Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool Fishery, 65888-65889 [2013-26318]
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65888
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 213 / Monday, November 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
longline fishing in the EPO, and
contribute to the long-term conservation
of bigeye tuna at levels that support
healthy fisheries.
DATES: Effective November 11, 2013
through December 31, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heidi Taylor, NMFS West Coast Region,
562–980–4039.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pelagic
longline fishing in the eastern Pacific
Ocean is managed, in part, under the
Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (Act), 16
U.S.C. 951–962. Under the Act, NMFS
must publish regulations to carry out
recommendations of the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that
have been approved by the Department
of State (DOS). The United States is a
member of the IATTC, which was
established under the Convention for
the Establishment of an Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission signed in
1949 (Convention) to provide an
international arrangement to ensure the
effective international conservation and
management of highly migratory species
of fish in the Convention Area.
The Convention Area for this purpose
is defined to include the waters of the
eastern Pacific bounded by the coast of
the Americas, the 50° N. and 50° S.
parallels, and the 150° W. meridian.
Regulations governing fishing by U.S.
vessels in accordance with the Act
appear at 50 CFR part 300, subpart C.
Those regulations implement
recommendations of the IATTC for the
conservation and management of highly
migratory fish resources in the eastern
Pacific Ocean.
The IATTC has recommended, and
the DOS approved, annual catch limits
of bigeye tuna for U.S. longline vessels.
For calendar year 2013, the catch and
landing of bigeye tuna by longline gear
in the Convention Area by fishing
vessels of the United States that are over
24 meters in overall length is limited to
500 metric tons (76 FR 68332,
November 4, 2011, and codified at 50
CFR 300.25).
NMFS monitored the retained catches
of bigeye tuna using logbook data
submitted by vessel captains and other
available information, and determined
that the 2013 catch limit is expected to
be reached on or by November 8, 2013.
In accordance with 50 CFR 300.25(b),
this temporary rule serves as advance
notification to fishermen, the fishing
industry, and the public that the U.S.
longline fishery for bigeye tuna in the
Convention Area will be closed starting
on November 11, 2013, through the end
of the 2013 calendar year. The 2014
fishing year is scheduled to open on
January 1, 2014.
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During the closure, a U.S. fishing
vessel over 24 meters in overall length
may not be used to retain on board,
transship, or land bigeye tuna captured
by longline gear in the Convention Area,
except as follows:
• Any bigeye tuna already on board a
fishing vessel upon the effective date of
the prohibitions may be retained on
board, transshipped, and/or landed, to
the extent authorized by applicable laws
and regulations, provided that they are
landed within 14 days after the
prohibitions become effective, that is, by
November 18, 2013.
• In the case of a vessel that has
declared to NMFS that the current trip
type is shallow-setting, the 14-day limit
is waived, but the number of bigeye
tuna retained on board, transshipped, or
landed must not exceed the number on
board the vessel upon the effective date
of the prohibitions, as recorded by the
NMFS observer on board the vessel.
• Bigeye tuna caught by longline gear
used on a vessel of the United States
over 24 meters in the Convention Area
may not be transshipped to a fishing
vessel unless that fishing vessel is
operated in compliance with a valid
permit issued under § 660.707 or
§ 665.801.
• A fishing vessel of the United States
over 24 meters, other than a vessel for
which a declaration has been made to
NMFS that the current trip is shallowsetting, may not be used to fish in the
Pacific Ocean using longline gear both
inside and outside the Convention Area
during the same fishing trip, with the
exception of a fishing trip during which
the prohibitions were put into effect.
• If a vessel over 24 meters that is not
on a declared shallow-set trip is used to
fish in the Pacific Ocean using longline
gear outside the Convention Area, and
the vessel enters the Convention Area at
any time during the same fishing trip,
the longline gear on the fishing vessel
must be stowed in a manner so as not
to be readily available for fishing.
Specifically, the hooks, branch lines,
and floats must be stowed and not
available for immediate use, and any
power-operated mainline hauler on
deck must be covered in such a manner
that it is not readily available for use.
Classification
There is good cause to waive prior
notice and opportunity for public
comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
This action is based on the best
available information and is necessary
for the conservation and management of
bigeye tuna. Compliance with the notice
and comment requirement would be
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest, since NMFS would be unable
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to ensure that the 2013 bigeye tuna
catch limit is not exceeded. The annual
catch limit is an important mechanism
to ensure that the U.S. complies with its
international obligations in preventing
overfishing and managing the fishery at
optimum yield. Moreover, NMFS
previously solicited public comments
on the rule that established the catch
limit (76 FR 68332, November 4, 2011).
For the same reasons, there is good
cause to establish an effective date less
than 30 days after date of publication of
this notice.
This action is required by § 300.25(b)
and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951–962 et seq.
Dated: October 31, 2013.
James P. Burgess,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–26450 Filed 10–31–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 130219149–3397–02]
RIN 0648- XC897
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
States; Northeast Multispecies
Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the
Common Pool Fishery
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason
adjustment of landing limits.
AGENCY:
This temporary rule increases
the possession limits for Gulf of Maine
cod, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail
flounder, Gulf of Maine winter flounder,
white hake, and pollock for Northeast
multispecies common pool vessels for
the remainder of the 2013 fishing year.
This action is being taken because catch
rates of these stocks are low. Increasing
these possession limits is intended to
provide additional fishing opportunities
and help allow the common pool fishery
to catch more of its quota for these
stocks.
SUMMARY:
Effective October 30, 2013,
through April 30, 2014.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sullivan, Fishery Management
Specialist, 978–282–8493.
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Liz
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 213 / Monday, November 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations governing the Northeast
(NE) multispecies fishery are found at
50 CFR part 648, subpart F. The
regulations at § 648.86(o) authorize the
NE Regional Administrator (RA) to
adjust the possession limits for common
pool vessels in order to facilitate harvest
of, or prevent exceeding the pertinent
common pool quotas during the fishing
year. Based on data reported through
October 16, 2013, the common pool
fishery has caught less than 20 percent
of its quota for Gulf of Maine (GOM)
cod, Cape Cod (CC)/GOM yellowtail
flounder, GOM winter flounder, white
hake, and pollock.
Table 2 contains the adjustments to
the possession limits that are
implemented in this action for Category
A days-at-sea (DAS) common pool
vessels. The regulations also require that
the cod possession limits for Handgear
A, Handgear B, and Small Vessel
Category permits be adjusted relative to
the cod trip limits for DAS vessels, and
these adjustments are specified in Table
65889
3. These trip limit adjustments for all
vessels is effective October 30, 2013,
through April 30, 2014. Common pool
groundfish vessels that are already at
sea when this action becomes effective
may land fish at the increased trip limit
levels. Catch will continue to be
monitored through dealer-reported
landings, vessel monitoring system
catch reports, and other available
information and, if necessary, additional
adjustments to common pool
management measures may be made.
TABLE 2—COMMON POOL POSSESSION LIMITS FOR FIVE GROUNDFISH STOCKS
Stock
Old DAS limit
New DAS limit
GOM Cod .............................
650 lb (294.8 kg) per DAS up to 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per
trip.
2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per trip.
GOM Winter Flounder ..........
White Hake ..........................
100 lb (45.4 kg) per DAS, up to 300 lb (136.1 kg) per
trip.
500 lb (226.8 kg) per DAS, up to 2,000 lb (907.2 kg)
per trip.
500 lb (226.8 kg) per trip ................................................
500 lb (226.8 kg) per trip ................................................
Pollock ..................................
10,000 lb (4,536 kg) per trip ...........................................
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder
2,000 lb (907.2 kg) per trip.
1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per DAS up to 3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
per trip.
Unlimited.
TABLE 3—GOM COD TRIP LIMITS FOR HANDGEAR A AND B AND SMALL VESSEL CATEGORY PERMITS
Permit category
Old trip limit
New trip limit
Handgear A ..........................
Handgear B ..........................
Small Vessel Category ........
100 lb (45.4 kg) per trip ..................................................
25 lb (11.3 kg) per trip ....................................................
Maximum of 100 lb (45.4 kg) of GOM cod within the
300-lb (136.1-kg) combined cod/yellowtail flounder
trip limit.
300 lb (136.1 kg) per trip.
75 lb (34.0 kg) per trip.
Up to 300 lb (136.1 kg) of GOM cod within the 300-lb
combined cod/yellowtail trip limit.
Classification
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
This action is required by 50 CFR part
648, and is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866.
The Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive
prior notice and the opportunity for
public comment because it would be
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest for the reasons stated below.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the AA
also finds good cause to waive the 30day delayed effectiveness period for the
same reasons.
The regulations at § 648.86(o)
authorize the RA to adjust the NE
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multispecies trip limits for common
pool vessels in order to prevent the
overharvest or underharvest of the
common pool quotas. The catch data
used as the basis for this action only
recently became available, and the trip
limit increases implemented through
this action reduces the probability of
underharvesting the common pool
quotas. As a result, the time necessary
to provide for prior notice and
comment, and a 30-day delay in
effectiveness, would prevent NMFS
from implementing the necessary trip
limit adjustments for these five stocks in
a timely manner, which could
undermine management objectives of
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
the NE Multispecies Fishery
Management Plan, and cause negative
economic impacts to the common pool
fishery. There is additional good cause
to waive the delayed effective period
because this action relieves restrictions
on fishing vessels by increasing trip
limits.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: October 30, 2013.
Emily H. Menashes,
Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–26318 Filed 10–30–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 213 (Monday, November 4, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65888-65889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26318]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 130219149-3397-02]
RIN 0648- XC897
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast
Multispecies Fishery; Trip Limit Adjustments for the Common Pool
Fishery
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; inseason adjustment of landing limits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This temporary rule increases the possession limits for Gulf
of Maine cod, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, Gulf of Maine
winter flounder, white hake, and pollock for Northeast multispecies
common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2013 fishing year. This
action is being taken because catch rates of these stocks are low.
Increasing these possession limits is intended to provide additional
fishing opportunities and help allow the common pool fishery to catch
more of its quota for these stocks.
DATES: Effective October 30, 2013, through April 30, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz Sullivan, Fishery Management
Specialist, 978-282-8493.
[[Page 65889]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations governing the Northeast (NE)
multispecies fishery are found at 50 CFR part 648, subpart F. The
regulations at Sec. 648.86(o) authorize the NE Regional Administrator
(RA) to adjust the possession limits for common pool vessels in order
to facilitate harvest of, or prevent exceeding the pertinent common
pool quotas during the fishing year. Based on data reported through
October 16, 2013, the common pool fishery has caught less than 20
percent of its quota for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, Cape Cod (CC)/GOM
yellowtail flounder, GOM winter flounder, white hake, and pollock.
Table 2 contains the adjustments to the possession limits that are
implemented in this action for Category A days-at-sea (DAS) common pool
vessels. The regulations also require that the cod possession limits
for Handgear A, Handgear B, and Small Vessel Category permits be
adjusted relative to the cod trip limits for DAS vessels, and these
adjustments are specified in Table 3. These trip limit adjustments for
all vessels is effective October 30, 2013, through April 30, 2014.
Common pool groundfish vessels that are already at sea when this action
becomes effective may land fish at the increased trip limit levels.
Catch will continue to be monitored through dealer-reported landings,
vessel monitoring system catch reports, and other available information
and, if necessary, additional adjustments to common pool management
measures may be made.
Table 2--Common Pool Possession Limits for Five Groundfish Stocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Old DAS limit New DAS limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM Cod..................... 100 lb (45.4 kg) per 650 lb (294.8 kg)
DAS, up to 300 lb per DAS up to 2,000
(136.1 kg) per trip. lb (907.2 kg) per
trip.
CC/GOM Yellowtail Flounder.. 500 lb (226.8 kg) 2,000 lb (907.2 kg)
per DAS, up to per trip.
2,000 lb (907.2 kg)
per trip.
GOM Winter Flounder......... 500 lb (226.8 kg) 2,000 lb (907.2 kg)
per trip. per trip.
White Hake.................. 500 lb (226.8 kg) 1,000 lb (453.6 kg)
per trip. per DAS up to 3,000
lb (1,361 kg) per
trip.
Pollock..................... 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) Unlimited.
per trip.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3--GOM Cod Trip Limits for Handgear A and B and Small Vessel
Category Permits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permit category Old trip limit New trip limit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Handgear A.................. 100 lb (45.4 kg) per 300 lb (136.1 kg)
trip. per trip.
Handgear B.................. 25 lb (11.3 kg) per 75 lb (34.0 kg) per
trip. trip.
Small Vessel Category....... Maximum of 100 lb Up to 300 lb (136.1
(45.4 kg) of GOM kg) of GOM cod
cod within the 300- within the 300-lb
lb (136.1-kg) combined cod/
combined cod/ yellowtail trip
yellowtail flounder limit.
trip limit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification
This action is required by 50 CFR part 648, and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the
opportunity for public comment because it would be impracticable and
contrary to the public interest for the reasons stated below. Pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day
delayed effectiveness period for the same reasons.
The regulations at Sec. 648.86(o) authorize the RA to adjust the
NE multispecies trip limits for common pool vessels in order to prevent
the overharvest or underharvest of the common pool quotas. The catch
data used as the basis for this action only recently became available,
and the trip limit increases implemented through this action reduces
the probability of underharvesting the common pool quotas. As a result,
the time necessary to provide for prior notice and comment, and a 30-
day delay in effectiveness, would prevent NMFS from implementing the
necessary trip limit adjustments for these five stocks in a timely
manner, which could undermine management objectives of the NE
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, and cause negative economic
impacts to the common pool fishery. There is additional good cause to
waive the delayed effective period because this action relieves
restrictions on fishing vessels by increasing trip limits.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: October 30, 2013.
Emily H. Menashes,
Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26318 Filed 10-30-13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
