Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 16775-16776 [2014-06638]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Notices • Fax: (978) 281–9135. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD136 Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. To enable the harvest of herring research set-aside (RSA) quota, the EFP applicant has requested that commercial fishing vessels be allowed to fish during Federal management area quota closures and Area 1A and 1B seasonal sub-ACL closures. In addition, the applicant has requested authorization to harvest RSA quota irrespective of a river herring/ shad catch cap, if implemented under the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and to carryover unharvested RSA quota into future years. This EFP would be for the exclusive purpose of harvesting RSA quota to fund research awarded under the Atlantic Herring Research Set-Aside Program. The research intends to characterize and reduce river herring catch in the herring midwater trawl fishery. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 10, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Email: nero.efp@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments on the SMAST River Herring EFP.’’ • Mail: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope ‘‘Comments on the SMAST River Herring EFP.’’ sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:43 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 Ryan Silva, Fishery Policy Analyst, 978–281–6326, Ryan.Silva@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS granted a herring RSA award to the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) under the 2014/ 2015 Herring RSA Program for their research project titled ‘‘Characterizing and Reducing River Herring Incidental Catch in the Atlantic Herring Midwater Trawl Fishery.’’ SMAST was awarded 936 mt from Area 1A; 138 mt from Area 1B; and 900 mt from Area 2 in 2014 and 2015. The research project will: (1) Provide for portside sampling of at least 50 percent of midwater trawl landings in Massachusetts; (2) estimate the total amount of river herring caught by midwater trawl vessels in 2014 and 2015; (3) describe the length, number, and maturity of river herring incidental catch by location and time; (4) continue near real-time river herring avoidance through midwater trawl fleet communication systems; and (5) place net sensors on midwater trawl gear. None of these five research activities require exemptions from the Herring FMP regulations, though exemptions from area catch limits and closures are required as discussed below. Through the specifications-setting process, the Herring FMP established sub-ACLs, and set RSA equal to 3 percent of each subACL. For 2014 and 2015, the RSA allocations are: Area 1A—936 mt; Area 1B—138 mt; Area 2—900 mt; and Area 3—1260 mt. As such, the 2013–2015 Herring FMP specifications analyzed the RSA allocations as part of the sub-ACLs and overall herring fishing activity. To facilitate the harvest of their RSA quota award and fund this project, SMAST submitted a complete application for an EFP on January 10, 2014, to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. SMAST has requested that vessels be authorized to harvest herring RSA quota after a herring management area quota has been caught and the fishery is limited to 2,000 lb (0.91 mt) per trip, and allow vessels to harvest RSA quota in Management Areas 1A and 1B between January through May, and January through April, respectively, when the areas are closed to commercial harvest. SMAST also requested exemption from the river herring/shad catch cap, which is under development as part of Framework 3 to the FMP, and authorization to carryover unharvested RSA quota into future years. Through correspondence leading up to the PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16775 submission of the EFP application, SMAST was notified that RSA vessels are typically authorized to fish during directed fishery closures and in excess of possession limits. Consequently, their requested exemption from area quota closures and the Area 1A and 1B seasonal sub-ACLs was likely. However, their requested exemption from the river herring/shad catch cap and authorization to carryover unharvested RSA quota are not possible. The review of Framework 3 is ongoing, and the regulations that would establish the river herring/shad catch cap do not yet exist. In addition, should the cap be implemented, the Council did not reserve river herring/shad catch for RSA quota harvest. Authorizing vessels to harvest RSA quota after the river herring/shad cap has been attained would likely cause the river herring/ shad cap to be exceeded, which would be contrary to experimental fishing regulations at 50 CFR 618.12, which stipulate that an EFP cannot be issued if it would cause a quota to be exceeded. Additionally, the Council did not include the RSA program under the carryover provision that was established for the commercial fishery under Framework Adjustment 2 to the FMP, and herring regulations at 50 CFR 648.207(e) require RSA to be used in the same fishing year in which it is distributed. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the SMAST application contains all of the required information. Except as noted above, NMFS has preliminarily determined that the purpose, design and administration of the exemption is consistent with the Herring FMP’s management objectives, the MSA, and other applicable law. Further, subject to the conditions noted below, granting the exemption is not expected to have a detrimental effect on the fishery resources, cause any quota to be exceeded, or create any significant enforcement problems. Therefore, the application warrants further consideration. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1 16776 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 26, 2014 / Notices Dated: March 21, 2014. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–06638 Filed 3–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has submitted a public information collection request (ICR) entitled Senior Corps RSVP Notice Of Funding Opportunity Non-applicant Survey for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Corporation for National and Community Service, Anthony Nerino, at 202–606–3913 or email to anerino@cns.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY–TDD) may call 1–800– 833–3722 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUMMARY: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the information collection activity, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service, by any of the following two methods within 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register: (1) By fax to: 202–395–6974, Attention: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service; or (2) By email to: smar@omb.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in comments which: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of CNCS, including whether the information will have practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:43 Mar 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 • Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments A 60-day Notice requesting public comment was published in the Federal Register on January 3, 2014. This comment period ended March 4, 2014. No public comments were received from this Notice. Description: CNCS is seeking approval of Senior Corps RSVP Notice Of Funding Opportunity Non-applicant Survey, which is used by individuals representing organizations, non-profits, and public agencies that are: (1) Current successful applicants, (2) current unsuccessful applicants, (3) nonapplicants who submitted letters of intent and (4) potential applicants for the RSVP Notice of Funding Opportunity. The purpose of survey is to understand how grantees and potential grantees view the application process, what factors are important in the decision to apply, and how the NOFO can be written to generate a higher response rate from potential grant applicants. Type of Review: New. Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service. Title: Senior Corps RSVP Notice Of Funding Opportunity Non-applicant Survey. OMB Number: TBD. Agency Number: None. Affected Public: Individuals who represent organizations, non-profits, and public agencies that are current and potential Senior Corps RSVP applicants. Total Respondents: 300. Frequency: One time. Average Time per Response: 20 minutes. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 100 hours. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None. Total Burden Cost (operating/ maintenance): None. Dated: March 20, 2014. Angela Roberts, Associate Director, Senior Corps. [FR Doc. 2014–06684 Filed 3–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050–28–P PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Notice of Advisory Committee Closed Meeting; U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group Department of Defense. Notice of advisory committee closed meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Defense is publishing this notice to announce the following Federal Advisory Committee meeting of the U.S. Strategic Command Strategic Advisory Group. This meeting will be closed to the public. DATES: Thursday, May 29, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, May 30, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ADDRESSES: Dougherty Conference Center, Building 432, 906 SAC Boulevard, Offutt AFB, Nebraska 68113. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Sudduth, Designated Federal Officer, (402) 294–4102, 901 SAC Boulevard, Suite 1F7, Offutt AFB, NE 68113–6030. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting is being held under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. App 2, Section 1), the Government in Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b), and 41 CFR 102–3.150. Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of the meeting is to provide advice on scientific, technical, intelligence, and policy-related issues to the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, during the development of the Nation’s strategic war plans. Agenda: Topics include: Policy Issues, Space Operations, Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Assessment, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Intelligence Operations, Cyber Operations, Global Strike, Command and Control, Science and Technology, Missile Defense. Meeting Accessibility: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b, and 41 CFR 102–3.155, the Department of Defense has determined that the meeting shall be closed to the public. Per delegated authority by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral C. D. Haney, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, in consultation with his legal advisor, has determined in writing that the public interest requires that all sessions of this meeting be closed to the public because they will be concerned with matters listed in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1). Written Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140, the public or interested organizations may submit written statements to the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM 26MRN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16775-16776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06638]



[[Page 16775]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD136


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

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

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, NMFS (Assistant 
Regional Administrator), has made a preliminary determination that an 
Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required 
information and warrants further consideration. To enable the harvest 
of herring research set-aside (RSA) quota, the EFP applicant has 
requested that commercial fishing vessels be allowed to fish during 
Federal management area quota closures and Area 1A and 1B seasonal sub-
ACL closures. In addition, the applicant has requested authorization to 
harvest RSA quota irrespective of a river herring/shad catch cap, if 
implemented under the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP), 
and to carryover unharvested RSA quota into future years. This EFP 
would be for the exclusive purpose of harvesting RSA quota to fund 
research awarded under the Atlantic Herring Research Set-Aside Program. 
The research intends to characterize and reduce river herring catch in 
the herring midwater trawl fishery.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for 
proposed EFPs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 10, 2014.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Silva, Fishery Policy Analyst, 
978-281-6326, Ryan.Silva@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS granted a herring RSA award to the 
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, School for Marine Science and 
Technology (SMAST) under the 2014/2015 Herring RSA Program for their 
research project titled ``Characterizing and Reducing River Herring 
Incidental Catch in the Atlantic Herring Midwater Trawl Fishery.'' 
SMAST was awarded 936 mt from Area 1A; 138 mt from Area 1B; and 900 mt 
from Area 2 in 2014 and 2015. The research project will: (1) Provide 
for portside sampling of at least 50 percent of midwater trawl landings 
in Massachusetts; (2) estimate the total amount of river herring caught 
by midwater trawl vessels in 2014 and 2015; (3) describe the length, 
number, and maturity of river herring incidental catch by location and 
time; (4) continue near real-time river herring avoidance through 
midwater trawl fleet communication systems; and (5) place net sensors 
on midwater trawl gear. None of these five research activities require 
exemptions from the Herring FMP regulations, though exemptions from 
area catch limits and closures are required as discussed below. Through 
the specifications-setting process, the Herring FMP established sub-
ACLs, and set RSA equal to 3 percent of each sub-ACL. For 2014 and 
2015, the RSA allocations are: Area 1A--936 mt; Area 1B--138 mt; Area 
2--900 mt; and Area 3--1260 mt. As such, the 2013-2015 Herring FMP 
specifications analyzed the RSA allocations as part of the sub-ACLs and 
overall herring fishing activity.
    To facilitate the harvest of their RSA quota award and fund this 
project, SMAST submitted a complete application for an EFP on January 
10, 2014, to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations 
would otherwise restrict. SMAST has requested that vessels be 
authorized to harvest herring RSA quota after a herring management area 
quota has been caught and the fishery is limited to 2,000 lb (0.91 mt) 
per trip, and allow vessels to harvest RSA quota in Management Areas 1A 
and 1B between January through May, and January through April, 
respectively, when the areas are closed to commercial harvest. SMAST 
also requested exemption from the river herring/shad catch cap, which 
is under development as part of Framework 3 to the FMP, and 
authorization to carryover unharvested RSA quota into future years. 
Through correspondence leading up to the submission of the EFP 
application, SMAST was notified that RSA vessels are typically 
authorized to fish during directed fishery closures and in excess of 
possession limits. Consequently, their requested exemption from area 
quota closures and the Area 1A and 1B seasonal sub-ACLs was likely. 
However, their requested exemption from the river herring/shad catch 
cap and authorization to carryover unharvested RSA quota are not 
possible. The review of Framework 3 is ongoing, and the regulations 
that would establish the river herring/shad catch cap do not yet exist. 
In addition, should the cap be implemented, the Council did not reserve 
river herring/shad catch for RSA quota harvest. Authorizing vessels to 
harvest RSA quota after the river herring/shad cap has been attained 
would likely cause the river herring/shad cap to be exceeded, which 
would be contrary to experimental fishing regulations at 50 CFR 618.12, 
which stipulate that an EFP cannot be issued if it would cause a quota 
to be exceeded. Additionally, the Council did not include the RSA 
program under the carryover provision that was established for the 
commercial fishery under Framework Adjustment 2 to the FMP, and herring 
regulations at 50 CFR 648.207(e) require RSA to be used in the same 
fishing year in which it is distributed.
    NMFS has preliminarily determined that the SMAST application 
contains all of the required information. Except as noted above, NMFS 
has preliminarily determined that the purpose, design and 
administration of the exemption is consistent with the Herring FMP's 
management objectives, the MSA, and other applicable law. Further, 
subject to the conditions noted below, granting the exemption is not 
expected to have a detrimental effect on the fishery resources, cause 
any quota to be exceeded, or create any significant enforcement 
problems. Therefore, the application warrants further consideration.
    If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and 
extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and 
extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed 
essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have 
minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially 
approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope 
of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.

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


[[Page 16776]]


    Dated: March 21, 2014.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06638 Filed 3-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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