Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries, 20108-20109 [2014-08155]
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20108
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 70 / Friday, April 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
Species
Vertebrate
population where
endangered or
threatened
Historic range
Common name
Scientific name
˜
Vicuna ......................
Vicugna vicugna .....
*
Amphibians
*
Argentina, Bolivia,
Chile, Ecuador,
Peru.
Ecuador ..................
*
*
Status
E
When listed
3,724
*
Critical
habitat
NA
*
NA
*
*
Salamander,
Georgetown.
*
Eurycea naufragia ..
*
U.S.A. (TX) .............
*
Entire ......................
*
T
*
829
NA
*
Salamander, Salado
*
Eurycea
chisholmensis.
*
U.S.A. (TX) .............
*
Entire ......................
*
T
*
829
NA
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: April 8, 2014.
Tina A. Campbell,
Chief, Division of Policy and Directives
Management.
[FR Doc. 2014–08193 Filed 4–10–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 635
[Docket No. 130214139–3542–02]
RIN 0648–XD222
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of
Angling category southern area trophy
fishery.
AGENCY:
NMFS closes the southern
area Angling category fishery for large
medium and giant (‘‘trophy’’ (i.e.,
measuring 73 inches curved fork length
or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT).
This action is being taken to prevent any
further overharvest of the Angling
category southern area trophy BFT
subquota.
SUMMARY:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Special
rules
Effective April 11, 2014, through
December 31, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale,
978–281–9260.
DATES:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:05 Apr 10, 2014
Jkt 232001
*
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations implemented under the
authority of the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et
seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq.) governing the harvest of BFT by
persons and vessels subject to U.S.
jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part
635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S.
BFT quota recommended by the
International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)
among the various domestic fishing
categories, per the allocations
established in the 2006 Consolidated
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Fishery Management Plan (2006
Consolidated HMS FMP) and in
accordance with implementing
regulations (71 FR 58058, October 2,
2006).
NMFS is required, under
§ 635.28(a)(1), to file a closure notice
with the Office of the Federal Register
for publication when a BFT quota is
reached or is projected to be reached.
On and after the effective date and time
of such notification, for the remainder of
the fishing year or for a specified period
as indicated in the notification,
retaining, possessing, or landing BFT
under that quota category is prohibited
until the opening of the subsequent
quota period or until such date as
specified in the notice.
Angling Category Large Medium and
Giant Southern ‘‘Trophy’’ Fishery
Closure
The 2014 BFT fishing year, which is
managed on a calendar-year basis and
subject to an annual calendar-year
quota, began January 1, 2014. The
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
*
NA
*
NA
*
Angling category season opened January
1, 2014, and continues through
December 31, 2014. The currently
codified Angling category quota is 182
mt, of which 4.2 mt is allocated for the
harvest of large medium and giant
(trophy) BFT from the regulatory area by
vessels fishing under the Angling
category quota, with 1.4 mt for the area
north of 39°18′ N. lat. (off Great Egg
Inlet, NJ) and 2.8 mt for the area south
of 39°18′ N. lat., including the Gulf of
Mexico. Trophy BFT measure 73 inches
(185 cm) curved fork length or greater.
Based on information from the NMFS
Automated Landings Reporting System
and the North Carolina Tagging
Program, NMFS has determined that the
codified Angling category trophy BFT
subquota has been taken and that a
closure of the southern area trophy BFT
fishery is warranted at this time.
Therefore, retaining, possessing, or
landing large medium or giant BFT
south of 39°18′ N. lat. by persons aboard
vessels permitted in the HMS Angling
category and the HMS Charter/Headboat
category must cease at 11:30 p.m. local
time on April 11, 2014. This action is
intended to prevent any further
overharvest of the Angling category
southern area trophy BFT subquota, and
is taken consistent with the regulations
at § 635.28(a)(1). Please note, while this
inseason action prohibits retention of
large medium and giant BFT by persons
aboard HMS Charter/Headboat category
vessels while fishing recreationally,
commercial retention of large medium
and giant BFT on HMS Charter/
Headboat category vessels is currently
prohibited because the General category
is closed until June 1, 2014.
E:\FR\FM\11APR1.SGM
11APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 70 / Friday, April 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
HMS Angling and HMS Charter/
Headboat category permit holders may
catch and release (or tag and release)
BFT of all sizes, subject to the
requirements of the catch-and-release
and tag-and-release programs at
§ 635.26. Anglers are also reminded that
all BFT that are released must be
handled in a manner that will maximize
survival, and without removing the fish
from the water, consistent with
requirements at § 635.21(a)(1). For
additional information on safe handling,
see the ‘‘Careful Catch and Release’’
brochure available at
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.
If needed, subsequent Angling
category adjustments will be published
in the Federal Register. In addition,
fishermen may call the Atlantic Tunas
Information Line at (888) 872–8862 or
(978) 281–9260, or access
hmspermits.noaa.gov, for updates.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Classification
The Assistant Administrator for
NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable
and contrary to the public interest to
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:05 Apr 10, 2014
Jkt 232001
provide prior notice of, and an
opportunity for public comment on, this
action for the following reasons:
The regulations implementing the
2006 Consolidated HMS FMP provide
for inseason retention limit adjustments
and fishery closures to respond to the
unpredictable nature of BFT availability
on the fishing grounds, the migratory
nature of this species, and the regional
variations in the BFT fishery. The
closure of the southern area Angling
category trophy fishery is necessary to
prevent any further overharvest of the
southern area trophy fishery subquota.
NMFS provides notification of closures
by publishing the notice in the Federal
Register, emailing individuals who have
subscribed to the Atlantic HMS News
electronic newsletter, and updating the
information posted on the Atlantic
Tunas Information Line and on
hmspermits.noaa.gov.
These fisheries are currently
underway and delaying this action
would be contrary to the public interest
as it could result in excessive trophy
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
20109
BFT landings that may result in future
potential quota reductions for the
Angling category and potentially other
BFT quota categories, depending on the
magnitude of a potential Angling
category overharvest. NMFS must close
the southern area trophy BFT fishery
before additional landings of these sizes
of BFT accumulate. Therefore, the AA
finds good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the
opportunity for public comment. For all
of the above reasons, there is good cause
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30day delay in effectiveness.
This action is being taken under 50
CFR 635.28(a)(1), and is exempt from
review under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801
et seq.
Dated: April 8, 2014.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–08155 Filed 4–8–14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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11APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 70 (Friday, April 11, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20108-20109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08155]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 635
[Docket No. 130214139-3542-02]
RIN 0648-XD222
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Fisheries
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; closure of Angling category southern area
trophy fishery.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS closes the southern area Angling category fishery for
large medium and giant (``trophy'' (i.e., measuring 73 inches curved
fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action is
being taken to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category
southern area trophy BFT subquota.
DATES: Effective April 11, 2014, through December 31, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978-
281-9260.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) and
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) governing the harvest of BFT by
persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR
part 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. BFT quota recommended by
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
(ICCAT) among the various domestic fishing categories, per the
allocations established in the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly
Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP)
and in accordance with implementing regulations (71 FR 58058, October
2, 2006).
NMFS is required, under Sec. 635.28(a)(1), to file a closure
notice with the Office of the Federal Register for publication when a
BFT quota is reached or is projected to be reached. On and after the
effective date and time of such notification, for the remainder of the
fishing year or for a specified period as indicated in the
notification, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT under that quota
category is prohibited until the opening of the subsequent quota period
or until such date as specified in the notice.
Angling Category Large Medium and Giant Southern ``Trophy'' Fishery
Closure
The 2014 BFT fishing year, which is managed on a calendar-year
basis and subject to an annual calendar-year quota, began January 1,
2014. The Angling category season opened January 1, 2014, and continues
through December 31, 2014. The currently codified Angling category
quota is 182 mt, of which 4.2 mt is allocated for the harvest of large
medium and giant (trophy) BFT from the regulatory area by vessels
fishing under the Angling category quota, with 1.4 mt for the area
north of 39[deg]18' N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ) and 2.8 mt for
the area south of 39[deg]18' N. lat., including the Gulf of Mexico.
Trophy BFT measure 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length or greater.
Based on information from the NMFS Automated Landings Reporting
System and the North Carolina Tagging Program, NMFS has determined that
the codified Angling category trophy BFT subquota has been taken and
that a closure of the southern area trophy BFT fishery is warranted at
this time. Therefore, retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or
giant BFT south of 39[deg]18' N. lat. by persons aboard vessels
permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat
category must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on April 11, 2014. This
action is intended to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling
category southern area trophy BFT subquota, and is taken consistent
with the regulations at Sec. 635.28(a)(1). Please note, while this
inseason action prohibits retention of large medium and giant BFT by
persons aboard HMS Charter/Headboat category vessels while fishing
recreationally, commercial retention of large medium and giant BFT on
HMS Charter/Headboat category vessels is currently prohibited because
the General category is closed until June 1, 2014.
[[Page 20109]]
HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat category permit holders may
catch and release (or tag and release) BFT of all sizes, subject to the
requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs at
Sec. 635.26. Anglers are also reminded that all BFT that are released
must be handled in a manner that will maximize survival, and without
removing the fish from the water, consistent with requirements at Sec.
635.21(a)(1). For additional information on safe handling, see the
``Careful Catch and Release'' brochure available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.
If needed, subsequent Angling category adjustments will be
published in the Federal Register. In addition, fishermen may call the
Atlantic Tunas Information Line at (888) 872-8862 or (978) 281-9260, or
access hmspermits.noaa.gov, for updates.
Classification
The Assistant Administrator for NMFS (AA) finds that it is
impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide prior
notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, this action for
the following reasons:
The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP provide
for inseason retention limit adjustments and fishery closures to
respond to the unpredictable nature of BFT availability on the fishing
grounds, the migratory nature of this species, and the regional
variations in the BFT fishery. The closure of the southern area Angling
category trophy fishery is necessary to prevent any further overharvest
of the southern area trophy fishery subquota. NMFS provides
notification of closures by publishing the notice in the Federal
Register, emailing individuals who have subscribed to the Atlantic HMS
News electronic newsletter, and updating the information posted on the
Atlantic Tunas Information Line and on hmspermits.noaa.gov.
These fisheries are currently underway and delaying this action
would be contrary to the public interest as it could result in
excessive trophy BFT landings that may result in future potential quota
reductions for the Angling category and potentially other BFT quota
categories, depending on the magnitude of a potential Angling category
overharvest. NMFS must close the southern area trophy BFT fishery
before additional landings of these sizes of BFT accumulate. Therefore,
the AA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice
and the opportunity for public comment. For all of the above reasons,
there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30-day delay in
effectiveness.
This action is being taken under 50 CFR 635.28(a)(1), and is exempt
from review under Executive Order 12866.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 et seq.
Dated: April 8, 2014.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-08155 Filed 4-8-14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
