Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings, 9890-9893 [2014-03723]

Download as PDF 9890 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2014 / Notices Petition Finding After reviewing the information contained in the petition, as well as information readily available in our files, we conclude that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted for ´ the Galapagos fur seal, Arctocephalus galapagoensis. In contrast, as described above, we find that there is substantial scientific information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted for Hector’s dolphin, Cephalorhynchus hectori; the BSS of the harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena; the ETS subpopulation of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis; and the Fiordland subpopulation of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. We hereby announce the initiation of status reviews for each of these four entities to determine whether the petition actions are warranted. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Information Solicited To ensure that the status reviews are based on the best available scientific and commercial data, we are soliciting information relevant to whether Hector’s dolphin, the BSS of harbor porpoise, the ETS subpopulation of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and the Fiordland subpopulation of bottlenose dolphin may warrant listing as threatened or endangered under the ESA. Specifically, we are soliciting data and information, including unpublished data and information, in the following areas: (1) Historical and current distribution and abundance of Hector’s dolphin and the petitioned subpopulations of harbor porpoise, Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, and bottlenose dolphin throughout their range; (2) historical and current population trends; (3) life history and habitat requirements (4) genetic analyses of subpopulations, populations or subspecies; (5) past, current and future threats, including any current or planned activities that may adversely impact these marine mammals; (6) ongoing or planned efforts to protect and restore the marine mammals and their habitat; and (7) management, regulatory, and enforcement information. We request that all information be accompanied by: (1) Supporting documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, or reprints of pertinent publications; and (2) the submitter’s name, address, and any association, institution, or business that the person represents. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:09 Feb 20, 2014 Jkt 232001 References Cited A complete list of references is available upon request to the Office of Protected Resources (see ADDRESSES). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: February 14, 2014. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–03735 Filed 2–20–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD143 Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings and hearings. AGENCY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold meetings of its 115th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and its 159th Council meeting to take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. The Council will also convene meetings of the Marianas Plan Team (PT), Guam Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee (REAC), the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) REAC, the Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel (AP) and the Council’s Program Planning Standing Committee and Executive and Budget Standing Committee. DATES: The meetings will be held from March 11 through March 21, 2014. For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: Council office, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813; telephone: (808) 522–8220. Guam Hilton Hotel, 202 Hilton Road, Tumon Bay, Guam GU 96913; telephone: (671) 646–1835. Fiesta Hotel, Saipan Beach, Garapan, MP CNMI 96950; telephone: (670) 234– 6412. Background documents will be available from, and written comments should be sent to, Mr. Arnold Palacios, Chair, Western Pacific Fishery SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, telephone: (808) 522–8220 or fax: (808) 522–8226. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; telephone: (808) 522–8220. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 115th SSC meeting will be held in Honolulu on March 11–13, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; the Marianas PT on March 14, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; the CNMI REAC will meet on March 14, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon.; The Joint Marianas PT and AP on March 14, 2014 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and March 15, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and the Guam REAC will meet on March 19, 2014 between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Council’s Executive and Budget Standing Committee will meet on Saipan on March 16, 2014 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and its Program Planning Standing Committee will meet on Saipan on March 17, 2014 between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.; and the 159th Council Meeting will be held on Saipan between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 17, 2004 and on Guam between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 18, 2014; and in Guam between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 20, 2014, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 21, 2014. In addition, the Council will host Fishers Forums on Saipan on March 17, 2014 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and on Guam on March 20, 2014 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The 115th SSC will be held at the Council’s Office in Honolulu; the Guam REAC, Marianas PT and AP will be held at the Guam Hilton Hotel, Tumon Bay, Guam; the Council’s Standing Committees, the CNMI REAC, the 159th Council Meeting on March 17 and 18 and Fishers Forum on March 17 will be held at the Fiesta Hotel, Garapan, Saipan, CNMI. The Council Meeting on March 20 and 21 and the Fishers Forum on March 20 will be held at the Guam Hilton Hotel. In addition to the agenda items listed here, the SSC and Council will hear recommendations from Council advisory groups. Public comment periods will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which agenda items are addressed may change. The meetings will run as late as necessary to complete scheduled business. Schedule and Agenda for 115th SSC Meeting 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2014 1. Introductions 2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2014 / Notices B. SSC Subcommittee Review of the Insular False Killer Whale Photo-ID Data Analysis C. Update on the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports D. Analysis of Impacts under the Deepset Longline Biological Opinion E. Updates on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Actions 1. Results of an Update of the Corals of the World Information Base 2. Proposed Rule to List 66 Species of Coral as Endangered or Threatened under the ESA 3. Green Turtle Status Review 4. North Pacific Humpback Whale Petition 5. Proposed 2014 List of Fisheries 6. Other Relevant Actions F. Report of the Protected Species Advisory Committee Meeting G. Public Comment H. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2014 rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 3. Status of the 115th SSC Meeting Recommendations 4. Report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director 5. Remarks from the New NMFS Senior Scientist for Ecosystem Research 6. Insular Fisheries A. Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Area (BRFA) Management Plan B. Report from MHI Bottomfish Working Group Research Priorities C. Report on the CNMI Bottomfish Scoping (Action Item) D. Informing Creel Survey Adjustment Factors Using Village-based Fisheries Profiles E. Estimation of Catch Weight of Reef Fish from Hawaii Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey (HMRFSS) F. Hawaii Kumu (White-saddle Goatfish) Stock Assessment G. Public Comment H. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 7. Program Planning A. Report from P-star Working Group (Action Item) B. Specifying Acceptable Biological Catches for the Coral Reef Species in the Western Pacific Region (Action Item) C. Social Science Program Plan D. Public Comment E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 8. Pelagic Fisheries A. Longline Fisheries Quarterly Reports 1. Hawaii 2. American Samoa B. Economic Collapse of American Samoa Longline Fishery (Action Item) C. Experimental Fishing Permit— American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited Area (Action Item) D. Modifying Hawaii Longline Fishery Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit (Action Item) E. Bigeye Tuna Movement Workshop F. Disproportionate Burden Workshop G. Workshop on Ecosystem Approaches to Pelagic Fisheries Management H. International Fisheries 1. 10th Regular Session of the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC 10) 2. International Scientific Committee (ISC) I. Public Comment J. SSC Discussion and Recommendations 9. Protected Species A. Leatherback Turtle Bycatch Analysis and Revised TurtleWatch 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of the Agenda 3. Assignment of Rapporteurs 4. Report on Previous Plan Team Recommendations and Council Actions 5. Review of the Status of the Western Pacific Insular Fisheries A. Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands i. Update of fishery dependent and independent studies ii. Coral Reef Fisheries iii. Incorporating BioSampling Data in the Annual Report iv. Bottomfish Fisheries v. Discussions B. Guam i. Update of Fishery Dependent and Independent Studies ii. Coral Reef Fisheries iii. Report on Data Summaries for the Guam BioSampling Program iv. Bottomfish Fisheries v. Discussions 6. Discussion on the Non-Commercial Module for the Annual Report 7. Planning for the Joint Archipelagic Plan Team Meeting VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:09 Feb 20, 2014 Jkt 232001 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2014 10. Other Business A. Electronic Monitoring Workshop B. Fishery Ecosystem Plans (FEP) and Program Review C. 116th SSC Meeting 11. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council Schedule and Agenda for Marianas PT Meeting PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9891 8. Pre-Workshop Activities for the Technical Committee of the Fishery Data Collection and Research Committee 9. General Discussions 10. Other Business 11. Public Comment Schedule and Agenda for CNMI REAC Meeting 8:30 a.m.–12 noon, Friday, March 14, 2014 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Status Report on 158th Council Meeting Recommendations regarding CNMI 3. Council Action Items for 159th meeting A. CNMI Bottomfish Management— Removing the 50 Nautical Mile Area Closure for Large Vessels Fishing Around the CNMI Southern Islands B. Coral Reef Annual Catch Limits C. Discussion and Recommendations 4. Local CNMI Issues A. President Proclamation on Territorial Waters B. Status of Local Activities to Address Conflicting Shark Regulations i. Legislative ii. Administration C. Military Activities i. Prepositioning Ships ii. Tinian, Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) and Pagan iii. Discussion and Recommendations 5. Other Business 6. Public Comment 7. Discussion and Recommendations Schedule and Agenda for Joint Marianas PT and AP Meeting 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Status of the Marianas Fisheries 3. Status of the Council a. New at the Council i. Advisory Group Changes (NonCommercial Fisheries Advisory Committee, Protected Species Advisory Committee, Education, Climate Change and Marine Spatial Planning) ii. AP Solicitation This Year (New 4year Term Starting 2015) iii. Outreach-Web site, E-newsletter, etc. b. Status of 2013 AP Recommendations c. Council Action Items i. Annual Catch Limits for Coral Reef Species ii. CNMI Bottomfish Management— Removing the 50 Nautical Mile Area Closure for Large Vessels Fishing Around the CNMI Southern Islands d. Updates on Projects and Issues i. Data Collection Efforts E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 9892 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2014 / Notices 1. Guam Military Data Collection Project 2. CNMI Data Collection Efforts ii. Fishery Development 1. Guam Projects 2. CNMI Projects iii. Community Projects 1. Malesso Community-based Marine Resource Plan 4. Advisory Panel Reports a. Guam b. CNMI 5. Public Comment 6. Day 1 Recommendations and Wrapup 7. Day 2 Workshop Introduction and Expectations 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 8. Marianas Fishery Ecosystem Plan Review and Priorities Workshop a. Plenary-Overview and Purpose, Setting the Process Stage i. Current/Traditional Approaches to Management ii. Current Policies, Regulations and Factors iii. Review of Available Information iv. Review of Regulatory Regime v. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and Habitat of Particular Concern (HAPC) vi. Instructions for Plenary and Breakout b. Breakout Session 1: Data Gathering c. Breakout Session 2: Defining Needs and Priorities d. Plenary-Report Back from Groups e. Breakout Session 3: Developing Management Strategies and Measures f. Breakout Session 4: Crafting an Effective Plan g. Plenary-Report Back from Groups h. Plenary-Wrap-up and Discussion 4. NOAA Initiatives A. NOAA Research Cruise Plans for the Mariana Islands B. NOAA Habitat Blueprint Designation of Manell-Geus, Guam C. Discussion 5. Other Business 6. Public Comment 7. Discussion and Recommendations Schedule for Council Standing Committee Meetings 2. Military Proposed Plans and Status H. Education and Outreach Initiatives 1. Report of the Lunar Calendar I. Advisory Group Recommendations 1. AP Recommendations 2. PT Recommendations 3. REAC Recommendations J. SSC Recommendations K. Public Hearing L. Council Discussion and Action 6 p.m.–9 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2014 3 p.m.–5 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2014 Fishers Forum: Are Sharks the Frontier? Executive and Budget Standing Committee 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2014 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2014 Program Planning Standing Committee Schedule and Agenda for 159th Council Meeting 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2014 1. Opening Ceremony and Introductions 2. Opening Remarks 3. Approval of the 159th Agenda 4. Approval of the 158th Meeting Minutes 5. Executive Director’s Report 6. Election of Officers 7. Agency Reports A. National Marine Fisheries Service 1. Pacific Islands Regional Office 2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) a. 2014 PIFSC Plan B. NOAA General Counsel, Pacific Islands Region 1. Report on Compact Impact Related to Fishing C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service D. Enforcement Section 1. U.S. Coast Guard Schedule and Agenda for Guam REAC 2. NMFS Office for Law Enforcement Meeting 3. NOAA General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, E. Public Comment 2014 F. Council Discussion and Action 1. Welcome and Introductions 8. Marianas Archipelago—Part 1: CNMI 2. Status Report on 158th Council A. Arongol Falu Meeting Recommendations for B. Legislative Report Guam C. Enforcement Issues 3. Community Resource Management D. Marianas Trench Marine National Activities and Issues Monument A. Malesso Community-based 1. President’s Proclamation Regarding Management Plan for Coastal and Northern Islands, Tinian and Marine Resources Farallon de Medinilla B. Micronesia Compact Issues Related to E. Bottomfish Area Closure Modification Fisheries (Action Item) i. Community Issues and Concerns F. Report on CNMI Projects Regarding Fishing Activities 1. Data Collection Efforts ii. Report on GC Review of Compact 2. CNMI Commercial Dock Report Impact Issues Related to Fishing 3. Marianas Skipjack Assessment Report C. Community Concerns Regarding 4. Status of Fish Market Development at Military Impact to Fishing Fishing Base Community G. Community Activities and Issues 1. Military Initiatives on Tinian D. Discussion VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:09 Feb 20, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9. Program Planning and Research A. Report From P-star Working Group (Action Item) B. Report From the Social Economic Ecological Management Uncertainty (SEEM) Working Group (Action Item) C. Specifying Annual Catch Limits for the Coral Reef Species in the Western Pacific Region (Action Item) D. Social Science Program Plan E. Five-year Program Review F. Education and Outreach G. Advisory Group Recommendations 1. AP Recommendations 2. PT Recommendations H. SSC Recommendations I. Program Planning Standing Committee Recommendations J. Public Hearing K. Council Discussion and Action 10. American Samoa Archipelago A. Motu Lipoti B. Fono Report C. Enforcement Issues D. Community Activities and Issues 1. Update on Community Fisheries Development 2. Seafood Market Training Workshop E. Education and Outreach Initiatives F. SSC Recommendations G. Public Comment H. Council Discussion and Action 11. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014 Guam Opening Ceremony and Introductions Welcoming Remarks 12. Marianas Archipelago—Part 2: Guam A. Isla Informe B. Legislative Report C. Enforcement Issues D. Report on Guam Projects and Programs 1. Status Report on the Manahak (rabbitfish) Project 2. Status Report on the Fishing Platform Project 3. Status Report on Agat Dock A Project E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2014 / Notices 4. Marianas Skipjack Assessment Report 5. Guam Military Data Collection Project E. Community Development Activities and Issues 1. Malesso Community-based Marine Resource Plan 2. Report on the Piti Pride Tepungan Wide 3. NOAA Habitat Blue Print 4. Ritidian Point Firing Range Proposal 5. Report on Compact Impact Related to Fishing F. Education and Outreach Initiatives 1. Report of the Lunar Calendar Festival 2. Festival of the Pacific Arts 2016 3. President’s Proclamation on Climate Change G. Advisory Group Recommendations 1. AP Recommendations 2. PT Recommendations 3. REAC Recommendations H. SSC Recommendations I. Public Comment J. Council Discussion and Action 13. Protected Species A. Update on Marine Mammal Stock Assessments B. Deep-set Longline Fishery Biological Opinion C. Updates on Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act Actions 1. Results of an Update of the Corals of the World Information Base 2. Proposed Rule To List 66 Species of Coral as Endangered or Threatened Under the ESA 3. Green Turtle Status Review 4. North Pacific Humpback Whale Petition 5. Proposed 2014 List of Fisheries 6. Other Relevant Actions D. Report on the Insular Sea Turtle Programs E. Advisory Group Recommendations 1. Protected Species Advisory Committee Recommendations 2. AP Recommendations 3. PT Recommendations 4. REAC Recommendations F. SSC Recommendations G. Public Comment H. Council Discussion and Action 14. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items 6 p.m.–9 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014 rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Fishers Forum: Malesso Communitybased Marine Management Plan 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2014 15. Pelagic & International Fisheries A. Economic Collapse of American Samoa Longline Fishery (Action Item) B. Experimental Fishing Permit— American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited Area (Action Item) VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:09 Feb 20, 2014 Jkt 232001 C. Modifying Hawaii Longline Fishery EPO Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit (Action Item) D. Bigeye Tuna Movement Workshop E. Disproportionate Burden Workshop F. International Fisheries 1. WCPFC 10 2. ISC 3. North Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organization (NPRFMO) 4. South Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organization (SPRFMO) G. Longline Fisheries Quarterly Reports H. Advisory Group Recommendations 1. AP Recommendations 2. PT Recommendations 3. REAC Recommendations I. SSC Recommendations J. Public Hearing K. Council Discussion and Recommendations 16. Hawaii Archipelago A. Moku Pepa B. Legislative Report C. Enforcement D. Main Hawaiian Island Bottomfish 1. State of Hawaii BRFA Management Plan 2. Bottomfish Working Group E. Community Projects, Activities and Issues 1. Supporting the Aha Moku System 2. Outreach and Education Report F. SSC Recommendations G. Public Comment H. Council Discussion and Action 17. Administrative Matters A. Financial Reports B. Administrative Reports C. Standard Operating Practices and Procedures (SOPP) Review and Changes D. Council Family Changes E. Meetings and Workshops F. Report on Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) Reauthorization G. Other Business H. Standing Committee Recommendations I. Public Comment J. Council Discussion and Action 18. Other Business Non-Emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 159th meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take action to address the emergency. PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9893 Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– 8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 18, 2014. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–03723 Filed 2–20–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List, Proposed Deletions Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Proposed deletions from the Procurement List. AGENCY: The Committee is proposing to delete products from the Procurement List that was previously furnished by a nonprofit agency employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. Comments must be received on or before: 3/24/2014. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 1401 S. Clark Street, Suite 10800, Arlington, Virginia, 22202–4149. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT COMMENTS CONTACT: Barry S. Lineback, Telephone: (703) 603–7740, Fax: (703) 603–0655, or email CMTEFedReg@ AbilityOne.gov. This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51–2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Deletions The following products are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Products Bag, Plastic NSN: 8105–LL–N77–1370 NSN: 8105–LL–N78–1252 NSN: 8105–LL–N86–0770 NSN: 8105–LL–N86–0771 NSN: 8105–LL–N91–2391 NSN: 8105–LL–N91–2392 NSN: 8105–LL–N91–2393 NSN: 8105–LL–N91–2394 E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9890-9893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03723]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD143


Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

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

ACTION: Notice of public meetings and hearings.

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

SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will 
hold meetings of its 115th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) 
and its 159th Council meeting to take actions on fishery management 
issues in the Western Pacific Region. The Council will also convene 
meetings of the Marianas Plan Team (PT), Guam Regional Ecosystem 
Advisory Committee (REAC), the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas 
(CNMI) REAC, the Mariana Archipelago Advisory Panel (AP) and the 
Council's Program Planning Standing Committee and Executive and Budget 
Standing Committee.

DATES: The meetings will be held from March 11 through March 21, 2014. 
For specific times and agendas, see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

ADDRESSES: Council office, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 
96813; telephone: (808) 522-8220.
    Guam Hilton Hotel, 202 Hilton Road, Tumon Bay, Guam GU 96913; 
telephone: (671) 646-1835.
    Fiesta Hotel, Saipan Beach, Garapan, MP CNMI 96950; telephone: 
(670) 234-6412.
    Background documents will be available from, and written comments 
should be sent to, Mr. Arnold Palacios, Chair, Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, 
telephone: (808) 522-8220 or fax: (808) 522-8226.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; 
telephone: (808) 522-8220.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 115th SSC meeting will be held in 
Honolulu on March 11-13, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; the 
Marianas PT on March 14, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; the CNMI 
REAC will meet on March 14, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon.; The 
Joint Marianas PT and AP on March 14, 2014 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. 
and March 15, 2014 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and the Guam REAC will 
meet on March 19, 2014 between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Council's 
Executive and Budget Standing Committee will meet on Saipan on March 
16, 2014 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and its Program Planning Standing 
Committee will meet on Saipan on March 17, 2014 between 7:30 a.m. and 
9:30 a.m.; and the 159th Council Meeting will be held on Saipan between 
10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 17, 2004 and on Guam between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m. on March 18, 2014; and in Guam between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on 
March 20, 2014, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 21, 2014. In 
addition, the Council will host Fishers Forums on Saipan on March 17, 
2014 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and on Guam on March 20, 2014 between 6 
p.m. and 9 p.m.
    The 115th SSC will be held at the Council's Office in Honolulu; the 
Guam REAC, Marianas PT and AP will be held at the Guam Hilton Hotel, 
Tumon Bay, Guam; the Council's Standing Committees, the CNMI REAC, the 
159th Council Meeting on March 17 and 18 and Fishers Forum on March 17 
will be held at the Fiesta Hotel, Garapan, Saipan, CNMI. The Council 
Meeting on March 20 and 21 and the Fishers Forum on March 20 will be 
held at the Guam Hilton Hotel.
    In addition to the agenda items listed here, the SSC and Council 
will hear recommendations from Council advisory groups. Public comment 
periods will be provided throughout the agendas. The order in which 
agenda items are addressed may change. The meetings will run as late as 
necessary to complete scheduled business.

Schedule and Agenda for 115th SSC Meeting

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2014

1. Introductions
2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs

[[Page 9891]]

3. Status of the 115th SSC Meeting Recommendations
4. Report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Director
5. Remarks from the New NMFS Senior Scientist for Ecosystem Research
6. Insular Fisheries
A. Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Area 
(BRFA) Management Plan
B. Report from MHI Bottomfish Working Group Research Priorities
C. Report on the CNMI Bottomfish Scoping (Action Item)
D. Informing Creel Survey Adjustment Factors Using Village-based 
Fisheries Profiles
E. Estimation of Catch Weight of Reef Fish from Hawaii Marine 
Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey (HMRFSS)
F. Hawaii Kumu (White-saddle Goatfish) Stock Assessment
G. Public Comment
H. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
7. Program Planning
A. Report from P-star Working Group (Action Item)
B. Specifying Acceptable Biological Catches for the Coral Reef Species 
in the Western Pacific Region (Action Item)
C. Social Science Program Plan
D. Public Comment
E. SSC Discussion and Recommendations

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2014

8. Pelagic Fisheries
A. Longline Fisheries Quarterly Reports
1. Hawaii
2. American Samoa
B. Economic Collapse of American Samoa Longline Fishery (Action Item)
C. Experimental Fishing Permit--American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited 
Area (Action Item)
D. Modifying Hawaii Longline Fishery Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) Bigeye 
Tuna Catch Limit (Action Item)
E. Bigeye Tuna Movement Workshop
F. Disproportionate Burden Workshop
G. Workshop on Ecosystem Approaches to Pelagic Fisheries Management
H. International Fisheries
1. 10th Regular Session of the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries 
Commission (WCPFC 10)
2. International Scientific Committee (ISC)
I. Public Comment
J. SSC Discussion and Recommendations
9. Protected Species
A. Leatherback Turtle Bycatch Analysis and Revised TurtleWatch
B. SSC Subcommittee Review of the Insular False Killer Whale Photo-ID 
Data Analysis
C. Update on the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
D. Analysis of Impacts under the Deep-set Longline Biological Opinion
E. Updates on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection 
Act (MMPA) Actions
1. Results of an Update of the Corals of the World Information Base
2. Proposed Rule to List 66 Species of Coral as Endangered or 
Threatened under the ESA
3. Green Turtle Status Review
4. North Pacific Humpback Whale Petition
5. Proposed 2014 List of Fisheries
6. Other Relevant Actions
F. Report of the Protected Species Advisory Committee Meeting
G. Public Comment
H. SSC Discussion and Recommendations

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2014

10. Other Business
A. Electronic Monitoring Workshop
B. Fishery Ecosystem Plans (FEP) and Program Review
C. 116th SSC Meeting
11. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council

Schedule and Agenda for Marianas PT Meeting

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2014

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Assignment of Rapporteurs
4. Report on Previous Plan Team Recommendations and Council Actions
5. Review of the Status of the Western Pacific Insular Fisheries
A. Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
i. Update of fishery dependent and independent studies
ii. Coral Reef Fisheries
iii. Incorporating BioSampling Data in the Annual Report
iv. Bottomfish Fisheries
v. Discussions
B. Guam
i. Update of Fishery Dependent and Independent Studies
ii. Coral Reef Fisheries
iii. Report on Data Summaries for the Guam BioSampling Program
iv. Bottomfish Fisheries
v. Discussions
6. Discussion on the Non-Commercial Module for the Annual Report
7. Planning for the Joint Archipelagic Plan Team Meeting
8. Pre-Workshop Activities for the Technical Committee of the Fishery 
Data Collection and Research Committee
9. General Discussions
10. Other Business
11. Public Comment

Schedule and Agenda for CNMI REAC Meeting

8:30 a.m.-12 noon, Friday, March 14, 2014

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Status Report on 158th Council Meeting Recommendations regarding 
CNMI
3. Council Action Items for 159th meeting
A. CNMI Bottomfish Management--Removing the 50 Nautical Mile Area 
Closure for Large Vessels Fishing Around the CNMI Southern Islands
B. Coral Reef Annual Catch Limits
C. Discussion and Recommendations
4. Local CNMI Issues
A. President Proclamation on Territorial Waters
B. Status of Local Activities to Address Conflicting Shark Regulations
i. Legislative
ii. Administration
C. Military Activities
i. Prepositioning Ships
ii. Tinian, Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) and Pagan
iii. Discussion and Recommendations
5. Other Business
6. Public Comment
7. Discussion and Recommendations

Schedule and Agenda for Joint Marianas PT and AP Meeting

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Status of the Marianas Fisheries
3. Status of the Council
a. New at the Council
i. Advisory Group Changes (Non-Commercial Fisheries Advisory Committee, 
Protected Species Advisory Committee, Education, Climate Change and 
Marine Spatial Planning)
ii. AP Solicitation This Year (New 4-year Term Starting 2015)
iii. Outreach-Web site, E-newsletter, etc.
b. Status of 2013 AP Recommendations
c. Council Action Items
i. Annual Catch Limits for Coral Reef Species
ii. CNMI Bottomfish Management--Removing the 50 Nautical Mile Area 
Closure for Large Vessels Fishing Around the CNMI Southern Islands
d. Updates on Projects and Issues
i. Data Collection Efforts

[[Page 9892]]

1. Guam Military Data Collection Project
2. CNMI Data Collection Efforts
ii. Fishery Development
1. Guam Projects
2. CNMI Projects
iii. Community Projects
1. Malesso Community-based Marine Resource Plan
4. Advisory Panel Reports
a. Guam
b. CNMI
5. Public Comment
6. Day 1 Recommendations and Wrap-up
7. Day 2 Workshop Introduction and Expectations

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014

8. Marianas Fishery Ecosystem Plan Review and Priorities Workshop
a. Plenary-Overview and Purpose, Setting the Process Stage
i. Current/Traditional Approaches to Management
ii. Current Policies, Regulations and Factors
iii. Review of Available Information
iv. Review of Regulatory Regime
v. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and Habitat of Particular Concern 
(HAPC)
vi. Instructions for Plenary and Breakout
b. Breakout Session 1: Data Gathering
c. Breakout Session 2: Defining Needs and Priorities
d. Plenary-Report Back from Groups
e. Breakout Session 3: Developing Management Strategies and Measures
f. Breakout Session 4: Crafting an Effective Plan
g. Plenary-Report Back from Groups
h. Plenary-Wrap-up and Discussion

Schedule and Agenda for Guam REAC Meeting

1:30 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2014

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Status Report on 158th Council Meeting Recommendations for Guam
3. Community Resource Management Activities and Issues
A. Malesso Community-based Management Plan for Coastal and Marine 
Resources
B. Micronesia Compact Issues Related to Fisheries
i. Community Issues and Concerns Regarding Fishing Activities
ii. Report on GC Review of Compact Impact Issues Related to Fishing
C. Community Concerns Regarding Military Impact to Fishing Community
D. Discussion
4. NOAA Initiatives
A. NOAA Research Cruise Plans for the Mariana Islands
B. NOAA Habitat Blueprint Designation of Manell-Geus, Guam
C. Discussion
5. Other Business
6. Public Comment
7. Discussion and Recommendations

Schedule for Council Standing Committee Meetings

3 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2014

Executive and Budget Standing Committee

7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2014

Program Planning Standing Committee

Schedule and Agenda for 159th Council Meeting

10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2014

1. Opening Ceremony and Introductions
2. Opening Remarks
3. Approval of the 159th Agenda
4. Approval of the 158th Meeting Minutes
5. Executive Director's Report
6. Election of Officers
7. Agency Reports
A. National Marine Fisheries Service
1. Pacific Islands Regional Office
2. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
a. 2014 PIFSC Plan
B. NOAA General Counsel, Pacific Islands Region
1. Report on Compact Impact Related to Fishing
C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
D. Enforcement Section
1. U.S. Coast Guard
2. NMFS Office for Law Enforcement
3. NOAA General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation
E. Public Comment
F. Council Discussion and Action
8. Marianas Archipelago--Part 1: CNMI
A. Arongol Falu
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Marianas Trench Marine National Monument
1. President's Proclamation Regarding Northern Islands, Tinian and 
Farallon de Medinilla
E. Bottomfish Area Closure Modification (Action Item)
F. Report on CNMI Projects
1. Data Collection Efforts
2. CNMI Commercial Dock Report
3. Marianas Skipjack Assessment Report
4. Status of Fish Market Development at Fishing Base
G. Community Activities and Issues
1. Military Initiatives on Tinian
2. Military Proposed Plans and Status
H. Education and Outreach Initiatives
1. Report of the Lunar Calendar
I. Advisory Group Recommendations
1. AP Recommendations
2. PT Recommendations
3. REAC Recommendations
J. SSC Recommendations
K. Public Hearing
L. Council Discussion and Action

6 p.m.-9 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2014

Fishers Forum: Are Sharks the Frontier?

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2014

9. Program Planning and Research
A. Report From P-star Working Group (Action Item)
B. Report From the Social Economic Ecological Management Uncertainty 
(SEEM) Working Group (Action Item)
C. Specifying Annual Catch Limits for the Coral Reef Species in the 
Western Pacific Region (Action Item)
D. Social Science Program Plan
E. Five-year Program Review
F. Education and Outreach
G. Advisory Group Recommendations
1. AP Recommendations
2. PT Recommendations
H. SSC Recommendations
I. Program Planning Standing Committee Recommendations
J. Public Hearing
K. Council Discussion and Action
10. American Samoa Archipelago
A. Motu Lipoti
B. Fono Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Community Activities and Issues
1. Update on Community Fisheries Development
2. Seafood Market Training Workshop
E. Education and Outreach Initiatives
F. SSC Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
11. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014

Guam Opening Ceremony and Introductions
Welcoming Remarks
12. Marianas Archipelago--Part 2: Guam
A. Isla Informe
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement Issues
D. Report on Guam Projects and Programs
1. Status Report on the Manahak (rabbitfish) Project
2. Status Report on the Fishing Platform Project
3. Status Report on Agat Dock A Project

[[Page 9893]]

4. Marianas Skipjack Assessment Report
5. Guam Military Data Collection Project
E. Community Development Activities and Issues
1. Malesso Community-based Marine Resource Plan
2. Report on the Piti Pride Tepungan Wide
3. NOAA Habitat Blue Print
4. Ritidian Point Firing Range Proposal
5. Report on Compact Impact Related to Fishing
F. Education and Outreach Initiatives
1. Report of the Lunar Calendar Festival
2. Festival of the Pacific Arts 2016
3. President's Proclamation on Climate Change
G. Advisory Group Recommendations
1. AP Recommendations
2. PT Recommendations
3. REAC Recommendations
H. SSC Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
13. Protected Species
A. Update on Marine Mammal Stock Assessments
B. Deep-set Longline Fishery Biological Opinion
C. Updates on Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act 
Actions
1. Results of an Update of the Corals of the World Information Base
2. Proposed Rule To List 66 Species of Coral as Endangered or 
Threatened Under the ESA
3. Green Turtle Status Review
4. North Pacific Humpback Whale Petition
5. Proposed 2014 List of Fisheries
6. Other Relevant Actions
D. Report on the Insular Sea Turtle Programs
E. Advisory Group Recommendations
1. Protected Species Advisory Committee Recommendations
2. AP Recommendations
3. PT Recommendations
4. REAC Recommendations
F. SSC Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
14. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

6 p.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014

Fishers Forum: Malesso Community-based Marine Management Plan

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2014

15. Pelagic & International Fisheries
A. Economic Collapse of American Samoa Longline Fishery (Action Item)
B. Experimental Fishing Permit--American Samoa Large Vessel Prohibited 
Area (Action Item)
C. Modifying Hawaii Longline Fishery EPO Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit 
(Action Item)
D. Bigeye Tuna Movement Workshop
E. Disproportionate Burden Workshop
F. International Fisheries
1. WCPFC 10
2. ISC
3. North Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organization (NPRFMO)
4. South Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organization (SPRFMO)
G. Longline Fisheries Quarterly Reports
H. Advisory Group Recommendations
1. AP Recommendations
2. PT Recommendations
3. REAC Recommendations
I. SSC Recommendations
J. Public Hearing
K. Council Discussion and Recommendations
16. Hawaii Archipelago
A. Moku Pepa
B. Legislative Report
C. Enforcement
D. Main Hawaiian Island Bottomfish
1. State of Hawaii BRFA Management Plan
2. Bottomfish Working Group
E. Community Projects, Activities and Issues
1. Supporting the Aha Moku System
2. Outreach and Education Report
F. SSC Recommendations
G. Public Comment
H. Council Discussion and Action
17. Administrative Matters
A. Financial Reports
B. Administrative Reports
C. Standard Operating Practices and Procedures (SOPP) Review and 
Changes
D. Council Family Changes
E. Meetings and Workshops
F. Report on Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) Reauthorization
G. Other Business
H. Standing Committee Recommendations
I. Public Comment
J. Council Discussion and Action
18. Other Business

    Non-Emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before 
the Council for discussion and formal Council action during its 159th 
meeting. However, Council action on regulatory issues will be 
restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any 
regulatory issue arising after publication of this document that 
requires emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to 
take action to address the emergency.

Special Accommodations

    These meetings are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other 
auxiliary aids should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522-8220 
(voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax), at least 5 days prior to the meeting 
date.

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

    Dated: February 18, 2014.
Tracey L. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-03723 Filed 2-20-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.