Islands
6. Agency Reports
A. National Marine Fisheries Service
1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science
Center
B. United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS)
C. NOAA General Counsel
D. Department of State
Guest Speaker
7. Enforcement/Vessel Monitoring
Systems(VMS)
A. Island Agency Enforcement
Reports
B. United States Coast Guard Report
C. NMFS Office for Law Enforcement
Report
D. Status of Violations
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F. Northern Marianas Islands (NMI)
Community Management Projects
1. NMI Community College Project
2. NMI Fishermen’s Co-op Project
3. Northern Islands Mayor’s Office
Project
4. Rota Traditional Fisheries Project
G. Standing Committee
Recommendations
H. Public Comment
I. Council Discussion and Action
12. Protected Species
A. Update on Protected Species Issues
B. NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional
Office (PIRO) Protected Resources
Program
1. Status of American Samoa Reconsultation
2. Status of Federal Responsibility for
State of Hawaii’s Turtle Management
3. Negligible Impact Determination on
Humpback Whales Update
4. Species of Concern Workshop
Report
C. NMFS, Pacific Islands Fisheries
Science Center (PIFSC) Protected
Resources Program
1. Cetacean Survey Update
2. Monk Seal Fatty Acid Study
D. SSC Recommendations
E. Public Comment
F. Council Discussion and Action
13. Pelagic & International Fisheries
A. Swordfish Closure (ACTION ITEM)
B. Shark Management (ACTION
ITEM)
C. American Samoa Fishery
Aggregation Devices (ACTION ITEM)
D. American Samoa and Hawaii
Longline Reports
American Samoa Limited Entry
Permit Request
E. Pelagic Stock Assessments
F. Highly Migratory Species Quotas
and Data
G. Bigeye Tuna Quota in the Eastern
Pacific Ocean
H. PIFSC International Fisheries
Capabilities
I. International Fisheries Management
1. Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission Annual Meeting
2. Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries Commission
3. Council South Pacific Albacore
Workshop
J. Shark Bycatch in Longline Fisheries
K. SSC Recommendations
L. Standing Committee
Recommendations
M. Public Hearing
N. Council Discussion and Action
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, October 19,
2006
14. Program Planning
A. Update on Legislation
B. Magnuson Act Reauthorization
C. National System of MPAs Draft
Framework
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D. Five-year Program Document
E. Status of Fishery Management
Actions
F. Education and Outreach Report
G. Report on State Disaster Relief
Program
H. Standing Committee
Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
15. Administrative Matters & Budget
A. Financial Reports
B. Administrative Reports
C. Meetings and Workshops
D. Statement of Organization Practices
and Procedures (SOPP) Changes
E. Council Family Changes
Advisory Panel Appointments
F. Standing Committee
Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
16. Other Business
A. Election of Officers
B. Next Meeting
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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1. Swordfish closure (ACTION ITEM)
In 2006, the Hawaii swordfish fishery
reached its ’hard’ limit of loggerhead
turtle interactions (17) compared to 12
interactions in 2005. Under the Pelagics
Fisheries Management Plan (PFMP),
there is currently a seven day ’grace’
period following the announcement of
the fishery closure, during which time
vessels must cease fishing for swordfish.
However, there was concern that
additional turtles may be caught during
this grace period and thus exceed the
cap of 17 interactions authorized for this
fishery under Endangered Species Act
Biological Opinion issued by NMFS.
Consequently, the swordfish fishery was
closed by the NMFS Pacific Islands
Region’s Regional Administrator
following the catch of the 17th
loggerhead turtle through and
emergency rule. However, an emergency
rule may only last for a maximum of one
year and the Council recognized that a
mechanism was needed under the
PFMP to effect an immediate closure
should the loggerhead or leatherback
cap be reached in a given year.
Accordingly, at its 133rd meeting the
Council recommended the adoption of a
preferred alternative for the Hawaii
swordfish longline fishery that would
modify existing regulations to close the
fishery immediately upon reaching
either turtle cap. At the 135th meeting,
the Council will review the relevant
information and any recommendations
from its Scientific and Statistical
Committee and may take final action on
this issue.
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2. Shark management (ACTION ITEM)
In 1999, the Council recommended a
suite of measures under its Pelagics
Fisheries Management Plan (PFMP) to
manage shark catches by both pelagic
and demersal longline vessels in the
Western Pacific Region. These included
a fleet wide quota for blues sharks,
retained for finning, a trip limit on
landings of non-blue sharks and a
definition and prohibition of demersal
longlining to catch sharks contained inn
the pelagic management unit. However
subsequent events made the majority of
measures in the draft amendment
(amendment 9) to the PFMP largely
redundant. However, the Council has
continued to be concerned about nonblue shark catches and the
implementation of a trip limit for these
species, mainly thresher and mako
sharks. Moreover the Council has also
deliberated on the impacts of
commercial tour operators offering
shark viewing tours to the public, and
whether these activities fall within
Council jurisdiction. Potential options
include but are not limited to: (1)
Conducting research on shark
movement and behavior and population
numbers in and around the North Shore
of Oahu; (2) Recommending the State of
Hawaii establish a moratorium on any
new shark tour operations; (3)
Establishing federal regulations for
shark tour operations such as
prohibiting or limiting the amount of
chum that may be used, requiring shark
tour operations to move further offshore,
limiting the number of shark tour
operations; and (4) Banning on shark
viewing operations in federal waters. At
its 135th meeting, the Council may
therefore decide to take initial action on
a revised trip limit for non-blue sharks
for the Hawaii longline fishery, and on
whether it should take any action on
shark viewing operations in Hawaii.
3. American Samoa fish aggregating
devices (FADs) (ACTION ITEM)
The Council has heard in the past that
despite the implantation of 50 nm area
closures to pelagic fishing vessels of ≤
50ft, troll vessels fishing around Tutuila
(the main island of American Samoa)
wanted additional protection from
competition with small-scale alia
catamaran longliners. These small-scale
outboard powered longline vessels fish
in the same coastal waters around
Tutuila as the troll fishermen, and fish
within the proximity of FADs to
improve their catches. Troll fishermen
have expressed concerns that troll
fishing catch per unit of effort (CPUE)
around Tutuila have declined since the
advent of the longline fishery. At its
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June 2005, meeting the Council
requested staff to look at the potential
for implementing 5 nm longline
exclusion zones around FADs deployed
around. Subsequently, at its 133rd
meeting in American Samoa, the
Council directed staff to draft a range of
preliminary alternatives and analyses
regarding longline area closures around
American Samoa’s FADs. Potential
options include but are not limited to:
(1) implement a 12 nm closure to all
longline fishing around Tutuila, (2) 5
nm closures around all FADs deployed
around American Samoa, (3) 5 nm
closure around the two FADs closest to
Pago Pago, and (4) deploy new FAD or
FADs specifically for trollers. At its
135th meeting, the Council may
therefore decide to take initial action on
managing longline fishing around FADs
in American Samoa.
4. Addition of Heterocarpus to the FMP
A fishery for deepwater shrimp
(Heterocarpus laevigatus and
Heterocarpus ensifer)occurs in waters
off of Hawaii and other areas of the
Pacific. The fishery in Hawaii is
sporadic with vessels fishing for a
couple of years with a five to seven year
hiatus in between. Data is currently
captured by the State of Hawaii through
its Commercial Marine Landings Catch
Reports. The deepwater shrimp,
however, are not currently managed
under any Fishery Management Plan
(FMP). At its 135th Meeting, the Council
may consider taking initial action to
incorporate deepwater shrimp into their
Crustaceans Fishery Management Plan.
5. NWHI Monument
On June 15, 2006, President George
W. Bush issued Presidential
Proclamation No. 8031 establishing the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine
National Monument (Monument). The
proclamation set apart and reserved the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for the
purpose of protecting the historic
objects, landmarks, prehistoric
structures and other objects of historic
or scientific interest that are situated
upon lands owned and controlled by the
federal Government of the United
States. In establishing the NWHI
monument, Proclamation No. 8031
assigns primary management
responsibility of marine areas to the
Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA
in consultation with the Secretary of the
Interior. The Proclamation also directed
the Secretaries to promulgate
regulations to prohibit access to the
Monument, restrict fishing in Ecological
Reserves and Special Preservation
Areas, establish annual catch limits for
bottomfish and pelagic species, prohibit
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Notices
anchoring, and require VMS on all
vessels, among other management
measures. Regulations implementing
these provisions were published in the
Federal Register on August 29, 2006.
To date, NOAA has not conducted
any environmental review to assess the
biological or social impacts of the
monument designation. However,
NWHI fishermen affected by the
Monument regulations have expressed
concern that while they allow
commercial fishing for bottomfish and
pelagic species to continue for five
years, the prohibition on fishing within
Ecological Reserves and Special
Preservation Areas, combined with the
no-anchoring provision, will make it
virtually impossible to catch bottomfish
fish within the Monument. Currently,
the impacts of these provisions
primarily affect fishers in NWHI
Hoomalu zone as the two Ecological
Reserves, and seven of the nine Special
Preservation Areas are located in this
zone. However, among the individual
Hoomalu Zone fishers, the restrictions
affect catches and revenues differently
as each fisher have different fishing
areas within the zone.
In addition, Monument regulations do
not allow for commercial pelagic troll
and handline fishermen licensed by the
State of Hawaii to continue despite their
long history of fishing in the area.
However, these fishermen have
expressed interest in continuing to fish
commercially for pelagic species
seaward of the outer boundary of the
Monument. These fishermen have also
expressed interest in retaining uku
(Aprion virescens), a bottomfish
management unit species which is
incidentally caught when trolling for
ono (Acanthocybium solandri) and
other pelagic species around NWHI
banks. Currently, federal regulations
prohibit harvesting bottomfish
management unit species in the NWHI
without a permit issued by the PIRO
Regional Administrator, making uku a
regulatory discard for fishermen who do
not have a federal NWHI bottomfish
permit.
At its 135th Meeting, the Council may
consider taking action to alleviate these
‘‘unintended consequences’’ of the
Monument designation by considering
options to alter the zoning structure of
the NWHI permit areas and address
fishing opportunities for Hawaii’s troll
and handline fishermen seaward of the
outer boundary of the Monument, and
eliminate regulatory discarding of uku
by this fishery.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
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Requests for sign language
interpretation or other auxiliary aids
should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds,
(808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522–
8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the
meeting date.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 28, 2006.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6–16264 Filed 10–2–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS
Notice of Meeting
The next meeting of the U.S.
Commission of Fine Arts is scheduled
for 19 October 2006, at 10 a.m. in the
Commission’s offices at the National
Building Museum, Suite 312, Judiciary
Square, 401 F Street, NW., Washington,
DC 20001–2728. Items of discussion
affecting the appearance of Washington,
DC, may include buildings, parks and
memorials.
Draft agendas and additional
information regarding the Commission
are available on our Web site: https://
www.cfa.gov. Inquiries regarding the
agenda and requests to submit written
or oral statements should be addressed
to Thomas Luebke, Secretary, U.S.
Commission of Fine Arts, at the above
address or call 202–504–2200.
Individuals requiring sign language
interpretation for the hearing impaired
should contact the Secretary at least 10
days before the meeting date.
Dated in Washington, DC, 25 September
2006.
Thomas Luebke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06–8453 Filed 10–2–06; 8:45 am]
Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a), as
amended.
DATES: This proposed action will be
effective without further notice on
November 2, 2006 unless comments are
received which result in a contrary
determination.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to the
FOIA/Privacy Official, National
Reconnaissance Office, Information
Access and Release, 14675 Lee Road,
Chantilly, VA 20151–1715.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact Ms. Linda Hathaway at (703)
227–9128.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
National Reconnaissance Office systems
of records notices subject to the Privacy
Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a), as
amended, have been published in the
Federal Register and are available from
the address above.
The proposed system report, as
required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) of the
Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, was
submitted on September 26, 2006, to the
House Committee on Government
Reform, the Senate Committee on
Governmental Affairs, and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
pursuant to paragraph 4c of Appendix I,
‘Federal Agency Responsibilities for
Maintaining Records About
Individuals’, to OMB Circular No. A–
130, dated November 30, 2000.
Dated: September 27, 2006.
C.R. Choate,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense.
QNRO–21
SYSTEM NAME:
Personnel Security Files (March 7,
2005, 70 FR 10994)
CHANGES:
*
*
*
*
*
BILLING CODE 6330–01–M
SYSTEM LOCATION:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Delete ‘‘Office of Security, Personnel
Security Division’’ and replace with
‘‘Office of Security and
Counterintelligence.’’
*
*
*
*
*
Office of the Secretary of Defense
[DOD–2006–OS–0198]
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
Privacy Act of 1974; System of
Records
AGENCY:
National Reconnaissance
Office.
Notice to Alter a System of
Records.
ACTION:
The National Reconnaissance
Office is proposing to alter a system of
records notice in its existing inventory
of record systems subject to the Privacy
SUMMARY:
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At the end of the entry, add ‘‘nondisclosure agreements, job knowledge,
contract information, and secure
classified information facility (SCIF)
information.’’
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
Delete entry and replace with ‘‘5
U.S.C. 301 Departmental Regulations;
National Security Act of 1947, as
amended, 50 U.S.C. 401 et seq.; and E.O.
9397.’’
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 3, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58374-58377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16264]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 092706B]
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings and hearings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will
hold its 135th meeting to consider and take actions on fishery
management issues in the Western Pacific Region.
DATES: The 135th Council meeting and public hearings will be held on
October 16 - 19, 2006. For specific times and the agenda, see
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: The 135th Council meeting and public hearings will be held
at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814-4722;
telephone: (808) 955-4811.
Council address: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council,1164
Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI.
[[Page 58375]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director;
telephone: (808) 522-8220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In addition to the agenda items listed here,
the Council will hear recommendations from other Council advisory
groups. Public comment periods will be provided throughout the agenda.
The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The Council
will meet as late as necessary to complete scheduled business.
Schedule and Agenda for Council Standing Committee Meetings
Monday, October 16, 2006
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Precious Corals & Crustaceans, Bottomfish,
Ecosystems & Habitat Standing Committees
11 a.m. to 12 noon - Enforcement/VMS Standing Committee
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Pelagics & International Standing
Committee
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Fishery Rights of Indigenous People
Standing Committee
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Program Planning & Executive/Budget
Standing Committee
The agenda during the full Council meeting will include the items
listed below.
Schedule and Agenda for Council Meeting
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2006
1. Presentation to Hawaii Archipelago Ecosystem Poster Contest Winners
2. Introductions
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of 133rd and 134th Meeting Minutes
5. Island Reports
A. American Samoa
B. Guam
C. Hawaii
D. Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands
6. Agency Reports
A. National Marine Fisheries Service
1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
B. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
C. NOAA General Counsel
D. Department of State
Guest Speaker
7. Enforcement/Vessel Monitoring Systems(VMS)
A. Island Agency Enforcement Reports
B. United States Coast Guard Report
C. NMFS Office for Law Enforcement Report
D. Status of Violations
E. Automatic Identification System Pilot Project Report
F. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Hawaii Longline Vessel
Monitoring System Issues
G. Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Regulations Enforcement
H. Standing Committee Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
8. Hawaii Archipelago
A. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) National Marine Monument
(ACTION ITEM)
B. Addition of Heterocarpus to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
(ACTION ITEM)
C. 2006 NWHI Lobster Research Update
D. Black Coral Workshop Report
E. Bottomfish Stock Assessment
F. Status of Bottomfish Stocks Report
G. Fishery Independent Research Workshop
H. Hawaii Bottomfish Research, Monitoring, and Compliance Plan
I. Plan Team Reports
J. Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Recommendations
K. Standing Committee Recommendations
L. Public Hearing
M. Council Discussion and Action
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2006
9. Marianas Archipelago
A. Guam Bottomfish Assessment
B. Guam Offshore Project
C. Standing Committee Recommendations
D. Public Comment
E. Council Discussion and Action
10. American Samoa Archipelago
A. Status of American Samoa Tuna Canneries
B. Fisheries Development in American Samoa
C. Standing Committee Recommendations
D. Public Comment
E. Council Discussion and Action
11. Fishery Rights of Indigenous People
A. Hoohanohano I Na Kupuna Puwalu Report
B. Communities Program and Community Demonstration Project Program
Update
C. Request for Special Hawaii Longline Permit
D. American Samoa Village-based Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
E. Guam Community Management Projects
1. Guam Fishermen's Co-Op Longline Vessel Project
2. Guam Voluntary Data Collection Program Project
F. Northern Marianas Islands (NMI) Community Management Projects
1. NMI Community College Project
2. NMI Fishermen's Co-op Project
3. Northern Islands Mayor's Office Project
4. Rota Traditional Fisheries Project
G. Standing Committee Recommendations
H. Public Comment
I. Council Discussion and Action
12. Protected Species
A. Update on Protected Species Issues
B. NMFS, Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) Protected Resources
Program
1. Status of American Samoa Re-consultation
2. Status of Federal Responsibility for State of Hawaii's Turtle
Management
3. Negligible Impact Determination on Humpback Whales Update
4. Species of Concern Workshop Report
C. NMFS, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Protected
Resources Program
1. Cetacean Survey Update
2. Monk Seal Fatty Acid Study
D. SSC Recommendations
E. Public Comment
F. Council Discussion and Action
13. Pelagic & International Fisheries
A. Swordfish Closure (ACTION ITEM)
B. Shark Management (ACTION ITEM)
C. American Samoa Fishery Aggregation Devices (ACTION ITEM)
D. American Samoa and Hawaii Longline Reports
American Samoa Limited Entry Permit Request
E. Pelagic Stock Assessments
F. Highly Migratory Species Quotas and Data
G. Bigeye Tuna Quota in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
H. PIFSC International Fisheries Capabilities
I. International Fisheries Management
1. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Annual Meeting
2. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
3. Council South Pacific Albacore Workshop
J. Shark Bycatch in Longline Fisheries
K. SSC Recommendations
L. Standing Committee Recommendations
M. Public Hearing
N. Council Discussion and Action
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2006
14. Program Planning
A. Update on Legislation
B. Magnuson Act Reauthorization
C. National System of MPAs Draft Framework
[[Page 58376]]
D. Five-year Program Document
E. Status of Fishery Management Actions
F. Education and Outreach Report
G. Report on State Disaster Relief Program
H. Standing Committee Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
15. Administrative Matters & Budget
A. Financial Reports
B. Administrative Reports
C. Meetings and Workshops
D. Statement of Organization Practices and Procedures (SOPP)
Changes
E. Council Family Changes
Advisory Panel Appointments
F. Standing Committee Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
16. Other Business
A. Election of Officers
B. Next Meeting
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
1. Swordfish closure (ACTION ITEM)
In 2006, the Hawaii swordfish fishery reached its 'hard' limit of
loggerhead turtle interactions (17) compared to 12 interactions in
2005. Under the Pelagics Fisheries Management Plan (PFMP), there is
currently a seven day 'grace' period following the announcement of the
fishery closure, during which time vessels must cease fishing for
swordfish. However, there was concern that additional turtles may be
caught during this grace period and thus exceed the cap of 17
interactions authorized for this fishery under Endangered Species Act
Biological Opinion issued by NMFS. Consequently, the swordfish fishery
was closed by the NMFS Pacific Islands Region's Regional Administrator
following the catch of the 17th loggerhead turtle through and emergency
rule. However, an emergency rule may only last for a maximum of one
year and the Council recognized that a mechanism was needed under the
PFMP to effect an immediate closure should the loggerhead or
leatherback cap be reached in a given year. Accordingly, at its 133rd
meeting the Council recommended the adoption of a preferred alternative
for the Hawaii swordfish longline fishery that would modify existing
regulations to close the fishery immediately upon reaching either
turtle cap. At the 135th meeting, the Council will review the relevant
information and any recommendations from its Scientific and Statistical
Committee and may take final action on this issue.
2. Shark management (ACTION ITEM)
In 1999, the Council recommended a suite of measures under its
Pelagics Fisheries Management Plan (PFMP) to manage shark catches by
both pelagic and demersal longline vessels in the Western Pacific
Region. These included a fleet wide quota for blues sharks, retained
for finning, a trip limit on landings of non-blue sharks and a
definition and prohibition of demersal longlining to catch sharks
contained inn the pelagic management unit. However subsequent events
made the majority of measures in the draft amendment (amendment 9) to
the PFMP largely redundant. However, the Council has continued to be
concerned about non-blue shark catches and the implementation of a trip
limit for these species, mainly thresher and mako sharks. Moreover the
Council has also deliberated on the impacts of commercial tour
operators offering shark viewing tours to the public, and whether these
activities fall within Council jurisdiction. Potential options include
but are not limited to: (1) Conducting research on shark movement and
behavior and population numbers in and around the North Shore of Oahu;
(2) Recommending the State of Hawaii establish a moratorium on any new
shark tour operations; (3) Establishing federal regulations for shark
tour operations such as prohibiting or limiting the amount of chum that
may be used, requiring shark tour operations to move further offshore,
limiting the number of shark tour operations; and (4) Banning on shark
viewing operations in federal waters. At its 135th meeting, the Council
may therefore decide to take initial action on a revised trip limit for
non-blue sharks for the Hawaii longline fishery, and on whether it
should take any action on shark viewing operations in Hawaii.
3. American Samoa fish aggregating devices (FADs) (ACTION ITEM)
The Council has heard in the past that despite the implantation of
50 nm area closures to pelagic fishing vessels of > 50ft, troll vessels
fishing around Tutuila (the main island of American Samoa) wanted
additional protection from competition with small-scale alia catamaran
longliners. These small-scale outboard powered longline vessels fish in
the same coastal waters around Tutuila as the troll fishermen, and fish
within the proximity of FADs to improve their catches. Troll fishermen
have expressed concerns that troll fishing catch per unit of effort
(CPUE) around Tutuila have declined since the advent of the longline
fishery. At its June 2005, meeting the Council requested staff to look
at the potential for implementing 5 nm longline exclusion zones around
FADs deployed around. Subsequently, at its 133rd meeting in American
Samoa, the Council directed staff to draft a range of preliminary
alternatives and analyses regarding longline area closures around
American Samoa's FADs. Potential options include but are not limited
to: (1) implement a 12 nm closure to all longline fishing around
Tutuila, (2) 5 nm closures around all FADs deployed around American
Samoa, (3) 5 nm closure around the two FADs closest to Pago Pago, and
(4) deploy new FAD or FADs specifically for trollers. At its 135th
meeting, the Council may therefore decide to take initial action on
managing longline fishing around FADs in American Samoa.
4. Addition of Heterocarpus to the FMP
A fishery for deepwater shrimp (Heterocarpus laevigatus and
Heterocarpus ensifer)occurs in waters off of Hawaii and other areas of
the Pacific. The fishery in Hawaii is sporadic with vessels fishing for
a couple of years with a five to seven year hiatus in between. Data is
currently captured by the State of Hawaii through its Commercial Marine
Landings Catch Reports. The deepwater shrimp, however, are not
currently managed under any Fishery Management Plan (FMP). At its 135th
Meeting, the Council may consider taking initial action to incorporate
deepwater shrimp into their Crustaceans Fishery Management Plan.
5. NWHI Monument
On June 15, 2006, President George W. Bush issued Presidential
Proclamation No. 8031 establishing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Marine National Monument (Monument). The proclamation set apart and
reserved the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for the purpose of
protecting the historic objects, landmarks, prehistoric structures and
other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon
lands owned and controlled by the federal Government of the United
States. In establishing the NWHI monument, Proclamation No. 8031
assigns primary management responsibility of marine areas to the
Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA in consultation with the Secretary
of the Interior. The Proclamation also directed the Secretaries to
promulgate regulations to prohibit access to the Monument, restrict
fishing in Ecological Reserves and Special Preservation Areas,
establish annual catch limits for bottomfish and pelagic species,
prohibit
[[Page 58377]]
anchoring, and require VMS on all vessels, among other management
measures. Regulations implementing these provisions were published in
the Federal Register on August 29, 2006.
To date, NOAA has not conducted any environmental review to assess
the biological or social impacts of the monument designation. However,
NWHI fishermen affected by the Monument regulations have expressed
concern that while they allow commercial fishing for bottomfish and
pelagic species to continue for five years, the prohibition on fishing
within Ecological Reserves and Special Preservation Areas, combined
with the no-anchoring provision, will make it virtually impossible to
catch bottomfish fish within the Monument. Currently, the impacts of
these provisions primarily affect fishers in NWHI Hoomalu zone as the
two Ecological Reserves, and seven of the nine Special Preservation
Areas are located in this zone. However, among the individual Hoomalu
Zone fishers, the restrictions affect catches and revenues differently
as each fisher have different fishing areas within the zone.
In addition, Monument regulations do not allow for commercial
pelagic troll and handline fishermen licensed by the State of Hawaii to
continue despite their long history of fishing in the area. However,
these fishermen have expressed interest in continuing to fish
commercially for pelagic species seaward of the outer boundary of the
Monument. These fishermen have also expressed interest in retaining uku
(Aprion virescens), a bottomfish management unit species which is
incidentally caught when trolling for ono (Acanthocybium solandri) and
other pelagic species around NWHI banks. Currently, federal regulations
prohibit harvesting bottomfish management unit species in the NWHI
without a permit issued by the PIRO Regional Administrator, making uku
a regulatory discard for fishermen who do not have a federal NWHI
bottomfish permit.
At its 135th Meeting, the Council may consider taking action to
alleviate these ``unintended consequences'' of the Monument designation
by considering options to alter the zoning structure of the NWHI permit
areas and address fishing opportunities for Hawaii's troll and handline
fishermen seaward of the outer boundary of the Monument, and eliminate
regulatory discarding of uku by this fishery.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically accessible to people with
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other
auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522-8220
(voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting
date.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 28, 2006.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E6-16264 Filed 10-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
