Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Implementation of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010, 42285-42289 [2016-15413]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42285-42289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15413]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 600

[Docket No. 111014628-6513-02]
RIN 0648-BB54


Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
Provisions; Implementation of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final action updates agency regulations consistent with 
provisions of the Shark Conservation Act of 2010 (SCA) and prohibits 
any person from removing any of the fins of a shark at sea, possessing 
shark fins on board a fishing vessel unless they are naturally attached 
to the corresponding carcass, transferring or receiving fins from one 
vessel to another at sea unless the fins are naturally attached to the 
corresponding carcass, landing shark fins unless they are naturally 
attached to the corresponding carcass, or landing shark carcasses 
without their fins naturally attached. This action amends existing 
regulations and makes them consistent with the SCA.

DATES: Effective July 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Environmental Assessment (EA)/Regulatory 
Impact Review (RIR)/Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) 
prepared for this action can be obtained from: Erin Wilkinson, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13437, Silver 
Spring MD 20910. An electronic copy of the EA/RIR/FRFA document as well 
as copies of public comments received can be viewed at the Federal e-
rulemaking portal: https://www.regulations.gov/ (Docket ID: NOAA-NMFS-
2012-0092).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Wilkinson by phone at 301-427-
8561, or by email: erin.wilkinson@noaa.gov or sca.rulemaking@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Overview of the Shark Conservation Act

    Background information and an overview of the Shark Conservation 
Act can be found in the preamble of the proposed rule published on May 
2, 2013 (78 FR 25685). Copies are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES), 
or can be viewed electronically at the Federal E-Rulemaking portal for 
this action: https://www.regulations.gov.

II. Major Components of the Final Action

    Retaining a shark fin while discarding the shark carcass (shark 
finning) has been prohibited in the United States since the 2000 Shark 
Finning Prohibition Act. The 2010 SCA included provisions that amended 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to 
prohibit any person from: (1) Removing any of the fins of a shark 
(including the tail) at sea; (2) having custody, control, or possession 
of a fin aboard a fishing vessel unless it is naturally attached to the 
corresponding carcass; (3) transferring a fin from one vessel to 
another vessel at sea, or receiving a fin in such transfer, unless the 
fin is naturally attached to the corresponding carcass; or (4) landing 
a fin that is not naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, or 
landing a shark carcass without its fins naturally attached. For the 
purpose of the SCA and these regulations, ``naturally attached,'' with 
respect to a shark fin, means to be attached to the corresponding shark 
carcass through some portion of uncut skin.
    This action amends NMFS' regulations consistent with these 
provisions of the SCA. Specifically, the rule amends regulations at 50 
CFR part 600, subpart N, to prohibit the removal of shark fins at sea, 
namely, the possession, transfer and landing of shark fins that are not 
naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, and the landing of 
shark carcasses without the corresponding fins naturally attached. In 
the preamble to the proposed rule, NMFS noted that it interprets the 
prohibitions in subpart N as applying to sharks, not skates and rays, 
and solicited public comment on whether clarification was needed in the 
regulatory text on this issue. See 78 FR 25685, 25686 (May 2, 2013). 
NMFS received only one public comment on this point, which was 
supportive of this interpretation, and NMFS thus affirms in this final 
rule that the prohibitions do not apply to skates and rays.
    This final rule also updates subpart N to be consistent with 
section 103(b) of the SCA regarding an exception for individuals 
engaged in commercial fishing for smooth dogfish. Interpretation of 
that exception was addressed in a rule finalized in November 2015, for 
Amendment 9 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan (November 24, 2015; 80 FR 73128). That final 
rule, among other things, allows for the at-sea removal of smooth 
dogfish fins provided that fishing occurs within 50 nautical miles of 
shore along the Atlantic Coast from Maine through the east coast of 
Florida; smooth dogfish fin weight does not exceed 12 percent of the 
carcass weight on board; smooth dogfish make up at least 25 percent of 
the total retained catch, by weight; and the fisherman/vessel holds 
both federal and state permits appropriate for the retention of smooth 
dogfish.
    This final rule also combines the existing Sec. Sec.  600.1203 and 
600.1204 into one section. The text throughout 50 CFR part 600, subpart 
N, is amended to make it consistent with the provisions of the SCA.
     The MSA authorizes the Secretary to regulate fisheries seaward of 
the inner boundary of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which is 
defined as a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of each U.S. 
coastal state. 16 U.S.C. 1802(11). Thus, as noted in the proposed rule, 
the SCA provisions apply to any person subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States, including persons on board U.S. and foreign vessels, 
engaging in activities prohibited under the statute with respect to 
sharks harvested seaward of the inner boundary of the EEZ. See 78 FR 
25685, 25686 (May 2, 2013). Federal regulations pertaining to the 
conservation and management of specific shark fisheries are set forth 
in parts 635, 648, and 660 of title 50 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations. For Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries, as a 
condition of its Federal permit, a vessel's fishing, catch, and gear 
are subject to federal requirements even when fishing in state waters. 
See 50 CFR 635.4(a)(10) (noting also that, when fishing within the 
waters of a state with more restrictive regulations, persons aboard the 
vessel must comply with those requirements). This rule amends 50 CFR 
part 600, subpart N, and does not supersede or amend any other federal 
regulation or requirement related to the conservation and management of 
sharks.
    The SCA also amended the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium 
Protection Act, which provides for identification and certification of 
nations to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing; bycatch 
of protected living marine resources; and, as amended by the SCA, shark 
catches. 16 U.S.C. 1826h-1826k. With regard to sharks, the High Seas 
Driftnet Fishing Moratorium

[[Page 42286]]

Protection Act provides for identification of a nation if its fishing 
vessels have been engaged during the preceding calendar year in fishing 
activities or practices in waters beyond any national jurisdiction that 
target or incidentally catch sharks and the nation has not adopted a 
regulatory program for sharks that is comparable to the United States', 
taking into account different conditions. 16 U.S.C. 1826k(a)(2). NMFS 
published a final rule that amended the High Seas Driftnet Fishing 
Moratorium Protection Act regulations, to make them consistent with 
these provisions of the SCA, on January 16, 2013 (78 FR 3338).

III. Relationship of Regulations With Current State Laws

    The MSA provides for Federal management of fisheries in the U.S. 
exclusive economic zone (16 U.S.C. 1812(a)). In Sec.  600.1201(d) of 
the proposed rule, NMFS noted that State and territorial statutes that 
address shark fins are preempted if they are inconsistent with the MSA 
as amended by the Shark Conservation Act of 2010, regulations under 
this part, and applicable federal fishery management plans and 
regulations. This text did not state that specific state laws were in 
fact preempted, and the proposed regulations themselves would not have 
preempted any state or territorial laws. NMFS included this text 
because a number of states and territories had enacted their own laws 
regarding shark fins, and NMFS was concerned that some of those laws, 
which differ from state to state, might restrict the possession of 
shark fins in a way that could conflict with the broader goals of the 
MSA as amended by the SCA, and might therefore be preempted by the MSA 
as amended by the SCA.
    NMFS engaged in extensive discussions with states and territories 
that have existing shark fin laws. During these discussions, the states 
and territories all expressed concern over language in the proposed 
rule regarding the potential for preemption of state shark fin laws 
that conflict with the SCA. In those discussions, NMFS sought 
additional information about the nature and details of the state laws 
and fisheries, economic factors, and the ability of federally-permitted 
shark fishermen to dispose of legally-landed shark fins. Following the 
discussions described above and further exchanges of information 
between NMFS and the relevant states and territories, NMFS has 
determined that the current shark fin laws for these states and 
territories are consistent with, and therefore are not preempted by, 
the MSA as amended by the SCA: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Washington, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. The bases for these conclusions 
were that the shark fin laws in those states and territories would have 
minimal impacts on federally licensed and permitted shark harvesters, 
because the laws did not prohibit federally licensed and permitted 
fishermen from landing a legally-caught shark with fins naturally 
attached or selling the non-fin parts of the shark, and, based on the 
scale and nature of the shark fisheries in those states and 
territories, the laws would have minimal impacts on federal fishermen. 
Copies of letters exchanged between NMFS and applicable states and 
territories documenting those conclusions may be found on the Office of 
Sustainable Fisheries Web site: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/laws_policies/sca/. Copies of letters may also be requested 
by contacting NMFS (See ADDRESSES). Should the facts presented to NMFS 
change significantly, NMFS may re-engage in discussions with the 
applicable state or territory. NMFS is currently in discussions with 
one other territory that passed a shark fin law, American Samoa. NMFS 
encourages any state or territory considering shark fin legislation to 
reach out to NMFS to discuss such legislation, and NMFS will continue 
to take appropriate steps, including engaging with states as necessary, 
to support federally licensed and permitted shark harvesters.

IV. Response to Comments

    NMFS received over 180,000 public comments on the proposed rule. 
These comments came from non-governmental organizations, members of 
Congress, Fishery Management Councils and Commissions, state 
governments, commercial and recreational fishermen, and other 
interested members of the public. Many of the comment letters were 
similar or raised similar issues. NMFS reviewed and considered all 
comments during the development of this final rule. Due to the large 
volume of comments received and the overlapping nature of many of the 
comments, we have not responded to each individually, but instead have 
responded to the major topics addressed in the comments. Many comments 
expressed support for the rule as written and have not been summarized 
below.
    Topic 1: Several fishermen from California commented that they 
support the SCA, but that the proposed rule ignored the details of 
their shark fishery. They indicated that due to the large size of many 
of the sharks (mainly mako and thresher sharks) they harvest, the fins 
must be removed in order to untangle the shark from the net. If not 
allowed to cut the fins and land the carcass without the fins, they 
will have to discard the animal after it has been untangled, or be in 
violation of the law. These commenters requested that they be able to 
discard the fins at sea and land the carcass without the fins. Some 
also requested an exemption for the California fleet that is similar to 
the one for dogfish where fins landed must be less than a given 
percentage of the total catch landed.
    Response to topic 1: The SCA does not provide an exemption for the 
shark fisheries off California. The only exemption provided under the 
statute pertains to individuals engaged in commercial fishing for 
smooth dogfish in certain areas of the Atlantic Ocean. See SCA section 
103(b). While NMFS recognizes the nature of the mako and thresher shark 
fisheries, we presently do not have the authority under the SCA or any 
other statute to allow fins from these sharks to be removed at sea. An 
exemption for these fisheries would require a statutory change.
    Topic 2: Many commenters mentioned their concern about the 
depletion of shark species and the important role of sharks in ocean 
ecology. These commenters expressed support for shark protection and 
swift enactment of this rule. Additional comments (over 80) contained 
similar statements and asked for NMFS to implement the SCA.
    Response to topic 2: The SCA and all of its requirements have been 
in effect since January 4, 2011. NMFS notes that this rule updates 
existing shark finning regulations at 50 CFR part 600, subpart N, with 
regulations containing language that is consistent with the text of the 
SCA. As explained above, the international provisions of the SCA were 
implemented through a final rule published on January 16, 2013 (78 FR 
3338), and the smooth dogfish exemption provisions of the SCA were 
implemented through a final rule published on November 24, 2015 (80 FR 
73128). With the publication of this final rule, all provisions of the 
SCA have been incorporated into agency regulations.
    Topic 3: A large number of comments from states, non-governmental 
organizations, and the public expressed concern about the preemption 
language in the preamble and regulatory text of the proposed rule, and 
asked NMFS to remove the preemption language from the preamble and 
regulatory text of the final rule. Many commenters asked

[[Page 42287]]

NMFS not to preempt state laws through the regulations or suggested 
that NMFS was attempting to preempt state laws through the regulations. 
Commenters expressed that states should have the ability to regulate 
the sale of shark fins within their jurisdictions, and are well within 
their rights to do so. Some commenters also stated that NMFS took an 
improper approach to coordinating with states that have shark fin 
legislation. For example, many commenters felt it was improper to 
include preemption language in the proposed rule before understanding 
the impacts of that language, indicating which specific state laws 
would be preempted, or discussing the proposed rule with potentially 
affected states. In addition, we received a number of comments that 
were specific to individual state laws from state legislators, 
attorneys general, and governors asserting why their state laws did not 
conflict with the SCA.
    Response to topic 3: As explained above in Section III, and in 
light of Executive Order (E.O.) 13132, which calls on Federal agencies 
to consult with potentially affected state and local governments prior 
to promulgating a final rule with federalism implications, NMFS engaged 
in extensive discussions with states and territories that have enacted 
shark fin laws, and is currently in discussions with one other 
territory that has passed a shark fin law, American Samoa. Based on 
those discussions, and information provided to NMFS by the states and 
territories, NMFS and the states and territories identified in Section 
III have reached agreement that the laws in those states and 
territories are not preempted by the MSA as amended by the SCA. 
Comments on the proposed rule from state legislators, attorneys 
general, and governors regarding their individual state laws are not 
summarized here, but were addressed through the discussions with 
individual states and territories. NMFS has addressed concerns raised 
in those comments regarding potential preemption of individual state 
laws through exchanges of letters with the individual states and 
territories that document that the laws are not in conflict with or 
preempted by the MSA as amended by the SCA, for the reasons described 
in Section III above. The extent to which any state shark fin law 
conflicts with and might be preempted by the MSA as amended by the SCA 
is a fact-specific determination to be made on a case-by-case basis.
    As explained above, proposed Sec.  600.1201(d) did not state that 
any state law was in fact preempted, and other sections of this rule 
merely codify SCA text. Any preemption would stem from a conflict 
between the MSA, as amended by the SCA, and a state law. NMFS has 
decided to remove Sec.  600.1201(d), though, given public comment on 
and apparent confusion regarding the language.
    Topic 4: Many commenters stated that they believe state shark fin 
bans and the SCA can work together, and instead of preempting state 
laws, NMFS should find a way to collaborate with the individual states.
    Response to topic 4: NMFS and the states regularly work together on 
fisheries management issues, and will continue to do so in the future. 
As explained in Section III and the response to topic 3, NMFS engaged 
in extensive discussions with states and territories that have existing 
shark fin laws. NMFS and the states and territories identified in 
Section III have reached agreement that the current shark fin laws in 
those states or territories are consistent with, and therefore are not 
preempted by, the MSA as amended by the SCA. NMFS is currently in 
discussions with one other territory that has passed a shark fin law, 
American Samoa. NMFS encourages any state or territory considering 
shark fin legislation to reach out to NMFS to discuss such legislation, 
and NMFS will continue to take appropriate steps, including engaging 
with states as necessary, to support federally licensed and permitted 
shark harvesters.
    Topic 5: NMFS received multiple comments from seafood processors, 
seafood associations, Fishery Management Councils, seafood dealers, 
fishery partnerships, and an environmental organization that felt that 
those individuals and organizations working to seek total bans on shark 
fin trade and consumption at the state level are undermining U.S. 
efforts to be a leader in sustainably-managed shark fishing. Some of 
these commenters stated that the individual state shark fin bans need 
to cease, as they interfere with interstate commerce.
    Response to topic 5: Through this and other rulemakings referenced 
above, NMFS has incorporated all provisions of the SCA into agency 
regulations. As explained above, NMFS has engaged in discussions with 
states with shark fin laws and has concluded that they do not conflict 
with the MSA as amended by the SCA. The SCA supports U.S. efforts to be 
a leader in sustainably-managed shark fisheries. The issue of 
interstate commerce is beyond the scope of this rulemaking, because 
this rule is only updating agency regulations consistent with the SCA. 
Any potential interstate commerce issues would be caused by individual 
state laws, and therefore would not be properly addressed here.
    Topic 6: NMFS received multiple comments from seafood processors, 
seafood associations, dealers and fishery partnerships, Fishery 
Management Councils, and a scientist that expressed support for the 
opinion that state laws are preempted if they are inconsistent with the 
MSA as amended by the SCA, with some commenters asserting that this was 
an accurate representation of the Supremacy Clause. These commenters 
expressed support for preemption of state shark fin laws.
    Response to topic 6: As explained in Section III, the MSA 
authorizes Federal fisheries management in the U.S. exclusive economic 
zone. This rule itself does not preempt any state laws, and any 
potential preemption would be due to a conflict with the MSA as amended 
by the SCA. As explained above, NMFS has had discussions with certain 
states and territories with shark fin laws and has determined that none 
of the shark fin laws in those states and territories conflicts with or 
is preempted by the MSA as amended by the SCA.
    Topic 7: Multiple comments mentioned the savings clause in the 
Shark Conservation Act and the exemption for commercial fishermen 
engaged in commercial fishing for smooth dogfish. These commenters do 
not agree with having an exemption for smooth dogfish or a ratio set at 
12 percent. Only one commenter expressed support for use of the 
statutory fin-to-carcass ratio.
    Response to topic 7: The SCA explicitly provided for a smooth 
dogfish exemption. Eliminating that exemption would require a statutory 
change. NMFS addressed interpretation of the exemption in a separate 
rulemaking. The final rule for that action was published on November 
24, 2015 (80 FR 73128).
    Topic 8: Many commenters made general statements about shark 
fishing and shark conservation, including stating that sharks should 
not be fished, expressing concern about sharks, urging added 
conservation mechanisms for sharks, supporting bans on all shark 
fishing, or providing suggestions on how they believed NMFS could 
improve shark management.
    Response to topic 8: These comments are beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking, which only updates agency regulations consistent with the 
SCA and doesn't address management measures for specific shark 
fisheries. NMFS is a leader in the sustainable management of domestic 
shark fisheries and the global conservation of sharks. Sharks are among 
the ocean's top predators and

[[Page 42288]]

vital to the natural balance of marine ecosystems. They are also a 
valuable recreational species and food source. To help protect these 
important marine species, the United States has some of the strongest 
shark conservation and management measures in the world. NMFS manages 
the commercial and recreational shark fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean 
and Gulf of Mexico and works with U.S. regional fishery management 
councils to conserve and sustainably manage sharks in the Pacific 
Ocean.
    The U.S. manages shark fisheries using an adaptive process under 
the MSA based on sound science, effective and enforced management 
measures, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, states, and 
federal partners. Sustainably managed shark fisheries provide 
opportunities for both commercial and recreational fishermen.
    NMFS also works with international organizations to establish 
global shark conservation and management measures. In addition to 
prohibiting shark finning in the United States, we continue to promote 
our fins-naturally-attached policy overseas.
    Topic 9: Many commenters interpreted the proposed rule as NMFS 
supporting the return of longliners to Hawaii and urged NMFS to 
prohibit such activity.
    Response to topic 9: These comments are beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking. This rule only updates agency regulations consistent with 
the SCA, and does not address the longline fishery in Hawaii.

V. Changes From Proposed Action

    NMFS made only two changes from the proposed rule. First, based on 
NMFS' discussions with states with shark fin laws and on public 
comments, NMFS has removed preemption language in the proposed rule 
from the regulatory text of the final rule. Specifically, NMFS removed 
proposed Sec.  600.1201(d), which stated that State and territorial 
statutes that address shark fins are preempted if they are inconsistent 
with the MSA as amended by the Shark Conservation Act of 2010, 
regulations under this part, and applicable federal fishery management 
plans and regulations.
    Second, NMFS revised Sec.  600.1201(b), which addresses the 
exception for individuals engaged in commercial fishing for smooth 
dogfish. Specifically, NMFS combined proposed paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) 
and replaced the proposed language for those paragraphs with a cross-
reference to the relevant paragraph in NMFS' regulations that 
interprets the smooth dogfish exception (Sec.  635.30(c)(5)), which was 
finalized on November 24, 2015 (80 FR 73128), after the proposed rule 
for this rulemaking was published. This change was made to ensure that 
NMFS' interpretation and application of the smooth dogfish exception is 
consistent across NMFS' regulations and to make it easy for the reader 
to find the applicable provisions. This is not a substantive change 
from the proposed rule, because the language codified in Sec.  
635.30(c)(5) is consistent with the language originally proposed for 
Sec.  600.1201(b)(1), and the definition of ``Atlantic States'' (Sec.  
635.2) applicable to Sec.  635.30(c)(5) is consistent with the 
definition of ``State'' originally proposed in Sec.  600.1201(b)(2).

VI. Classification

    Pursuant to section 305(d) of the MSA, NMFS has determined that 
this final rule is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act and other applicable law.

Executive Order 12866

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132

    As explained in Section III and the response to comments, several 
states and territories have enacted statutes that address shark fins. 
In light of E.O. 13132, and in the interest of working with them, NMFS 
engaged in discussions with states and territories that have existing 
shark fin laws, and NMFS and the states and territories identified in 
Section III have reached agreement that the current shark fin laws in 
those states and territories are consistent with, and therefore are not 
preempted by, the MSA as amended by the SCA.
    The final rule is necessary to update NMFS' regulations to be 
consistent with the SCA, and it does not preempt any state laws. Any 
federalism implications are triggered by the provisions of the MSA, as 
amended by the SCA. The extent to which any state shark fin law 
conflicts with and might be preempted by the MSA itself, as amended by 
the SCA, is a fact-specific determination to be made on a case-by-case 
basis. Thus, after considering the public comment on and apparent 
confusion regarding the language, NMFS has removed the preemption 
language from the final rule.
    Should the facts presented to NMFS regarding any existing state or 
territory shark fin law change significantly, NMFS may re-engage in 
discussions with the applicable state or territory. If any additional 
states or territories are considering enacting shark fin laws, NMFS 
encourages them to reach out to NMFS to discuss such legislation. NMFS 
will continue to take appropriate steps, including engaging with states 
as necessary, to support federally licensed and permitted shark 
harvesters.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 
NMFS has prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) in 
support of this action. The FRFA incorporates the Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) that was published with the proposed rule 
for this action, a summary of the significant issues raised by the 
public comments in response to the IRFA, NMFS' response to those 
comments, relevant analysis contained in the action and its 
Environmental Assessment (EA), and a summary of the analyses in this 
rule. Copies of the analyses, EA, and FRFA are available from NMFS (see 
ADDRESSES). A summary of the FRFA follows. A description of why this 
action was considered, its objectives, and the legal basis for this 
rule is contained in the preamble to the proposed rule and is not 
repeated here.
    The rule updates agency regulations consistent with provisions of 
the SCA and prohibits any person from removing any of the fins of a 
shark at sea, possessing shark fins on board a fishing vessel unless 
they are naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, transferring 
or receiving fins from one vessel to another at sea unless the fins are 
naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, landing shark fins 
unless they are naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, or 
landing shark carcasses without their fins naturally attached. This 
action amends existing regulations and makes them consistent with the 
SCA.
    No significant issues were raised by the public comments in 
response to the IRFA. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) did not provide any comments on the IRFA. 
NMFS received one comment on the proposed rule that suggested that the 
preemption language would impact the commenter's business. However, as 
explained in section III and the response to comment topic 3, any 
preemption would stem from a conflict between the MSA, as amended by 
the SCA, and a state law. In any event, NMFS has removed the preemption 
language from the final rule, and therefore, the commenter's concern 
has been addressed.
    The FRFA contains new economic information that was added to 
clarify

[[Page 42289]]

information about large mesh and small mesh drift gillnet gears in the 
Pacific. This new information did not change the finding of no 
significant economic impact on small entities. Also, Section 604(a)(4) 
of the RFA requires agencies to provide an estimate of the number of 
small entities to which the rule would apply. On June 24, 2014, the 
Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a final rule revising the 
small business size standards for several industries, effective July 
14, 2014 (79 FR 33647). The rule increased the size standard for 
Finfish Fishing from $19.0 to 20.5 million, Shellfish Fishing from $5.0 
to 5.5 million, and Other Marine Fishing from $7.0 to 7.5 million. Id. 
at 37400. NMFS has reviewed the analyses prepared for this action in 
light of the new size standards. Under the former, lower size 
standards, all entities subject to this action were considered small 
entities, thus they would continue to be considered small entities 
under the new standards. NMFS does not believe that the new size 
standards affect analyses prepared for this action.
    No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been 
identified. This rule does not establish any new reporting or record-
keeping requirements.
    One alternative, the status quo, was considered for the proposed 
action. This alternative would maintain the current regulations under 
the Shark Finning Prohibition Act. Under this alternative, any person 
may remove and retain on the vessel fins (including the tail) from a 
shark harvested seaward of the inner boundary of the U.S. EEZ; however, 
the corresponding carcass must also be retained on board the vessel. It 
would be a rebuttable presumption that shark fins landed by a U.S. or 
foreign fishing vessel were taken, held, or landed in violation of the 
regulations if the total weight of the shark fins landed exceeds 5 
percent of the total dressed weight of shark carcasses on board or 
landed from the fishing vessel. NMFS rejected this alternative because 
it would not comply with the requirements of the SCA. No other 
alternatives meet the statutory requirements, and so none were 
considered.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 600

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations, 
Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Statistics.

    Dated: June 21, 2016.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part 
600 as follows:

PART 600--MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 600 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 561 and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.


0
2. Subpart N is revised to read as follows:

Subpart N--Shark Fin Removal, Possession, Transfer and Landing
Sec.
600.1200 Purpose and scope.
600.1201 Relation to other laws.
600.1202 Definitions.
600.1203 Prohibitions.

Subpart N--Shark Fin Removal, Possession, Transfer and Landing


Sec.  600.1200  Purpose and scope.

    The regulations in this subpart implement the Shark Conservation 
Act of 2010.


Sec.  600.1201  Relation to other laws.

    (a) Regulations pertaining to conservation and management 
(including record keeping and reporting) for certain shark fisheries 
are also set forth in parts 635 (for Federal Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of 
Mexico, and Caribbean shark fisheries), 648 (for spiny dogfish 
fisheries), 660 (for fisheries off West Coast states), and 665 (for 
fisheries in the western Pacific) of this chapter.
    (b) This subpart does not apply to an individual engaged in 
commercial fishing for smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) when the 
conditions in Sec.  635.30(c)(5) have been met.
    (c) This subpart does not supersede state laws or regulations 
governing conservation and management of state shark fisheries in state 
waters.


Sec.  600.1202  Definitions.

    (a) In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
in Sec.  600.10, the terms used in this subpart have the following 
meanings:
    Fin means any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) or a 
portion thereof.
    Land or landing means offloading fish, or causing fish to be 
offloaded, from a fishing vessel, either to another vessel or to a 
shore side location or facility, or arriving in port, or at a dock, 
berth, beach, seawall, or ramp to begin offloading fish.
    Naturally attached, with respect to a shark fin, means attached to 
the corresponding shark carcass through some portion of uncut skin.
    (b) If there is any difference between a definition in this section 
and in Sec.  600.10, the definition in this section is the operative 
definition for the purposes of this subpart.


Sec.  600.1203  Prohibitions.

    (a) It is unlawful for any person to do, or attempt to do, any of 
the following:
    (1) Remove a fin at sea.
    (2) To have custody, control, or possession of a fin, aboard a 
fishing vessel, unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (3) Transfer a fin from one vessel to another vessel at sea unless 
the fin is naturally attached.
    (4) Receive a fin in a transfer from one vessel to another vessel 
at sea unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (5) Land a fin unless the fin is naturally attached.
    (6) Land a shark carcass without all of its fins naturally 
attached.
    (7) Possess, purchase, offer to sell, or sell fins or shark 
carcasses taken, transferred, landed, or possessed in violation of this 
section.
    (8) When requested, fail to allow an authorized officer or any 
employee of NMFS designated by a Regional Administrator, or by the 
Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries in the case of the 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species, access to or inspection or copying 
of any records pertaining to the landing, sale, transfer, purchase, or 
other disposition of fins or shark carcasses.
    (b) For purposes of this section, it is a rebuttable presumption 
that:
    (1) If a fin is found aboard a vessel, other than a fishing vessel, 
without being naturally attached, such fin was transferred in violation 
of this section.
    (2) If, after landing, the total weight of fins landed from any 
vessel exceeds five percent of the total weight of shark carcasses 
landed, such fins were taken, held, or landed in violation of this 
section.

[FR Doc. 2016-15413 Filed 6-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P