Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 32374-32375 [2013-12862]

Download as PDF 32374 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 104 / Thursday, May 30, 2013 / Notices antidumping duty order; preliminary ruling December 4, 2012. Interested parties are invited to comment on the completeness of this list of completed scope and anticircumvention inquiries. Any comments should be submitted to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for AD/CVD Operations, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., APO/Dockets Unit, Room 1870, Washington, DC 20230. This notice is published in accordance with 19 CFR 351.225(o). Dated: May 17, 2013. Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. [FR Doc. 2013–12765 Filed 5–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC600 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This exempted fishing permit would exempt commercial fishing vessels from the prohibition on landing unshucked surfclams into any container other than a standard surfclam/ocean quahog cage, and would allow project participants to test alternatives to the industry standard cage used in the Atlantic surfclam fishery. The research would be coordinated by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed exempted fishing permit. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 14, 2013. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:25 May 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Email: nero.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments on CCCHFA Atlantic surfclam EFP.’’ • Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, NE Regional Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ‘‘Comments on CCCHFA Atlantic surfclam EFP.’’ • Fax: (978) 281–9135. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Berthiaume, Fishery Management Specialist, 978–281–9177, Jason.Berthiaume@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association (CCCHFA) submitted a complete application for an exempted fishing permit on May 14, 2013, to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. The Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) would authorize up to three vessels to research the feasibility of a day-boat Atlantic surfclam fishery for smaller vessels based out of Cape Cod by testing alternatives to the large industry-standard cages and 32-bu (1,703.68 L) cage tags. The traditional cages do not fit on smaller day-boats and, as a result, vessels not capable of carrying a cage onboard must offload directly into cages. The applicant stated that offloading into cages can be burdensome and dangerous and the extra handling and the compression of clams in the bottom of the cage can lead to damaged product. The CCCHFA proposes to explore the use of smaller containers that would result in less damaged product, thus creating a market for a lower volume, high quality product. In addition, the applicant seeks to devise a means for tagging and quantifying cage equivalents. The Atlantic surfclam fishery manages quota allocations by using a tagging system, with each tag representing 32 bu (1,703.68 L) of allocation, or one cage. In addition to managing allocations, the tagging requirement is also important to maintain product chain of custody to allow harvested product to be tracked and disposed of, in the event the shellfish are harvested from contaminated waters and are determined to not be fit for human consumption. For these reasons, every cage containing surfclams must remain tagged from when the clams are first offloaded to the point of final disposition. Because this exempted fishing permit would exempt the cage requirements, by default the cageADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 tagging requirements would not be applicable. However, because tags are essential to carrying out the surfclam fishery, the applicants would work with NMFS and the National Band and Tag Company to convert standard cage tags into single-bushel tags to ensure all product harvested would be tagged. To allow for the flexibility to test a variety of experimental cage alternatives, 1-bu (53.24–L) tags would be developed and utilized on all cage alternatives. Surfclams would be landed in bushel increments using standardized fishery bushel methodology. Participants propose to test the viability of three different cage alternatives: 1. Standardized shellfish bag (1 bu (53.24 L)); 2. Standardized stackable fish tote (1 bu (53.24 L)); and 3. Standardized fish vat (used for skates and dogfish) (16 bu (851.84 L)). Standardized shellfish bags and stackable fish totes would each hold 1 bu (53.24 L) and would be tagged with a 1-bu (53.24–L) tag. The standardized fish vat measures nearly 16 bu (851.84 L), and would be tagged with no fewer than sixteen, 1-bu (53.24–L) tags. The shellfish bags and fish totes would be further constrained to weigh no more than 89 lb (40.4 kg), the standard weight equivalent of a single bushel of clams. Quota and tags would be tracked using methods consistent with the standard Atlantic surfclam fishery reporting requirements. All Atlantic surfclams would be sold to federally permitted dealers. In addition, when offloading to the dealer, weight samples would be taken to verify weights as to further develop the experimental containers. The target species would be Atlantic surfclam, with some possible landings of stinson’s clams. All clams caught would be sold and would be applied against the CCCHFA quota allocation of 31,136 bu (1.6 million L). A 4-ft (122cm) hydraulic clam dredge would be used on 30–40, 15-min tows, on up to 150 trips. The research would be conducted from June through October, in Federal waters surrounding Nantucket Island within 30 mi (48 km) of shore. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 104 / Thursday, May 30, 2013 / Notices outside of the envelope ‘‘Comments on SMAST monkfish RSA EFP.’’ • Fax: (978) 281–9135. scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: May 24, 2013. James P. Burgess, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–12862 Filed 5–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC597 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This exempted fishing permit would exempt vessels from monkfish days-at-sea possession limits to commercially harvest monkfish during compensation fishing in support of a project funded under the 2012 Monkfish Research SetAside Program. The primary goal of the research is to validate monkfish aging methods and would be conducted by the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, School for Marine Science and Technology. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed exempted fishing permits. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 14, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Email: nero.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments on SMAST Monkfish RSA EFP.’’ •Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:25 May 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Berthiaume, Fishery Management Specialist, 978–281–9177. The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) submitted a complete application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) on January 7, 2013, to conduct fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise prohibit. The EFP would exempt compensation fishing vessels from monkfish days-atsea (DAS) possession limits in the Northern and Southern Monkfish Fishery Management Areas (NFMA and SFMA). Fishing activity would otherwise be conducted under normal monkfish commercial fishing practices. The vessels would use standard commercial gear and land monkfish for sale. Compensation fishing may occur through April 2014. SMAST has been awarded 129 monkfish DAS under the 2012 Monkfish Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program to conduct research that focuses on validating the age of monkfish by incorporating a chemical marker into the age structures in a laboratory study and examining the influence of temperature. To facilitate compensation fishing in support of this research, the applicant has requested exemptions from monkfish DAS possession limits at 50 CFR 648.94(b)(1) and (2). The applicant stated that these exemptions would provide the vessels with flexibility to fulfill the financial needs of the project, while minimizing vessel operating expenses. Monkfish EFPs that waive possession limits were first issued in 2007, and each year thereafter through 2011. The EFPs were approved to increase operational efficiency and to optimize research funds generated from RSA DAS. To ensure that the amount of monkfish harvested by vessels operating under the EFPs was similar to the amount of monkfish that was anticipated to be harvested under the 500 RSA DAS set-aside by the New England Fishery Management Council, NMFS has used 3,600 lb (1,633 kg) of whole monkfish per RSA DAS. This amount of monkfish was the equivalent of a double possession limit of Permit Category A and C vessels fishing in the SFMA. This was deemed a reasonable approximation because it was reflective of how the standard monkfish commercial fishery operates. It is likely that RSA grant recipients optimize their SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32375 RSA DAS award by utilizing this possession limit. SMAST developed its RSA proposal and budget in a manner that was consistent with previously approved EFPs. However, prior to submission of the RSA proposal, NMFS implemented Amendment 5 to the Monkfish FMP. Amendment 5 adjusted the tail-towhole-weight conversion factor from 3.32 to 2.91, which essentially reduced the whole weight possession limits. Because this project was originally awarded DAS in fishing year 2012 and the budget was designed using 3,600 lb (1,633 kg) per DAS, the EFP, if approved, would allow this project to continue operating under this limit until the project’s conclusion on April 30, 2014. This project was awarded 129 DAS. Therefore, participating vessels could use up to 129 DAS, catch up to 464,400 lb (210,648 kg) whole monkfish, or fish under the EFP until April 30, 2014, whichever comes first. When applicable, or as required by the regulations, participating vessels may also concurrently use Northeast multispecies DAS while conducting monkfish compensation fishing. All catch of Northeast multispecies would be accounted for under applicable Northeast multispecies quotas. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: May 24, 2013. James P. Burgess, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–12864 Filed 5–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC551 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 104 (Thursday, May 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32374-32375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12862]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC600


Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic 
Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

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

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), 
has made a preliminary determination that an exempted fishing permit 
application contains all of the required information and warrants 
further consideration. This exempted fishing permit would exempt 
commercial fishing vessels from the prohibition on landing unshucked 
surfclams into any container other than a standard surfclam/ocean 
quahog cage, and would allow project participants to test alternatives 
to the industry standard cage used in the Atlantic surfclam fishery. 
The research would be coordinated by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook 
Fishermen's Association.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for 
proposed exempted fishing permit.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 14, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: nero.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line 
``Comments on CCCHFA Atlantic surfclam EFP.''
     Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, NE 
Regional Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark 
the outside of the envelope ``Comments on CCCHFA Atlantic surfclam 
EFP.''
     Fax: (978) 281-9135.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Berthiaume, Fishery Management 
Specialist, 978-281-9177, Jason.Berthiaume@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's 
Association (CCCHFA) submitted a complete application for an exempted 
fishing permit on May 14, 2013, to conduct commercial fishing 
activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. The Exempted 
Fishing Permit (EFP) would authorize up to three vessels to research 
the feasibility of a day-boat Atlantic surfclam fishery for smaller 
vessels based out of Cape Cod by testing alternatives to the large 
industry-standard cages and 32-bu (1,703.68 L) cage tags. The 
traditional cages do not fit on smaller day-boats and, as a result, 
vessels not capable of carrying a cage onboard must offload directly 
into cages. The applicant stated that offloading into cages can be 
burdensome and dangerous and the extra handling and the compression of 
clams in the bottom of the cage can lead to damaged product. The CCCHFA 
proposes to explore the use of smaller containers that would result in 
less damaged product, thus creating a market for a lower volume, high 
quality product.
    In addition, the applicant seeks to devise a means for tagging and 
quantifying cage equivalents. The Atlantic surfclam fishery manages 
quota allocations by using a tagging system, with each tag representing 
32 bu (1,703.68 L) of allocation, or one cage. In addition to managing 
allocations, the tagging requirement is also important to maintain 
product chain of custody to allow harvested product to be tracked and 
disposed of, in the event the shellfish are harvested from contaminated 
waters and are determined to not be fit for human consumption. For 
these reasons, every cage containing surfclams must remain tagged from 
when the clams are first offloaded to the point of final disposition. 
Because this exempted fishing permit would exempt the cage 
requirements, by default the cage-tagging requirements would not be 
applicable. However, because tags are essential to carrying out the 
surfclam fishery, the applicants would work with NMFS and the National 
Band and Tag Company to convert standard cage tags into single-bushel 
tags to ensure all product harvested would be tagged. To allow for the 
flexibility to test a variety of experimental cage alternatives, 1-bu 
(53.24-L) tags would be developed and utilized on all cage 
alternatives.
    Surfclams would be landed in bushel increments using standardized 
fishery bushel methodology. Participants propose to test the viability 
of three different cage alternatives:
    1. Standardized shellfish bag (1 bu (53.24 L));
    2. Standardized stackable fish tote (1 bu (53.24 L)); and
    3. Standardized fish vat (used for skates and dogfish) (16 bu 
(851.84 L)).
    Standardized shellfish bags and stackable fish totes would each 
hold 1 bu (53.24 L) and would be tagged with a 1-bu (53.24-L) tag. The 
standardized fish vat measures nearly 16 bu (851.84 L), and would be 
tagged with no fewer than sixteen, 1-bu (53.24-L) tags. The shellfish 
bags and fish totes would be further constrained to weigh no more than 
89 lb (40.4 kg), the standard weight equivalent of a single bushel of 
clams.
    Quota and tags would be tracked using methods consistent with the 
standard Atlantic surfclam fishery reporting requirements. All Atlantic 
surfclams would be sold to federally permitted dealers. In addition, 
when offloading to the dealer, weight samples would be taken to verify 
weights as to further develop the experimental containers.
    The target species would be Atlantic surfclam, with some possible 
landings of stinson's clams. All clams caught would be sold and would 
be applied against the CCCHFA quota allocation of 31,136 bu (1.6 
million L). A 4-ft (122-cm) hydraulic clam dredge would be used on 30-
40, 15-min tows, on up to 150 trips. The research would be conducted 
from June through October, in Federal waters surrounding Nantucket 
Island within 30 mi (48 km) of shore.
    If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and 
extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and 
extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed 
essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have 
minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially 
approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the

[[Page 32375]]

scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: May 24, 2013.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-12862 Filed 5-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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