Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, 13041-13043 [07-1352]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 53 / Tuesday, March 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Dated: February 22, 2007. Kenneth Stansell, Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E7–5037 Filed 3–19–07; 8:45 am] from the ALWTRP web site at https:// www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp/. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 229 [Docket No. 030221039–7060–44; I.D. 031307D] Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, announces temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan’s (ALWTRP) implementing regulations. These regulations apply to lobster trap/ pot and anchored gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,631 nm 2 (5,594 km 2) in March and approximately 832 nm 2 (2854 km 2) in April, southeast of Boston, MA, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to provide protection to an aggregation of northern right whales (right whales). DATES: Effective beginning at 0001 hours March 22, 2007, through 2400 hours April 5, 2007. ADDRESSES: Copies of the proposed and final Dynamic Area Management (DAM) rules, Environmental Assessments (EAs), Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT) meeting summaries, and progress reports on implementation of the ALWTRP may also be obtained by writing Diane Borggaard, NMFS/Northeast Region, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: erjones on PRODPC74 with RULES Diane Borggaard, NMFS/Northeast Region, 978–281–9300 x6503; or Kristy Long, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, 301–713–2322. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Several of the background documents for the ALWTRP and the take reduction planning process can be downloaded VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:24 Mar 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 Background The ALWTRP was developed pursuant to section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of three endangered species of whales (right, fin, and humpback) due to incidental interaction with commercial fishing activities. In addition, the measures identified in the ALWTRP would provide conservation benefits to a fourth species (minke), which are neither listed as endangered nor threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ALWTRP, implemented through regulations codified at 50 CFR 229.32, relies on a combination of fishing gear modifications and time/area closures to reduce the risk of whales becoming entangled in commercial fishing gear (and potentially suffering serious injury or mortality as a result). On January 9, 2002, NMFS published the final rule to implement the ALWTRP’s DAM program (67 FR 1133). On August 26, 2003, NMFS amended the regulations by publishing a final rule, which specifically identified gear modifications that may be allowed in a DAM zone (68 FR 51195). The DAM program provides specific authority for NMFS to restrict temporarily on an expedited basis the use of lobster trap/ pot and anchored gillnet fishing gear in areas north of 40° N. lat. to protect right whales. Under the DAM program, NMFS may: (1) require the removal of all lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishing gear for a 15-day period; (2) allow lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishing within a DAM zone with gear modifications determined by NMFS to sufficiently reduce the risk of entanglement; and/or (3) issue an alert to fishermen requesting the voluntary removal of all lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet gear for a 15-day period and asking fishermen not to set any additional gear in the DAM zone during the 15-day period. A DAM zone is triggered when NMFS receives a reliable report from a qualified individual of three or more right whales sighted within an area (75 nm 2 (139 km 2)) such that right whale density is equal to or greater than 0.04 right whales per nm 2 (1.85 km 2). A qualified individual is an individual ascertained by NMFS to be reasonably able, through training or experience, to identify a right whale. Such individuals include, but are not limited to, NMFS staff, U.S. Coast Guard and Navy personnel trained in whale identification, scientific research survey PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 13041 personnel, whale watch operators and naturalists, and mariners trained in whale species identification through disentanglement training or some other training program deemed adequate by NMFS. A reliable report would be a credible right whale sighting. On March 9, 2007, an aerial survey reported two sightings of right whales in two different areas: the first location is in the proximity of 41° 37′ N lat. and 69° 32′ W long. (7 whales), and the second is in the proximity of 41° 31′ N lat. and 69° 21′ W long. (3 whales). Both positions lie southeast of Boston, MA. After conducting an investigation, NMFS ascertained that the reports came from a qualified individual and determined that the report was reliable. Thus, NMFS has received a reliable report from a qualified individual of the requisite right whale density to trigger the DAM provisions of the ALWTRP. Once a DAM zone is triggered, NMFS determines whether to impose restrictions on fishing and/or fishing gear in the zone. This determination is based on the following factors, including but not limited to: the location of the DAM zone with respect to other fishery closure areas, weather conditions as they relate to the safety of human life at sea, the type and amount of gear already present in the area, and a review of recent right whale entanglement and mortality data. NMFS has reviewed the factors and management options noted above relative to the DAM under consideration. As a result of this review, NMFS prohibits lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet gear in this area during the 15-day restricted period unless it is modified in the manner described in this temporary rule. In March, the DAM Zone is bound by the following coordinates: 41° 57′ N., 69° 24′ W (NW Corner) 41° 57′ N., 69° 07′ W 41° 50′ N., 69° 07′ W 41° 50′ N., 68° 57′ W 41° 13′ N., 68° 57′ W 41° 13′ N., 69° 46′ W 41° 17′ N., 69° 46′ W 41° 17′ N., 69° 58′ W 41° 40′ N., 69° 58′ W and follow the coastline north to 41° 45′ N., 69° 56′ W 41° 45′ N., 69° 33′ W 41° 49′ N., 69° 24′ W 41° 57′ N., 69° 24′ W (NW Corner) In April, when the restrictions on anchored gillnet and lobster trap/pot fishing gear become effective in the Great South Channel and overlap a portion of the DAM zone, the DAM zone is divided into a northern and southern sector. Special note for gillnet and lobster trap/pot fishermen: This DAM E:\FR\FM\20MRR1.SGM 20MRR1 13042 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 53 / Tuesday, March 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations action does not supersede the Great South Channel Restricted Area regulations in April found under the ALWTRP at 50 CFR 229.32. Gillnet fishermen fishing in the Sliver Area during the time specified in this letter must comply with the DAM gillnet gear modifications specified. The April DAM zone is bounded by the following coordinates: Northern DAM: 41° 57 N., 69° 24 W (NW Corner) 41° 57 N., 69° 07 W 41° 55 N., 69° 07 W 41° 49 N., 69° 24 W 41° 57 N., 69° 24 W (NW Corner) Southern DAM: 41° 45 N., 69° 56 W (NW Corner) 41° 45 N., 69° 33 W 41° 44 N., 69° 36 W 41° 13 N., 69° 10 W 41° 13 N., 69° 46 W 41° 17 N., 69° 46 W 41° 17 N., 69° 58 W 41° 40 N., 69° 58 W and follow the coastline north to 41° 45 N., 69° 56 W (NW Corner) In addition to those gear modifications currently implemented under the ALWTRP at 50 CFR 229.32, the following gear modifications are required in the DAM zone. If the requirements and exceptions for gear modification in the DAM zone, as described below, differ from other ALWTRP requirements for any overlapping areas and times, then the more restrictive requirements will apply in the DAM zone. Special note for gillnet fisherman: A portion of this DAM zone overlaps with the year-round Northeast Mulispecies Closed Area I found at 50 CFR 648.81(f)(a). Due to this closure, sink gillnet gear is prohibited from this portion of the DAM zone. erjones on PRODPC74 with RULES Lobster Trap/Pot Gear Fishermen utilizing lobster trap/pot gear within the portion of the Northern Inshore State Lobster Waters and Northern Nearshore Lobster Waters that overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all of the following gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect: 1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line. Floating groundlines are prohibited; 2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of the buoy line; 3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per trawl; and 4. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 600 lb (272.4 kg) must be placed at all buoys. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:24 Mar 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 Fishermen utilizing lobster trap/pot gear within the portion of the Offshore Lobster Waters Area and the Great South Channel Restricted Lobster Area that overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all of the following gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect: 1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line. Floating groundlines are prohibited; 2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of the buoy line; 3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per trawl; and 4. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 1,500 lb (680.4 kg) must be placed at all buoys. Anchored Gillnet Gear Fishermen utilizing anchored gillnet gear within the portions of the Other Northeast Gillnet Waters Area, Great South Channel Restricted Gillnet Area, and the Great South Channel Sliver Restricted Area that overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all the following gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect: 1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line. Floating groundlines are prohibited; 2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of the buoy line; 3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per string; 4. Each net panel must have a total of five weak links with a maximum breaking strength of 1,100 lb (498.8 kg). Net panels are typically 50 fathoms (91.4 m) in length, but the weak link requirements would apply to all variations in panel size. These weak links must include three floatline weak links. The placement of the weak links on the floatline must be: one at the center of the net panel and one each as close as possible to each of the bridle ends of the net panel. The remaining two weak links must be placed in the center of each of the up and down lines at the panel ends; 5. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 1,100 lb (498.8 kg) must be placed at all buoys; and 6. All anchored gillnets, regardless of the number of net panels, must be securely anchored with the holding power of at least a 22 lb (10.0 kg) Danforth-style anchor at each end of the net string. PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The restrictions will be in effect beginning at 0001 hours March 22, 2007, through 2400 hours April 5, 2007, unless terminated sooner or extended by NMFS through another notification in the Federal Register. The restrictions will be announced to state officials, fishermen, ALWTRT members, and other interested parties through e-mail, phone contact, NOAA website, and other appropriate media immediately upon issuance of the rule by the AA. Classification In accordance with section 118(f)(9) of the MMPA, the Assistant Administrator (AA) for Fisheries has determined that this action is necessary to implement a take reduction plan to protect North Atlantic right whales. Environmental Assessments for the DAM program were prepared on December 28, 2001, and August 6, 2003. This action falls within the scope of the analyses of these EAs, which are available from the agency upon request. NMFS provided prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on the regulations establishing the criteria and procedures for implementing a DAM zone. Providing prior notice and opportunity for comment on this action, pursuant to those regulations, would be impracticable because it would prevent NMFS from executing its functions to protect and reduce serious injury and mortality of endangered right whales. The regulations establishing the DAM program are designed to enable the agency to help protect unexpected concentrations of right whales. In order to meet the goals of the DAM program, the agency needs to be able to create a DAM zone and implement restrictions on fishing gear as soon as possible once the criteria are triggered and NMFS determines that a DAM restricted zone is appropriate. If NMFS were to provide prior notice and an opportunity for public comment upon the creation of a DAM restricted zone, the aggregated right whales would be vulnerable to entanglement which could result in serious injury and mortality. Additionally, the right whales would most likely move on to another location before NMFS could implement the restrictions designed to protect them, thereby rendering the action obsolete. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the AA finds that good cause exists to waive prior notice and an opportunity to comment on this action to implement a DAM restricted zone to reduce the risk of entanglement of endangered right whales in commercial lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet E:\FR\FM\20MRR1.SGM 20MRR1 erjones on PRODPC74 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 53 / Tuesday, March 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations gear as such procedures would be impracticable. For the same reasons, the AA finds that, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), good cause exists to waive the 30-day delay in effective date. If NMFS were to delay for 30 days the effective date of this action, the aggregated right whales would be vulnerable to entanglement, which could cause serious injury and mortality. Additionally, right whales would likely move to another location between the time NMFS approved the action creating the DAM restricted zone and the time it went into effect, thereby rendering the action obsolete and ineffective. Nevertheless, NMFS recognizes the need for fishermen to have time to either modify or remove (if not in compliance with the required restrictions) their gear from a DAM zone once one is approved. Thus, NMFS makes this action effective 2 days after the date of publication of this document in the Federal Register. NMFS will also endeavor to provide notice of this action to fishermen through other means upon issuance of the rule by the AA, thereby providing approximately 3 additional days of notice while the Office of the Federal Register processes the document for publication. NMFS determined that the regulations establishing the DAM program and actions such as this one taken pursuant to those regulations are consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the approved coastal management program of the U.S. Atlantic coastal states. This determination was submitted for review by the responsible state agencies under section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act. Following state review of the regulations creating the DAM program, no state disagreed with NMFS’ conclusion that the DAM program is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the approved coastal management program for that state. The DAM program under which NMFS is taking this action contains policies with federalism implications warranting preparation of a federalism assessment under Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, in October 2001 and March 2003, the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs, Department of Commerce, provided notice of the DAM program and its amendments to the appropriate elected officials in states to be affected by actions taken pursuant to the DAM program. Federalism issues raised by state officials were addressed in the final rules implementing the DAM program. A copy of the federalism Summary Impact Statement for the final VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:24 Mar 19, 2007 Jkt 211001 rules is available upon request (ADDRESSES). The rule implementing the DAM program has been determined to be not significant under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. and 50 CFR 229.32(g)(3) Dated: March 14, 2007. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 07–1352 Filed 3–15–07; 1:55 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 660 [Docket No. 060824226–7041–03; I.D. 082806B] RIN 0648–AU57 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Correction National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; correcting amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document contains corrections to the final regulations that were published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2006. That final rule implemented Amendment 16–4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and established the 2007–2008 harvest specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. DATES: Effective March 20, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gretchen Arentzen (Northwest Region, NMFS), phone: 206–526–6147; fax: 206– 526–6736 and; e-mail: gretchen.arentzen@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access This correcting notice also is accessible via the Internet at the Office of the Federal Register’s website at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ index.html. Background information PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 13043 and documents are available at the Council’s website at https:// www.pcouncil.org. Background On September 29, 2006, NMFS published a proposed rule (71 FR 57764) to implement Amendment 16–4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP and establish the 2007–2008 harvest specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. NMFS accepted public comment on the proposed rule and responded to these comments in the preamble to the final rule, which published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2006 (71 FR 78638). These final regulations revised portions of 50 CFR 660.302 through 660.394, and are the subject of this correcting amendment. These regulations affect persons operating fisheries for groundfish species off the U.S. West Coast. As published, the final regulations contain errors that may mislead the public and need to be corrected. This action provides fourteen corrections to the final regulations, all of which are either mis-numbered paragraphs, formatting mistakes, transposed numbers, removal of text that was mistakenly left in, or addition of text that was mistakenly left out. Classification The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, finds good cause to waive the requirement to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this action pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B); providing prior notice and opportunity for comment would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. This correction notice revises §§ 660.302, 370, 373, 391, and 394. Providing notice and comment on these changes is unnecessary because all are non-substantive and have no effect on the public or the operation of the fishery. One correction for § 660.302 removes a duplicate entry defining ‘‘Office of Law Enforcement’’. Removing this duplicate definition has no effect on the public except to eliminate any confusion that may have resulted from having two identical entries. There are seven corrections to § 660.370 provided in this document. One correction corrects a formatting mistake in the heading of paragraph (d). Correcting the format of this heading has no effect on the public. One correction revises a misquotation of text from the prohibitions portion of the West Coast groundfish regulations at § 660.306(a)(7). Correcting this E:\FR\FM\20MRR1.SGM 20MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 20, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13041-13043]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-1352]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 229

[Docket No. 030221039-7060-44; I.D. 031307D]


Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing 
Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA), NOAA, 
announces temporary restrictions consistent with the requirements of 
the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan's (ALWTRP) implementing 
regulations. These regulations apply to lobster trap/pot and anchored 
gillnet fishermen in an area totaling approximately 1,631 nm \2\ (5,594 
km \2\) in March and approximately 832 nm \2\ (2854 km \2\) in April, 
southeast of Boston, MA, for 15 days. The purpose of this action is to 
provide protection to an aggregation of northern right whales (right 
whales).

DATES: Effective beginning at 0001 hours March 22, 2007, through 2400 
hours April 5, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the proposed and final Dynamic Area Management 
(DAM) rules, Environmental Assessments (EAs), Atlantic Large Whale Take 
Reduction Team (ALWTRT) meeting summaries, and progress reports on 
implementation of the ALWTRP may also be obtained by writing Diane 
Borggaard, NMFS/Northeast Region, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 
01930.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Borggaard, NMFS/Northeast 
Region, 978-281-9300 x6503; or Kristy Long, NMFS, Office of Protected 
Resources, 301-713-2322.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    Several of the background documents for the ALWTRP and the take 
reduction planning process can be downloaded from the ALWTRP web site 
at https://www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp/.

Background

    The ALWTRP was developed pursuant to section 118 of the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to reduce the incidental mortality and 
serious injury of three endangered species of whales (right, fin, and 
humpback) due to incidental interaction with commercial fishing 
activities. In addition, the measures identified in the ALWTRP would 
provide conservation benefits to a fourth species (minke), which are 
neither listed as endangered nor threatened under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA). The ALWTRP, implemented through regulations codified 
at 50 CFR 229.32, relies on a combination of fishing gear modifications 
and time/area closures to reduce the risk of whales becoming entangled 
in commercial fishing gear (and potentially suffering serious injury or 
mortality as a result).
    On January 9, 2002, NMFS published the final rule to implement the 
ALWTRP's DAM program (67 FR 1133). On August 26, 2003, NMFS amended the 
regulations by publishing a final rule, which specifically identified 
gear modifications that may be allowed in a DAM zone (68 FR 51195). The 
DAM program provides specific authority for NMFS to restrict 
temporarily on an expedited basis the use of lobster trap/pot and 
anchored gillnet fishing gear in areas north of 40[deg] N. lat. to 
protect right whales. Under the DAM program, NMFS may: (1) require the 
removal of all lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishing gear for a 
15-day period; (2) allow lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet fishing 
within a DAM zone with gear modifications determined by NMFS to 
sufficiently reduce the risk of entanglement; and/or (3) issue an alert 
to fishermen requesting the voluntary removal of all lobster trap/pot 
and anchored gillnet gear for a 15-day period and asking fishermen not 
to set any additional gear in the DAM zone during the 15-day period.
    A DAM zone is triggered when NMFS receives a reliable report from a 
qualified individual of three or more right whales sighted within an 
area (75 nm \2\ (139 km \2\)) such that right whale density is equal to 
or greater than 0.04 right whales per nm \2\ (1.85 km \2\). A qualified 
individual is an individual ascertained by NMFS to be reasonably able, 
through training or experience, to identify a right whale. Such 
individuals include, but are not limited to, NMFS staff, U.S. Coast 
Guard and Navy personnel trained in whale identification, scientific 
research survey personnel, whale watch operators and naturalists, and 
mariners trained in whale species identification through 
disentanglement training or some other training program deemed adequate 
by NMFS. A reliable report would be a credible right whale sighting.
    On March 9, 2007, an aerial survey reported two sightings of right 
whales in two different areas: the first location is in the proximity 
of 41[deg] 37' N lat. and 69[deg] 32' W long. (7 whales), and the 
second is in the proximity of 41[deg] 31' N lat. and 69[deg] 21' W 
long. (3 whales). Both positions lie southeast of Boston, MA. After 
conducting an investigation, NMFS ascertained that the reports came 
from a qualified individual and determined that the report was 
reliable. Thus, NMFS has received a reliable report from a qualified 
individual of the requisite right whale density to trigger the DAM 
provisions of the ALWTRP.
    Once a DAM zone is triggered, NMFS determines whether to impose 
restrictions on fishing and/or fishing gear in the zone. This 
determination is based on the following factors, including but not 
limited to: the location of the DAM zone with respect to other fishery 
closure areas, weather conditions as they relate to the safety of human 
life at sea, the type and amount of gear already present in the area, 
and a review of recent right whale entanglement and mortality data.
    NMFS has reviewed the factors and management options noted above 
relative to the DAM under consideration. As a result of this review, 
NMFS prohibits lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet gear in this area 
during the 15-day restricted period unless it is modified in the manner 
described in this temporary rule. In March, the DAM Zone is bound by 
the following coordinates:
    41[deg] 57' N., 69[deg] 24' W (NW Corner)
    41[deg] 57' N., 69[deg] 07' W
    41[deg] 50' N., 69[deg] 07' W
    41[deg] 50' N., 68[deg] 57' W
    41[deg] 13' N., 68[deg] 57' W
    41[deg] 13' N., 69[deg] 46' W
    41[deg] 17' N., 69[deg] 46' W
    41[deg] 17' N., 69[deg] 58' W
    41[deg] 40' N., 69[deg] 58' W and follow the coastline north to
    41[deg] 45' N., 69[deg] 56' W
    41[deg] 45' N., 69[deg] 33' W
    41[deg] 49' N., 69[deg] 24' W
    41[deg] 57' N., 69[deg] 24' W (NW Corner)
    In April, when the restrictions on anchored gillnet and lobster 
trap/pot fishing gear become effective in the Great South Channel and 
overlap a portion of the DAM zone, the DAM zone is divided into a 
northern and southern sector. Special note for gillnet and lobster 
trap/pot fishermen: This DAM

[[Page 13042]]

action does not supersede the Great South Channel Restricted Area 
regulations in April found under the ALWTRP at 50 CFR 229.32. Gillnet 
fishermen fishing in the Sliver Area during the time specified in this 
letter must comply with the DAM gillnet gear modifications specified.
    The April DAM zone is bounded by the following coordinates:
Northern DAM:
    41[deg] 57 N., 69[deg] 24 W (NW Corner)
    41[deg] 57 N., 69[deg] 07 W
    41[deg] 55 N., 69[deg] 07 W
    41[deg] 49 N., 69[deg] 24 W
    41[deg] 57 N., 69[deg] 24 W (NW Corner)
Southern DAM:
    41[deg] 45 N., 69[deg] 56 W (NW Corner)
    41[deg] 45 N., 69[deg] 33 W
    41[deg] 44 N., 69[deg] 36 W
    41[deg] 13 N., 69[deg] 10 W
    41[deg] 13 N., 69[deg] 46 W
    41[deg] 17 N., 69[deg] 46 W
    41[deg] 17 N., 69[deg] 58 W
    41[deg] 40 N., 69[deg] 58 W and follow the coastline north to 
41[deg] 45 N., 69[deg] 56 W (NW Corner)
    In addition to those gear modifications currently implemented under 
the ALWTRP at 50 CFR 229.32, the following gear modifications are 
required in the DAM zone. If the requirements and exceptions for gear 
modification in the DAM zone, as described below, differ from other 
ALWTRP requirements for any overlapping areas and times, then the more 
restrictive requirements will apply in the DAM zone. Special note for 
gillnet fisherman: A portion of this DAM zone overlaps with the year-
round Northeast Mulispecies Closed Area I found at 50 CFR 648.81(f)(a). 
Due to this closure, sink gillnet gear is prohibited from this portion 
of the DAM zone.

Lobster Trap/Pot Gear

    Fishermen utilizing lobster trap/pot gear within the portion of the 
Northern Inshore State Lobster Waters and Northern Nearshore Lobster 
Waters that overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all of 
the following gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect:
    1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant 
line. Floating groundlines are prohibited;
    2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally 
buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a 
section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of 
the buoy line;
    3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per trawl; and
    4. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 600 lb (272.4 
kg) must be placed at all buoys.
    Fishermen utilizing lobster trap/pot gear within the portion of the 
Offshore Lobster Waters Area and the Great South Channel Restricted 
Lobster Area that overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all 
of the following gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect:
    1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant 
line. Floating groundlines are prohibited;
    2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally 
buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a 
section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of 
the buoy line;
    3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per trawl; and
    4. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 1,500 lb (680.4 
kg) must be placed at all buoys.

Anchored Gillnet Gear

    Fishermen utilizing anchored gillnet gear within the portions of 
the Other Northeast Gillnet Waters Area, Great South Channel Restricted 
Gillnet Area, and the Great South Channel Sliver Restricted Area that 
overlap with the DAM zone are required to utilize all the following 
gear modifications while the DAM zone is in effect:
    1. Groundlines must be made of either sinking or neutrally buoyant 
line. Floating groundlines are prohibited;
    2. All buoy lines must be made of either sinking or neutrally 
buoyant line, except the bottom portion of the line, which may be a 
section of floating line not to exceed one-third the overall length of 
the buoy line;
    3. Fishermen are allowed to use two buoy lines per string;
    4. Each net panel must have a total of five weak links with a 
maximum breaking strength of 1,100 lb (498.8 kg). Net panels are 
typically 50 fathoms (91.4 m) in length, but the weak link requirements 
would apply to all variations in panel size. These weak links must 
include three floatline weak links. The placement of the weak links on 
the floatline must be: one at the center of the net panel and one each 
as close as possible to each of the bridle ends of the net panel. The 
remaining two weak links must be placed in the center of each of the up 
and down lines at the panel ends;
    5. A weak link with a maximum breaking strength of 1,100 lb (498.8 
kg) must be placed at all buoys; and
    6. All anchored gillnets, regardless of the number of net panels, 
must be securely anchored with the holding power of at least a 22 lb 
(10.0 kg) Danforth-style anchor at each end of the net string.
    The restrictions will be in effect beginning at 0001 hours March 
22, 2007, through 2400 hours April 5, 2007, unless terminated sooner or 
extended by NMFS through another notification in the Federal Register.
    The restrictions will be announced to state officials, fishermen, 
ALWTRT members, and other interested parties through e-mail, phone 
contact, NOAA website, and other appropriate media immediately upon 
issuance of the rule by the AA.

Classification

    In accordance with section 118(f)(9) of the MMPA, the Assistant 
Administrator (AA) for Fisheries has determined that this action is 
necessary to implement a take reduction plan to protect North Atlantic 
right whales.
    Environmental Assessments for the DAM program were prepared on 
December 28, 2001, and August 6, 2003. This action falls within the 
scope of the analyses of these EAs, which are available from the agency 
upon request.
    NMFS provided prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on 
the regulations establishing the criteria and procedures for 
implementing a DAM zone. Providing prior notice and opportunity for 
comment on this action, pursuant to those regulations, would be 
impracticable because it would prevent NMFS from executing its 
functions to protect and reduce serious injury and mortality of 
endangered right whales. The regulations establishing the DAM program 
are designed to enable the agency to help protect unexpected 
concentrations of right whales. In order to meet the goals of the DAM 
program, the agency needs to be able to create a DAM zone and implement 
restrictions on fishing gear as soon as possible once the criteria are 
triggered and NMFS determines that a DAM restricted zone is 
appropriate. If NMFS were to provide prior notice and an opportunity 
for public comment upon the creation of a DAM restricted zone, the 
aggregated right whales would be vulnerable to entanglement which could 
result in serious injury and mortality. Additionally, the right whales 
would most likely move on to another location before NMFS could 
implement the restrictions designed to protect them, thereby rendering 
the action obsolete. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the AA 
finds that good cause exists to waive prior notice and an opportunity 
to comment on this action to implement a DAM restricted zone to reduce 
the risk of entanglement of endangered right whales in commercial 
lobster trap/pot and anchored gillnet

[[Page 13043]]

gear as such procedures would be impracticable.
    For the same reasons, the AA finds that, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), 
good cause exists to waive the 30-day delay in effective date. If NMFS 
were to delay for 30 days the effective date of this action, the 
aggregated right whales would be vulnerable to entanglement, which 
could cause serious injury and mortality. Additionally, right whales 
would likely move to another location between the time NMFS approved 
the action creating the DAM restricted zone and the time it went into 
effect, thereby rendering the action obsolete and ineffective. 
Nevertheless, NMFS recognizes the need for fishermen to have time to 
either modify or remove (if not in compliance with the required 
restrictions) their gear from a DAM zone once one is approved. Thus, 
NMFS makes this action effective 2 days after the date of publication 
of this document in the Federal Register. NMFS will also endeavor to 
provide notice of this action to fishermen through other means upon 
issuance of the rule by the AA, thereby providing approximately 3 
additional days of notice while the Office of the Federal Register 
processes the document for publication.
    NMFS determined that the regulations establishing the DAM program 
and actions such as this one taken pursuant to those regulations are 
consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable 
policies of the approved coastal management program of the U.S. 
Atlantic coastal states. This determination was submitted for review by 
the responsible state agencies under section 307 of the Coastal Zone 
Management Act. Following state review of the regulations creating the 
DAM program, no state disagreed with NMFS' conclusion that the DAM 
program is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the 
enforceable policies of the approved coastal management program for 
that state.
    The DAM program under which NMFS is taking this action contains 
policies with federalism implications warranting preparation of a 
federalism assessment under Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, in 
October 2001 and March 2003, the Assistant Secretary for 
Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs, Department of Commerce, 
provided notice of the DAM program and its amendments to the 
appropriate elected officials in states to be affected by actions taken 
pursuant to the DAM program. Federalism issues raised by state 
officials were addressed in the final rules implementing the DAM 
program. A copy of the federalism Summary Impact Statement for the 
final rules is available upon request (ADDRESSES).
    The rule implementing the DAM program has been determined to be not 
significant under Executive Order 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. and 50 CFR 229.32(g)(3)

    Dated: March 14, 2007.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 07-1352 Filed 3-15-07; 1:55 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

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