Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures, 55821-55825 [2015-23347]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 2015 / Proposed Rules Sale and Purchase Restrictions of Recreationally Harvested Dolphin, Wahoo or Snapper-Grouper Amendments 7/33 would explicitly prohibit the sale or purchase of any dolphin, wahoo, and snapper-grouper recreationally harvested in The Bahamas and transported through the U.S. EEZ. The Council determined that establishing a specific prohibition to the sale or purchase of any of these species from The Bahamas was necessary to ensure consistency with the current Federal regulations that prohibit recreational bag limit sales of these species. The Council wanted to ensure that Amendments 7/33 and the accompanying rulemaking do not create an opportunity for these fish to be sold or purchased. Required Documentation Amendments 7/33 would revise the documentation requirements for snapper-grouper species and implement documentation requirements for dolphin and wahoo lawfully harvested in Bahamian waters and in transit through the U.S. EEZ. For snappergrouper lawfully harvested under the exemption, the current requirement is that valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits are on the vessel. Amendments 7/33 would retain the current requirement that valid Bahamian fishing and cruising permits are onboard and additionally require that all vessel passengers have stamped and dated government passports. These documentation requirements would apply to individuals onboard a vessel in transit through the U.S. EEZ from Bahamian waters with dolphin, wahoo, or snapper-grouper fillets. Requiring vessel passengers to have a valid government passport with current stamps and dates from The Bahamas will increase the likelihood that the vessel was lawfully fishing in The Bahamas and that any dolphin, wahoo, or snapper-grouper fillets on the vessel were harvested in Bahamian waters and not in the U.S. EEZ. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Transit and Stowage Provisions Snapper-grouper vessels operating under the current exemption have specific transit requirements when in the South Atlantic EEZ as described in § 622.186(b). These vessels are required to be in transit when they enter the South Atlantic EEZ with Bahamian snapper-grouper onboard. A vessel is in transit through the South Atlantic EEZ when it is on ‘‘a direct and continuous course through the South Atlantic EEZ and no one aboard the vessel fishes in the EEZ.’’ Amendments 7/33 would VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Sep 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 revise the snapper-grouper transit provisions, also apply the transit provisions to vessels operating under the proposed exemption for dolphin and wahoo, and require fishing gear to be appropriately stowed on vessels transiting through the U.S. EEZ with fillets of these species. The proposed definition for ‘‘fishing gear appropriately stowed’’ would mean that ‘‘terminal gear (i.e., hook, leader, sinker, flasher, or bait) used with an automatic reel, bandit gear, buoy gear, handline, or rod and reel must be disconnected and stowed separately from such fishing gear. Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and stowed separately.’’ The Council determined that specifying criteria for transit and fishing gear stowage for vessels returning from The Bahamas under the exemption would assist in the enforceability of the proposed regulations and increase consistency with the state of Florida’s gear stowage regulations. A proposed rule that would implement measures outlined in Amendments 7/33 has been drafted. In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS is evaluating Amendment 7/ 33 and the proposed rule to determine whether it is consistent with the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law. If the determination is affirmative, NMFS will publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register for public review and comment. Consideration of Public Comments The Council submitted Amendments 7/33 for Secretarial review, approval, and implementation on May 1, 2015. Comments received on or before November 16, 2015, will be considered by NMFS in the approval, partial approval, or disapproval decision regarding Amendments 7/33. Comments received after that date will not be considered by NMFS in this decision. All relevant comments received by NMFS on the amendment or the proposed rule during their respective comment periods will be addressed in the final rule. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: September 14, 2015. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2015–23339 Filed 9–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55821 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 150817720–5720–01] RIN 0648–BF21 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management Measures National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this action would revise the commercial and recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs), the commercial trip limit, and the recreational minimum size limit for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone. Additionally, this rule would correct an error in the Gulf gray triggerfish recreational accountability measures (AMs). The purpose of this rule is to modify Gulf greater amberjack management measures to end overfishing and achieve optimal yield for the greater amberjack resource. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before October 19, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2015–0094’’ by any of the following methods: • Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20150094, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Richard Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17SEP1.SGM 17SEP1 55822 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 2015 / Proposed Rules viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/ A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Electronic copies of the framework action, which includes an environmental assessment, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office Web site at https:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_ fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2015/ greater_amberjack_framework/ index.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, telephone: 727–824– 5305, email: rich.malinowski@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 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). tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Background The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery management councils to achieve on a continuing basis the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks. This mandate is intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and recreational opportunities, while also protecting marine ecosystems. The greater amberjack resource in the Gulf was declared overfished by NMFS on February 9, 2001. Secretarial Amendment 2 established a greater amberjack rebuilding plan that started in 2003 and was scheduled to rebuild the stock in 2012 (68 FR 39898, July 3, 2003). In 2006, a Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) benchmark stock assessment (SEDAR 9) occurred and was subsequently updated in 2010 (SEDAR 9 Update). In response to new scientific information from SEDAR 9 and the SEDAR 9 Update, the rebuilding plan was revised in both Amendments 30A and 35 to the FMP (73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008, and 77 FR 67574, December 13, 2012). However, the rebuilding time period ended in 2012, without the stock being rebuilt. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Sep 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 A 2014 stock assessment indicates the Gulf greater amberjack stock remains overfished and is undergoing overfishing. The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed this assessment at their June 2014 meeting and used the acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rule to recommend an ABC equivalent to 75 percent of the maximum fishing mortality threshold to end overfishing and rebuild the stock. The ABCs recommended by the Council’s SSC in this framework action are: 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg) for 2015; 2,230,000 lb (1,011,511 kg) for 2016; 2,490,000 lb (1,129,445 kg) for 2017; and 2,620,000 lb (1,188412 kg) for 2018. In August 2014, pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS notified the Council of the 2014 stock assessment results that indicated that the greater amberjack stock continued to be overfished and undergoing overfishing. Following that notification, the Council was required under section 304(e)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to prepare a plan amendment or regulations within 2 years to end overfishing immediately and rebuild the greater amberjack stock. For this framework action, the Council chose to reduce the current stock ACL of 1,780,000 lb (807,394 kg) to the SSC’s ABC recommendation for 2015 of 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg). Furthermore, the Council decided to maintain the 2015 catch levels through 2018, which results in an ABC and stock ACL that will be 49 percent of the 2018 overfishing limit (OFL), and is expected to rebuild the stock by 2019. The Council also considered an alternative in the framework action that would have set the stock ACL at zero. However, this alternative, which is projected to rebuild the stock by 2017, would have the greatest negative socioeconomic impacts on fishing communities for relatively little biological benefit. Although the Council did not explicitly discuss its obligations under section 304(e)(3) of the MagnusonStevens Act, the framework action and this proposed rule fulfill the Council’s responsibility to ‘‘prepare and implement a fishery management plan, plan amendment, or proposed regulations for the fishery’’ under that provision. Consistent with the requirements of sections 304(e)(3) and (4), the framework action and proposed rule are projected to end overfishing immediately and rebuild the stock in as short as time possible, taking into account the needs of fishing communities. The specified time for rebuilding is 4 years, well below the PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 maximum time of 10 years specified in section 304(4)(A)(ii) of the MagnusonStevens Act, and the harvest restrictions are fairly and equitably allocated between the commercial and recreational sectors by virtue of the established ACL allocation, the increased recreational size limit, and the decreased commercial trip limit. Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule This rule would revise the commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs (which are expressed as quotas in the regulatory text), the commercial trip limit, and the recreational minimum size limit for greater amberjack in the Gulf. Commercial and Recreational ACLs and ACTs This rule would revise the commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs for Gulf greater amberjack. All ACL and ACT weights are described in round weight. The final rule for Amendment 35 to the FMP set the current commercial ACL at 481,000 lb (218,178 kg) and the current commercial ACT at 409,000 lb (185,519 kg). That final rule also set the current recreational ACL at 1,299,000 lb (589,216 kg) and the current recreational ACT at 1,130,000 lb (512,559 kg). This proposed rule would reduce the commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs. The current sector allocation of 27 percent for the commercial sector and 73 percent for the recreational sector would not change through this framework action. The commercial ACL would be set at 464,400 lb (210,648 kg) and the commercial ACT would be set at 394,740 lb (179,051 kg). The recreational ACL would be set at 1,255,600 lb (569,531 kg) and the recreational ACT would be set at 1,092,372 lb (495,492 kg). Commercial Trip Limit The current greater amberjack commercial trip limit was established in Amendment 35 to the FMP at 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight, in an effort to reduce harvest rates, prevent commercial ACL overages, and provide a longer fishing season for the commercial sector (77 FR 67574, November 13, 2012). However, in 2013, the commercial ACL and ACT were still exceeded by approximately 12 percent, triggering the commercial AMs and closing the commercial sector in season. This rule would reduce the commercial trip limit to 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight. The Council determined that the proposed trip limit would further E:\FR\FM\17SEP1.SGM 17SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 2015 / Proposed Rules reduce the likelihood of exceeding the commercial ACL and ACT and could extend the length of the commercial fishing season. Recreational Size Limit This rule would revise the greater amberjack recreational minimum size limit. In 2008, Amendment 30A to the FMP set the greater amberjack recreational minimum size limit at 30 inches (76 cm), fork length (FL), (73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008). A greater amberjack with a 30-inch (76-cm), FL, is approximately 2 years old and the majority of the fish at that size have likely not yet reached sexual maturity. At the proposed recreational minimum size limit of 34 inches (86.4 cm), FL, it is estimated that 85 percent of females are reproductively mature. Additionally, based upon a review of greater amberjack recreational landings from 2012 through 2013, 34 inches (86.4 cm), FL, was the most frequently landed size of greater amberjack. The Council determined that increasing the recreational minimum size limit from 30 inches (76 cm), FL, to 34 inches (86.4 cm), FL, would provide an opportunity for a greater number of sexually mature greater amberjack to spawn, which could assist in Council efforts to end overfishing and rebuild the stock. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Other Actions Contained in the Framework Action 16:33 Sep 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 Amendment 30A to the FMP implemented ACLs and AMs for Gulf gray triggerfish (73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008). The recreational AM was a postseason AM that reduced the length of the following recreational fishing season by the amount necessary to ensure recreational landings did not exceed the recreational ACT the following fishing year. To determine a reduced season, recreational landings were evaluated relative to the recreational ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings. In Amendment 37 to the FMP, this post-season AM was replaced with an in-season AM (which is based on a single season of landings data), so the recreational sector closes when the recreational ACT is reached or projected to be reached (78 FR 27084, May 9, 2013). However, during the implementation of Amendment 37, the last sentence in § 622.41(b)(2)(iii), which states that ‘‘Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP,’’ was not removed. NMFS has only recently noticed this error. This rule corrects this error by removing this sentence. The recreational ACL and ACT for gray triggerfish implemented in Amendment 37 to the FMP remain unchanged. Classification In addition to the measures being proposed in this rule, the framework action would revise the greater amberjack ABC and OFL based upon the results of SEDAR 33 and the Council’s SSC recommendation. All ABC and OFL weights are described in round weight. The current greater amberjack ABC is 1,780,000 lb (807,394 kg) and the current OFL is 2,380,000 lb (1,079,550 kg), which were established in Amendment 35 to the FMP (77 FR 67574, November 13, 2012). This framework action would revise the ABC and OFL for 4 years, beginning in 2015. The ABC, which is equal to the stock ACL would be set at 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg). The OFL would be set at 2,660,000 lb (1,206,556 kg) for 2015; 3,210,000 lb (1,456,032) kg) for 2016; 3,420,000 lb (1,551,286 kg) for 2017; and 3,510,000 lb (1,592,109 kg) for 2018, and subsequent years. The framework action also contained an action to modify the greater amberjack recreational closed season. However, the Council decided not to revise the recreational season at this time. Therefore, the current recreational closed season of June 1 through July 31 remains in effect. VerDate Sep<11>2014 Additional Proposed Changes to Codified Text Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the framework action, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public comment. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. NMFS prepared an IRFA for this rule, as required by section 603 of the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 603. The IRFA describes the economic impact that this proposed rule, if implemented, would have on small entities. A description of the proposed rule, why it is being considered, and the objectives of, and legal basis for this proposed rule are contained at the beginning of this section in the preamble and in the SUMMARY section of the preamble. A copy of the full analysis is available from the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been identified. In addition, no new reporting, record- PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55823 keeping, or other compliance requirements are introduced by this proposed rule. Accordingly, this rule does not implicate the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly affect all commercial vessels that harvest Gulf greater amberjack under the FMP. Changes to recreational ACLs, ACTs, and/or minimum size limits in this proposed rule would not directly apply to or regulate charter vessel and headboat (for-hire) businesses. Any impact to the profitability or competitiveness of for-hire fishing businesses would be the result of changes in for-hire angler demand and would therefore be indirect in nature. The RFA does not consider recreational anglers, who would be directly affected by this proposed rule, to be small entities, so they are outside the scope of this analysis and only the effects on commercial vessels were analyzed. As of March 25, 2015, there were 863 vessels with valid or renewable Gulf reef fish commercial vessel permits. On average (2009 through 2013), 211 vessels commercially landed greater amberjack each year from Gulf Federal waters. Their average annual vessellevel revenue for 2009 through 2013 was approximately $130,000 (2013 dollars), of which $2,400 was from greater amberjack. No other small entities that would be directly affected by this proposed rule have been identified. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established size criteria for all major industry sectors in the U.S., including commercial finfish harvesters (NAICS code 114111). A business primarily involved in finfish harvesting is classified as a small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $20.5 million for all its affiliated operations worldwide. All of the vessels directly regulated by this rule are believed to be small entities based on the SBA size criteria. Because all entities expected to be affected by this proposed rule are small entities, NMFS has determined that this proposed rule would affect a substantial number of small entities. Moreover, the issue of disproportionate effects on small versus large entities does not arise in the present case. This proposed rule would reduce the current greater amberjack commercial ACT by 14,260 lb (6,468 kg), round weight, from 409,000 lb (185,519 kg) to 394,740 lb (179,051 kg), round weight, or 3.5 percent. Additionally, this E:\FR\FM\17SEP1.SGM 17SEP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 55824 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 2015 / Proposed Rules proposed rule would reduce the greater amberjack commercial trip limit from 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight, to 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight; 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight. On its own, the reduction in the commercial ACT would be expected to result in a shorter fishing season and fewer commercial trips that harvest greater amberjack. Conversely, the reduced commercial trip limit would be expected to increase the commercial fishing season length and the overall number of trips necessary to harvest the full commercial ACT. When the actions to reduce the commercial ACT and the trip limit are analyzed together, the expected recurring annual reduction in total ex-vessel revenue from this proposed rule is estimated to be $20,703 (2013 dollars), assuming there is no substitution of other species and no change in effort, harvest rates, or prices. In addition, the season is predicted to be 5 days longer under the preferred commercial ACT and trip limit alternatives than under the no action alternatives for these actions. Assuming the reduction in greater amberjack revenues is distributed evenly across the average number of vessels that commercially harvest greater amberjack per year (211 vessels), the annual per-vessel loss would be $98 (2013 dollars), or less than 1 percent of the average annual revenue earned by these vessels for all species harvested. Because this estimate is based on average performance, some vessels may be affected more or less than others, depending on their overall catch composition, landing capacity, and fishing behavior. Thirty vessels, on average per year (2009 through 2013), were identified that commercially landed greater amberjack in excess of 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, on a single trip (14 percent of the average number of vessels that harvested greater amberjack each year). In 2013, the total weight of greater amberjack harvested in excess of 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, per trip accounted for approximately 10 percent of total greater amberjack landings. Thus, for the 211 vessels that commercially harvest greater amberjack, the proposed reduction in the commercial trip limit, assuming effort remains constant, would be expected to reduce total commercial greater amberjack harvests by approximately 39,000 lb (17,690 kg), round weight, and $46,800 (2013 dollars) in total ex-vessel revenue annually. Averaged across the 30 vessels per year with trip harvests above 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, this reduction would equal approximately $1,560 (2013 dollars) per VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Sep 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 vessel, or approximately 1 percent of their average annual revenue. These losses would be reduced if increased landings of other species can be substituted for greater amberjack landings or if new trips harvesting greater amberjack were to occur. It is assumed that the full commercial ACT would be harvested under the preferred trip limit alternative. Therefore, if the trip limit change implemented by this proposed rule results in a decrease in greater amberjack landings and revenues for some vessels, it would result in an increase in greater amberjack landings and revenues for other vessels. The following discussion analyzes the alternatives that were not selected as preferred by the Council. Only the actions which contain alternatives that would have direct economic effects on small entities merit inclusion in the following discussion. Four alternatives were considered for the action to modify the commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs for Gulf greater amberjack. The first alternative, the no action alternative, would not be expected to have any direct economic effects. This alternative was not selected because the stock ACL would exceed the ABC calculated by the most recent greater amberjack assessment and recommended by the SSC and would, therefore, be inconsistent with the NS 1 guidelines. The second alternative would set the stock ACL from 2015 through 2018 equal to the ABC values recommended by the SSC. This alternative included two sub-options. The first sub-option would use the Council’s ACL/ACT control rule as established in the Generic ACL/AM Amendment (76 FR 82044, December 29, 2011), which would set the commercial ACT at a level reduced by 15 percent from the commercial ACL for greater amberjack and set the recreational ACT at a level reduced by 13 percent from the recreational ACL. The second sub-option would not use the ACL/ACT control rule and instead would apply a 20-percent buffer that would reduce both the recreational and commercial ACLs by 20 percent to establish the recreational and commercial ACTs. This alternative would increase the stock ACL each year from 2015 through 2018, which would be expected to result in greater economic benefits than the preferred alternative in the framework action. However, this alternative was not selected as preferred by the Council as a result of the following factors: the stock remains overfished and is undergoing overfishing, the 10-year rebuilding plan time period ended and the stock has not been rebuilt, and the PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 stock biomass has been relatively stable (at overfished levels) since 2000, while experiencing harvest levels below what is currently projected to rebuild the stock in upcoming years. The third alternative is the preferred alternative, which would set a constant stock ACL equal to the 2015 ABC value recommended by the SSC. The same two sub-options for setting the ACT that were considered for the second alternative were also considered for the third alternative. The first sub-option, selected as preferred by the Council, would apply a 15-percent buffer to the commercial ACL to set the commercial ACT and apply a 13-percent buffer to the recreational ACL to set the recreational ACT. The second suboption would not use the ACL/ACT control rule and instead would apply a 20-percent buffer that would reduce both the recreational and commercial ACLs by 20 percent to establish the recreational and commercial ACTs. The fourth alternative would set the stock ACL and stock ACT at zero. The fourth alternative would stop all directed harvest of greater amberjack and would be expected to result in greater economic losses than the preferred ACL/ACT alternative. Five alternatives were considered for the action to modify the greater amberjack commercial trip limit. The first alternative, the no action alternative, would maintain the current 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight, trip limit and would not be expected to have any direct economic effects. The second alternative is the preferred alternative, which would establish a 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, trip limit for greater amberjack. The third, fourth, and fifth alternatives would have established 1,000 lb (454 kg), 750 lb (340 kg), and 500 lb (227 lb), gutted weight trip limits, respectively. Although these three alternatives would be expected to extend the season, they would increase the likelihood that trips are no longer profitable and decrease the likelihood that the full commercial ACT would be harvested during the fishing year. As such, these three alternatives would be expected to result in greater economic losses to affected small entities than the preferred trip limit alternative. An item contained in this proposed rule that is not part of the framework action is the removal of the last sentence in § 622.41(b)(2)(iii), ‘‘Recreational landings will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as described in the FMP.’’ This sentence, which pertains to the evaluation of recreational landings of gray triggerfish relative to the ACL, was inadvertently not removed in the E:\FR\FM\17SEP1.SGM 17SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 180 / Thursday, September 17, 2015 / Proposed Rules final rule implementing Amendment 37 to the FMP (78 FR 27084, May 9, 2013). The removal of this sentence will clarify the criteria used to trigger recreational AMs as written in the Federal regulations; however, it is not expected to have any effect on current management practices. This is because NMFS has managed gray triggerfish in accordance with the preferred alternatives specified in Amendment 37 since its implementation. Therefore, this is an administrative change only and is not expected to have any direct economic effects on small entities. As such, this component of the proposed rule is outside the scope of the RFA. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Commercial, Fisheries, Fishing, Greater amberjack, Gulf, Recreational, Reef fish. PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:33 Sep 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 § 622.37 Size Limits. * * * * * (c) * * * (4) Greater amberjack—34 inches (86.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in § 622.38(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit. * * * * * ■ 3. In § 622.39, revise paragraphs (a)(1)(v) and (a)(2)(ii) to read as follows: Quotas. * For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed to be amended as follows: 1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows: 2. In § 622.37, revise paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows: ■ § 622.39 Dated: September 11, 2015. Samuel D. Rauch III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. * * * * (a) * * * (1) * * * (v) Greater amberjack—394,740 lb (179,051 kg), round weight. * * * * * (2) * * * (ii) Recreational quota for greater amberjack. The recreational quota for greater amberjack is 1,092,372 lb (495,492 kg), round weight. * * * * * ■ 4. In § 622.41, revise paragraphs (a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(iii), and (b)(2)(iii) to read as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 55825 § 622.41 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs). (a) * * * (1) * * * (iii) The commercial ACL for greater amberjack is 464,400 lb (210,648 kg), round weight. (2) * * * (iii) The recreational ACL for greater amberjack is 1,255,600 lb (569,531 kg), round weight. (b) * * * (2) * * * (iii) The recreational ACL for gray triggerfish is 241,200 lb (109,406 kg), round weight. The recreational ACT for gray triggerfish is 217,100 lb (98,475 kg), round weight. * * * * * ■ 5. In § 622.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 622.43 Commercial trip limits. * * * * * (a) Gulf greater amberjack. Until the quota specified in § 622.39(a)(1)(v) is reached, 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb (708 kg), round weight. See § 622.39(b) for the limitations regarding greater amberjack after the quota is reached. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2015–23347 Filed 9–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\17SEP1.SGM 17SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 180 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55821-55825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23347]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 150817720-5720-01]
RIN 0648-BF21


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Greater Amberjack Management 
Measures

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a 
framework action to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf of 
Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). If implemented, this 
action would revise the commercial and recreational annual catch limits 
(ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs), the commercial trip limit, and 
the recreational minimum size limit for greater amberjack in the Gulf 
of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone. Additionally, this rule would 
correct an error in the Gulf gray triggerfish recreational 
accountability measures (AMs). The purpose of this rule is to modify 
Gulf greater amberjack management measures to end overfishing and 
achieve optimal yield for the greater amberjack resource.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before October 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2015-0094'' by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0094, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Richard Malinowski, 
Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 
FL 33701.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public

[[Page 55822]]

viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).
    Electronic copies of the framework action, which includes an 
environmental assessment, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis may be obtained from the Southeast 
Regional Office Web site at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2015/greater_amberjack_framework/.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Gulf reef fish fishery is managed under 
the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 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).

Background

    The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery 
management councils to achieve on a continuing basis the optimum yield 
from federally managed fish stocks. This mandate is intended to ensure 
that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to 
the nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and 
recreational opportunities, while also protecting marine ecosystems.
    The greater amberjack resource in the Gulf was declared overfished 
by NMFS on February 9, 2001. Secretarial Amendment 2 established a 
greater amberjack rebuilding plan that started in 2003 and was 
scheduled to rebuild the stock in 2012 (68 FR 39898, July 3, 2003). In 
2006, a Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) benchmark stock 
assessment (SEDAR 9) occurred and was subsequently updated in 2010 
(SEDAR 9 Update). In response to new scientific information from SEDAR 
9 and the SEDAR 9 Update, the rebuilding plan was revised in both 
Amendments 30A and 35 to the FMP (73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008, and 77 FR 
67574, December 13, 2012). However, the rebuilding time period ended in 
2012, without the stock being rebuilt.
    A 2014 stock assessment indicates the Gulf greater amberjack stock 
remains overfished and is undergoing overfishing. The Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed this assessment at 
their June 2014 meeting and used the acceptable biological catch (ABC) 
control rule to recommend an ABC equivalent to 75 percent of the 
maximum fishing mortality threshold to end overfishing and rebuild the 
stock. The ABCs recommended by the Council's SSC in this framework 
action are: 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg) for 2015; 2,230,000 lb (1,011,511 
kg) for 2016; 2,490,000 lb (1,129,445 kg) for 2017; and 2,620,000 lb 
(1,188412 kg) for 2018.
    In August 2014, pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, NMFS notified the Council of the 2014 stock assessment 
results that indicated that the greater amberjack stock continued to be 
overfished and undergoing overfishing. Following that notification, the 
Council was required under section 304(e)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act to prepare a plan amendment or regulations within 2 years to end 
overfishing immediately and rebuild the greater amberjack stock.
    For this framework action, the Council chose to reduce the current 
stock ACL of 1,780,000 lb (807,394 kg) to the SSC's ABC recommendation 
for 2015 of 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg). Furthermore, the Council decided 
to maintain the 2015 catch levels through 2018, which results in an ABC 
and stock ACL that will be 49 percent of the 2018 overfishing limit 
(OFL), and is expected to rebuild the stock by 2019. The Council also 
considered an alternative in the framework action that would have set 
the stock ACL at zero. However, this alternative, which is projected to 
rebuild the stock by 2017, would have the greatest negative socio-
economic impacts on fishing communities for relatively little 
biological benefit.
    Although the Council did not explicitly discuss its obligations 
under section 304(e)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the framework 
action and this proposed rule fulfill the Council's responsibility to 
``prepare and implement a fishery management plan, plan amendment, or 
proposed regulations for the fishery'' under that provision. Consistent 
with the requirements of sections 304(e)(3) and (4), the framework 
action and proposed rule are projected to end overfishing immediately 
and rebuild the stock in as short as time possible, taking into account 
the needs of fishing communities. The specified time for rebuilding is 
4 years, well below the maximum time of 10 years specified in section 
304(4)(A)(ii) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the harvest restrictions 
are fairly and equitably allocated between the commercial and 
recreational sectors by virtue of the established ACL allocation, the 
increased recreational size limit, and the decreased commercial trip 
limit.

Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule

    This rule would revise the commercial and recreational ACLs and 
ACTs (which are expressed as quotas in the regulatory text), the 
commercial trip limit, and the recreational minimum size limit for 
greater amberjack in the Gulf.

Commercial and Recreational ACLs and ACTs

    This rule would revise the commercial and recreational ACLs and 
ACTs for Gulf greater amberjack. All ACL and ACT weights are described 
in round weight. The final rule for Amendment 35 to the FMP set the 
current commercial ACL at 481,000 lb (218,178 kg) and the current 
commercial ACT at 409,000 lb (185,519 kg). That final rule also set the 
current recreational ACL at 1,299,000 lb (589,216 kg) and the current 
recreational ACT at 1,130,000 lb (512,559 kg).
    This proposed rule would reduce the commercial and recreational 
ACLs and ACTs. The current sector allocation of 27 percent for the 
commercial sector and 73 percent for the recreational sector would not 
change through this framework action. The commercial ACL would be set 
at 464,400 lb (210,648 kg) and the commercial ACT would be set at 
394,740 lb (179,051 kg). The recreational ACL would be set at 1,255,600 
lb (569,531 kg) and the recreational ACT would be set at 1,092,372 lb 
(495,492 kg).

Commercial Trip Limit

    The current greater amberjack commercial trip limit was established 
in Amendment 35 to the FMP at 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight, in an 
effort to reduce harvest rates, prevent commercial ACL overages, and 
provide a longer fishing season for the commercial sector (77 FR 67574, 
November 13, 2012). However, in 2013, the commercial ACL and ACT were 
still exceeded by approximately 12 percent, triggering the commercial 
AMs and closing the commercial sector in season. This rule would reduce 
the commercial trip limit to 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb 
(708 kg), round weight. The Council determined that the proposed trip 
limit would further

[[Page 55823]]

reduce the likelihood of exceeding the commercial ACL and ACT and could 
extend the length of the commercial fishing season.

Recreational Size Limit

    This rule would revise the greater amberjack recreational minimum 
size limit. In 2008, Amendment 30A to the FMP set the greater amberjack 
recreational minimum size limit at 30 inches (76 cm), fork length (FL), 
(73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008).
    A greater amberjack with a 30-inch (76-cm), FL, is approximately 2 
years old and the majority of the fish at that size have likely not yet 
reached sexual maturity. At the proposed recreational minimum size 
limit of 34 inches (86.4 cm), FL, it is estimated that 85 percent of 
females are reproductively mature. Additionally, based upon a review of 
greater amberjack recreational landings from 2012 through 2013, 34 
inches (86.4 cm), FL, was the most frequently landed size of greater 
amberjack. The Council determined that increasing the recreational 
minimum size limit from 30 inches (76 cm), FL, to 34 inches (86.4 cm), 
FL, would provide an opportunity for a greater number of sexually 
mature greater amberjack to spawn, which could assist in Council 
efforts to end overfishing and rebuild the stock.

Other Actions Contained in the Framework Action

    In addition to the measures being proposed in this rule, the 
framework action would revise the greater amberjack ABC and OFL based 
upon the results of SEDAR 33 and the Council's SSC recommendation. All 
ABC and OFL weights are described in round weight. The current greater 
amberjack ABC is 1,780,000 lb (807,394 kg) and the current OFL is 
2,380,000 lb (1,079,550 kg), which were established in Amendment 35 to 
the FMP (77 FR 67574, November 13, 2012). This framework action would 
revise the ABC and OFL for 4 years, beginning in 2015. The ABC, which 
is equal to the stock ACL would be set at 1,720,000 lb (780,179 kg). 
The OFL would be set at 2,660,000 lb (1,206,556 kg) for 2015; 3,210,000 
lb (1,456,032) kg) for 2016; 3,420,000 lb (1,551,286 kg) for 2017; and 
3,510,000 lb (1,592,109 kg) for 2018, and subsequent years.
    The framework action also contained an action to modify the greater 
amberjack recreational closed season. However, the Council decided not 
to revise the recreational season at this time. Therefore, the current 
recreational closed season of June 1 through July 31 remains in effect.

Additional Proposed Changes to Codified Text

    Amendment 30A to the FMP implemented ACLs and AMs for Gulf gray 
triggerfish (73 FR 38139, July 3, 2008). The recreational AM was a 
post-season AM that reduced the length of the following recreational 
fishing season by the amount necessary to ensure recreational landings 
did not exceed the recreational ACT the following fishing year. To 
determine a reduced season, recreational landings were evaluated 
relative to the recreational ACL based on a moving multi-year average 
of landings. In Amendment 37 to the FMP, this post-season AM was 
replaced with an in-season AM (which is based on a single season of 
landings data), so the recreational sector closes when the recreational 
ACT is reached or projected to be reached (78 FR 27084, May 9, 2013). 
However, during the implementation of Amendment 37, the last sentence 
in Sec.  622.41(b)(2)(iii), which states that ``Recreational landings 
will be evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-year 
average of landings, as described in the FMP,'' was not removed. NMFS 
has only recently noticed this error. This rule corrects this error by 
removing this sentence. The recreational ACL and ACT for gray 
triggerfish implemented in Amendment 37 to the FMP remain unchanged.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is 
consistent with the framework action, the FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after 
public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    NMFS prepared an IRFA for this rule, as required by section 603 of 
the RFA, 5 U.S.C. 603. The IRFA describes the economic impact that this 
proposed rule, if implemented, would have on small entities. A 
description of the proposed rule, why it is being considered, and the 
objectives of, and legal basis for this proposed rule are contained at 
the beginning of this section in the preamble and in the SUMMARY 
section of the preamble. A copy of the full analysis is available from 
the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the IRFA follows.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this 
rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have 
been identified. In addition, no new reporting, record-keeping, or 
other compliance requirements are introduced by this proposed rule. 
Accordingly, this rule does not implicate the Paperwork Reduction Act.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly 
affect all commercial vessels that harvest Gulf greater amberjack under 
the FMP. Changes to recreational ACLs, ACTs, and/or minimum size limits 
in this proposed rule would not directly apply to or regulate charter 
vessel and headboat (for-hire) businesses. Any impact to the 
profitability or competitiveness of for-hire fishing businesses would 
be the result of changes in for-hire angler demand and would therefore 
be indirect in nature. The RFA does not consider recreational anglers, 
who would be directly affected by this proposed rule, to be small 
entities, so they are outside the scope of this analysis and only the 
effects on commercial vessels were analyzed.
    As of March 25, 2015, there were 863 vessels with valid or 
renewable Gulf reef fish commercial vessel permits. On average (2009 
through 2013), 211 vessels commercially landed greater amberjack each 
year from Gulf Federal waters. Their average annual vessel-level 
revenue for 2009 through 2013 was approximately $130,000 (2013 
dollars), of which $2,400 was from greater amberjack.
    No other small entities that would be directly affected by this 
proposed rule have been identified.
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established size 
criteria for all major industry sectors in the U.S., including 
commercial finfish harvesters (NAICS code 114111). A business primarily 
involved in finfish harvesting is classified as a small business if it 
is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of 
operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual receipts 
not in excess of $20.5 million for all its affiliated operations 
worldwide. All of the vessels directly regulated by this rule are 
believed to be small entities based on the SBA size criteria.
    Because all entities expected to be affected by this proposed rule 
are small entities, NMFS has determined that this proposed rule would 
affect a substantial number of small entities. Moreover, the issue of 
disproportionate effects on small versus large entities does not arise 
in the present case.
    This proposed rule would reduce the current greater amberjack 
commercial ACT by 14,260 lb (6,468 kg), round weight, from 409,000 lb 
(185,519 kg) to 394,740 lb (179,051 kg), round weight, or 3.5 percent. 
Additionally, this

[[Page 55824]]

proposed rule would reduce the greater amberjack commercial trip limit 
from 2,000 lb (907 kg), round weight, to 1,560 lb (708 kg), round 
weight; 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight. On its own, the reduction in 
the commercial ACT would be expected to result in a shorter fishing 
season and fewer commercial trips that harvest greater amberjack. 
Conversely, the reduced commercial trip limit would be expected to 
increase the commercial fishing season length and the overall number of 
trips necessary to harvest the full commercial ACT. When the actions to 
reduce the commercial ACT and the trip limit are analyzed together, the 
expected recurring annual reduction in total ex-vessel revenue from 
this proposed rule is estimated to be $20,703 (2013 dollars), assuming 
there is no substitution of other species and no change in effort, 
harvest rates, or prices. In addition, the season is predicted to be 5 
days longer under the preferred commercial ACT and trip limit 
alternatives than under the no action alternatives for these actions. 
Assuming the reduction in greater amberjack revenues is distributed 
evenly across the average number of vessels that commercially harvest 
greater amberjack per year (211 vessels), the annual per-vessel loss 
would be $98 (2013 dollars), or less than 1 percent of the average 
annual revenue earned by these vessels for all species harvested. 
Because this estimate is based on average performance, some vessels may 
be affected more or less than others, depending on their overall catch 
composition, landing capacity, and fishing behavior.
    Thirty vessels, on average per year (2009 through 2013), were 
identified that commercially landed greater amberjack in excess of 
1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, on a single trip (14 percent of the 
average number of vessels that harvested greater amberjack each year). 
In 2013, the total weight of greater amberjack harvested in excess of 
1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, per trip accounted for approximately 
10 percent of total greater amberjack landings. Thus, for the 211 
vessels that commercially harvest greater amberjack, the proposed 
reduction in the commercial trip limit, assuming effort remains 
constant, would be expected to reduce total commercial greater 
amberjack harvests by approximately 39,000 lb (17,690 kg), round 
weight, and $46,800 (2013 dollars) in total ex-vessel revenue annually. 
Averaged across the 30 vessels per year with trip harvests above 1,500 
lb (680 kg), gutted weight, this reduction would equal approximately 
$1,560 (2013 dollars) per vessel, or approximately 1 percent of their 
average annual revenue. These losses would be reduced if increased 
landings of other species can be substituted for greater amberjack 
landings or if new trips harvesting greater amberjack were to occur. It 
is assumed that the full commercial ACT would be harvested under the 
preferred trip limit alternative. Therefore, if the trip limit change 
implemented by this proposed rule results in a decrease in greater 
amberjack landings and revenues for some vessels, it would result in an 
increase in greater amberjack landings and revenues for other vessels.
    The following discussion analyzes the alternatives that were not 
selected as preferred by the Council. Only the actions which contain 
alternatives that would have direct economic effects on small entities 
merit inclusion in the following discussion.
    Four alternatives were considered for the action to modify the 
commercial and recreational ACLs and ACTs for Gulf greater amberjack. 
The first alternative, the no action alternative, would not be expected 
to have any direct economic effects. This alternative was not selected 
because the stock ACL would exceed the ABC calculated by the most 
recent greater amberjack assessment and recommended by the SSC and 
would, therefore, be inconsistent with the NS 1 guidelines. The second 
alternative would set the stock ACL from 2015 through 2018 equal to the 
ABC values recommended by the SSC. This alternative included two sub-
options. The first sub-option would use the Council's ACL/ACT control 
rule as established in the Generic ACL/AM Amendment (76 FR 82044, 
December 29, 2011), which would set the commercial ACT at a level 
reduced by 15 percent from the commercial ACL for greater amberjack and 
set the recreational ACT at a level reduced by 13 percent from the 
recreational ACL. The second sub-option would not use the ACL/ACT 
control rule and instead would apply a 20-percent buffer that would 
reduce both the recreational and commercial ACLs by 20 percent to 
establish the recreational and commercial ACTs. This alternative would 
increase the stock ACL each year from 2015 through 2018, which would be 
expected to result in greater economic benefits than the preferred 
alternative in the framework action. However, this alternative was not 
selected as preferred by the Council as a result of the following 
factors: the stock remains overfished and is undergoing overfishing, 
the 10-year rebuilding plan time period ended and the stock has not 
been rebuilt, and the stock biomass has been relatively stable (at 
overfished levels) since 2000, while experiencing harvest levels below 
what is currently projected to rebuild the stock in upcoming years. The 
third alternative is the preferred alternative, which would set a 
constant stock ACL equal to the 2015 ABC value recommended by the SSC. 
The same two sub-options for setting the ACT that were considered for 
the second alternative were also considered for the third alternative. 
The first sub-option, selected as preferred by the Council, would apply 
a 15-percent buffer to the commercial ACL to set the commercial ACT and 
apply a 13-percent buffer to the recreational ACL to set the 
recreational ACT. The second sub-option would not use the ACL/ACT 
control rule and instead would apply a 20-percent buffer that would 
reduce both the recreational and commercial ACLs by 20 percent to 
establish the recreational and commercial ACTs. The fourth alternative 
would set the stock ACL and stock ACT at zero. The fourth alternative 
would stop all directed harvest of greater amberjack and would be 
expected to result in greater economic losses than the preferred ACL/
ACT alternative.
    Five alternatives were considered for the action to modify the 
greater amberjack commercial trip limit. The first alternative, the no 
action alternative, would maintain the current 2,000 lb (907 kg), round 
weight, trip limit and would not be expected to have any direct 
economic effects. The second alternative is the preferred alternative, 
which would establish a 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight, trip limit 
for greater amberjack. The third, fourth, and fifth alternatives would 
have established 1,000 lb (454 kg), 750 lb (340 kg), and 500 lb (227 
lb), gutted weight trip limits, respectively. Although these three 
alternatives would be expected to extend the season, they would 
increase the likelihood that trips are no longer profitable and 
decrease the likelihood that the full commercial ACT would be harvested 
during the fishing year. As such, these three alternatives would be 
expected to result in greater economic losses to affected small 
entities than the preferred trip limit alternative.
    An item contained in this proposed rule that is not part of the 
framework action is the removal of the last sentence in Sec.  
622.41(b)(2)(iii), ``Recreational landings will be evaluated relative 
to the ACL based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as 
described in the FMP.'' This sentence, which pertains to the evaluation 
of recreational landings of gray triggerfish relative to the ACL, was 
inadvertently not removed in the

[[Page 55825]]

final rule implementing Amendment 37 to the FMP (78 FR 27084, May 9, 
2013). The removal of this sentence will clarify the criteria used to 
trigger recreational AMs as written in the Federal regulations; 
however, it is not expected to have any effect on current management 
practices. This is because NMFS has managed gray triggerfish in 
accordance with the preferred alternatives specified in Amendment 37 
since its implementation. Therefore, this is an administrative change 
only and is not expected to have any direct economic effects on small 
entities. As such, this component of the proposed rule is outside the 
scope of the RFA.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Commercial, Fisheries, Fishing, Greater amberjack, Gulf, 
Recreational, Reef fish.

    Dated: September 11, 2015.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH 
ATLANTIC

0
1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. In Sec.  622.37, revise paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.37  Size Limits.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Greater amberjack--34 inches (86.4 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec.  
622.38(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by 
a person not subject to the bag limit.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  622.39, revise paragraphs (a)(1)(v) and (a)(2)(ii) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  622.39  Quotas.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (v) Greater amberjack--394,740 lb (179,051 kg), round weight.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Recreational quota for greater amberjack. The recreational 
quota for greater amberjack is 1,092,372 lb (495,492 kg), round weight.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec.  622.41, revise paragraphs (a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(iii), and 
(b)(2)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.41  Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), 
and accountability measures (AMs).

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) The commercial ACL for greater amberjack is 464,400 lb 
(210,648 kg), round weight.
    (2) * * *
    (iii) The recreational ACL for greater amberjack is 1,255,600 lb 
(569,531 kg), round weight.
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) The recreational ACL for gray triggerfish is 241,200 lb 
(109,406 kg), round weight. The recreational ACT for gray triggerfish 
is 217,100 lb (98,475 kg), round weight.
* * * * *
0
5. In Sec.  622.43, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.43  Commercial trip limits.

* * * * *
    (a) Gulf greater amberjack. Until the quota specified in Sec.  
622.39(a)(1)(v) is reached, 1,500 lb (680 kg), gutted weight; 1,560 lb 
(708 kg), round weight. See Sec.  622.39(b) for the limitations 
regarding greater amberjack after the quota is reached.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-23347 Filed 9-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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