Stock Status Determination for Atlantic Highly Migratory Atlantic Smooth Dogfish Shark and the Gulf of Mexico Smoothhound Sharks Complex, 36974-36975 [2015-15809]

Download as PDF 36974 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 124 / Monday, June 29, 2015 / Notices Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (‘‘HTSUS’’).3 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Final Results of Review Pursuant to section 752(c) of the Act, we determine that revocation of the antidumping duty order on barium chloride from the PRC would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping at weighted average margins up to 155.50 percent. Administrative Protective Order This notice also serves as the only reminder to parties subject to administrative protective order (‘‘APO’’) of their responsibility concerning the return or destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. Timely notification of the return of destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation which is subject to sanction. This sunset review and notice are in accordance with sections 751(c), 752(c), and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: June 23, 2015. Paul Piquado, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. [FR Doc. 2015–15903 Filed 6–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XD969 Stock Status Determination for Atlantic Highly Migratory Atlantic Smooth Dogfish Shark and the Gulf of Mexico Smoothhound Sharks Complex National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has determined that the Atlantic smooth dogfish shark (Mustelus canis) and the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound shark complex, which is comprised of Atlantic smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound (M. norrisi), and Gulf smoothhound (M. sinusmexicanus), are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 3 The scope reflects the HTSUS item number currently in effect. The full scope of the order is provided in the Decision Memorandum. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 Andrew Rubin or Karyl Brewster-Geisz by phone at 301–427–8503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Atlantic smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound, and Gulf smoothhound sharks are managed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NMFS manages all shark species, except for spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its amendments. NMFS recently assessed the status of these species for the first time using the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process. The final stock assessment (SEDAR 39) was finalized and peer reviewed in March 2015. Data from tagging and genetic research in SEDAR 39 support the existence of two distinct Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stocks of smooth dogfish separated by peninsular Florida. Therefore, smooth dogfish was treated as two separate stocks, one in the Atlantic region and one in the Gulf of Mexico region. Additionally, because smooth dogfish are the only species of smoothhound sharks occurring in the Atlantic region, the scientists conducted a stock assessment for only this species in the Atlantic region. However, because all three species occur in the Gulf of Mexico, and given the difficulty with distinguishing among and identifying the individual species of smoothhound sharks occurring in the Gulf of Mexico region, the scientists treated all three smoothhound species (smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound, and Gulf smoothhound) as a single smoothhound shark complex within the Gulf of Mexico region. All documents and information regarding SEDAR 39 can be found on the SEDAR Web page at https:// sedarweb.org/sedar-39. Atlantic Region For Atlantic smooth dogfish, the scientists used a length-based agestructured stock assessment model. This was the first HMS shark stock assessment conducted within the SEDAR process to utilize this type of modeling framework. The Atlantic smooth dogfish assessment implemented spawning stock fecundity (SSF), which was used as a proxy for biomass, natural mortality (M), steepness of the Beverton-Holt stockrecruitment relationship, and the PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 selectivity patterns using the same methods as in previous HMS shark assessment. Two selectivity patterns were explored for the main targeted gillnet fishery (dome-shaped and asymptotic). The use of these two selectivity patterns resulted in two alternative base model configurations being evaluated. Based on diagnostic results, the scientists recommended that the dome-shaped functional form be selected as the base model. The peer reviewers found this base model to be an appropriate methodology. For this base model, the stock assessment scientists explored seven sensitivity scenarios. All seven model runs found that SSF in 2012 (SSF2012), was greater than SSFMSY (SSF2012/ SSFMSY ranged from 1.96 to 2.81 vs. 2.29 in the base model) and that F2012 was less than FMSY (F2012/FMSY ranged from 0.61 to 0.99 vs. 0.79 in the base model). Projection results for the base model configuration indicated that levels of fixed removals less than or equal to 550 (1000s of sharks) resulted in at least a 70 percent probability of maintaining SSF above SSFMSY during the years 2013–2022. Projections for the seven sensitivity scenarios resulted in a range of fixed removals from 350 to 850 (1000s of sharks) with at least a 70 percent probability of maintaining SSF above SSFMSY during the years 2013– 2022. The peer reviewers found it is likely that the Atlantic smooth dogfish stock is not overfished, and overfishing is not occurring based on the base model and range of associated sensitivities. The peer reviewers indicated that the range of sensitivities appropriately captured the uncertainty regarding the states of nature and the potential implications for the reference points. However they cautioned about inferences drawn about stock status because of the level of uncertainty associated with the stockrecruitment relationship and uncertainty in the catches, and noted that the fishing level for the most recent year is close to FMSY for some sensitivity runs. Overall, the peer reviewers determined the stock assessment to be based on the best scientific information available. Based on these results, NMFS determined that the status of smooth dogfish is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. Gulf of Mexico Region The model structure for the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound shark complex was different than the Atlantic stock of smooth dogfish because of the need to combine life history data for all three E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 124 / Monday, June 29, 2015 / Notices species. The scientists combined this data using a life table to calculate the mid-point biological values between the species. They then used a state-space Bayesian surplus production model that implemented a Schaefer production model in a Bayesian framework. The peer reviewers found this model to be appropriate and robust. The reviewers noted issues could occur if the biology and population dynamics differed significantly but they did not believe this was an issue for the current assessment. In addition to the base model, the assessment scientists ran a number of sensitivities. All sensitivities found that the number of sharks in 2012 (N2012), which was the proxy used for biomass for this model, was greater than NMSY (N2012/NMSY ranged from 1.68 to 1.83 vs. 1.78 in the base model) and the exploitation rate in 2012 (H2012), which was the proxy used for fishing mortality in this model, was less than HMSY (H2012/HMSY ranged from 0.07 to 0.35 vs. 0.18 in the base model). Projections under varying catch levels conducted with the base model and sensitivities reflecting plausible states of nature, except the low catch scenario which was not deemed plausible, indicated that the 2012 catch could be increased by a factor of 4 and still allow for less than a 30 percent probability of the stock being overfished during any of the 10 years in the projection horizon. Similarly, the projected scenarios indicated that the 2012 catch could be increased by a factor of 2, 3, or 4 and still allow for less than a 30 percent probability of overfishing occurring during any of the 10 years in the projection horizon. The peer reviewers found the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound complex is most likely neither overfished, nor undergoing overfishing. The peer reviewers noted that the reliability of the stock status determination is dependent on the accuracy of the shrimp trawl bycatch estimates for these species and suggested that NMFS explore alternative catch streams to help assess this uncertainty. Nonetheless, the review panel believed that the model and associated sensitivities captured the main uncertainties associated with the assessment. The review panel considered the base model and corresponding sensitivity runs the best scientific information available. Based on these results, NMFS determined that the status of the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound shark complex is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:13 Jun 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 Dated: June 23, 2015. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–15809 Filed 6–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XC632 Marine Mammals; File No. 14809 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for permit amendment. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D., Duke University—Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, has applied for an amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 14809– 01. SUMMARY: Written, telefaxed, or email comments must be received on or before July 29, 2015. ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species home page, https:// apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then selecting File No. 14809 Modification #5 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376. Written comments on this application should be submitted to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile to (301) 713–0376, or by email to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please include the File No. in the subject line of the email comment. Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a written request to the Chief, Permits and Conservation Division at the address listed above. The request should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application would be appropriate. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Hapeman or Courtney Smith, (301) 427–8401. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 36975 The subject amendment to Permit No. 14809–01 is requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR 222– 226). Permit No. 14809, issued on March 24, 2014 (79 FR 18526), authorizes the permit holder to conduct comparative research on 34 species/stocks of cetaceans in the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Southern Oceans. Authorized activities include suction cup tagging, acoustic playbacks, passive acoustics, biopsy sampling, photoidentification, behavioral observations, and incidental harassment during vessel surveys. The research objectives are to: (1) Document baseline foraging and social behavior of cetacean species under different ecological conditions; (2) place these behaviors in a population-level context; and (3) determine how these species respond to various natural sound sources. The permit is valid through March 31, 2019. A minor amendment (–01) was issued on December 4, 2014 to the permit to authorize another type of suction cup tag. The permit holder is requesting the permit be amended to authorize the use of dart/barb tags during authorized tagging efforts on Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), shortfinned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), Arnoux’s beaked whales (Berardius arnuxii), Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and endangered humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during vessel surveys. No other changes to the permit are requested. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of this application to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 124 (Monday, June 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36974-36975]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15809]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XD969


Stock Status Determination for Atlantic Highly Migratory Atlantic 
Smooth Dogfish Shark and the Gulf of Mexico Smoothhound Sharks Complex

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has determined that the Atlantic 
smooth dogfish shark (Mustelus canis) and the Gulf of Mexico 
smoothhound shark complex, which is comprised of Atlantic smooth 
dogfish, Florida smoothhound (M. norrisi), and Gulf smoothhound (M. 
sinusmexicanus), are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Rubin or Karyl Brewster-Geisz 
by phone at 301-427-8503.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Atlantic smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound, and Gulf smoothhound 
sharks are managed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act. NMFS manages all shark species, except 
for spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), under the 2006 Consolidated 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 
and its amendments.
    NMFS recently assessed the status of these species for the first 
time using the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process. 
The final stock assessment (SEDAR 39) was finalized and peer reviewed 
in March 2015.
    Data from tagging and genetic research in SEDAR 39 support the 
existence of two distinct Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stocks of smooth 
dogfish separated by peninsular Florida. Therefore, smooth dogfish was 
treated as two separate stocks, one in the Atlantic region and one in 
the Gulf of Mexico region.
    Additionally, because smooth dogfish are the only species of 
smoothhound sharks occurring in the Atlantic region, the scientists 
conducted a stock assessment for only this species in the Atlantic 
region. However, because all three species occur in the Gulf of Mexico, 
and given the difficulty with distinguishing among and identifying the 
individual species of smoothhound sharks occurring in the Gulf of 
Mexico region, the scientists treated all three smoothhound species 
(smooth dogfish, Florida smoothhound, and Gulf smoothhound) as a single 
smoothhound shark complex within the Gulf of Mexico region.
    All documents and information regarding SEDAR 39 can be found on 
the SEDAR Web page at https://sedarweb.org/sedar-39.

Atlantic Region

    For Atlantic smooth dogfish, the scientists used a length-based 
age-structured stock assessment model. This was the first HMS shark 
stock assessment conducted within the SEDAR process to utilize this 
type of modeling framework. The Atlantic smooth dogfish assessment 
implemented spawning stock fecundity (SSF), which was used as a proxy 
for biomass, natural mortality (M), steepness of the Beverton-Holt 
stock-recruitment relationship, and the selectivity patterns using the 
same methods as in previous HMS shark assessment.
    Two selectivity patterns were explored for the main targeted 
gillnet fishery (dome-shaped and asymptotic). The use of these two 
selectivity patterns resulted in two alternative base model 
configurations being evaluated. Based on diagnostic results, the 
scientists recommended that the dome-shaped functional form be selected 
as the base model. The peer reviewers found this base model to be an 
appropriate methodology.
    For this base model, the stock assessment scientists explored seven 
sensitivity scenarios. All seven model runs found that SSF in 2012 
(SSF2012), was greater than SSFMSY 
(SSF2012/SSFMSY ranged from 1.96 to 2.81 vs. 2.29 
in the base model) and that F2012 was less than 
FMSY (F2012/FMSY ranged from 0.61 to 
0.99 vs. 0.79 in the base model). Projection results for the base model 
configuration indicated that levels of fixed removals less than or 
equal to 550 (1000s of sharks) resulted in at least a 70 percent 
probability of maintaining SSF above SSFMSY during the years 
2013-2022. Projections for the seven sensitivity scenarios resulted in 
a range of fixed removals from 350 to 850 (1000s of sharks) with at 
least a 70 percent probability of maintaining SSF above 
SSFMSY during the years 2013-2022.
    The peer reviewers found it is likely that the Atlantic smooth 
dogfish stock is not overfished, and overfishing is not occurring based 
on the base model and range of associated sensitivities. The peer 
reviewers indicated that the range of sensitivities appropriately 
captured the uncertainty regarding the states of nature and the 
potential implications for the reference points. However they cautioned 
about inferences drawn about stock status because of the level of 
uncertainty associated with the stock-recruitment relationship and 
uncertainty in the catches, and noted that the fishing level for the 
most recent year is close to FMSY for some sensitivity runs. Overall, 
the peer reviewers determined the stock assessment to be based on the 
best scientific information available. Based on these results, NMFS 
determined that the status of smooth dogfish is not overfished and 
overfishing is not occurring.

Gulf of Mexico Region

    The model structure for the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound shark 
complex was different than the Atlantic stock of smooth dogfish because 
of the need to combine life history data for all three

[[Page 36975]]

species. The scientists combined this data using a life table to 
calculate the mid-point biological values between the species. They 
then used a state-space Bayesian surplus production model that 
implemented a Schaefer production model in a Bayesian framework. The 
peer reviewers found this model to be appropriate and robust. The 
reviewers noted issues could occur if the biology and population 
dynamics differed significantly but they did not believe this was an 
issue for the current assessment.
    In addition to the base model, the assessment scientists ran a 
number of sensitivities. All sensitivities found that the number of 
sharks in 2012 (N2012), which was the proxy used for biomass 
for this model, was greater than NMSY (N2012/
NMSY ranged from 1.68 to 1.83 vs. 1.78 in the base model) 
and the exploitation rate in 2012 (H2012), which was the 
proxy used for fishing mortality in this model, was less than 
HMSY (H2012/HMSY ranged from 0.07 to 
0.35 vs. 0.18 in the base model). Projections under varying catch 
levels conducted with the base model and sensitivities reflecting 
plausible states of nature, except the low catch scenario which was not 
deemed plausible, indicated that the 2012 catch could be increased by a 
factor of 4 and still allow for less than a 30 percent probability of 
the stock being overfished during any of the 10 years in the projection 
horizon. Similarly, the projected scenarios indicated that the 2012 
catch could be increased by a factor of 2, 3, or 4 and still allow for 
less than a 30 percent probability of overfishing occurring during any 
of the 10 years in the projection horizon.
    The peer reviewers found the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound complex is 
most likely neither overfished, nor undergoing overfishing. The peer 
reviewers noted that the reliability of the stock status determination 
is dependent on the accuracy of the shrimp trawl bycatch estimates for 
these species and suggested that NMFS explore alternative catch streams 
to help assess this uncertainty. Nonetheless, the review panel believed 
that the model and associated sensitivities captured the main 
uncertainties associated with the assessment. The review panel 
considered the base model and corresponding sensitivity runs the best 
scientific information available. Based on these results, NMFS 
determined that the status of the Gulf of Mexico smoothhound shark 
complex is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.

    Dated: June 23, 2015.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15809 Filed 6-26-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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