Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures, 25665-25667 [08-1225]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 7, 2008 / Notices
of this order unless otherwise
specifically excluded. The following
products are specifically excluded from
the order: (1) products clad, plated, or
coated with metal, whether or not
painted, varnished or coated with
plastic or other non-metallic substances;
(2) SAE grades (formerly AISI grades) of
series 2300 and above; (3) products
made to ASTM A710 and A736 or their
proprietary equivalents; (4) abrasion–
resistant steels (i.e., USS AR 400, USS
AR 500); (5) products made to ASTM
A202, A225, A514 grade S, A517 grade
S, or their proprietary equivalents; (6)
ball bearing steels; (7) tool steels; and (8)
silicon manganese steel or silicon
electric steel.
The merchandise subject to the order
is currently classifiable under the
HTSUS under subheadings:
7208.40.3030, 7208.40.3060,
7208.51.0030, 7208.51.0045,
7208.51.0060, 7208.52.0000,
7208.53.0000, 7208.90.0000,
7210.70.3000, 7210.90.9000,
7211.13.0000, 7211.14.0030,
7211.14.0045, 7211.90.0000,
7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000,
7212.50.0000, 7225.40.3050,
7225.40.7000, 7225.50.6000,
7225.99.0090, 7226.91.5000,
7226.91.7000, 7226.91.8000,
7226.99.0000.
Although the HTSUS subheadings are
provided for convenience and customs
purposes, the written description of the
merchandise covered by the order is
dispositive.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Rescission of Review
If a party that requested a review
withdraws the request within 90 days of
the date of publication of the notice of
initiation of the requested review, the
Secretary will rescind the review, in
whole or in part, pursuant to 19 CFR
351.213(d)(1). In this case, DSM
withdrew its request for an
administrative review within 90 days
from the date of initiation. No other
interested party requested a review of
DSM and we have received no
comments regarding the respondent’s
withdrawal of its request for a review.
Therefore, consistent with 19 CFR
351.213(d)(1), we are rescinding this
review of the countervailing duty order
on certain cut–to-length carbon–quality
steel plate from Korea with respect to
DSM.
The Department intends to issue
assessment instructions to U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) 15 days
after the publication of this notice. The
Department will direct CBP to assess
countervailing duties at the cash deposit
rate in effect on the date of entry for
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:00 May 06, 2008
Jkt 214001
entries during the period January 1,
2007, through December 31, 2007.
This notice is in accordance with
section 777(i)(1) of the Tariff Act of
1930, as amended and 19 CFR
251.213(d)(4).
Dated: April 30, 2008.
Stephen J. Claeys,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E8–10090 Filed 5–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
25665
address is diane.harrison@nist.gov and
her phone number is (301) 975–2361.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Harry Hertz, Director, National Quality
Program, National Institute of Standards
and Technology, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20899, telephone number
(301) 975–2361.
Dated: May 1, 2008.
James M. Turner,
Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. E8–10092 Filed 5–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and
Technology
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award Board of Overseers
National Institute of Standards
and Technology, Department of
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app.
2, notice is hereby given that there will
be a meeting of the Board of Overseers
of the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award on June 4, 2008. The
Board of Overseers is composed of
eleven members prominent in the fields
of quality, innovation, and performance
excellence and appointed by the
Secretary of Commerce, assembled to
advise the Secretary of Commerce on
the conduct of the Baldrige Award. The
purpose of this meeting is to discuss
and review information received from
the National Institute of Standards and
Technology with the members of the
Judges Panel of the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award. The agenda
will include: Baldrige Program budget
update; Revisions to the award
eligibility rules; Baldrige Collaborative
activities; and the Baldrige Body of
Knowledge and Baldrige Fellows
Initiatives.
The meeting will convene June
4, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at
3 p.m. on June 4, 2008.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Administration Building,
Lecture Room A, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20899. All visitors to the
National Institute of Standards and
Technology site will have to pre-register
to be admitted. Please submit your
name, time of arrival, e-mail address
and phone number to Diane Harrison no
later than Tuesday, June 3, 2008, and
she will provide you with instructions
for admittance. Ms. Harrison’s e-mail
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4703
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–AW65
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
Atlantic Shark Management Measures
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Stock Status Determinations;
Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS);
request for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Based on the 2007 small
coastal sharks (SCS) stock assessment,
NMFS is declaring blacknose sharks to
be overfished with overfishing
occurring. As such, NMFS announces
its intent to prepare an EIS under the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). This EIS would assess the
potential effects on the human
environment of the proposed action
taken to rebuild blacknose sharks and
prevent overfishing per the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens
Act). The EIS would amend the 2006
Consolidated Highly Migratory Species
(HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
and examine management alternatives
available to rebuild blacknose sharks.
NMFS is requesting comments on a
range of commercial and recreational
management measures in both directed
and incidental fisheries including, but
not limited to, quota levels, regional and
seasonal quotas, retention limits,
minimum sizes, and time/area closures.
DATES: Comments on this action must be
received no later than 5 p.m., local time,
on August 5, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Written comments on this
action should be mailed to Karyl
Brewster-Geisz, Highly Migratory
Species Management Division by any of
the following methods:
• Email: SCSlScoping@noaa.gov.
E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM
07MYN1
25666
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 7, 2008 / Notices
• Written: 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please mark
the outside of the envelope ‘‘Scoping
Comments on Amendment 3 to HMS
FMP.’’
• Fax: (301) 713–1917.
For a copy of the stock assessments,
please contact Jessica Beck (301) 713–
2347.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karyl Brewster-Geisz (301) 713–2347 or
Jackie Wilson (240) 338–3936.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Atlantic shark fisheries are
managed under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act. The
Consolidated HMS FMP is implemented
by regulations at 50 CFR part 635.
Determination of Overfished Shark
Fisheries
NMFS’ determination of the status of
a stock relative to overfishing and an
overfished condition is based on both
the removal of fish from the stock
through overfishing (the exploitation
rate) and the current stock size.
Thresholds used to determine the status
of Atlantic HMS are fully described in
Chapter 3 of the 1999 FMP for Atlantic
Tunas, Swordfish, and Shark. A species
is considered overfished when the
current biomass is less than the
minimum stock size threshold. The
minimum stock size threshold is
determined based on the natural
mortality of the stock and the biomass
at maximum sustainable yield (BMSY).
Maximum sustainable yield is the
maximum long-term average yield that
can be produced by a stock on a
continuing basis. The biomass can be
lower than BMSY, and the stock not
declared overfished as long as the
biomass is above the biomass at the
minimum stock size threshold.
Overfishing may be occurring on a
species if the current fishing mortality is
greater than the fishing mortality (F) at
maximum sustainable yield (FMSY)
(F>FMSY). In the case of F, the maximum
fishing mortality threshold is FMSY.
Thus, if F exceeds FMSY, the stock is
experiencing overfishing.
A. Small Coastal Sharks (SCS)
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
The latest 2007 stock assessment of
SCS in the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico was recently completed (72 FR
63888, November 13, 2007). This peer-
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:00 May 06, 2008
Jkt 214001
reviewed assessment, which was
conducted according to the Southeast
Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR)
process, provides an update from the
2002 stock assessment on the status of
SCS stocks and projects their future
abundance under a variety of catch
levels in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf
of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. The 2007
assessment includes updated catch
estimates, new biological data, and a
number of fishery-independent catch
rate series, as well as fishery-dependent
catch rate series.
The peer reviewers determined that
the data used in the 2007 stock
assessment of the SCS complex and the
individual species within the complex
were considered the best available at the
time and the assessment was considered
adequate. However, because the species
were individually assessed, the peer
reviewers recommended using speciesspecific results rather than on the
aggregated SCS complex results. As a
result of this recommendation, and
because the stock assessment covered
all SCS species, NMFS will no longer
provide status updates or
determinations on the SCS complex as
a whole.
B. Finetooth Sharks
According to the 2002 SCS stock
assessment, finetooth sharks were
experiencing overfishing. However, the
2007 SCS stock assessment found that
finetooth sharks are not overfished
(N2005/NMSY = 1.80) and overfishing is
not occurring (F2005/FMSY = 0.17) (Table
1). Based on this, NMFS has determined
that finetooth sharks are not overfished
and no overfishing is occurring.
However, NMFS also notes that while
the peer reviewers agreed that it is
reasonable to conclude that the stock is
not currently overfished, they also
indicated that given the limited data
available on the population dynamics
for finetooth, management should be
cautious.
C. Blacknose Sharks
The 2002 SCS stock assessment found
that blacknose were not overfished and
overfishing was not occurring. However,
the 2007 stock assessment for blacknose
sharks indicates that spawning stock
fecundity (SSF), i.e., number of
reproductive-age individuals in a
population, in 2005 and during 2001–
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
2005 was smaller than SSFMSY (SSF2005/
SSFMSY = 0.48) (Table 1). Therefore,
NMFS has determined that blacknose
sharks are overfished. In addition, the
estimate of fishing mortality rate in 2005
and the average for 2001–2005 was
greater than FMSY, and the ratio was
substantially greater than 1 in both cases
(F2005/FMSY = 3.77). Based on these
results, NMFS has determined that
blacknose sharks are experiencing
overfishing. The assessment
recommended a rebuilding plan with 70
percent probability of recovering to
SSFMSY by 2019. This recommended
rebuilding time is 11 years from 2009.
A constant TAC of 19,200 individuals
would lead to rebuilding with 70
percent probability by 2027. The
constant TAC also allows for rebuilding
with 50 percent confidence by 2024.
D. Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks
The 2002 SCS stock assessment found
that Atlantic sharpnose sharks were not
overfished and overfishing was not
occurring. The 2007 assessment for
Atlantic sharpnose sharks also indicated
that the stock is not overfished (SSF2005/
SSFMSY = 1.47) and that no overfishing
is occurring (F2005/FMSY = 0.74) (Table
1). Based on these results, NMFS has
determined that the Atlantic sharpnose
sharks are not overfished with no
overfishing occurring. However, because
estimates of F from the assessment
indicate that F is close to, but presently
below, FMSY (i.e., overfishing is not
occurring), the peer reviewers suggest
setting a threshold for F to keep it below
the FMSY threshold to prevent
overfishing in the future.
E. Bonnethead Sharks
Based on the bonnethead stock
assessment, the peer reviewers
determined that bonnethead sharks are
not overfished (SSF2005/SSFMSY = 1.13).
In addition, the estimate of fishing
mortality rate in 2005 was less than
FMSY, (F2005/FMSY = 0.61) (Table 1), thus
overfishing was not occurring. As a
result, NMFS has determined that
bonnethead sharks are not overfished
with no overfishing occurring. However,
fishing mortality rates in the recent past
have fluctuated above and below FMSY.
Copies of the 2007 SCS stock
assessment are available for review (see
ADDRESSES).
E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM
07MYN1
25667
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 7, 2008 / Notices
TABLE 1. SUMMARY TABLE OF BIOMASS AND FISHING MORTALITY FOR SMALL COASTAL SHARKS SCS).
Source: SEDAR 13 Stock Assessment Panel, July 9, 2007. Age-structured State-Space Age-Structured Production Models (SPASMs) were used
for bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose, and blacknose sharks. Surplus production Bayesian Surplus Production (BSP) models were used for the
SCS complex and finetooth sharks.
Species
Outlook
Current Relative Biomass
Level*
Current Biomass
(N2005)
Stock Abundance
(NMSY)
Minimum
Stock Size
Threshold
(MSST)
Current Relative Fishing
Mortality Rate
(F2005/FMSY)
Maximum
Fishing Mortality Threshold
(FMSY)
Atlantic Sharpnose
Sharks
1.47
(SSF2005/
SSFMSY)
5.96E+06
4.45E+06
4.09E+06
0.74
0.19
Not overfished; overfishing is not
occurring
Blacknose Sharks
0.48
(SSF2005/
SSFMSY)
3.49E+05
5.7E+05
4.3E+05
3.77
0.07
Overfished;
Overfishing is
occurring
Bonnethead Sharks
1.13
(SSF2005/
SSFMSY)
1.59E+06
1.92E+06
1.4E+06
0.61
0.31
Not overfished; overfishing is not
occurring
1.80
(N2005/NMSY)
6.00E+06
3.20E+06
2.4E+06
0.17
0.03
Not overfished; Overfishing is not
occurring
Finetooth Sharks
*Spawning stock fecundity (SSF) or spawning stock number (SSN) was used as a proxy of biomass when biomass (B) does not influence pup
production in sharks. For finetooth stocks, N was used to estimate biomass levels due to data limitations; therefore, only surplus production models were run.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Request for Comments
Currently, both commercial and
recreational fishermen may target
Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose,
finetooth, and bonnethead sharks.
Commercial regulations for SCS species
include, but are not limited to, no
retention limit for directed permit
holders, 16 pelagic and SCS species
combined per vessel per trip for
incidental permit holders, and annual
quota of 454 mt dw split between three
regions (North Atlantic, South Atlantic,
and Gulf of Mexico). Amendment 2 to
the Consolidated HMS FMP proposed
combining the SCS regions into one (71
FR 41392). Recreational regulations for
SCS species include, but are not limited
to, retention limit of 1 shark per vessel
per trip with a 4.5–ft (54–in) fork length
minimum size, plus 1 Atlantic
sharpnose and 1 bonnethead per person
per trip (no minimum size).
NMFS anticipates changes to shark
management as a result of the latest SCS
stock assessment and requests
comments on a variety of management
options for this action. Specifically,
NMFS requests comments on
commercial management options
including, but not limited to, quota
levels, regional and seasonal quotas, trip
limits, minimum sizes, quota
monitoring, authorized gears, permit
structure, and prohibited species. In
addition, NMFS is seeking comments on
recreational management options
VerDate Aug<31>2005
21:00 May 06, 2008
Jkt 214001
including, but not limited to, retention
limits, minimum sizes, authorized gears,
and landing requirements. NMFS also
seeks comments on display quotas and
collection of sharks through exempted
fishing permits, display permits, and
scientific research permits. Comments
received on this action will assist NMFS
in determining the options for
rulemaking to conserve and manage
shark resources and shark fisheries,
consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens
Act and the Consolidated HMS FMP.
Specifically, comments are requested on
management measures to reduce fishing
mortality on blacknose sharks in shrimp
trawl fisheries because a significant
proportion of fishing mortality is
occurring in these fisheries as bycatch.
NMFS will hold scoping meetings to
gather public comment on the
implementation of new management
measures for SCS (time and location
details of which will be announced in
a subsequent Federal Register
notification).
Based on the 2007 stock assessment,
NMFS believes the implementation of
new management measures via an
amendment to the Consolidated HMS
FMP is necessary to rebuild blacknose
sharks. NMFS anticipates completing
this amendment and any related
documents by January 1, 2010.
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Dated: May 1, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 08–1225 Filed 5–2–08; 2:04 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Federal Consistency Appeals by
Weaver’s Cove Energy, LLC, and Mill
River Pipeline, LLC
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (Commerce).
ACTION: Notice of closure—
administrative appeal decision records.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This announcement provides
notice that the decision records for two
administrative appeals filed with the
Department of Commerce by Weaver’s
Cove Energy, LLC, and Mill River
Pipeline, LLC, have been closed.
DATES: The decision records for these
two administrative appeals were closed
on May 5, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Materials from the appeal
records are available at the Internet site
https://www.ogc.doc.gov/czma.htm and
at the Office of General Counsel for
Ocean Services, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, U.S.
E:\FR\FM\07MYN1.SGM
07MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25665-25667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1225]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-AW65
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management
Measures
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Stock Status Determinations; Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Based on the 2007 small coastal sharks (SCS) stock assessment,
NMFS is declaring blacknose sharks to be overfished with overfishing
occurring. As such, NMFS announces its intent to prepare an EIS under
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This EIS would assess the
potential effects on the human environment of the proposed action taken
to rebuild blacknose sharks and prevent overfishing per the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
The EIS would amend the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species
(HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and examine management alternatives
available to rebuild blacknose sharks. NMFS is requesting comments on a
range of commercial and recreational management measures in both
directed and incidental fisheries including, but not limited to, quota
levels, regional and seasonal quotas, retention limits, minimum sizes,
and time/area closures.
DATES: Comments on this action must be received no later than 5 p.m.,
local time, on August 5, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Written comments on this action should be mailed to Karyl
Brewster-Geisz, Highly Migratory Species Management Division by any of
the following methods:
Email: SCS_Scoping@noaa.gov.
[[Page 25666]]
Written: 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Please mark the outside of the envelope ``Scoping Comments on Amendment
3 to HMS FMP.''
Fax: (301) 713-1917.
For a copy of the stock assessments, please contact Jessica Beck
(301) 713-2347.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karyl Brewster-Geisz (301) 713-2347 or
Jackie Wilson (240) 338-3936.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Atlantic shark fisheries are managed under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Consolidated HMS FMP is implemented by
regulations at 50 CFR part 635.
Determination of Overfished Shark Fisheries
NMFS' determination of the status of a stock relative to
overfishing and an overfished condition is based on both the removal of
fish from the stock through overfishing (the exploitation rate) and the
current stock size. Thresholds used to determine the status of Atlantic
HMS are fully described in Chapter 3 of the 1999 FMP for Atlantic
Tunas, Swordfish, and Shark. A species is considered overfished when
the current biomass is less than the minimum stock size threshold. The
minimum stock size threshold is determined based on the natural
mortality of the stock and the biomass at maximum sustainable yield
(BMSY). Maximum sustainable yield is the maximum long-term
average yield that can be produced by a stock on a continuing basis.
The biomass can be lower than BMSY, and the stock not
declared overfished as long as the biomass is above the biomass at the
minimum stock size threshold.
Overfishing may be occurring on a species if the current fishing
mortality is greater than the fishing mortality (F) at maximum
sustainable yield (FMSY) (F>FMSY). In the case of
F, the maximum fishing mortality threshold is FMSY. Thus, if
F exceeds FMSY, the stock is experiencing overfishing.
A. Small Coastal Sharks (SCS)
The latest 2007 stock assessment of SCS in the U.S. Atlantic and
Gulf of Mexico was recently completed (72 FR 63888, November 13, 2007).
This peer-reviewed assessment, which was conducted according to the
Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process, provides an
update from the 2002 stock assessment on the status of SCS stocks and
projects their future abundance under a variety of catch levels in the
U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. The 2007
assessment includes updated catch estimates, new biological data, and a
number of fishery-independent catch rate series, as well as fishery-
dependent catch rate series.
The peer reviewers determined that the data used in the 2007 stock
assessment of the SCS complex and the individual species within the
complex were considered the best available at the time and the
assessment was considered adequate. However, because the species were
individually assessed, the peer reviewers recommended using species-
specific results rather than on the aggregated SCS complex results. As
a result of this recommendation, and because the stock assessment
covered all SCS species, NMFS will no longer provide status updates or
determinations on the SCS complex as a whole.
B. Finetooth Sharks
According to the 2002 SCS stock assessment, finetooth sharks were
experiencing overfishing. However, the 2007 SCS stock assessment found
that finetooth sharks are not overfished (N2005/NMSY
= 1.80) and overfishing is not occurring (F2005/FMSY
= 0.17) (Table 1). Based on this, NMFS has determined that finetooth
sharks are not overfished and no overfishing is occurring. However,
NMFS also notes that while the peer reviewers agreed that it is
reasonable to conclude that the stock is not currently overfished, they
also indicated that given the limited data available on the population
dynamics for finetooth, management should be cautious.
C. Blacknose Sharks
The 2002 SCS stock assessment found that blacknose were not
overfished and overfishing was not occurring. However, the 2007 stock
assessment for blacknose sharks indicates that spawning stock fecundity
(SSF), i.e., number of reproductive-age individuals in a population, in
2005 and during 2001-2005 was smaller than SSFMSY
(SSF2005/SSFMSY = 0.48) (Table 1). Therefore,
NMFS has determined that blacknose sharks are overfished. In addition,
the estimate of fishing mortality rate in 2005 and the average for
2001-2005 was greater than FMSY, and the ratio was
substantially greater than 1 in both cases (F2005/FMSY
= 3.77). Based on these results, NMFS has determined that blacknose
sharks are experiencing overfishing. The assessment recommended a
rebuilding plan with 70 percent probability of recovering to
SSFMSY by 2019. This recommended rebuilding time is 11 years
from 2009. A constant TAC of 19,200 individuals would lead to
rebuilding with 70 percent probability by 2027. The constant TAC also
allows for rebuilding with 50 percent confidence by 2024.
D. Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks
The 2002 SCS stock assessment found that Atlantic sharpnose sharks
were not overfished and overfishing was not occurring. The 2007
assessment for Atlantic sharpnose sharks also indicated that the stock
is not overfished (SSF2005/SSFMSY = 1.47) and
that no overfishing is occurring (F2005/FMSY =
0.74) (Table 1). Based on these results, NMFS has determined that the
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are not overfished with no overfishing
occurring. However, because estimates of F from the assessment indicate
that F is close to, but presently below, FMSY (i.e.,
overfishing is not occurring), the peer reviewers suggest setting a
threshold for F to keep it below the FMSY threshold to
prevent overfishing in the future.
E. Bonnethead Sharks
Based on the bonnethead stock assessment, the peer reviewers
determined that bonnethead sharks are not overfished
(SSF2005/SSFMSY = 1.13). In addition, the
estimate of fishing mortality rate in 2005 was less than
FMSY, (F2005/FMSY = 0.61) (Table 1),
thus overfishing was not occurring. As a result, NMFS has determined
that bonnethead sharks are not overfished with no overfishing
occurring. However, fishing mortality rates in the recent past have
fluctuated above and below FMSY.
Copies of the 2007 SCS stock assessment are available for review
(see ADDRESSES).
[[Page 25667]]
Table 1. Summary Table of Biomass and Fishing Mortality for Small
Coastal Sharks SCS).
Source: SEDAR 13 Stock Assessment Panel, July 9, 2007. Age-structured
State-Space Age-Structured Production Models (SPASMs) were used for
bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose, and blacknose sharks. Surplus production
Bayesian Surplus Production (BSP) models were used for the SCS complex
and finetooth sharks.
Species Curre Curr Stoc Mini Curr Maxi Outl
nt ent k mum ent mum ook
Rela Bio Abu Sto Rel Fis
tive mas nda ck ati hin
Biom s nce Siz ve g
ass (N20 (NMS e Fis Mor
Leve 05) Y) Thr hin tal
l\*\ esh g ity
old Mor Thr
(MSS tal esh
T) ity old
Rat (FMS
e Y)
(F20
05/
FMS
Y)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks 1.47 5.96 4.45 4.09 0.74 0.19 Not
(SSF2 E+0 E+0 E+0 ove
005/ 6 6 6 rfi
SSFM she
SY) d;
ove
rfi
shi
ng
is
not
occ
urr
ing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blacknose Sharks 0.48 3.49 5.7E 4.3E 3.77 0.07 Over
(SSF2 E+0 +05 +05 fis
005/ 5 hed
SSFM ;
SY) Ove
rfi
shi
ng
is
occ
urr
ing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonnethead Sharks 1.13 1.59 1.92 1.4E 0.61 0.31 Not
(SSF2 E+0 E+0 +06 ove
005/ 6 6 rfi
SSFM she
SY) d;
ove
rfi
shi
ng
is
not
occ
urr
ing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finetooth Sharks 1.80 6.00 3.20 2.4E 0.17 0.03 Not
(N200 E+0 E+0 +06 ove
5/ 6 6 rfi
NMSY she
) d;
Ove
rfi
shi
ng
is
not
occ
urr
ing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\Spawning stock fecundity (SSF) or spawning stock number (SSN) was
used as a proxy of biomass when biomass (B) does not influence pup
production in sharks. For finetooth stocks, N was used to estimate
biomass levels due to data limitations; therefore, only surplus
production models were run.
Request for Comments
Currently, both commercial and recreational fishermen may target
Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, finetooth, and bonnethead sharks.
Commercial regulations for SCS species include, but are not limited to,
no retention limit for directed permit holders, 16 pelagic and SCS
species combined per vessel per trip for incidental permit holders, and
annual quota of 454 mt dw split between three regions (North Atlantic,
South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico). Amendment 2 to the Consolidated
HMS FMP proposed combining the SCS regions into one (71 FR 41392).
Recreational regulations for SCS species include, but are not limited
to, retention limit of 1 shark per vessel per trip with a 4.5-ft (54-
in) fork length minimum size, plus 1 Atlantic sharpnose and 1
bonnethead per person per trip (no minimum size).
NMFS anticipates changes to shark management as a result of the
latest SCS stock assessment and requests comments on a variety of
management options for this action. Specifically, NMFS requests
comments on commercial management options including, but not limited
to, quota levels, regional and seasonal quotas, trip limits, minimum
sizes, quota monitoring, authorized gears, permit structure, and
prohibited species. In addition, NMFS is seeking comments on
recreational management options including, but not limited to,
retention limits, minimum sizes, authorized gears, and landing
requirements. NMFS also seeks comments on display quotas and collection
of sharks through exempted fishing permits, display permits, and
scientific research permits. Comments received on this action will
assist NMFS in determining the options for rulemaking to conserve and
manage shark resources and shark fisheries, consistent with the
Magnuson-Stevens Act and the Consolidated HMS FMP. Specifically,
comments are requested on management measures to reduce fishing
mortality on blacknose sharks in shrimp trawl fisheries because a
significant proportion of fishing mortality is occurring in these
fisheries as bycatch.
NMFS will hold scoping meetings to gather public comment on the
implementation of new management measures for SCS (time and location
details of which will be announced in a subsequent Federal Register
notification).
Based on the 2007 stock assessment, NMFS believes the
implementation of new management measures via an amendment to the
Consolidated HMS FMP is necessary to rebuild blacknose sharks. NMFS
anticipates completing this amendment and any related documents by
January 1, 2010.
Dated: May 1, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 08-1225 Filed 5-2-08; 2:04 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
