Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings, 41454-41463 [2011-17674]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2011 / Notices
by NOAA on property currently
occupied and managed by NOAA. The
proposed changes involve demolition of
the majority of the NOAA Southwest
West Fisheries Science Center Building
A and establishment of a geohazard
stabilization system consisting of tiebacks to secure foundations for the
remaining structure (Building D) and
access areas. The tie-back system
requires more substantial excavation to
be installed within a geologically
sensitive coastal bluff.
Consistent with 40 CFR
1502.9(c)(1)(i), this SEIS will focus on
the environmental effects of the
proposed changes and feasible
alternatives including the no-action
alternative, and analyze the potential
effects to affected resources such as:
Geological conditions, hydraulic
processes, construction noise, traffic/
pedestrian circulation, air emissions,
and protected wildlife. While scoping
meetings are not being held for the SEIS,
NOAA is requesting written comments
and input, including, but not limited to,
technical information related to the
proposed actions, information regarding
potentially affected resources in the
area, and community interests or
concerns on the potential for
environmental effects of the proposed
action and alternatives. NOAA will also
rely on prior scoping documents and
comments received during preparation
of the original FEIS/EIR. Additional
public involvement opportunities
associated with this SEIS will occur,
including a public comment period on
the Supplemental Draft EIS to be
announced as a Notice of Availability in
the Federal Register.
Dated: July 8, 2011.
William F. Broglie,
Chief Administrative Officer, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011–17764 Filed 7–13–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–12–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
[RIN 0648–XA565]
Caribbean Fishery Management
Council; Scoping Meetings
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public hearings.
AGENCY:
The Caribbean Fishery
Management Council will hold public
hearings to obtain input from fishers,
the general public, and the local
agencies representatives on the Draft
Comprehensive Amendment to the
FMPs establishing annual catch limits
(ACL) and accountability measures
(AMs) for species not overfished or
undergoing overfishing.
DATES AND ADDRESSES: The scoping
meetings will be held on the following
dates and locations:
For Puerto Rico
August 2, 2011, DoubleTree by Hilton
San Juan, De Diego Avenue, San
Juan, Puerto Rico.
August 3, 2011, Holiday Inn Ponce &
Tropical Casino, 3315 Ponce By
Pass, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
¨
August 4, 2011, Mayaguez Holiday
Inn, 2701 Hostos Avenue,
¨
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
SUMMARY:
For the U.S. Virgin Islands
August 3, 2011, The Buccaneer Hotel,
Estate Shoys, Christiansted, St.
Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
August 4, 2011, Holiday Inn
(Windward Passage Hotel) Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin
Islands.
All meetings will be held from 7 to 10
p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
˜
268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1920,
telephone (787) 766–5926.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Caribbean Fishery Management Council
will hold public hearings to receive
public input on the following
management options. The complete
document is available at: https://
www.caribbeanfmc.com or you may
contact Ms. Livia Montalvo at
livia_montalvo_cfmc@yahoo.com, or the
Council office at (787) 766–5926 to
obtain copies.
4.0
Actions and Alternatives
4.1 Action 1: Management Reference
Points for Species not Undergoing
Overfishing within the Reef Fish FMP
4.1.1 Action 1(a). Establish a year
sequence for determining average
annual landings for each species or
species group within the Reef Fish
Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Alternative 1. No action. Retain the
year sequence as defined in the 2005
Comprehensive Sustainable Fisheries
Act Amendment (Caribbean SFA
Amendment).
Alternative 2. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the Reef
Fish FMP based on the longest year
sequence of reliable landings data.
TABLE 4.1.1—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 2
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico Commercial ................................................................................................................................................................
Puerto Rico Recreational ...............................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
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Alternative 3. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the Reef
Fish FMP based on the longest year
sequence of pre-Caribbean SFA
Amendment landings data that is
1988–2009
2000–2009
1999–2008
2000–2008
considered consistently reliable across
all islands.
TABLE 4.1.2—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 3
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico Commercial ................................................................................................................................................................
Puerto Rico Recreational ...............................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
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1999–2005
2000–2005
1999–2005
2000–2005
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Alternative 4. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the Reef
Fish FMP based on the longest year
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sequence of recent reliable landings
data.
TABLE 4.1.3—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 4
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico Commercial ................................................................................................................................................................
Puerto Rico Recreational ...............................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
Alternative 5. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the Reef
1999–2009
2000–2009
1999–2008
2000–2008
Fish FMP based on the most recent five
years of available landings data.
TABLE 4.1.4—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 5
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico Commercial ................................................................................................................................................................
Puerto Rico Recreational ...............................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
4.1.2 Action 1(b). Establish
management reference points for the
reef fish species not undergoing
overfishing.
Sub-Action 1. Establish management
reference points for the reef fish species
not undergoing overfishing in Puerto
Rico.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
1(a) Alternatives 1–5.
Sub-Action 2. Establish management
reference points for the reef fish species
not undergoing overfishing in St Croix.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
1(a) Alternatives 1–5.
2005–2009
2005–2009
2004–2008
2004–2008
Sub-Action 3. Establish management
reference points for the reef fish species
not undergoing overfishing in St.
Thomas/St. John.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
1(a) Alternatives 1–5.
TABLE 4.1.4—CURRENT MSY PROXY, OY AND OVERFISHING THRESHOLD DEFINITIONS FOR SPECIES/SPECIES GROUPS
Reference point
Alternative 1—Status quo definition
Maximum Sustainable Yield ................................
MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) × (BCURR/BMSY)]; where C is calculated based on commercial
landings for the years 1997–2001 for Puerto Rico and 1994–2002 for the USVI, and on recreational landings for the years 2000–2001.
MFMT = FMSY.
OY = average yield associated with fishing on a
continuing basis at FOY; where FOY = 0.75FMSY.
Overfishing Threshold .........................................
Optimum Yield .....................................................
TABLE 4.1.5—MANAGEMENT REFERENCE POINTS OR PROXIES PROPOSED FOR THE REEF FISH SPECIES NOT
UNDERGOING OVERFISHING UNDER ALTERNATIVE 2
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Reference point
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a) .............................................
Alternative 2(b) .............................................
Alternative 2(c) .............................................
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(d) .............................................
Alternative 2(e) ....................................................
Alternative 2(f) ..............................................
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MSY proxy = Median annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
MSY proxy = Mean annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
MSY proxy = Maximum of a single year of recreational landings × 3.
OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according to the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs when annual
landings exceed the OFL.
OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according to the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs when annual
landings exceed the OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (in
consultation with the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and its SSC) determines the
overage occurred because data collection/monitoring improved, rather than because landings actually increased.
OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL.
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TABLE 4.1.5—MANAGEMENT REFERENCE POINTS OR PROXIES PROPOSED FOR THE REEF FISH SPECIES NOT
UNDERGOING OVERFISHING UNDER ALTERNATIVE 2—Continued
Reference point
Alternative 2(g) .............................................
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC Control Rule:
Alternative 2(h) .............................................
Alternative 2(i) ..............................................
Alternative 2(j) ..............................................
Alternative 2(k) .............................................
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(l) ..............................................
Alternative 2(m) ............................................
Alternative 2(n) .............................................
Alternative 2(o) .............................................
4.2 Action 2: Management Reference
Points for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster
4.2.1 Action 2(a). Establish a year
sequence for determining average
OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL, unless NOAA
Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery
Management Council and its SSC) determines the overage occurred because data collection/monitoring improved, rather than because landings actually increased.
ABC=
ABC=
ABC=
ABC=
OFL.
[OFL × 0.85].
[OFL × 0.75].
[OFL × 0.50].
OY
OY
OY
OY
ACL
ACL
ACL
ACL
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
ABC.
[ABC × (0.85)].
[ABC × (0.75)].
[ABC × (0.50)].
annual landings for the Caribbean Spiny
Lobster.
Alternative 1. No action. Retain the
year sequence for Caribbean Spiny
Lobster FMP landings as defined in the
Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on
the longest year sequence of reliable
landings data.
TABLE 4.2.1—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 2
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico ....................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
Alternative 3. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on
the longest year sequence of preCaribbean SFA Amendment landings
1988–2009
1999–2008
2000–2008
data that is considered consistently
reliable across all islands.
TABLE 4.2.2—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 3
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico ....................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
Alternative 4. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on
1999–2005
1999–2005
2000–2005
the longest year sequence of recent
reliable landings data.
TABLE 4.2.3—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 4
Reference point
Year sequence
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Puerto Rico ....................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
Alternative 5. Redefine management
reference points or proxies for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on
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the most recent five years of available
landings data.
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1999–2009
1999–2008
2000–2008
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TABLE 4.2.4—YEAR SEQUENCES BY ISLAND GROUP UNDER ALTERNATIVE 5
Reference point
Year sequence
Puerto Rico ....................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Croix .........................................................................................................................................................................................
St. Thomas/St. John ......................................................................................................................................................................
4.2.2 Action 2(b). Establish
management reference points for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
Sub-Action 1. Establish management
reference points for the Caribbean Spiny
Lobster in Puerto Rico.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for spiny losbter.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
2(a) Alternatives 1–5.
Sub-Action 2. Establish management
reference points for the Caribbean Spiny
Lobster in St. Croix.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for spiny lobster.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
2(a) Alternatives 1–5.
2005–2009
2004–2008
2004–2008
Sub-Action 3. Establish management
reference points for the Caribbean Spiny
Lobster in St. Thomas/St. John.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
current management reference points or
proxies for spiny lobster groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n):
Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence
of landings data as defined in Action
2(a) Alternatives 1–5.
TABLE 4.2.4—CURRENT MSY PROXY, OY AND OVERFISHING THRESHOLD DEFINITIONS FOR SPINY LOBSTER
Reference point
Alternative 1—Status quo definition
Maximum Sustainable Yield ................................
MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) × (BCURR/BMSY)]; where C is calculated based on commercial
landings for the years 1997–2001 for Puerto Rico and 1994–2002 for the USVI, and on recreational landings for the years 2000–2001.
MFMT = FMSY.
OY = average yield associated with fishing on a
continuing basis at FOY; where FOY = 0.75FMSY.
Overfishing Threshold .........................................
Optimum Yield .....................................................
TABLE 4.2.5—MANAGEMENT REFERENCE POINTS OR PROXIES PROPOSED FOR SPINY LOBSTER UNDER ALTERNATIVE 2
Reference point
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a) .............................................
Alternative 2(b) .............................................
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(c) .............................................
Alternative 2(d) .............................................
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Alternative 2(e) .............................................
Alternative 2(f) ..............................................
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC Control Rule:
Alternative 2(g) .............................................
Alternative 2(h) .............................................
Alternative 2(i) ..............................................
Alternative 2(j) ..............................................
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(k) .............................................
Alternative 2(l) ..............................................
Alternative 2(m) ............................................
Alternative 2(n) .............................................
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MSY proxy = Median annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
MSY proxy = Mean annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL.
OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and its SSC) determines the
overage occurred because data collection/monitoring improved, rather than because landings actually increased.
OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL.
OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL, unless NOAA
Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery
Management Council and its SSC) determines the overage occurred because data collection/monitoring improved, rather than because landings actually increased.
ABC=
ABC=
ABC=
ABC=
OFL.
[OFL × 0.85].
[OFL × 0.75].
[OFL × 0.50].
OY
OY
OY
OY
ACL
ACL
ACL
ACL
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=
=
=
=
Frm 00010
=
=
=
=
ABC.
[ABC × (0.85)].
[ABC × (0.75)].
[ABC × (0.50)].
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4.3 Action 3: Redefine Management of
the Aquarium Trade Species Fishery
Management Units (FMUs) Within the
Reef Fish FMP and the Coral and Reef
Associated Plants and Invertebrates
FMP (Coral FMP)
4.3.1 Action 3(a): Redefine the
management of aquarium trade species
FMU.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain
aquarium trade species in both the
Corals and Reef Associated Plants and
Invertebrates FMP (Coral FMP) and the
Reef Fish FMP as defined in the
Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2: Consolidate all
aquarium trade species listed in the
FMP for Coral FMP and the Reef Fish
FMP into a single FMP.
Alternative 2A: Move all aquarium
trade species listed in the Coral FMP
into the Reef Fish FMP.
Alternative 2B: Move all of the
aquarium trade species listed in the Reef
Fish FMP into the Coral FMP.
Alternative 2C: Move all of the
aquarium trade species listed in both
the Coral FMP and the Reef Fish FMPs
into a new FMP specific to aquarium
trade species.
Alternative 3: Remove all aquarium
trade species from both the Coral FMP
and from the Reef Fish FMPs.
Alternative 4: Manage only those
aquarium trade species listed in either
the Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP, for
which landings data are available
during the year sequence chosen in
Action 1(a). Remove remaining
aquarium trade species from the Coral
FMP and the Reef Fish FMP.
Alternative 4A: Aquarium trade
species that continue to be Federallymanaged under this alternative will be
retained in either the Coral FMP or the
Reef Fish FMP as listed after the
Caribbean SFA Amendment (Table
4.3.1).
Alternative 4B: Aquarium trade
species that continue to be Federallymanaged under this alternative will be
consolidated and moved into the Coral
FMP.
Alternative 4C: Aquarium trade
species that continue to be Federallymanaged under this alternative will be
consolidated and moved into the Reef
fish FMP.
Alternative 4D: Aquarium trade
species that continue to be Federallymanaged under this alternative will be
consolidated and moved into a new
FMP specific to aquarium trade species.
Alternative 5: Delegate management
authority for all aquarium trade species
listed in either the Coral FMP or the
Reef Fish FMP to the jurisdiction of the
appropriate commonwealth or territory
as defined by Action 5 of this document.
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Table 4.3.1. List of all species
included in the Aquarium Trade
category in both the Reef Fish and Coral
FMPs. Table contents are extracted from
Table 8 of the Comprehensive
Amendment to the FMPs of the U.S.
Caribbean to Address Required
Provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Caribbean SFA Amendment).
Reef Fish FMP
Clepticus parrae, Creole wrasse.
Halichoeres garnoti, Yellowhead
wrasse.
Halichoeres cyanocephalus,
Yellowcheek wrasse.
Halichoeres maculipinna, Clown
wrasse.
Thalassoma bifasciatum, Bluehead
wrasse.
Liopropoma rubre, Swissguard basslet.
Gramma loreto, Royal gramma.
Microspathodon chrysurus, Yellowtail
damselfish.
Stegastes adustus, Dusky damselfish.
Stegastes partitus, Bicolor damselfish.
Stegastes planifrons, Threespot
damselfish.
Stegastes leucostictus, Beaugregory.
Chaetodon capistratus, Foureye
butterflyfish.
Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout
butterflyfish.
Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin
butterflyfish.
Chaetodon striatus, Banded
butterflyfish.
Serranus baldwini, Lantern bass.
Serranus annularis, Orangeback bass.
Serranus tabacarius, Tobaccofish.
Serranus tigrinus, Harlequin bass.
Serranus tortugarum, Chalk bass.
Opistognathus aurifrons, Yellowhead
jawfish.
Opistognathus whitehursti, Dusky
jawfish.
Xyrichtys novacula, Pearly razorfish.
Xyrichtys splendens, Green razorfish.
Echidna catenata, Chain moray.
Gymnothorax funebris, Green moray.
Gymnothorax miliaris, Goldentail
moray.
Elacatinus oceanops, Neon goby.
Priolepis hipoliti, Rusty goby.
Equetus lanceolatus, Jackknife-fish.
Equetus punctatus, Spotted drum.
Chromis cyanea, Blue chromis.
Chromis insolata, Sunshinefish.
Abudefduf saxatilis, Sergeant major.
Astrapogon stellatus, Conchfish.
Apogon maculatua, Flamefish.
Amblycirrhitus pinos, Redspotted
hawkfish.
Antennarius spp., Frogfish.
Bothus lunatus, Peacock flounder.
Chaetodipterus faber, Atlantic
spadefish.
Canthigaster rostrata, Sharpnose puffer.
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Centropyge argi, Cherubfish.
Diodon hystrix, Porcupinefish.
Dactylopterus volitans, Flying gurnard.
Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, Glasseye
snapper.
Hypoplectrus unicolor, Butter hamlet.
Holocanthus tricolor, Rock beauty.
Myrichthys ocellatus, Goldspotted eel.
Ophioblennius macclurei, Redlip
blenny.
Pareques acuminatus, High-hat.
Rypticus saponaceus, Greater sopafish.
Synodus intermedius, Sand diver.
Symphurus diomedianus, Caribbean
tonguefish.
Family Syngnathidae, Pipefishes and
Seahorses.
Family Ogcocephalidae, Batfish.
Family Scorpaenidae, Scorpionfish.
Table 4.3.1. (continued). List of all
species included in the Aquarium Trade
category in both the Reef Fish and Coral
FMPs. Table contents are extracted from
Table 8 of the Comprehensive
Amendment to the FMPs of the U.S.
Caribbean to Address Required
Provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Caribbean SFA Amendment).
Coral FMP
Aphimedon compressa, Erect rope
sponge
Astrophyton muricatum, Giant basket
star
Alpheaus armatus, Snapping shrimp
Aiptasia tagetes, Pale anemone
Astropecten spp., Sand stars
Analcidometra armata, Swimming
crinoid
Bartholomea annulata, Corkscrew
anemone
Cynachirella alloclada, sponge (no
common name)
Condylactis gigantea, Giant pink-tipped
anemone
Cyphoma gibbosum, Flamingo tongue
Chondrilla nucula, Chicken liver sponge
Diadema antillarum, Long-spined
urchin
Davidaster spp., Crinoids
Discosoma spp., False coral
Echinometra spp., Purple urchin
Eucidaris tribuloides, Pencil urchin
Gonodactylus (Neogonodactylus) spp.,
Smashing mantis shrimp
Geodia neptuni, Potato sponge
Haliclona sp., Finger sponge
Holothuria spp., Sea cucumbers
Hereractis lucida, Knobby anemone
Lima spp., Fileclams
Lima scabra, Rough fileclam
Lytechinus spp., Pin cushion urchin
Lysmata spp., Peppermint shrimp
Linckia guildingii, Common comet star
Lysiosquilla spp., Spearing mantis
shrimp
Lebrunia spp., Staghorn anemone
Mithrax spp., Clinging crabs
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2011 / Notices
Mithrax cinctimanus, Banded clinging
crab
Mithrax sculptus, Green clinging crab
Myriastra sp., sponge (no common
name)
Niphates digitalis, Pink vase sponge
Niphates erecta, Lavender rope sponge
Nemaster spp., Crinoids
Ophiocoma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma rubicundum, Ruby
brittlestar
Oreaster reticulatus, Cushion sea star
Ophidiaster guildingii, Comet star
Oliva reticularis, Netted olive
Octopus spp. (except the Common
octopus, O. vulgaris)
Paguristes spp., Hermit crabs
Paguristes cadenati, Red reef hermit
crab
Percnon gibbesi, Nimble spray crab
Periclimenes spp., Cleaner shrimp
Ricordia florida, Florida false coral
Stichodactyla helianthus, Sun anemone
Spirobranchus giganteus, Christmas tree
worm
Sabellastarte magnifica, Magnificent
duster
Sabellastarte spp., Tube worms
Stenopus scutellatus, Golden shrimp
Stenopus hispidus, Banded shrimp
Stenorhynchus seticornis, Yellowline
arrow crab
Spondylus americanus, Atlantic thorny
oyster
Spinosella plicifera, Iridescent tube
sponge
Spinosella vaginalis, Lavendar tube
sponge
Tripneustes ventricosus, Sea egg urchin
Thor amboinensis, Anemone shrimp
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Tectitethya (Tethya) crypta, sponge (no
common name)
Subphylum Urochordata, Tunicates
Tridachia crispata, Lettuce sea slug
Zoanthus spp., Sea mat
4.3.2 Action 3(b). Establish
management reference points for the
aquarium trade species FMU.
Alternative 1: No action. Keep the
aquarium trade species in the ‘‘data
collection only’’ category as defined in
the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(k):
Establish management reference points
or proxies for the aquarium trade
species based on alternative selected in
Action 3(a) and time series of landings
data as defined in Action 1(a) in
Alternatives 1–5.
TABLE 4.3.2—MANAGEMENT REFERENCE POINTS OR PROXIES PROPOSED FOR THE AQUARIUM TRADE SPECIES UNDER
ALTERNATIVE 2
Reference Point
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a) .............................................
Alternative 2(b) .............................................
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(c) .............................................
Alternative 2(d) .............................................
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC Control Rule:
Alternative 2(e) .............................................
Alternative 2(f) ..............................................
Alternative 2(g) .............................................
Alternative 2(h) .............................................
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(i) ..............................................
Alternative 2(j) ..............................................
Alternative 2(k) .............................................
Alternative 2(l) ..............................................
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Alternative 1: No action. Do not reevaluate and revise the conch species
FMU.
Alternative 2: Remove all conch
species, except for the queen conch
(Strombus gigas), from the Queen Conch
FMP.
Alternative 3: Delegate management
authority, for all conch species except
queen conch (Strombus gigas), listed in
the Queen Conch FMP, to the
jurisdiction of the appropriate
commonwealth or territory as defined
by Action 5.
Alternative 4: Retain all conch species
under the Queen Conch FMP and define
management reference points or proxies
based on the ACL established for queen
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OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL.
OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs when annual landings exceed the OFL, unless NOAA
Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery
Management Council and its SSC) determines the overage occurred because data collection/monitoring improved, rather than because landings actually increased.
ABC
ABC
ABC
ABC
=
=
=
=
OY
OY
OY
OY
ACL
ACL
ACL
ACL
=
=
=
=
OFL.
[OFL × 0.85].
[OFL × 0.75].
[OFL × 0.50].
=
=
=
=
ABC.
[ABC × (0.85)].
[ABC × (0.75)].
[ABC × (0.50)].
conch in the 2010 Caribbean ACL
Amendment public hearing draft.
4.4 Action 4: Redefine the
Management of Conch Species FMU
Within the Queen Conch FMP
VerDate Mar<15>2010
MSY proxy = Median annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
MSY proxy = Mean annual landings selected by Council in Action 2(a).
TABLE 4.4.1—LIST OF CONCH SPECIES
WITHIN THE QUEEN CONCH FMP
NOT UNDERGOING OVERFISHING AS
ESTABLISHED IN THE CARIBBEAN
SFA AMENDMENT
Scientific names
Common names
Strombus gigas .........
Strombus costatus ....
Strombus pugilis .......
Queen conch.
Milk conch.
West Indian Fighting
Conch.
Roostertail Conch.
Hawkwing Conch.
True Tulip.
Atlantic Triton’s Trumpet.
Cameo Helmet.
Strombus gallus ........
Strombus raninus ......
Fasciolaria tulipa .......
Charonia variegata ....
Cassis
madagascarensis.
Astrea tuber ..............
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Green Start Shell.
4.5 Action 5. Geographic Allocation/
Management
Alternative 1. No Action. Maintain
U.S. Caribbean-wide reference points.
Alternative 2. Divide and manage
ACLs by island group (i.e., Puerto Rico,
St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix) based on
the preferred management reference
point time series selected by the Council
in Actions 1(a) and 2(a).
Alternative 2A. Use a mid-point or
equidistant method for dividing the EEZ
among islands.
Alternative 2B. Use a straight-line
approach for dividing the EEZ among
islands.
Alternative 2C. Use the St. Thomas
Fishermen’s Association
recommendation for dividing the EEZ
among islands.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2011 / Notices
4.6
Action 6: Annual Catch Limit
Allocation and Management
4.6.1 Action 6(a) Separation of
recreational and commercial sectors
(Puerto Rico only).
Alternative 1. No action. Do not
specify sector-specific ACLs.
Alternative 2. Specify separate
commercial and recreational ACLs
based on the preferred management
reference point time series.
4.6.2 Action 6(b) Establish bag limit
restrictions on recreational reef fish
harvest.
Alternative 1. No action. Do not
establish bag limit restrictions on
recreational reef fish harvest.
Alternative 2. Establish a 5-fish
aggregate bag limit per person per
fishing day (would not apply to a fisher
who has a valid commercial fishing
license)
Alternative 3. Establish a 2-fish
aggregate bag limit per person per
fishing day (would not apply to a fisher
who has a valid commercial fishing
license)
Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of
species in the surgeonfish FMU (would
not apply to a fisher who has a valid
commercial fishing license).
Alternative 5. Establish an aggregate
bag limit of 10 fish per fisher including
not more than two surgeonfish per
fisher or six surgeonfish per boat, and
30 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing
day (would not apply to a fishers who
has a valid commercial fishing license).
Alternative 6. Establish an aggregate
bag limit of 5 fish per fisher including
not more than two surgeonfish per
fisher or six surgeonfish per boat, and
15 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing
day (would not apply to a fisher who
has a valid commercial fishing license).
4.6.3 Action 6(c) Establish bag limit
restrictions on recreational spiny lobster
harvest.
Alternative 1. No action. Do not
establish bag limit restrictions on
recreational lobster harvest.
Alternative 2. Establish a 5-spiny
lobster aggregate bag limit per person
per fishing day (would not apply to a
fisher who has a valid commercial
fishing license).
Alternative 3. Establish a 2-spiny
lobster bag limit per person per fishing
day (would not apply to a fisher who
has a valid commercial fishing license).
Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of
spiny lobster (would not apply to a
fishers who has a valid commercial
fishing license).
Alternative 5. Establish a bag limit of:
5 spiny lobster per fisher and 15 spiny
lobster per boat on a fishing day (would
not apply to a fisher who has a valid
commercial fishing license).
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Alternative 6. Establish a bag limit of:
2 spiny lobster per fisher and 12 spiny
lobster per boat on a fishing day (would
not apply to a fisher who has a valid
commercial fishing license).
4.7 Action 7: Accountability Measures
for Species Considered in This
Amendment
Accountability measures (AMs) are
defined as management controls to
prevent ACLs, including sector-specific
ACLs, from being exceeded, and to
correct or mitigate overages of the ACL
if they occur (50 CFR 310(g)(1)).
4.7.1 Action 7(a) Triggering
accountability measures. Actions 1, 2, 3,
and 4 include alternatives to establish
and allocate ACLs. If an ACL is
exceeded, AM alternatives are provided
to address overages. Action 7
alternatives are presented in two parts,
the first addresses the triggering of AMs
and the second addresses the actual
actions needed to redress overages.
Alternative 1. No Action. Do not
establish criteria for triggering AMs.
Alternative 2. Trigger AMs if the ACL
is exceeded based upon:
Alternative 2A: A single year of
landings beginning with landings from
2011.
Alternative 2B: A single year of
landings beginning with landings from
2011, then a 2-year running average of
landings in 2012 (average of 2011+2012)
and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011–2012,
2012–2013, etc.).
Alternative 2C: A single year of
landings beginning with landings from
2011, a 2-year average of landings in
2012 (average of 2011+2012), then a 3year running average of landings in
2013 (average of 2011+2012+2013) and
thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011–2012, 2011–
2013, 2012–2014, etc.).
Alternative 3. Trigger AMs if the ACL
is exceeded as defined below unless
NOAA Fisheries’ SEFSC (in
consultation with the Council and its
SSC) determines the overage occurred
because data collection/monitoring
improved rather than because catches
actually increased:
Alternative 3A: A single year of
landings effective beginning 2011.
Alternative 3B: A single year of
landings effective beginning 2011, then
a 2-year running average of landings
effective 2012 and thereafter (i.e., 2011,
2011–2012, 2012–2013, etc.).
Alternative 3C: A single year of
landings effective beginning 2011, a 2year running average of landings
effective 2012, then a 3-year running
average of landings effective 2013 and
thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011–2012, 2011–
2013, 2012–2014, etc.).
PO 00000
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4.7.2 Action 7(b) Applying
accountability measures.
Alternative 1. No Action. Do not
apply AMs.
Alternative 2. If AMs are triggered,
based upon the preferred criteria chosen
in Action 7(a), reduce the length of the
fishing season for that species or species
group the year following the trigger
determination by the amount needed to
prevent such an overage from occurring
again. The needed changes will remain
in effect until modified.
Alternative 3. If AMs are triggered
based upon the preferred criteria chosen
in action 7(a), reduce the length of the
fishing season for that species or species
group the year following the trigger
determination by the amount needed to
prevent such an overage from occurring
again and to pay back the overage. The
needed changes will remain in effect
until modified.
4.8
Action 8: Framework Measures
4.8.1 Action 8(a): Establish
Framework Measures for Spiny Lobster
FMP.
Alternative 1: No Action. Do not
establish framework measures for the
Spiny Lobster FMP.
Alternative 2: Amend the framework
procedures for the Spiny Lobster FMP to
provide a mechanism to expeditiously
adjust the following reference points
and management measures through
framework action:
a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold
(MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality
Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC)
Control Rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction
of Fishing Gear With Endangered
Species or Marine Mammals.
Alternative 3: Amend the framework
procedures for the Spiny Lobster FMP to
provide the Council with a mechanism
to expeditiously adjust a subset of
management measures outlined in
Alternative 2.
4.8.2 Action 8 (b): Establish
Framework Measures for Corals and
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 135 / Thursday, July 14, 2011 / Notices
Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates
FMP.
Alternative 1: No Action. Do not
amend the current framework measures
for the Corals FMP.
Alternative 2: Amend the framework
procedures for the Coral FMP to provide
a mechanism to expeditiously adjust the
following reference points and
management measures through
framework action:
a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold
(MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality
Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC)
control rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction
of Fishing Gear With Endangered
Species or Marine Mammals.
Alternative 3: Amend the framework
procedures for the Coral FMP to provide
the Council with a mechanism to
expeditiously adjust a subset of
management measures outlined in
Alternative 2.
Written comments can be sent to the
Council not later than August 15, 2011,
or submitted at the Council meeting that
will take place at La Concha hotel, in
San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 30–31,
2011.
wreier-aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically
accessible to people with disabilities.
For more information or request for sign
language interpretation and other
auxiliary aids, please contact Mr.
´
Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director,
Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
˜
268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918–1920,
telephone (787) 766–5926, at least five
days prior to the meeting date.
Dated: July 8, 2011.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011–17674 Filed 7–13–11; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
the contact listed below (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
visiting the Internet at: https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental.htm.
The National Science Foundation
(NSF), which is providing funding to
UAGI to conduct the survey, has
prepared a draft ‘‘Environmental
Assessment of a Marine Geophysical
Survey by the R/V Marcus G. Langseth
in the Arctic Ocean, September–October
2011,’’ prepared by LGL Ltd.,
Environmental Research Associates
(LGL), on behalf of UAGI and NSF,
which is also available at the same
internet address. Documents cited in
this notice may also be viewed, by
appointment, during regular business
hours, at the aforementioned address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Candace Nachman, Office of Protected
Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
RIN 0648–XA568
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to
Specified Activities; Taking Marine
Mammals Incidental to a Marine
Geophysical Survey in the Arctic
Ocean, September–October 2011
Commerce, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS).
ACTION: Notice; proposed incidental
harassment authorization; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS has received an
application from the University of
Alaska Geophysics Institute (UAGI) for
an Incidental Harassment Authorization
(IHA) to take marine mammals, by
harassment, incidental to conducting a
marine geophysical seismic survey in
the Arctic Ocean during September–
October 2011. Pursuant to the Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS
is requesting comments on its proposal
to issue an IHA to UAGI to take, by
Level B harassment only, several species
of marine mammals during the specified
activity.
DATES: Comments and information must
be received no later than August 15,
2011.
SUMMARY:
Comments on the
application should be addressed to P.
Michael Payne, Chief, Permits,
Conservation and Education Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910. The mailbox address for
providing e-mail comments is
ITP.Nachman@noaa.gov. NMFS is not
responsible for e-mail comments sent to
addresses other than the one provided
here. Comments sent via e-mail,
including all attachments, must not
exceed a 10-megabyte file size.
Instructions: All comments received
are a part of the public record and will
generally be posted to https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/
incidental.htm without change. All
Personal Identifying Information (for
example, name, address, etc.)
voluntarily submitted by the commenter
may be publicly accessible. Do not
submit Confidential Business
Information or otherwise sensitive or
protected information.
A copy of the application used in this
document may be obtained by writing to
the address specified above, telephoning
ADDRESSES:
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Background
Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the
MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct
the Secretary of Commerce to allow,
upon request, the incidental, but not
intentional, taking of small numbers of
marine mammals by U.S. citizens who
engage in a specified activity (other than
commercial fishing) within a specified
geographical region if certain findings
are made and either regulations are
issued or, if the taking is limited to
harassment, a notice of a proposed
authorization is provided to the public
for review.
Authorization for incidental takings
shall be granted if NMFS finds that the
taking will have a negligible impact on
the species or stock(s), will not have an
unmitigable adverse impact on the
availability of the species or stock(s) for
subsistence uses (where relevant), and if
the permissible methods of taking and
requirements pertaining to the
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of
such takings are set forth. NMFS has
defined ‘‘negligible impact’’ in 50 CFR
216.103 as ‘‘* * * an impact resulting
from the specified activity that cannot
be reasonably expected to, and is not
reasonably likely to, adversely affect the
species or stock through effects on
annual rates of recruitment or survival.’’
Section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA
established an expedited process by
which citizens of the U.S. can apply for
an authorization to incidentally take
small numbers of marine mammals by
harassment. Section 101(a)(5)(D)
establishes a 45-day time limit for
NMFS review of an application
followed by a 30 day public notice and
comment period on any proposed
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 135 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41454-41463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17674]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RIN 0648-XA565]
Caribbean Fishery Management Council; Scoping Meetings
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public hearings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council will hold public
hearings to obtain input from fishers, the general public, and the
local agencies representatives on the Draft Comprehensive Amendment to
the FMPs establishing annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability
measures (AMs) for species not overfished or undergoing overfishing.
DATES AND ADDRESSES: The scoping meetings will be held on the following
dates and locations:
For Puerto Rico
August 2, 2011, DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan, De Diego Avenue, San
Juan, Puerto Rico.
August 3, 2011, Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino, 3315 Ponce By
Pass, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
August 4, 2011, Mayag[uuml]ez Holiday Inn, 2701 Hostos Avenue,
Mayag[uuml]ez, Puerto Rico.
For the U.S. Virgin Islands
August 3, 2011, The Buccaneer Hotel, Estate Shoys, Christiansted,
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
August 4, 2011, Holiday Inn (Windward Passage Hotel) Charlotte
Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
All meetings will be held from 7 to 10 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
268 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico
00918-1920, telephone (787) 766-5926.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Caribbean Fishery Management Council
will hold public hearings to receive public input on the following
management options. The complete document is available at: https://www.caribbeanfmc.com or you may contact Ms. Livia Montalvo at livia_montalvo_cfmc@yahoo.com, or the Council office at (787) 766-5926 to
obtain copies.
4.0 Actions and Alternatives
4.1 Action 1: Management Reference Points for Species not Undergoing
Overfishing within the Reef Fish FMP
4.1.1 Action 1(a). Establish a year sequence for determining
average annual landings for each species or species group within the
Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
Alternative 1. No action. Retain the year sequence as defined in
the 2005 Comprehensive Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendment (Caribbean
SFA Amendment).
Alternative 2. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of reliable
landings data.
Table 4.1.1--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial............................... 1988-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational............................. 2000-2009
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative 3. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of pre-Caribbean
SFA Amendment landings data that is considered consistently reliable
across all islands.
Table 4.1.2--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial............................... 1999-2005
Puerto Rico Recreational............................. 2000-2005
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2005
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 41455]]
Alternative 4. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Reef Fish FMP based on the longest year sequence of recent reliable
landings data.
Table 4.1.3--Year sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial............................... 1999-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational............................. 2000-2009
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative 5. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Reef Fish FMP based on the most recent five years of available
landings data.
Table 4.1.4--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Commercial............................... 2005-2009
Puerto Rico Recreational............................. 2005-2009
St. Croix............................................ 2004-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2004-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1.2 Action 1(b). Establish management reference points for the
reef fish species not undergoing overfishing.
Sub-Action 1. Establish management reference points for the reef
fish species not undergoing overfishing in Puerto Rico.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Sub-Action 2. Establish management reference points for the reef
fish species not undergoing overfishing in St Croix.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Sub-Action 3. Establish management reference points for the reef
fish species not undergoing overfishing in St. Thomas/St. John.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for species/species groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(o): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 1(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Table 4.1.4--Current MSY Proxy, OY and Overfishing Threshold Definitions
for Species/Species Groups
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Alternative 1--Status quo definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield......... MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) x (BCURR/
BMSY)]; where C is calculated based
on commercial landings for the
years 1997-2001 for Puerto Rico and
1994-2002 for the USVI, and on
recreational landings for the years
2000-2001.
Overfishing Threshold............. MFMT = FMSY.
Optimum Yield..................... OY = average yield associated with
fishing on a
continuing basis at FOY; where FOY =
0.75FMSY.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 4.1.5--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for the
Reef Fish Species not Undergoing Overfishing Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a).............. MSY proxy = Median annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Alternative 2(b).............. MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Alternative 2(c).............. MSY proxy = Maximum of a single year
of recreational landings x 3.
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(d).............. OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
to the ORCS scalar; overfishing
occurs when annual landings exceed
the OFL.
Alternative 2(e).................. OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
to the ORCS scalar; overfishing
occurs when annual landings exceed
the OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
(in consultation with the Caribbean
Fishery Management Council and its
SSC) determines the overage
occurred because data collection/
monitoring improved, rather than
because landings actually
increased.
Alternative 2(f).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL.
[[Page 41456]]
Alternative 2(g).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
(in consultation with the Caribbean
Fishery Management Council and its
SSC) determines the overage
occurred because data collection/
monitoring improved, rather than
because landings actually
increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
Control Rule:
Alternative 2(h).............. ABC= OFL.
Alternative 2(i).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.85].
Alternative 2(j).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.75].
Alternative 2(k).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(l).............. OY = ACL = ABC.
Alternative 2(m).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
Alternative 2(n).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
Alternative 2(o).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Action 2: Management Reference Points for the Caribbean Spiny
Lobster
4.2.1 Action 2(a). Establish a year sequence for determining
average annual landings for the Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
Alternative 1. No action. Retain the year sequence for Caribbean
Spiny Lobster FMP landings as defined in the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of
reliable landings data.
Table 4.2.1--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico.......................................... 1988-2009
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative 3. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of
pre-Caribbean SFA Amendment landings data that is considered
consistently reliable across all islands.
Table 4.2.2--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico.......................................... 1999-2005
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2005
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative 4. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the longest year sequence of
recent reliable landings data.
Table 4.2.3--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico.......................................... 1999-2009
St. Croix............................................ 1999-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2000-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative 5. Redefine management reference points or proxies for
the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP based on the most recent five years of
available landings data.
[[Page 41457]]
Table 4.2.4--Year Sequences by Island Group Under Alternative 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Year sequence
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico.......................................... 2005-2009
St. Croix............................................ 2004-2008
St. Thomas/St. John.................................. 2004-2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2.2 Action 2(b). Establish management reference points for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
Sub-Action 1. Establish management reference points for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in Puerto Rico.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for spiny losbter.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Sub-Action 2. Establish management reference points for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in St. Croix.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for spiny lobster.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Sub-Action 3. Establish management reference points for the
Caribbean Spiny Lobster in St. Thomas/St. John.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain current management reference
points or proxies for spiny lobster groups.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(n): Redefine management reference points
or proxies based on the year sequence of landings data as defined in
Action 2(a) Alternatives 1-5.
Table 4.2.4--Current MSY Proxy, OY and Overfishing Threshold Definitions
for Spiny Lobster
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point Alternative 1--Status quo definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield......... MSY proxy = C/[(FCURR/FMSY) x (BCURR/
BMSY)]; where C is calculated based
on commercial landings for the
years 1997-2001 for Puerto Rico and
1994-2002 for the USVI, and on
recreational landings for the years
2000-2001.
Overfishing Threshold............. MFMT = FMSY.
Optimum Yield..................... OY = average yield associated with
fishing on a
continuing basis at FOY; where FOY =
0.75FMSY.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 4.2.5--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for Spiny
Lobster Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a).............. MSY proxy = Median annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Alternative 2(b).............. MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(c).............. OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL.
Alternative 2(d).............. OFL = MSY proxy adjusted according
the ORCS scalar; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
(in consultation with the Caribbean
Fishery Management Council and its
SSC) determines the overage
occurred because data collection/
monitoring improved, rather than
because landings actually
increased.
Alternative 2(e).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL.
Alternative 2(f).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
(in consultation with the Caribbean
Fishery Management Council and its
SSC) determines the overage
occurred because data collection/
monitoring improved, rather than
because landings actually
increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
Control Rule:
Alternative 2(g).............. ABC= OFL.
Alternative 2(h).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.85].
Alternative 2(i).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.75].
Alternative 2(j).............. ABC= [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(k).............. OY = ACL = ABC.
Alternative 2(l).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
Alternative 2(m).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
Alternative 2(n).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 41458]]
4.3 Action 3: Redefine Management of the Aquarium Trade Species Fishery
Management Units (FMUs) Within the Reef Fish FMP and the Coral and Reef
Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP (Coral FMP)
4.3.1 Action 3(a): Redefine the management of aquarium trade
species FMU.
Alternative 1: No action. Retain aquarium trade species in both the
Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP (Coral FMP) and
the Reef Fish FMP as defined in the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2: Consolidate all aquarium trade species listed in the
FMP for Coral FMP and the Reef Fish FMP into a single FMP.
Alternative 2A: Move all aquarium trade species listed in the Coral
FMP into the Reef Fish FMP.
Alternative 2B: Move all of the aquarium trade species listed in
the Reef Fish FMP into the Coral FMP.
Alternative 2C: Move all of the aquarium trade species listed in
both the Coral FMP and the Reef Fish FMPs into a new FMP specific to
aquarium trade species.
Alternative 3: Remove all aquarium trade species from both the
Coral FMP and from the Reef Fish FMPs.
Alternative 4: Manage only those aquarium trade species listed in
either the Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP, for which landings data are
available during the year sequence chosen in Action 1(a). Remove
remaining aquarium trade species from the Coral FMP and the Reef Fish
FMP.
Alternative 4A: Aquarium trade species that continue to be
Federally-managed under this alternative will be retained in either the
Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP as listed after the Caribbean SFA
Amendment (Table 4.3.1).
Alternative 4B: Aquarium trade species that continue to be
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved
into the Coral FMP.
Alternative 4C: Aquarium trade species that continue to be
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved
into the Reef fish FMP.
Alternative 4D: Aquarium trade species that continue to be
Federally-managed under this alternative will be consolidated and moved
into a new FMP specific to aquarium trade species.
Alternative 5: Delegate management authority for all aquarium trade
species listed in either the Coral FMP or the Reef Fish FMP to the
jurisdiction of the appropriate commonwealth or territory as defined by
Action 5 of this document.
Table 4.3.1. List of all species included in the Aquarium Trade
category in both the Reef Fish and Coral FMPs. Table contents are
extracted from Table 8 of the Comprehensive Amendment to the FMPs of
the U.S. Caribbean to Address Required Provisions of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Caribbean SFA
Amendment).
Reef Fish FMP
Clepticus parrae, Creole wrasse.
Halichoeres garnoti, Yellowhead wrasse.
Halichoeres cyanocephalus, Yellowcheek wrasse.
Halichoeres maculipinna, Clown wrasse.
Thalassoma bifasciatum, Bluehead wrasse.
Liopropoma rubre, Swissguard basslet.
Gramma loreto, Royal gramma.
Microspathodon chrysurus, Yellowtail damselfish.
Stegastes adustus, Dusky damselfish.
Stegastes partitus, Bicolor damselfish.
Stegastes planifrons, Threespot damselfish.
Stegastes leucostictus, Beaugregory.
Chaetodon capistratus, Foureye butterflyfish.
Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout butterflyfish.
Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin butterflyfish.
Chaetodon striatus, Banded butterflyfish.
Serranus baldwini, Lantern bass.
Serranus annularis, Orangeback bass.
Serranus tabacarius, Tobaccofish.
Serranus tigrinus, Harlequin bass.
Serranus tortugarum, Chalk bass.
Opistognathus aurifrons, Yellowhead jawfish.
Opistognathus whitehursti, Dusky jawfish.
Xyrichtys novacula, Pearly razorfish.
Xyrichtys splendens, Green razorfish.
Echidna catenata, Chain moray.
Gymnothorax funebris, Green moray.
Gymnothorax miliaris, Goldentail moray.
Elacatinus oceanops, Neon goby.
Priolepis hipoliti, Rusty goby.
Equetus lanceolatus, Jackknife-fish.
Equetus punctatus, Spotted drum.
Chromis cyanea, Blue chromis.
Chromis insolata, Sunshinefish.
Abudefduf saxatilis, Sergeant major.
Astrapogon stellatus, Conchfish.
Apogon maculatua, Flamefish.
Amblycirrhitus pinos, Redspotted hawkfish.
Antennarius spp., Frogfish.
Bothus lunatus, Peacock flounder.
Chaetodipterus faber, Atlantic spadefish.
Canthigaster rostrata, Sharpnose puffer.
Centropyge argi, Cherubfish.
Diodon hystrix, Porcupinefish.
Dactylopterus volitans, Flying gurnard.
Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, Glasseye snapper.
Hypoplectrus unicolor, Butter hamlet.
Holocanthus tricolor, Rock beauty.
Myrichthys ocellatus, Goldspotted eel.
Ophioblennius macclurei, Redlip blenny.
Pareques acuminatus, High-hat.
Rypticus saponaceus, Greater sopafish.
Synodus intermedius, Sand diver.
Symphurus diomedianus, Caribbean tonguefish.
Family Syngnathidae, Pipefishes and Seahorses.
Family Ogcocephalidae, Batfish.
Family Scorpaenidae, Scorpionfish.
Table 4.3.1. (continued). List of all species included in the
Aquarium Trade category in both the Reef Fish and Coral FMPs. Table
contents are extracted from Table 8 of the Comprehensive Amendment to
the FMPs of the U.S. Caribbean to Address Required Provisions of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Caribbean SFA
Amendment).
Coral FMP
Aphimedon compressa, Erect rope sponge
Astrophyton muricatum, Giant basket star
Alpheaus armatus, Snapping shrimp
Aiptasia tagetes, Pale anemone
Astropecten spp., Sand stars
Analcidometra armata, Swimming crinoid
Bartholomea annulata, Corkscrew anemone
Cynachirella alloclada, sponge (no common name)
Condylactis gigantea, Giant pink-tipped anemone
Cyphoma gibbosum, Flamingo tongue
Chondrilla nucula, Chicken liver sponge
Diadema antillarum, Long-spined urchin
Davidaster spp., Crinoids
Discosoma spp., False coral
Echinometra spp., Purple urchin
Eucidaris tribuloides, Pencil urchin
Gonodactylus (Neogonodactylus) spp., Smashing mantis shrimp
Geodia neptuni, Potato sponge
Haliclona sp., Finger sponge
Holothuria spp., Sea cucumbers
Hereractis lucida, Knobby anemone
Lima spp., Fileclams
Lima scabra, Rough fileclam
Lytechinus spp., Pin cushion urchin
Lysmata spp., Peppermint shrimp
Linckia guildingii, Common comet star
Lysiosquilla spp., Spearing mantis shrimp
Lebrunia spp., Staghorn anemone
Mithrax spp., Clinging crabs
[[Page 41459]]
Mithrax cinctimanus, Banded clinging crab
Mithrax sculptus, Green clinging crab
Myriastra sp., sponge (no common name)
Niphates digitalis, Pink vase sponge
Niphates erecta, Lavender rope sponge
Nemaster spp., Crinoids
Ophiocoma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma spp., Brittlestars
Ophioderma rubicundum, Ruby brittlestar
Oreaster reticulatus, Cushion sea star
Ophidiaster guildingii, Comet star
Oliva reticularis, Netted olive
Octopus spp. (except the Common octopus, O. vulgaris)
Paguristes spp., Hermit crabs
Paguristes cadenati, Red reef hermit crab
Percnon gibbesi, Nimble spray crab
Periclimenes spp., Cleaner shrimp
Ricordia florida, Florida false coral
Stichodactyla helianthus, Sun anemone
Spirobranchus giganteus, Christmas tree worm
Sabellastarte magnifica, Magnificent duster
Sabellastarte spp., Tube worms
Stenopus scutellatus, Golden shrimp
Stenopus hispidus, Banded shrimp
Stenorhynchus seticornis, Yellowline arrow crab
Spondylus americanus, Atlantic thorny oyster
Spinosella plicifera, Iridescent tube sponge
Spinosella vaginalis, Lavendar tube sponge
Tripneustes ventricosus, Sea egg urchin
Thor amboinensis, Anemone shrimp
Tectitethya (Tethya) crypta, sponge (no common name)
Subphylum Urochordata, Tunicates
Tridachia crispata, Lettuce sea slug
Zoanthus spp., Sea mat
4.3.2 Action 3(b). Establish management reference points for the
aquarium trade species FMU. Alternative 1: No action. Keep the aquarium
trade species in the ``data collection only'' category as defined in
the Caribbean SFA Amendment.
Alternative 2(a) through 2(k): Establish management reference
points or proxies for the aquarium trade species based on alternative
selected in Action 3(a) and time series of landings data as defined in
Action 1(a) in Alternatives 1-5.
Table 4.3.2--Management Reference Points or Proxies Proposed for the
Aquarium Trade Species Under Alternative 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference Point
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sustainable Yield:
Alternative 2(a).............. MSY proxy = Median annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Alternative 2(b).............. MSY proxy = Mean annual landings
selected by Council in Action 2(a).
Overfishing Threshold:
Alternative 2(c).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL.
Alternative 2(d).............. OFL = MSY proxy; overfishing occurs
when annual landings exceed the
OFL, unless NOAA Fisheries'
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
(in consultation with the Caribbean
Fishery Management Council and its
SSC) determines the overage
occurred because data collection/
monitoring improved, rather than
because landings actually
increased.
Acceptable Biological Catch/ABC
Control Rule:
Alternative 2(e).............. ABC = OFL.
Alternative 2(f).............. ABC = [OFL x 0.85].
Alternative 2(g).............. ABC = [OFL x 0.75].
Alternative 2(h).............. ABC = [OFL x 0.50].
Optimum Yield/Annual Catch Limit:
Alternative 2(i).............. OY = ACL = ABC.
Alternative 2(j).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.85)].
Alternative 2(k).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.75)].
Alternative 2(l).............. OY = ACL = [ABC x (0.50)].
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.4 Action 4: Redefine the Management of Conch Species FMU Within the
Queen Conch FMP
Alternative 1: No action. Do not re-evaluate and revise the conch
species FMU.
Alternative 2: Remove all conch species, except for the queen conch
(Strombus gigas), from the Queen Conch FMP.
Alternative 3: Delegate management authority, for all conch species
except queen conch (Strombus gigas), listed in the Queen Conch FMP, to
the jurisdiction of the appropriate commonwealth or territory as
defined by Action 5.
Alternative 4: Retain all conch species under the Queen Conch FMP
and define management reference points or proxies based on the ACL
established for queen conch in the 2010 Caribbean ACL Amendment public
hearing draft.
Table 4.4.1--List of Conch Species Within the Queen Conch FMP Not
Undergoing Overfishing as Established in the Caribbean SFA Amendment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific names Common names
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strombus gigas............................ Queen conch.
Strombus costatus......................... Milk conch.
Strombus pugilis.......................... West Indian Fighting Conch.
Strombus gallus........................... Roostertail Conch.
Strombus raninus.......................... Hawkwing Conch.
Fasciolaria tulipa........................ True Tulip.
Charonia variegata........................ Atlantic Triton's Trumpet.
Cassis madagascarensis.................... Cameo Helmet.
Astrea tuber.............................. Green Start Shell.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.5 Action 5. Geographic Allocation/Management
Alternative 1. No Action. Maintain U.S. Caribbean-wide reference
points.
Alternative 2. Divide and manage ACLs by island group (i.e., Puerto
Rico, St. Thomas/St. John, St. Croix) based on the preferred management
reference point time series selected by the Council in Actions 1(a) and
2(a).
Alternative 2A. Use a mid-point or equidistant method for dividing
the EEZ among islands.
Alternative 2B. Use a straight-line approach for dividing the EEZ
among islands.
Alternative 2C. Use the St. Thomas Fishermen's Association
recommendation for dividing the EEZ among islands.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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4.6 Action 6: Annual Catch Limit Allocation and Management
4.6.1 Action 6(a) Separation of recreational and commercial sectors
(Puerto Rico only).
Alternative 1. No action. Do not specify sector-specific ACLs.
Alternative 2. Specify separate commercial and recreational ACLs
based on the preferred management reference point time series.
4.6.2 Action 6(b) Establish bag limit restrictions on recreational
reef fish harvest.
Alternative 1. No action. Do not establish bag limit restrictions
on recreational reef fish harvest.
Alternative 2. Establish a 5-fish aggregate bag limit per person
per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial
fishing license)
Alternative 3. Establish a 2-fish aggregate bag limit per person
per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial
fishing license)
Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of species in the surgeonfish
FMU (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial fishing
license).
Alternative 5. Establish an aggregate bag limit of 10 fish per
fisher including not more than two surgeonfish per fisher or six
surgeonfish per boat, and 30 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing day
(would not apply to a fishers who has a valid commercial fishing
license).
Alternative 6. Establish an aggregate bag limit of 5 fish per
fisher including not more than two surgeonfish per fisher or six
surgeonfish per boat, and 15 aggregate fish per boat on a fishing day
(would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial fishing
license).
4.6.3 Action 6(c) Establish bag limit restrictions on recreational
spiny lobster harvest.
Alternative 1. No action. Do not establish bag limit restrictions
on recreational lobster harvest.
Alternative 2. Establish a 5-spiny lobster aggregate bag limit per
person per fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid
commercial fishing license).
Alternative 3. Establish a 2-spiny lobster bag limit per person per
fishing day (would not apply to a fisher who has a valid commercial
fishing license).
Alternative 4. Prohibits the harvest of spiny lobster (would not
apply to a fishers who has a valid commercial fishing license).
Alternative 5. Establish a bag limit of: 5 spiny lobster per fisher
and 15 spiny lobster per boat on a fishing day (would not apply to a
fisher who has a valid commercial fishing license).
Alternative 6. Establish a bag limit of: 2 spiny lobster per fisher
and 12 spiny lobster per boat on a fishing day (would not apply to a
fisher who has a valid commercial fishing license).
4.7 Action 7: Accountability Measures for Species Considered in This
Amendment
Accountability measures (AMs) are defined as management controls to
prevent ACLs, including sector-specific ACLs, from being exceeded, and
to correct or mitigate overages of the ACL if they occur (50 CFR
310(g)(1)).
4.7.1 Action 7(a) Triggering accountability measures. Actions 1, 2,
3, and 4 include alternatives to establish and allocate ACLs. If an ACL
is exceeded, AM alternatives are provided to address overages. Action 7
alternatives are presented in two parts, the first addresses the
triggering of AMs and the second addresses the actual actions needed to
redress overages.
Alternative 1. No Action. Do not establish criteria for triggering
AMs.
Alternative 2. Trigger AMs if the ACL is exceeded based upon:
Alternative 2A: A single year of landings beginning with landings
from 2011.
Alternative 2B: A single year of landings beginning with landings
from 2011, then a 2-year running average of landings in 2012 (average
of 2011+2012) and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, etc.).
Alternative 2C: A single year of landings beginning with landings
from 2011, a 2-year average of landings in 2012 (average of 2011+2012),
then a 3-year running average of landings in 2013 (average of
2011+2012+2013) and thereafter (i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2011-2013, 2012-
2014, etc.).
Alternative 3. Trigger AMs if the ACL is exceeded as defined below
unless NOAA Fisheries' SEFSC (in consultation with the Council and its
SSC) determines the overage occurred because data collection/monitoring
improved rather than because catches actually increased:
Alternative 3A: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011.
Alternative 3B: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011,
then a 2-year running average of landings effective 2012 and thereafter
(i.e., 2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, etc.).
Alternative 3C: A single year of landings effective beginning 2011,
a 2-year running average of landings effective 2012, then a 3-year
running average of landings effective 2013 and thereafter (i.e., 2011,
2011-2012, 2011-2013, 2012-2014, etc.).
4.7.2 Action 7(b) Applying accountability measures.
Alternative 1. No Action. Do not apply AMs.
Alternative 2. If AMs are triggered, based upon the preferred
criteria chosen in Action 7(a), reduce the length of the fishing season
for that species or species group the year following the trigger
determination by the amount needed to prevent such an overage from
occurring again. The needed changes will remain in effect until
modified.
Alternative 3. If AMs are triggered based upon the preferred
criteria chosen in action 7(a), reduce the length of the fishing season
for that species or species group the year following the trigger
determination by the amount needed to prevent such an overage from
occurring again and to pay back the overage. The needed changes will
remain in effect until modified.
4.8 Action 8: Framework Measures
4.8.1 Action 8(a): Establish Framework Measures for Spiny Lobster
FMP.
Alternative 1: No Action. Do not establish framework measures for
the Spiny Lobster FMP.
Alternative 2: Amend the framework procedures for the Spiny Lobster
FMP to provide a mechanism to expeditiously adjust the following
reference points and management measures through framework action:
a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold (MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) Control Rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction of Fishing Gear With Endangered
Species or Marine Mammals.
Alternative 3: Amend the framework procedures for the Spiny Lobster
FMP to provide the Council with a mechanism to expeditiously adjust a
subset of management measures outlined in Alternative 2.
4.8.2 Action 8 (b): Establish Framework Measures for Corals and
[[Page 41463]]
Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates FMP.
Alternative 1: No Action. Do not amend the current framework
measures for the Corals FMP.
Alternative 2: Amend the framework procedures for the Coral FMP to
provide a mechanism to expeditiously adjust the following reference
points and management measures through framework action:
a. Quota Requirements.
b. Seasonal Closures.
c. Area Closures.
d. Fishing Year.
e. Trip/Bag Limit.
f. Size Limits.
g. Gear Restrictions or Prohibitions.
h. Fishery Management Units (FMUs).
i. Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
j. Annual Catch Limits (ACLs).
k. Accountability Measures (AMs).
l. Annual Catch Targets (ACTs).
m. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
n. Optimum Yield (OY).
o. Minimum Stock Size Threshold (MSST).
p. Maximum Fishing Mortality Threshold (MFMT).
q. Overfishing Limit (OFL).
r. Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rules.
s. Actions To Minimize the Interaction of Fishing Gear With Endangered
Species or Marine Mammals.
Alternative 3: Amend the framework procedures for the Coral FMP to
provide the Council with a mechanism to expeditiously adjust a subset
of management measures outlined in Alternative 2.
Written comments can be sent to the Council not later than August
15, 2011, or submitted at the Council meeting that will take place at
La Concha hotel, in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 30-31, 2011.
Special Accommodations
These meetings are physically accessible to people with
disabilities. For more information or request for sign language
interpretation and other auxiliary aids, please contact Mr. Miguel A.
Rol[oacute]n, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council,
268 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108, San Juan, Puerto Rico
00918-1920, telephone (787) 766-5926, at least five days prior to the
meeting date.
Dated: July 8, 2011.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-17674 Filed 7-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P