Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Catch Accounting in the Longline Catcher/Processor Pacific Cod Fishery, 61334-61335 [E9-28162]

Download as PDF 61334 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 24, 2009 / Notices The meetings will be held at the Sheraton Suites Hotel, 422 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801; telephone: (302) 654–8300. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 300 S. New St., Room 2115, Dover, DE 19904; telephone: (302) 674–2331. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; telephone: (302) 674–2331 ext. 19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 From 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Council will convene jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass and Dogfish Boards to discuss and develop recreational management measures for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass, and commercial management measures for Dogfish. WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES Wednesday, December 9, 2009 From 8 a.m. until noon, the Council will meet to discuss and develop Accountability Measures (AM) for Surfclam, Ocean Quahog, Tilefish, Dogfish, Mackerel, and Butterfish. From 1 p.m. until 1:15 p.m., the Council will present its 2009 annual award recognitions. From 1:15 p.m. until 4 p.m., the Council will meet to discuss and develop AMs for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Monkfish. From 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., officials from National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) will provide the Council with a presentation on Catch Shares. Thursday, October 10, 2009 From 8 a.m. until 9 a.m., the Executive Committee will meet. From 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., the Council will receive a presentation from a senior NOAA Advisor on NOAA’s Catch Share Policy. From 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m,. the Council will hold its regular Business Session. From 11:30 until 12 p.m., an informal question and answer session will be convened regarding MPA nominations and designations. From 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., public comments will be taken and considered regarding the selection of sites for MPA designation. From 2:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., the Council will receive Committee reports and conduct any continuing and/or new business. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Nov 23, 2009 Jkt 220001 Agenda items by day for the Council’s Committees and the Council itself are: On Tuesday, December 8 - The Council will convene jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board. They will review and discuss the Monitoring Committee’s and Advisory Panel’s recommendations on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational management measures, and develop and approve recreational management measures for the 2010 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Jointly with the ASMFC’s Dogfish Board, the Council will review and discuss the Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee’s and the SSC’s advice and recommendations for the spiny dogfish quota and related management measures for the 2010/11 fishing year, and adopt quota and related management measures for the 2010/11 fishing year. On Wednesday, December 9 - The Council will convene to discuss Accountability Measures (AM) to be included in the Council’s ACL/AM Omnibus Amendment with its Surfclam / Ocean Quahog / Tilefish Committee, its Dogfish Committee, and its Squid, Mackerel, and Butterfish Committee. The Council will then award its 2009 Fisheries Achievement Award (FAA) and its Ricks E Savage Award. The Council will meet with its Demersal and Coastal Migratory Committee and the Monkfish Committee to discuss and recommend draft Accountability Measures (AM) to be included in the Council’s ACL/AM Omnibus Amendment. The Council will then receive a presentation from a NMFS NEFSC Official on performance monitoring and evaluation of catch shares in terms of their social, cultural and economic impacts on regional fisheries. On Thursday, December 10 - The Executive Committee will meet to review the draft standards for reconsideration by the SSC of ABC advice previously provided by that Committee. The Council will then convene to receive a presentation by Dr. Lubchenco’s Senior Advisor and Catch Share Task Force Chairperson on NOAA’s draft-interim policy on Catch Shares. The Council will open its regular business session to approve the October Council meeting minutes and receive various organizational reports. A question / answer session will then be held regarding MPA nominations, followed by a public comment concerning the Council’s selection of sites for MPA designation. The Council PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 will hear Committee reports and discuss any continuing and / or new business. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before these groups 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 these meetings. 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 These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Bryan, (302) 674–2331 ext 18, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Dated: November 19, 2009. William D. Chappell, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–28134 Filed 11–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XT02 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Catch Accounting in the Longline Catcher/Processor Pacific Cod Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public workshop. SUMMARY: NMFS announces a workshop to solicit feedback from owners and operators of longline catcher/processors (freezer longliners) engaged in the Pacific cod fisheries off Alaska. We are interested in feedback concerning improved catch accounting measures, specifically the feasibility of using motion-compensated scales for determining the weight of cod brought onboard; as well as other issues associated with improved estimation of Pacific cod catch and associated bycatch. The workshop is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly seeking participation by people who are E:\FR\FM\24NON1.SGM 24NON1 WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 24, 2009 / Notices knowledgeable about the operations of cod freezer longliners. DATES: The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alaska standard time. ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held at the Unalaska Public Library Alaskana Room, 64 Eleanor Drive, Unalaska, Alaska. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Kinsolving, 928–774–4362 or Jennifer Watson, 907–586–7537. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has requested that NMFS prepare a discussion paper on improved catch accounting in the longline catcher/ processor sector of the Pacific cod fishery off Alaska. Pacific cod and associated bycatch in this fishery are currently accounted for using data collected by NMFS-certified observers. Because only a portion of sets in the fishery are observed, the data from observed sets are extrapolated to estimate catch from unobserved sets and for unobserved trips. In order to improve catch and bycatch accounting in this fishery, a group representing many of the freezer-longline vessel owners, the Freezer Longline Coalition, has suggested that Pacific cod be accounted for using the weight of processed product coupled with an estimate of drop-offs (fish which are caught but that do not enter the factory) made by a NMFS-certified observer. NMFS staff believes that cod catch can best be accounted for using motioncompensated scales to weigh Pacific cod prior to processing coupled with an observer estimate of drop-offs. However, there are issues associated with available space and product quality that may make this approach less practical in this fishery than in others where the use of motion-compensated scales is required. New approaches to catch accounting may lead to increased duties for observers as well as necessitating additional work space for observers. In order to inform the discussion paper that NMFS staff will be preparing on this issue, we seek input into the vessel-specific difficulties associated with the use of motion-compensated scales to weigh all retained cod; and issues associated with providing additional space for an observer sampling station. This workshop is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly seeking input from people who work on freezer longliners and are familiar with vessel operations. The workshop has been timed to coincide with a period when a large number of freezer longliners will VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:15 Nov 23, 2009 Jkt 220001 be in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska. As part of the process of gathering information on this issue, NMFS staff will be available before and after the meeting to tour individual vessels and discuss specific issues related to available space and the feasibility of weighing catch prior to processing. Special Accommodations The workshop will be physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Jennifer Watson, 907–586–7537, at least 10 working days prior to the meeting date. Dated: November 18, 2009. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–28162 Filed 11–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary FY 2010 Grant Competition Announcement; Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes AGENCY: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). ACTION: Grant competition announcement. SUMMARY: The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) announces and requests concept papers for the FY 2010 Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes grant competition. Approximately $20 million is expected to be awarded, depending on availability of funding. The period of performance is expected to be 40 months (01 Jun 10–30 Sep 13). Awards will be based on military student enrollment and will range in size from $100,000 to $2,500,000, depending on the number of military students at the target schools. The Department’s aim is to enhance the education of military students, but funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students at the target school(s). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Project activities will occur at militaryconnected schools that serve installations which have been and are experiencing significant military growth due to force structure changes. Projects will enhance student learning opportunities, student achievement, and/or educator professional development in one of the following PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61335 areas: ELA/R (English language arts/ reading) or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics). Local educational agencies (LEAs) may only apply to receive funds for their elementary school(s) with a military student population of at least 25 percent and for their secondary school(s) with a military student population of at least 15 percent. LEAs self-certify the numbers and percentages of students. Concept papers will be disseminated to eligible LEAs by e-mail on or about December 1, 2009. They will be due on or about January 27, 2010. The concept papers will be reviewed in February, 2010. Full proposals will be disseminated to selected LEAs on or about March 1, 2010 and will be due on April 22, 2010. Awards are expected to be made June 1–15, 2010. The Department may take into account geographic distribution and military service representation when making grant awards. Authorization: • Section 574(d) of Public Law 109– 364, as amended by Section 553 of Public Law 110–417; title 10 U.S.C. 2192(b) and 2193a. CFDA Number • CFDA 12.556: Support for K–12 Student Achievement at MilitaryConnected Schools. K–12 Education The Department of Defense considers the education of the dependents of members of the Armed Forces to be a critical quality of life issue. K–12 education concerns are often cited as a key reason for requesting changes in assignment and for deciding not to reenlist. Eligibility Eligibility is determined through a two-tier process. The first tier, selection of installations, was determined by the Military Services and DoDEA using data provided by the Military Services as of October 2009. Installations had to have growth of 400 or more military students over the 2009–10 and 2010–11 school years in order to qualify. If an installation qualified, the Military Services listed the LEAs that served it. See attached list. LEAs were not involved in the determination of installation growth. LEAs that were listed must meet the requirements of the second tier of eligibility in order to submit a concept paper/full application. The second tier of eligibility is based on the size and percentage of the military student population measured at the school, not the district, level and on E:\FR\FM\24NON1.SGM 24NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61334-61335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28162]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XT02


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Catch 
Accounting in the Longline Catcher/Processor Pacific Cod Fishery

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

ACTION: Notice of public workshop.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces a workshop to solicit feedback from owners and 
operators of longline catcher/processors (freezer longliners) engaged 
in the Pacific cod fisheries off Alaska. We are interested in feedback 
concerning improved catch accounting measures, specifically the 
feasibility of using motion-compensated scales for determining the 
weight of cod brought onboard; as well as other issues associated with 
improved estimation of Pacific cod catch and associated bycatch. The 
workshop is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly seeking 
participation by people who are

[[Page 61335]]

knowledgeable about the operations of cod freezer longliners.

DATES: The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alaska standard time.

ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held at the Unalaska Public Library 
Alaskana Room, 64 Eleanor Drive, Unalaska, Alaska.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Kinsolving, 928-774-4362 or 
Jennifer Watson, 907-586-7537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council 
has requested that NMFS prepare a discussion paper on improved catch 
accounting in the longline catcher/processor sector of the Pacific cod 
fishery off Alaska. Pacific cod and associated bycatch in this fishery 
are currently accounted for using data collected by NMFS-certified 
observers. Because only a portion of sets in the fishery are observed, 
the data from observed sets are extrapolated to estimate catch from 
unobserved sets and for unobserved trips. In order to improve catch and 
bycatch accounting in this fishery, a group representing many of the 
freezer-longline vessel owners, the Freezer Longline Coalition, has 
suggested that Pacific cod be accounted for using the weight of 
processed product coupled with an estimate of drop-offs (fish which are 
caught but that do not enter the factory) made by a NMFS-certified 
observer. NMFS staff believes that cod catch can best be accounted for 
using motion-compensated scales to weigh Pacific cod prior to 
processing coupled with an observer estimate of drop-offs. However, 
there are issues associated with available space and product quality 
that may make this approach less practical in this fishery than in 
others where the use of motion-compensated scales is required. New 
approaches to catch accounting may lead to increased duties for 
observers as well as necessitating additional work space for observers.
    In order to inform the discussion paper that NMFS staff will be 
preparing on this issue, we seek input into the vessel-specific 
difficulties associated with the use of motion-compensated scales to 
weigh all retained cod; and issues associated with providing additional 
space for an observer sampling station.
    This workshop is open to the public, but NMFS is particularly 
seeking input from people who work on freezer longliners and are 
familiar with vessel operations. The workshop has been timed to 
coincide with a period when a large number of freezer longliners will 
be in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska. As part of the process of gathering 
information on this issue, NMFS staff will be available before and 
after the meeting to tour individual vessels and discuss specific 
issues related to available space and the feasibility of weighing catch 
prior to processing.

Special Accommodations

    The workshop will be physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other 
auxiliary aids should be directed to Jennifer Watson, 907-586-7537, at 
least 10 working days prior to the meeting date.

    Dated: November 18, 2009.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-28162 Filed 11-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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