Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2014 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Red Grouper Season, 54668-54669 [2014-21765]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 177 / Friday, September 12, 2014 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 80 [Docket No. FWS–HQ–WSR–2014–0040; FVWF941009000007B–XXX–FF09W11000] RIN 1018–BA56 Financial Assistance: Wildlife Restoration, Sport Fish Restoration, Hunter Education and Safety; Correction Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment. AGENCY: The Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on August 1, 2011 (76 FR 46150). We included in this final rule a combined symbol to use when referring to both the Wildlife Restoration and the Sport Fish Restoration programs together. The language around the symbol is in reverse order, and this document corrects the error. DATES: Effective September 12, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa E. Van Alstyne, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, Division of Policy and Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 703–358–1942. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background Symbols were added to the regulations governing the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) programs through regulations published December 15, 1987 (52 FR 47571). One symbol represents the Wildlife Restoration Program, one represents the Sport Fish Restoration Program, and one represents the combined programs. The language in the combined symbol reads ‘‘Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration.’’ The symbols have remained the same since originally published. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Need for Correction 16:18 Sep 11, 2014 List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 80 Fish, Grant programs—natural resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Signs and symbols, Wildlife. Regulation Promulgation Accordingly, we amend 50 CFR part 80 as follows: PART 80—ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, PITTMANROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION AND DINGELLJOHNSON SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACTS 1. The authority citation for 50 CFR 80 continues to read as follows: ■ At the time the symbol was first developed, the program within the Service that administers these grant programs was called ‘‘Division of Federal Aid.’’ Since then, we have changed our name to the ‘‘Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.’’ The order of programs reflects that the Wildlife Restoration Program was authorized prior to the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It has been many years since we have changed our name, and referencing WSFR is now common. Having the combined symbol read VerDate Mar<15>2010 ‘‘Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration’’ is confusing to States who implement projects with WSFR funding; manufacturers who contribute millions of dollars through excise taxes, boater fuel and electric motor taxes, and import duties that contribute to the Wildlife Restoration Account and the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund; and interested stakeholders. In 2011, we completed a comprehensive review and update to 50 CFR part 80 (76 FR 46150, August 1, 2011). We neglected to correct the symbol to reflect the current name of the WSFR program and now correct this error. If a State or other entity is using the former combined symbol on signs, print media, or other physical items to identify WSFR or WSFR-funded projects, they should continue to use those items until quantities are exhausted or they are normally replaced. The new combined symbol may be used immediately for electronic updates or new signs, print media, or other physical items. If you have questions on the appropriate use of the combined symbol, contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above. Jkt 232001 Authority: 16 U.S.C. 669–669k; 16 U.S.C. 777–777n, except 777e–1 and g–1. 2. Amend § 80.99 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: ■ § 80.99 Are symbols available to identify projects? * * * * * (c) The symbol of the Acts when used in combination follows: PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Dated: August 29, 2014. Michael J. Bean, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2014–21824 Filed 9–11–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 100217095–2081–04] RIN 0648–XD479 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2014 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Red Grouper Season National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; extension. AGENCY: NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the red grouper component of the reef fish fishery in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2014 fishing year through this temporary rule. On April 30, 2014, NMFS published a temporary rule to implement accountability measures and a closure for the recreational sector for red grouper. That temporary rule reduced the red grouper bag limit in the Gulf EEZ to three fish (within the current four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit) and announced a recreational fishing season closure date of September 16, 2014, based on a recreational annual catch limit (ACL) overage in 2013 and the reduced bag limit. However, using updated landings information from 2014, NMFS has determined that the recreational fishing season for red grouper may be extended for an additional 18 days. The purpose of this action is to provide fishermen the opportunity to harvest the recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red grouper, and the opportunity to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM 12SER1 ER12SE14.027</GPH> 54668 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 177 / Friday, September 12, 2014 / Rules and Regulations enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery. DATES: The extension is effective 12:01 a.m., local time, September 16, 2014, until 12:01 a.m., local time, October 4, 2014. The season will then be closed until it reopens on January 1, 2015, the beginning of the 2015 recreational fishing season, unless further notification is published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, telephone 727–824–5305, email rich.malinowski@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The reef fish fishery of the Gulf, which includes red grouper, is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) and is implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). All weights specified in this rule are gutted weight. The Gulf red grouper recreational ACL is 1,900,000 lb (861,826 kg), and the recreational ACT is 1,730,000 lb (784,715 kg), as specified in 50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(iv). The recreational ACL and ACT for red grouper were implemented through Amendment 32 to the FMP (77 FR 6988, February 10, 2012). Red grouper are not overfished, based on the most recent Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress. NMFS determined that the 2013 recreational landings exceeded the 2013 recreational ACL of 1,900,000 lb (861,826 kg) by 492,113 lb (223,219 kg) and implemented post-season AMs through a temporary rule published on April 30, 2014 (79 FR 24353). In accordance with regulations at 50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(ii), that temporary rule reduced the bag limit for Gulf red grouper from four to three fish (within the four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit) and reduced the recreational fishing season for Gulf red grouper for the 2014 fishing year to ensure landings do not exceed the recreational ACT. NMFS now has updated landings data for recreational red grouper for the 2014 fishing year and has determined that landings were less than projected. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational fishing season for red grouper through this temporary rule. The extension is effective 12:01 a.m., local time, September 16, 2014, until 12:01 a.m., local time, October 4, 2014. The season will then be closed until it reopens on January 1, 2015, the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:18 Sep 11, 2014 Jkt 232001 beginning of the 2015 recreational fishing season, unless further notification is published in the Federal Register. During the recreational sector closure, the bag and possession limit for red grouper in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. This bag and possession limit applies in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e. in state or Federal waters. The recreational sector for red grouper will reopen on January 1, 2015, the beginning of the 2015 recreational fishing season. The 2015 bag limit for red grouper will return to four fish, as specified at 50 CFR 622.38(b)(2), unless AMs are implemented due to a recreational ACL overage in 2014, or the Council takes subsequent regulatory action to adjust the bag limit. Classification The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and management of Gulf red grouper and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws. This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(ii) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility Act because the temporary rule is issued without opportunity for prior notice and comment. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive the requirements to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment on this temporary rule. Such procedures are unnecessary because the final rule for Amendment 32 to the FMP (77 FR 6988, February 10, 2012) that established the recreational ACL, ACT, and AMs has already been subject to notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the public that additional harvest remains on the established recreational ACT and, therefore, the recreational fishing season for Gulf red grouper will be extended for 18 additional days. This rule relieves a restriction by extending the recreational fishing season for red grouper. Because it relieves a restriction, this rule is not subject to the 30-day delayed effectiveness provision of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 54669 Dated: September 8, 2014. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2014–21765 Filed 9–9–14; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 131021878–4158–02] RIN 0648–XD496 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule. AGENCY: NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut Corporation’s pollock directed fishing allowance from the Aleutian Islands subarea to the Bering Sea subarea directed fisheries. These actions are necessary to provide opportunity for harvest of the 2014 total allowable catch of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. DATES: Effective 1200 hrs, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 12, 2014, until 2400 hrs, A.l.t., December 31, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7269. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) under authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. In the Aleutian Islands subarea, the portion of the 2014 pollock total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to the Aleut Corporation’s directed fishing allowance (DFA) is 7,350 metric tons (mt) as established by the final 2014 and 2015 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (79 FR 12108, March 4, 2014), and through SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM 12SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 177 (Friday, September 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54668-54669]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21765]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 100217095-2081-04]
RIN 0648-XD479


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Extension of the 2014 Gulf of 
Mexico Recreational Red Grouper Season

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; extension.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS extends the recreational fishing season for the red 
grouper component of the reef fish fishery in the exclusive economic 
zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2014 fishing year 
through this temporary rule. On April 30, 2014, NMFS published a 
temporary rule to implement accountability measures and a closure for 
the recreational sector for red grouper. That temporary rule reduced 
the red grouper bag limit in the Gulf EEZ to three fish (within the 
current four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit) and announced a 
recreational fishing season closure date of September 16, 2014, based 
on a recreational annual catch limit (ACL) overage in 2013 and the 
reduced bag limit. However, using updated landings information from 
2014, NMFS has determined that the recreational fishing season for red 
grouper may be extended for an additional 18 days. The purpose of this 
action is to provide fishermen the opportunity to harvest the 
recreational annual catch target (ACT) for Gulf red grouper, and the 
opportunity to achieve the optimum yield for the fishery, thus

[[Page 54669]]

enhancing social and economic benefits to the fishery.

DATES: The extension is effective 12:01 a.m., local time, September 16, 
2014, until 12:01 a.m., local time, October 4, 2014. The season will 
then be closed until it reopens on January 1, 2015, the beginning of 
the 2015 recreational fishing season, unless further notification is 
published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional 
Office, telephone 727-824-5305, email rich.malinowski@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The reef fish fishery of the Gulf, which 
includes red grouper, is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for 
the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP). The FMP was 
prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) and 
is implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the 
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). All weights specified in this rule are 
gutted weight.
    The Gulf red grouper recreational ACL is 1,900,000 lb (861,826 kg), 
and the recreational ACT is 1,730,000 lb (784,715 kg), as specified in 
50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(iv). The recreational ACL and ACT for red grouper 
were implemented through Amendment 32 to the FMP (77 FR 6988, February 
10, 2012). Red grouper are not overfished, based on the most recent 
Status of U.S. Fisheries Report to Congress.
    NMFS determined that the 2013 recreational landings exceeded the 
2013 recreational ACL of 1,900,000 lb (861,826 kg) by 492,113 lb 
(223,219 kg) and implemented post-season AMs through a temporary rule 
published on April 30, 2014 (79 FR 24353). In accordance with 
regulations at 50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(ii), that temporary rule reduced the 
bag limit for Gulf red grouper from four to three fish (within the 
four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit) and reduced the recreational 
fishing season for Gulf red grouper for the 2014 fishing year to ensure 
landings do not exceed the recreational ACT.
    NMFS now has updated landings data for recreational red grouper for 
the 2014 fishing year and has determined that landings were less than 
projected. Therefore, NMFS is extending the recreational fishing season 
for red grouper through this temporary rule. The extension is effective 
12:01 a.m., local time, September 16, 2014, until 12:01 a.m., local 
time, October 4, 2014. The season will then be closed until it reopens 
on January 1, 2015, the beginning of the 2015 recreational fishing 
season, unless further notification is published in the Federal 
Register.
    During the recreational sector closure, the bag and possession 
limit for red grouper in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. This bag and 
possession limit applies in the Gulf on board a vessel for which a 
valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has 
been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested, i.e. 
in state or Federal waters.
    The recreational sector for red grouper will reopen on January 1, 
2015, the beginning of the 2015 recreational fishing season. The 2015 
bag limit for red grouper will return to four fish, as specified at 50 
CFR 622.38(b)(2), unless AMs are implemented due to a recreational ACL 
overage in 2014, or the Council takes subsequent regulatory action to 
adjust the bag limit.

Classification

    The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined 
this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and management of 
Gulf red grouper and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
other applicable laws.
    This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.41(e)(2)(ii) and is exempt 
from review under Executive Order 12866.
    These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act because the temporary rule is issued without 
opportunity for prior notice and comment.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive the 
requirements to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment 
on this temporary rule. Such procedures are unnecessary because the 
final rule for Amendment 32 to the FMP (77 FR 6988, February 10, 2012) 
that established the recreational ACL, ACT, and AMs has already been 
subject to notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the 
public that additional harvest remains on the established recreational 
ACT and, therefore, the recreational fishing season for Gulf red 
grouper will be extended for 18 additional days.
    This rule relieves a restriction by extending the recreational 
fishing season for red grouper. Because it relieves a restriction, this 
rule is not subject to the 30-day delayed effectiveness provision of 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(1).

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

    Dated: September 8, 2014.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21765 Filed 9-9-14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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