Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting, 62487-62488 [E8-25012]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 21, 2008 / Notices that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the EFHRC’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XL34 Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) ad hoc groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Review Committee (EFHRC) will hold a work session, which is open to the public, to develop terms of reference (TOR) for proposals to change areas closed to bottom contact fishing gear and for modifications to groundfish Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). DATES: The work session will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, December 10, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ADDRESSES: The work session will be held at the Pacific Fishery Management Council Office, Large Conference Room, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384; telephone: (503) 820–2280. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Chuck Tracy, Staff Officer, Pacific Fishery Management Council; telephone: (503) 820–2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the work session is to develop TOR for proposed changes to areas closed to bottom contact gear and modifications to groundfish EFH and HAPC. The TOR will help guide prospective applicants in submitting proposals that are scientifically based and contain adequate information on which the Council can base a determination of merit. Recommendations for TOR are tentatively scheduled to be presented to the Council for approval at the March, 2009 Council meeting in Seattle, WA. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may come before the EFHRC for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal EFHRC action during this meeting. EFHRC action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 Oct 20, 2008 Jkt 217001 Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Carolyn Porter at (503) 820–2280 at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: October 16, 2008. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–25008 Filed 10–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XL38 Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Eight Regional Fishery Management Councils will convene a meeting of representatives of their respective Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs) in Honolulu, HI. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 through Friday, November 14, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 12 and 13 and 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon on November 14. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda items. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Council Office Conference Room, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI, telephone: (808) 522–8220. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, telephone: (808) 522–8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Magnuson Stevens Reauthorization Act (MSRA) requires that each Council maintain and utilize its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to assist in the development, collection, evaluation, and peer review of information relevant to the development and amendment of fishery management plans (FMPs). In addition, the MSRA mandates that each SSC shall provide its Council ongoing scientific advice for fishery management PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62487 decisions, including recommendations for acceptable biological catch (ABC), preventing overfishing, maximum sustainable yield, and achieving rebuilding targets, and reports on stock status and health, bycatch, habitat status, social and economic impacts of management measures, and sustainability of fishing practices. Some Councils have a long history of using their SSCs to provide recommendations on ABC limits and peer review of analytical documents for FMP/regulatory amendments; for other Councils this is a new requirement. Some SSCs also function as the scientific peer review process required by the Information Quality Act (PL 106– 554). In addition, a proposed rule on implementing National Standard 1 is forthcoming, and will provide guidance for all SSCs with respect to requirements to establish fishing levels that prevent overfishing. In 2005, the Managing Our Nations Fisheries II conference advisory panel, SSC, and main conference panel all recommended that national SSC meetings be held, where members from different regions could discuss best practices and seek to identify analytical and research needs. Given the new requirements of MSRA and the pending new guidelines for annual catch limits, the Regional Fishery Management Councils jointly believe that the time is right for a national SSC workshop. Wednesday, November 12, 2008; 8:30 a.m. 1. Review of Agenda 2. Appointment of Council staff rapporteurs 3. Plan for preparation and review of final report 4. Review MSRA requirements regarding SSCs 5. Overview of 3 NMFS Working Groups a. Control Rules for fishing level calculations b. National Standard 2 Guidelines c. Species vulnerability evaluation 6. Presentations/Reports from each SSC on operating procedures, analytical document review and recommendations, and developing research priorities Thursday, November 13, 2008; 8:30 a.m. 7. Using Stock Assessments and a Peer Review Process in SSC Determination of Fishing Level Recommendations (i.e. Acceptable Biological Catch) 8. Presentations/Reports from each SSC on setting catch limits including assessment, peer review process, and E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 62488 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 21, 2008 / Notices determination of Overfishing Limits (OFL) and Annual Catch Limits (ACL) 9. Open discussion on catch limits and peer review issues Friday, November 14, 2008; 8:30 a.m. 10. Discuss best practices relative to SSC peer review process and setting ACLs 11. Wrap-up and closing comments Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305 (c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations This meeting is 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: October 16, 2008. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–25012 Filed 10–20–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. In addition, comments may be sent by facsimile transmission to (202) 418–5521, or by electronic mail to secretary@cftc.gov. Reference should be made to ‘‘Joint Audit Committee’’. This document also will be available for comment at https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas J. Smith, Deputy Director and Chief Accountant, or Jennifer Bauer, Special Counsel, Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, jbauer@cftc.gov, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW., Washington, DC 20581. Telephone (202) 418–5472. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 11, 2008, the Commission published for public comment an amended operating agreement submitted by the Joint Audit Committee for approval under Commission Regulation 1.52. The Commission established a 30-day period for submitting public comment on the proposed JAC agreement, ending October 14, 2008. By letter dated October 9, 2008, an association of futures industry participants, whose members include firms that are registered as futures commission members, requested an extension of the original comment period. In response to this request, and in order to ensure that an adequate opportunity is provided for submission of meaningful comments, the Commission has determined to reopen the comment period on the approval of the JAC agreement for an additional 30 days as requested. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 15, 2008 by the Commission. David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. E8–24990 Filed 10–20–08; 8:45 am] COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Joint Audit Committee Operating Agreement BILLING CODE 6351–01–P Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Reopening comment period. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘Commission’’) is reopening the comment period for interested parties to comment on the Joint Audit Committee Operating agreement which was submitted to the Commission for approval pursuant to Commission Regulation 1.52. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 13, 2008. Interested persons should submit their views and comments to David Stawick, Secretary, Commodity ADDRESSES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 Oct 20, 2008 Jkt 217001 Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests Department of Education. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before December 22, 2008. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency’s ability to perform its statutory obligations. The IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following: (1) Type of review requested, e.g., new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement; (2) Title; (3) Summary of the collection; (4) Description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information; (5) Respondents and frequency of collection; and (6) Reporting and/or Recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: October 15, 2008. Angela C. Arrington, IC Clearance Official, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of Management. Office of Postsecondary Education Type of Review: Extension. Title: Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program Performance Report. Frequency: Annually. Affected Public: Federal Government. Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: Responses: 57. Burden Hours: 684. Abstract: This program has not received funding since 1995. It was originally designed to assist State agencies to provide scholarships to talented and meritorious students who were seeking teaching careers at the E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62487-62488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25012]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XL38


Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council; Public 
Meeting

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The Eight Regional Fishery Management Councils will convene a 
meeting of representatives of their respective Scientific and 
Statistical Committees (SSCs) in Honolulu, HI.

DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 through 
Friday, November 14, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 12 and 
13 and 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon on November 14. See SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION for agenda items.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Council Office Conference 
Room, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI, telephone: (808) 522-
8220.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, 
telephone: (808) 522-8220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Magnuson Stevens Reauthorization Act 
(MSRA) requires that each Council maintain and utilize its Scientific 
and Statistical Committee (SSC) to assist in the development, 
collection, evaluation, and peer review of information relevant to the 
development and amendment of fishery management plans (FMPs). In 
addition, the MSRA mandates that each SSC shall provide its Council 
ongoing scientific advice for fishery management decisions, including 
recommendations for acceptable biological catch (ABC), preventing 
overfishing, maximum sustainable yield, and achieving rebuilding 
targets, and reports on stock status and health, bycatch, habitat 
status, social and economic impacts of management measures, and 
sustainability of fishing practices.
    Some Councils have a long history of using their SSCs to provide 
recommendations on ABC limits and peer review of analytical documents 
for FMP/regulatory amendments; for other Councils this is a new 
requirement. Some SSCs also function as the scientific peer review 
process required by the Information Quality Act (PL 106-554). In 
addition, a proposed rule on implementing National Standard 1 is 
forthcoming, and will provide guidance for all SSCs with respect to 
requirements to establish fishing levels that prevent overfishing.
    In 2005, the Managing Our Nations Fisheries II conference advisory 
panel, SSC, and main conference panel all recommended that national SSC 
meetings be held, where members from different regions could discuss 
best practices and seek to identify analytical and research needs. 
Given the new requirements of MSRA and the pending new guidelines for 
annual catch limits, the Regional Fishery Management Councils jointly 
believe that the time is right for a national SSC workshop.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008; 8:30 a.m.

    1. Review of Agenda
    2. Appointment of Council staff rapporteurs
    3. Plan for preparation and review of final report
    4. Review MSRA requirements regarding SSCs
    5. Overview of 3 NMFS Working Groups
    a. Control Rules for fishing level calculations
    b. National Standard 2 Guidelines
    c. Species vulnerability evaluation
    6. Presentations/Reports from each SSC on operating procedures, 
analytical document review and recommendations, and developing research 
priorities

Thursday, November 13, 2008; 8:30 a.m.

    7. Using Stock Assessments and a Peer Review Process in SSC 
Determination of Fishing Level Recommendations (i.e. Acceptable 
Biological Catch)
    8. Presentations/Reports from each SSC on setting catch limits 
including assessment, peer review process, and

[[Page 62488]]

determination of Overfishing Limits (OFL) and Annual Catch Limits (ACL)
    9. Open discussion on catch limits and peer review issues

Friday, November 14, 2008; 8:30 a.m.

    10. Discuss best practices relative to SSC peer review process and 
setting ACLs
    11. Wrap-up and closing comments
    Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come 
before this group for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 
those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this 
meeting. Actions will be restricted to those issues specifically 
identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of 
this notice that require emergency action under Section 305 (c) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the 
Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    This meeting is 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: October 16, 2008.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-25012 Filed 10-20-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.