Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits, 31893-31894 [2015-13643]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD975 Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for nominations. AGENCY: Nominations are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to fill vacancy openings on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC or Committee) pending late October 2015. MAFAC is the only Federal advisory committee with the responsibility to advise the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on all matters concerning living marine resources that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary to assist in the development and implementation of Departmental regulations, policies, and programs critical to the mission and goals of NMFS. Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties involved with or representing interests affected by NMFS actions in managing living marine resources. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in a field related to the management of living marine resources and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings and year round subcommittee work. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two consecutive terms if reappointed. NMFS is seeking qualified nominees to fill upcoming vacancies being created by term limits. DATES: Nominations must be postmarked or have an email date stamp on or before July 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Jennifer Lukens, Executive Director, MAFAC, Office of Policy, NMFS F–14553, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Lukens, MAFAC Executive Director; (301) 427–8004; email: jennifer.lukens@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The establishment of MAFAC was approved by the Secretary on December 28, 1970, and subsequently chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, on February 17, 1971. The Committee meets twice a year with supplementary subcommittee meetings wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 as determined necessary by the Committee Chair and Subcommittee Chairs. No less than 15 and no more than 21 individuals may serve on the Committee. Membership is comprised of highly qualified, diverse individuals representing commercial, recreational, subsistence, and aquaculture fisheries interests; seafood industry; environmental organizations; academic institutions; tribal and consumer groups; and other living marine resource interest groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions, including the Western Pacific and Caribbean. A MAFAC member cannot be a Federal employee, a member of a Regional Fishery Management Council, a registered Federal lobbyist, or a State employee. Selected candidates must pass a security check and submit a financial disclosure form. Membership is voluntary, and except for reimbursable travel and related expenses, service is without pay. Each nomination submission should include the nominee’s name, a cover letter describing the nominee’s qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee, curriculum vitae or resume of the nominee, and no more than three supporting letters describing the nominee’s qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee. Self-nominations are acceptable. The following contact information should accompany each nominee’s submission: Name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address (if available). Nominations should be sent to (see ADDRESSES) and must be received by July 20, 2015. The full text of the Committee Charter and its current membership can be viewed at the NMFS’ Web page at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mafac.htm. Dated: May 29, 2015. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13593 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31893 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD949 Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management 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 NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. This Exempted Fishing Permit would allow eight commercial lobster vessels to participate in a lobster growth and abundance study, under the direction of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in state and Federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts. Regulations under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on Exempted Fishing Permit applications. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 19, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • Email: NMFS.GAR.EFP@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line ‘‘Comments on MA DMF Lobster Study 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 MA DMF Lobster Study EFP.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978– 281–9315. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) submitted a complete application for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct a 2-year lobster abundance survey with modified lobster gear that Federal regulations would otherwise restrict. The purpose of this lobster study is to provide fishery-independent data on lobster SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 31894 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices abundance in Massachusetts state waters of statistical area 514, from Ipswich Bay south to Cape Cod Bay; and state and Federal waters of Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and nearshore portions of Rhode Island Sound, in statistical areas 537 and 538. Currently, lobster abundance and distribution studies are primarily conducted through fishery independent, random stratified bottom-trawl surveys. MA DMF has stated that trawl surveys lack the capability to efficiently target areas with rocky bottom where lobsters also reside, and is seeking an EFP to use fixed lobster gear to sample such areas. The EFP would authorize commercial lobster vessels to set, haul, and retain on board lobster traps with closed escape vents during sampling activity. Following a soak time ranging from 3 to 5 days, these lobster traps would be hauled twice per month on dedicated sampling trips, with at least one scientist from MA DMF on board during sampling activity. During sampling trips, no catch will be retained for sale or sold. MA DMF requests exemption from lobster gear regulations to allow for closed escape vents in order to catch lobsters of all sizes. MA DMF is also requesting exemption from lobster trap limits. This would allow participating vessels to retain on-board survey lobster traps that may cause vessels to exceed their permitted allocation for Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1 (800 trap limit) or LMA 2 (historical qualification up to 800 trap limit). Federal lobster regulations require each active lobster trap to have a commercial trap tag permanently affixed. MA DMF is requesting exemption from this requirement because survey traps will be tagged with ‘‘MA DMF Research Trap.’’ MA DMF is also requesting exemption from the management area designation requirement to allow one Federal lobster permit holder to fish experimental traps in LMA 2 while having an LMA 3 designation on his Federal permit. This exemption would allow the vessel to set survey traps in an area not designated on his permit. This exemption would not allow him to commercially fish and/ or land lobsters caught with traps in LMA 2. Site selection would be based on a random stratified sampling design, consistent with standardized methodology used to perform lobster surveys. All catch during dedicated research trips would be retained onboard for a short period of time to allow MA DMF staff to record the following information: Number of lobsters caught; number of traps hauled; set-over days; VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 trap and bait type; lobster carapace length; sex; shell hardness; culls and other shell damage; external gross pathology including symptoms of shell disease; mortality; and ovigerous status. MA DMF is requesting exemption from management measures of LMA 1 and 2 for lobster size restrictions, v-notch possession, and egg-bearing lobster possession. MA DMF plans on retaining a small amount of lobsters for growth and maturity research purposes. If approved, MA DMF may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the study. 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. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Advisory Committee on Arlington National Cemetery Meeting Notice Department of the Army, DoD. Notice; date correction. AGENCY: ACTION: The notice of an open committee meeting published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2015 (80 FR 28246) has changed the date of the meeting. It will now be held on June 25, 2015 at the same time and location. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Brenda Curfman; Alternate Designated Federal Officer for the Committee, in writing at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA 22211, or by email at brenda.k.curfman.civ@mail.mil, or by phone at 703–614–0998. SUMMARY: Brenda S. Bowen, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–13475 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] Dated: June 1, 2015. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. BILLING CODE 3710–08–P [FR Doc. 2015–13643 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] Department of the Army DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BILLING CODE 3510–22–P [Docket ID: USA–2015–0019] DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Proposed Collection; Comment Request Department of the Army AGENCY: Advisory Committee on Arlington National Cemetery Explore, Remember, and Honor Subcommittee Meeting Notice Department of the Army, DoD. Notice; date correction. AGENCY: ACTION: The notice of open meeting notices for the Explore, Remember and Honor subcommittees published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2015 (80 FR 28978 & 28979) has changed the date of the meetings. They will now be held on June 24, 2015 at the same times and locations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Brenda K. Curfman; Alternate Designated Federal Officer for the committee and the Explore, Remember and Honor Subcommittees, in writing at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA 22211, or by email at brenda.k.curfman.civ@mail.mil, or by phone at 703–614–0998. SUMMARY: Brenda S. Bowen, Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–13476 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–08–P PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1, Technology and Business Architecture Integration Directorate, Army Library Program, Army, DOD. ACTION: Notice. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1, Technology and Business Architecture Integration Directorate, Army Library Program announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by August 3, 2015. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31893-31894]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13643]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD949


Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management 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 NMFS Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable 
Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, has made a preliminary 
determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit application contains all 
of the required information and warrants further consideration. This 
Exempted Fishing Permit would allow eight commercial lobster vessels to 
participate in a lobster growth and abundance study, under the 
direction of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in state and 
Federal waters off the coast of Massachusetts.
    Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative 
Management Act require publication of this notification to provide 
interested parties the opportunity to comment on Exempted Fishing 
Permit applications.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: NMFS.GAR.EFP@noaa.gov. Include in the subject line 
``Comments on MA DMF Lobster Study 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 MA 
DMF Lobster Study EFP.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-
281-9315.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Massachusetts Division of Marine 
Fisheries (MA DMF) submitted a complete application for an Exempted 
Fishing Permit (EFP) to conduct a 2-year lobster abundance survey with 
modified lobster gear that Federal regulations would otherwise 
restrict. The purpose of this lobster study is to provide fishery-
independent data on lobster

[[Page 31894]]

abundance in Massachusetts state waters of statistical area 514, from 
Ipswich Bay south to Cape Cod Bay; and state and Federal waters of 
Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and nearshore portions of Rhode Island 
Sound, in statistical areas 537 and 538. Currently, lobster abundance 
and distribution studies are primarily conducted through fishery 
independent, random stratified bottom-trawl surveys. MA DMF has stated 
that trawl surveys lack the capability to efficiently target areas with 
rocky bottom where lobsters also reside, and is seeking an EFP to use 
fixed lobster gear to sample such areas.
    The EFP would authorize commercial lobster vessels to set, haul, 
and retain on board lobster traps with closed escape vents during 
sampling activity. Following a soak time ranging from 3 to 5 days, 
these lobster traps would be hauled twice per month on dedicated 
sampling trips, with at least one scientist from MA DMF on board during 
sampling activity. During sampling trips, no catch will be retained for 
sale or sold.
    MA DMF requests exemption from lobster gear regulations to allow 
for closed escape vents in order to catch lobsters of all sizes. MA DMF 
is also requesting exemption from lobster trap limits. This would allow 
participating vessels to retain on-board survey lobster traps that may 
cause vessels to exceed their permitted allocation for Lobster 
Management Area (LMA) 1 (800 trap limit) or LMA 2 (historical 
qualification up to 800 trap limit). Federal lobster regulations 
require each active lobster trap to have a commercial trap tag 
permanently affixed. MA DMF is requesting exemption from this 
requirement because survey traps will be tagged with ``MA DMF Research 
Trap.''
    MA DMF is also requesting exemption from the management area 
designation requirement to allow one Federal lobster permit holder to 
fish experimental traps in LMA 2 while having an LMA 3 designation on 
his Federal permit. This exemption would allow the vessel to set survey 
traps in an area not designated on his permit. This exemption would not 
allow him to commercially fish and/or land lobsters caught with traps 
in LMA 2.
    Site selection would be based on a random stratified sampling 
design, consistent with standardized methodology used to perform 
lobster surveys. All catch during dedicated research trips would be 
retained on-board for a short period of time to allow MA DMF staff to 
record the following information: Number of lobsters caught; number of 
traps hauled; set-over days; trap and bait type; lobster carapace 
length; sex; shell hardness; culls and other shell damage; external 
gross pathology including symptoms of shell disease; mortality; and 
ovigerous status. MA DMF is requesting exemption from management 
measures of LMA 1 and 2 for lobster size restrictions, v-notch 
possession, and egg-bearing lobster possession. MA DMF plans on 
retaining a small amount of lobsters for growth and maturity research 
purposes.
    If approved, MA DMF may request minor modifications and extensions 
to the EFP throughout the study. 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.

    Dated: June 1, 2015.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13643 Filed 6-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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