Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops, 73500-73502 [2013-29206]

Download as PDF 73500 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2013 / Notices The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 4, 2014. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Emily Gilbert, 978–281–9244 or Emily.Gilbert@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Region manages the Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) fishery of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the East Coast under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The regulations implementing the FMP are at 50 CFR Part 648. To successfully implement and administer components of the FMP, OMB Control No. 0648–0491 includes the following information collections for scallop vessel owners, operators, and fishery participants: vessel monitoring system (VMS) trip declarations for all scallop vessels, including powerdown declarations; notification of access area trip termination for limited access scallop vessels; submission of access area compensation trip identification; submission of broken trip adjustment and access area trip exchange forms; VMS purchase and installation for individuals that purchase a federally permitted scallop vessel; submission of ownership cap forms for individual fishing quota (IFQ) scallop vessels; submission of vessel replacement, upgrade and permit history applications for IFQ, Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM), and Incidental Catch (IC) scallop vessels; submission of VMS prelanding notification form by IFQ vessels; enrollment into the state waters exemption program; submission of requests for IFQ transfers; payment of cost recovery bills for IFQ vessels; sector proposals for IFQ vessels and industry VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:28 Dec 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. participants; and sector operations plans for approved sector proposals. Data collected through these programs are incorporated into the NMFS database and are used to track and confirm vessel permit status and eligibility, scallop landings, and scallop vessel allocations. Aggregated summaries of the collected information will be used to evaluate the management program and future management proposals. Dated: December 2, 2013 Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. II. Method of Collection [FR Doc. 2013–29104 Filed 12–5–13; 8:45 am] Participants will submit electronic VMS transmissions and paper applications by mail, facsimile, or email. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P III. Data National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OMB Control Number: 0648–0491. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved collection). Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 783. Estimated Time per Response: VMS trip declaration, trip termination, compensation trip identification, powerdown provision, 2 minutes; broken trip adjustment and access area trip exchange, 10 minutes; VMS purchase and installation, 2 hours; IFQ ownership cap forms, 5 minutes; vessel replacement, upgrade and permit history applications, 3 hours; VMS prelanding notification form, 5 minutes; VMS state waters exemption program, 2 minutes; quota transfers, 10 minutes; cost recovery, 2 hours; sector proposals, 150 hours; sector operations plans, 100 hours; IFQ, Northern Gulf of Maine, and incidental catch vessel VMS requirements, 2 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,804. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $775,719. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RIN 0648–XC997 Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public workshops. AGENCY: Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in January, February, and March of 2014. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2014 and will be announced in a future notice. DATES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held on January 9, February 6, and March 20, 2014. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held on January 8, January 22, February 4, February 6, March 19, and March 20, 2014. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details. ADDRESSES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in Kenner, LA; Norfolk, VA; and Fort Pierce, FL. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2013 / Notices The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in Gulfport, MS; Portsmouth, NH; Wilmington, NC; Clearwater, FL; Houston, TX; and Port St. Lucie, FL. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details on workshop locations. Rick Pearson by phone: (727) 824–5399, or by fax: (727) 824–5398. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The workshop schedules, registration information, and a list of frequently asked questions regarding these workshops are posted on the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ workshops/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops Since January 1, 2008, Atlantic shark dealers have been prohibited from receiving, purchasing, trading, or bartering for Atlantic sharks unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on the premises of each business listed under the shark dealer permit that first receives Atlantic sharks (71 FR 58057; October 2, 2006). Dealers who attend and successfully complete a workshop are issued a certificate for each place of business that is permitted to receive sharks. These certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. Approximately 92 free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops have been conducted since January 2007. Currently, permitted dealers may send a proxy to an Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop. However, if a dealer opts to send a proxy, the dealer must designate a proxy for each place of business covered by the dealer’s permit which first receives Atlantic sharks. Only one certificate will be issued to each proxy. A proxy must be a person who is currently employed by a place of business covered by the dealer’s permit; is a primary participant in the identification, weighing, and/or first receipt of fish as they are offloaded from a vessel; and who fills out dealer reports. Atlantic shark dealers are prohibited from renewing a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate for each business location that first receives Atlantic sharks has been submitted with the permit renewal application. Additionally, trucks or other conveyances that are extensions of a dealer’s place of business must possess a copy of a valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:28 Dec 05, 2013 Jkt 232001 Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations 1. January 9, 2014, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 2610 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062. 2. February 6, 2014, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 1387 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502. 3. March 20, 2014, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 2655 Crossroads Parkway, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Registration To register for a scheduled Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop, please contact Eric Sander at esander@ peoplepc.com or at (386) 852–8588. Registration Materials To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items to the workshop: • Atlantic shark dealer permit holders must bring proof that the attendee is an owner or agent of the business (such as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable permit, and proof of identification. • Atlantic shark dealer proxies must bring documentation from the permitted dealer acknowledging that the proxy is attending the workshop on behalf of the permitted Atlantic shark dealer for a specific business location, a copy of the appropriate valid permit, and proof of identification. Workshop Objectives The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are designed to reduce the number of unknown and improperly identified sharks reported in the dealer reporting form and increase the accuracy of species-specific dealerreported information. Reducing the number of unknown and improperly identified sharks will improve quota monitoring and the data used in stock assessments. These workshops will train shark dealer permit holders or their proxies to properly identify Atlantic shark carcasses. Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops Since January 1, 2007, shark limitedaccess and swordfish limited-access permit holders who fish with longline or gillnet gear have been required to submit a copy of their Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop certificate in order to renew either permit (71 FR 58057; October 2, 2006). These certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. As such, vessel owners who have not already attended a workshop and PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73501 received a NMFS certificate, or vessel owners whose certificate(s) will expire prior to the next permit renewal, must attend a workshop to fish with, or renew, their swordfish and shark limited-access permits. Additionally, new shark and swordfish limited-access permit applicants who intend to fish with longline or gillnet gear must attend a Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and submit a copy of their workshop certificate before either of the permits will be issued. Approximately 166 free Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops have been conducted since 2006. In addition to certifying vessel owners, at least one operator on board vessels issued a limited-access swordfish or shark permit that uses longline or gillnet gear is required to attend a Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and receive a certificate. Vessels that have been issued a limitedaccess swordfish or shark permit and that use longline or gillnet gear may not fish unless both the vessel owner and operator have valid workshop certificates onboard at all times. Vessel operators who have not already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel operators whose certificate(s) will expire prior to their next fishing trip, must attend a workshop to operate a vessel with swordfish and shark limited-access permits that uses longline or gillnet gear. Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations 1. January 8, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 9515 U.S. Highway 49, Gulfport, MS 39503. 2. January 22, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Holiday Inn, 300 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801. 3. February 4, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 6745 Rock Spring Road, Wilmington, NC 28405. 4. February 6, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 2580 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33765. 5. March 19, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 8080 South Main Street, Houston, TX 77025. 6. March 20, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Holiday Inn, 10120 Northwest Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. Registration To register for a scheduled Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop, please contact Angler Conservation Education at (386) 682–0158. E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1 73502 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2013 / Notices Registration Materials To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items with them to the workshop: • Individual vessel owners must bring a copy of the appropriate swordfish and/or shark permit(s), a copy of the vessel registration or documentation, and proof of identification. • Representatives of a businessowned or co-owned vessel must bring proof that the individual is an agent of the business (such as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable swordfish and/or shark permit(s), and proof of identification. • Vessel operators must bring proof of identification. Workshop Objectives The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are designed to teach longline and gillnet fishermen the required techniques for the safe handling and release of entangled and/or hooked protected species, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and smalltooth sawfish. In an effort to improve reporting, the proper identification of protected species will also be taught at these workshops. Additionally, individuals attending these workshops will gain a better understanding of the requirements for participating in these fisheries. The overall goal of these workshops is to provide participants with the skills needed to reduce the mortality of protected species, which may prevent additional regulations on these fisheries in the future. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 3, 2013. Sean F. Corson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–29206 Filed 12–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES National Telecommunications and Information Administration Multistakeholder Process To Develop Consumer Data Privacy Code of Conduct Concerning Facial Recognition Technology National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meetings. AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:28 Dec 05, 2013 The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene meetings of a privacy multistakeholder process concerning the commercial use of facial recognition technology. This Notice announces the meetings to be held in February, March, April, May, and June 2014. The first meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2014. DATES: The meetings will be held on February 6, 2014; February 25, 2014; March 25, 2014; April 8, 2014; April 29, 2014; May 20, 2014; June 3, 2014; and June 24, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held in the Boardroom at the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Verdi, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4725, Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–8238; email jverdi@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to NTIA’s Office of Public Affairs, (202) 482–7002; email press@ntia.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: On February 23, 2012, the White House released Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World: A Framework for Protecting Privacy and Promoting Innovation in the Global Digital Economy (the ‘‘Privacy Blueprint’’).1 The Privacy Blueprint directs NTIA to convene multistakeholder processes to develop legally enforceable codes of conduct that specify how the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights applies in specific business contexts.2 On July 12, 2012, NTIA convened the first multistakeholder process, in which stakeholders developed a code of conduct to provide transparency in how companies providing applications and interactive services for mobile devices handle personal data.3 On December 3, 2013, NTIA announced that the goal of the second multistakeholder process is to develop a code of conduct to protect consumers’ privacy and promote trust regarding facial recognition technology SUMMARY: Jkt 232001 1 The Privacy Blueprint is available at https:// www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/privacyfinal.pdf. 2 Id. 3 NTIA, First Privacy Multistakeholder Meeting: July 12, 2012, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/otherpublication/2012/first-privacy-multistakeholdermeeting-july-12-2012 NTIA, Privacy Multistakeholder Process: Mobile Application Transparency, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/otherpublication/2013/privacy-multistakeholder-processmobile-application-transparency. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 in the commercial context.4 NTIA encourages stakeholders to address in the code all seven fair information practice principles enumerated in the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. Matters to Be Considered: The February 6, 2014 meeting will be the first in a series of NTIA-convened multistakeholder discussions concerning facial recognition technology. Subsequent meetings will follow on February 25, 2014; March 25, 2014; April 8, 2014; April 29, 2014; May 20, 2014; June 3, 2014; and June 24, 2014. Stakeholders will engage in an open, transparent, consensus-driven process to develop a code of conduct regarding facial recognition technology. The objective of the February 6, 2014, meeting is to convene a factual, stakeholder-driven dialogue regarding the technical capabilities and commercial uses of facial recognition technology. This dialogue will likely involve a series of discussion panels and Q&A sessions featuring knowledgeable stakeholders from industry, civil society, and academia. This first meeting is intended to provide stakeholders with factual background regarding how facial recognition technology is currently used by businesses, how the technology might be employed in the near future, and what privacy issues might be raised by the technology. NTIA will publish a draft agenda on December 20, 2013 and a final agenda on January 17, 2014. The objectives of the February 25, 2014 meeting are: 1) Begin discussion among stakeholders concerning a code of conduct that sets forth privacy practices for facial recognition technology (this discussion may include circulation of straw-man drafts and discussion of the appropriate scope of a code); and 2) provide a venue for stakeholders to agree on the procedural work plan for the group (this might include establishing working groups, drafting procedures, and/or modifying the logistics of future meetings). The March 25, 2014; April 8, 2014; April 29, 2014; May 20, 2014; June 3, 2014; and June 24, 2014 meetings are intended to serve as venues for stakeholders to discuss, draft, revise, and finalize a privacy code of conduct that sets forth privacy practices for facial recognition technology. NTIA suggests that stakeholders consider ‘‘freezing’’ the draft code of conduct after the June 24, 2014 meeting in order to facilitate external review of the draft. 4 NTIA, Facial Recognition Technology, https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/other-publication/2013/privacymultistakeholder-process-facial-recognitiontechnology. E:\FR\FM\06DEN1.SGM 06DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 235 (Friday, December 6, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73500-73502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29206]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC997


Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and 
Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

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

ACTION: Notice of public workshops.

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

SUMMARY: Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected 
Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be 
held in January, February, and March of 2014. Certain fishermen and 
shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet regulatory 
requirements and to maintain valid permits. Specifically, the Atlantic 
Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted 
Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, 
and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and 
operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, 
and who have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access 
permits. Additional free workshops will be conducted during 2014 and 
will be announced in a future notice.

DATES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held on 
January 9, February 6, and March 20, 2014.
    The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification 
Workshops will be held on January 8, January 22, February 4, February 
6, March 19, and March 20, 2014.
    See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details.

ADDRESSES: The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in 
Kenner, LA; Norfolk, VA; and Fort Pierce, FL.

[[Page 73501]]

    The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification 
Workshops will be held in Gulfport, MS; Portsmouth, NH; Wilmington, NC; 
Clearwater, FL; Houston, TX; and Port St. Lucie, FL.
    See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details on workshop 
locations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Pearson by phone: (727) 824-5399, 
or by fax: (727) 824-5398.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The workshop schedules, registration 
information, and a list of frequently asked questions regarding these 
workshops are posted on the Internet at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/workshops/.

Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops

    Since January 1, 2008, Atlantic shark dealers have been prohibited 
from receiving, purchasing, trading, or bartering for Atlantic sharks 
unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop certificate is on 
the premises of each business listed under the shark dealer permit that 
first receives Atlantic sharks (71 FR 58057; October 2, 2006). Dealers 
who attend and successfully complete a workshop are issued a 
certificate for each place of business that is permitted to receive 
sharks. These certificate(s) are valid for 3 years. Approximately 92 
free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops have been conducted since 
January 2007.
    Currently, permitted dealers may send a proxy to an Atlantic Shark 
Identification Workshop. However, if a dealer opts to send a proxy, the 
dealer must designate a proxy for each place of business covered by the 
dealer's permit which first receives Atlantic sharks. Only one 
certificate will be issued to each proxy. A proxy must be a person who 
is currently employed by a place of business covered by the dealer's 
permit; is a primary participant in the identification, weighing, and/
or first receipt of fish as they are offloaded from a vessel; and who 
fills out dealer reports. Atlantic shark dealers are prohibited from 
renewing a Federal shark dealer permit unless a valid Atlantic Shark 
Identification Workshop certificate for each business location that 
first receives Atlantic sharks has been submitted with the permit 
renewal application. Additionally, trucks or other conveyances that are 
extensions of a dealer's place of business must possess a copy of a 
valid dealer or proxy Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop 
certificate.

Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations

    1. January 9, 2014, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 2610 
Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062.
    2. February 6, 2014, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 1387 
North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502.
    3. March 20, 2014, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 2655 
Crossroads Parkway, Fort Pierce, FL 34945.

Registration

    To register for a scheduled Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop, 
please contact Eric Sander at esander@peoplepc.com or at (386) 852-
8588.

Registration Materials

    To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct 
permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items 
to the workshop:
     Atlantic shark dealer permit holders must bring proof that 
the attendee is an owner or agent of the business (such as articles of 
incorporation), a copy of the applicable permit, and proof of 
identification.
     Atlantic shark dealer proxies must bring documentation 
from the permitted dealer acknowledging that the proxy is attending the 
workshop on behalf of the permitted Atlantic shark dealer for a 
specific business location, a copy of the appropriate valid permit, and 
proof of identification.

Workshop Objectives

    The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are designed to reduce 
the number of unknown and improperly identified sharks reported in the 
dealer reporting form and increase the accuracy of species-specific 
dealer-reported information. Reducing the number of unknown and 
improperly identified sharks will improve quota monitoring and the data 
used in stock assessments. These workshops will train shark dealer 
permit holders or their proxies to properly identify Atlantic shark 
carcasses.

Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

    Since January 1, 2007, shark limited-access and swordfish limited-
access permit holders who fish with longline or gillnet gear have been 
required to submit a copy of their Protected Species Safe Handling, 
Release, and Identification Workshop certificate in order to renew 
either permit (71 FR 58057; October 2, 2006). These certificate(s) are 
valid for 3 years. As such, vessel owners who have not already attended 
a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel owners whose 
certificate(s) will expire prior to the next permit renewal, must 
attend a workshop to fish with, or renew, their swordfish and shark 
limited-access permits. Additionally, new shark and swordfish limited-
access permit applicants who intend to fish with longline or gillnet 
gear must attend a Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and 
Identification Workshop and submit a copy of their workshop certificate 
before either of the permits will be issued. Approximately 166 free 
Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops 
have been conducted since 2006.
    In addition to certifying vessel owners, at least one operator on 
board vessels issued a limited-access swordfish or shark permit that 
uses longline or gillnet gear is required to attend a Protected Species 
Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop and receive a 
certificate. Vessels that have been issued a limited-access swordfish 
or shark permit and that use longline or gillnet gear may not fish 
unless both the vessel owner and operator have valid workshop 
certificates onboard at all times. Vessel operators who have not 
already attended a workshop and received a NMFS certificate, or vessel 
operators whose certificate(s) will expire prior to their next fishing 
trip, must attend a workshop to operate a vessel with swordfish and 
shark limited-access permits that uses longline or gillnet gear.

Workshop Dates, Times, and Locations

    1. January 8, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 9515 U.S. Highway 
49, Gulfport, MS 39503.
    2. January 22, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday Inn, 300 Woodbury 
Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
    3. February 4, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 6745 Rock 
Spring Road, Wilmington, NC 28405.
    4. February 6, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 2580 Gulf 
to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33765.
    5. March 19, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 8080 South 
Main Street, Houston, TX 77025.
    6. March 20, 2014, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday Inn, 10120 Northwest 
Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

Registration

    To register for a scheduled Protected Species Safe Handling, 
Release, and Identification Workshop, please contact Angler 
Conservation Education at (386) 682-0158.

[[Page 73502]]

Registration Materials

    To ensure that workshop certificates are linked to the correct 
permits, participants will need to bring the following specific items 
with them to the workshop:
     Individual vessel owners must bring a copy of the 
appropriate swordfish and/or shark permit(s), a copy of the vessel 
registration or documentation, and proof of identification.
     Representatives of a business-owned or co-owned vessel 
must bring proof that the individual is an agent of the business (such 
as articles of incorporation), a copy of the applicable swordfish and/
or shark permit(s), and proof of identification.
     Vessel operators must bring proof of identification.

Workshop Objectives

    The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification 
Workshops are designed to teach longline and gillnet fishermen the 
required techniques for the safe handling and release of entangled and/
or hooked protected species, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and 
smalltooth sawfish. In an effort to improve reporting, the proper 
identification of protected species will also be taught at these 
workshops. Additionally, individuals attending these workshops will 
gain a better understanding of the requirements for participating in 
these fisheries. The overall goal of these workshops is to provide 
participants with the skills needed to reduce the mortality of 
protected species, which may prevent additional regulations on these 
fisheries in the future.

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

    Dated: December 3, 2013.
Sean F. Corson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-29206 Filed 12-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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