Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Retention Limit for Blacknose Sharks and Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Sharks in the Atlantic Region, 51165-51173 [2016-18253]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 3, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51165-51173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18253]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 635

[Docket No. 160129062-6643-01]
RIN 0648-BF49


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Commercial Retention Limit for 
Blacknose Sharks and Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Sharks in the Atlantic 
Region

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 is proposing modifications to the commercial retention 
limits for blacknose sharks and non-blacknose small coastal sharks

[[Page 51166]]

(SCS) in the Atlantic region. The action would reduce discards of non-
blacknose SCS while increasing the utilization of available Atlantic 
non-blacknose SCS quota and rebuilding and ending overfishing of 
Atlantic blacknose sharks. The Agency is proposing a measure that would 
establish a commercial retention limit of eight blacknose sharks for 
all Atlantic shark limited access permit holders in the Atlantic region 
south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude. In addition, NMFS is proposing to make 
two small, unrelated administrative changes to existing regulatory text 
to remove cross-references to an unrelated section and a section that 
does not exist. These two changes are administrative in nature, and no 
impacts to the environment or current fishing operations are expected. 
The proposed action could affect fishermen in the south Atlantic 
management area who hold commercial shark limited access permits.

DATES: Written comments must be received by September 20, 2016. NMFS 
will hold an operator-assisted public hearing via conference call and 
webinar for the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and this proposed 
rule on August 16, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. NMFS will also hold one 
public hearing for this proposed rule on August 24, 2016. For specific 
locations, dates and times, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section 
of this document.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2016-0095, 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-2016-0095, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Margo Schulze-Haugen, 
Chief, Atlantic HMS Management Division at 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    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 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).
    NMFS will hold one public hearing in Cocoa Beach, FL and one 
conference call on this proposed rule. For specific locations, dates 
and times, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Copies of the supporting documents, including the draft EA, 
Regulatory Impact Review (RIR), Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 
(IRFA), and the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP are available from 
the HMS Web site at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ or by contacting 
Gu[yacute] DuBeck at 301-427-8503.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gu[yacute] DuBeck, Larry Redd, Cliff 
Hutt, or Karyl Brewster-Geisz by phone at 301-427-8503.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic sharks are directly managed under 
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the authority to issue 
regulations has been delegated from the Secretary to the Assistant 
Administrator (AA) for Fisheries, NOAA. NMFS published in the Federal 
Register (71 FR 59058) final regulations, effective November 1, 2006 
implementing the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which details management measures for 
Atlantic HMS fisheries. The implementing regulations for the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments are at 50 CFR part 635. This 
proposed rule considers modifying the commercial retention limits for 
blacknose sharks and non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region south of 
34[deg]00' N. latitude.

Background

    A brief summary of the background of this proposed action is 
provided below. Additional information regarding Atlantic HMS 
management can be found in the Draft EA for this proposed action, the 
2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, the annual HMS Stock 
Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports, and online at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.
    NMFS manages four SCS species: Blacknose, Atlantic sharpnose, 
finetooth, and bonnethead. All of these species except blacknose sharks 
are managed in a management group called the ``non-blacknose SCS.'' 
Blacknose sharks were assessed separately and declared overfished with 
overfishing occurring and thus are managed separately, subject to a 
rebuilding plan. Nevertheless, gillnet fishermen in the South Atlantic 
area typically fish for and land all four of the SCS species. Thus, any 
management measure changes to either the blacknose shark or non-
blacknose SCS management groups could impact all of these fishermen. 
Thus, while NMFS analyzed the stock impacts separately, NMFS discussed 
the economic impacts cumulatively at times and refer to the ``overall 
SCS fishery,'' which means the fishery for all four species in the 
South Atlantic management area.
    This proposed rule considers modifying the commercial retention 
limits for blacknose sharks and non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic 
region. This rulemaking only focuses on the Atlantic region since NMFS 
prohibited the retention and landings of blacknose sharks in the Gulf 
of Mexico in 2015. The action will reduce discards of non-blacknose SCS 
while increasing the utilization of available Atlantic non-blacknose 
SCS quota and rebuilding and ending overfishing of Atlantic blacknose 
sharks.
    Since the completion of the 2007 blacknose shark stock assessment, 
NMFS has conducted numerous rulemakings regarding all SCS, including 
blacknose sharks, in order to rebuild blacknose sharks and end 
overfishing, consistent with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP. The 2007 
stock assessment of blacknose sharks assessed blacknose sharks as one 
stock, and determined that the stock was overfished and overfishing was 
occurring.
    On June 1, 2010 (75 FR 30484), NMFS published a final rule for 
Amendment 3 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP that, among other things, 
established blacknose shark and non-blacknose SCS quotas. In the 
proposed rule, because of the blacknose stock status, NMFS proposed 
prohibiting the use of gillnet gear in waters south of North Carolina. 
However, based on comments received during that rulemaking that 
fishermen could catch non-blacknose SCS while avoiding blacknose sharks 
when using gillnet gear, the final rule continued to allow landings of 
SCS sharks with gillnet gear, but linked the quotas for the non-
blacknose SCS and blacknose shark fisheries to create an incentive to 
avoid the incidental catch of blacknose sharks. After that rulemaking, 
in monthly landings updates and other documents, NMFS encouraged 
fishermen to avoid blacknose sharks in order to extend the non-
blacknose SCS season. For the first two years under this quota linkage, 
fishermen successfully avoided landing blacknose sharks. This avoidance 
meant that both the non-blacknose SCS fishery remained open most of the 
year and the

[[Page 51167]]

blacknose shark quota was not exceeded.
    In 2011, a new stock assessment for blacknose sharks was completed. 
This assessment concluded that there are two stocks of blacknose 
sharks--one in the Atlantic and one in the Gulf of Mexico and assessed 
them separately. The assessment for the Atlantic blacknose shark stock 
was accepted by the peer reviewers, and NMFS determined that the 
Atlantic blacknose shark stock is overfished and overfishing is 
occurring (76 FR 62331, October 7, 2011). The assessment for the Gulf 
of Mexico stock was not accepted by the peer reviewers. As such, NMFS 
declared the stock status to be unknown. On July 3, 2013 (78 FR 40318), 
NMFS published a final rule for Amendment 5a to the 2006 Consolidated 
HMS FMP which, among other things, divided the blacknose quota into 
separate regional quotas (Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico) consistent with 
the assessment determination that there are two separate stocks. NMFS 
continued to link the regional blacknose and non-blacknose SCS quotas 
and therefore divided the non-blacknose SCS quota into separate 
regional quotas as well, to parallel the division of the blacknose 
shark stocks. While NMFS established quotas for the two regions, those 
quotas were not further broken down into commercial retention limits 
because the quota linkages between the blacknose shark fishery and the 
non-blacknose SCS fishery alone were expected to create adequate 
incentive to avoid blacknose sharks.
    More recently, NMFS has seen signs that fishermen using gillnet 
gear in the Atlantic region are no longer avoiding blacknose sharks. In 
2012, the overall blacknose shark quota for the Atlantic and Gulf of 
Mexico regions was exceeded, and the blacknose shark quota in the 
Atlantic region was exceeded again in 2015. Additionally, the blacknose 
and non-blacknose SCS fisheries have been closing earlier each year 
(September 30, 2013 (blacknose sharks and non-blacknose SCS in the 
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions); July 28, 2014 (blacknose sharks 
and non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region); June 7, 2015 (blacknose 
sharks and non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region)). A review of the 
landings data indicate the early closures are a result of some 
fishermen who have been landing large numbers of blacknose sharks 
relative to other fishermen. These early closures mean that the non-
blacknose SCS quota remains underutilized (less than 40 percent was 
harvested in 2013 and less than 60 percent harvested in both 2014 and 
2015). These closures also mean that non-blacknose SCS are discarded 
even if quota is available because all SCS species must be discarded 
once the fisheries are closed.
    To reduce the discards of non-blacknose SCS while not increasing 
landings of blacknose sharks, on August 18, 2015 (80 FR 50074), NMFS 
published a final rule for Amendment 6 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS 
FMP. This final rule, among other things, prohibited the retention and 
landings of blacknose sharks in the Gulf of Mexico region. In the 
Atlantic region, NMFS established a management boundary along 34[deg] 
N. latitude for the non-blacknose SCS fishery, removed the quota 
linkage between non-blacknose SCS and blacknose shark quotas north of 
the boundary, and prohibited the retention and landings of blacknose 
sharks north of that boundary since blacknose sharks are rarely caught 
there. South of the new management boundary, NMFS maintained the non-
blacknose SCS and blacknose shark quota linkage and reduced the 
blacknose shark quota to account for the potential dead discards north 
of the boundary. Thus, in August 2015, after implementation of 
Amendment 6, the non-blacknose SCS fishery re-opened north of 34[deg] 
N. latitude (August 18, 2015, 80 FR 50074) upon publication of the 
final rule. From August through December, fishermen were able to land 
an additional 40.5 mt dw, or 15 percent of the non-blacknose SCS quota, 
after the fishery reopened. However, the non-blacknose SCS fishery 
remained closed south of 34[deg] N. latitude and fishermen in that area 
were still required to discard all non-blacknose SCS caught after June 
7, 2015.
    NMFS recently took action again to close the commercial blacknose 
shark and non-blacknose SCS fisheries in the Atlantic region south of 
34[deg] N. latitude because the commercial landings of Atlantic 
blacknose sharks for the 2016 fishing season were projected to exceed 
80 percent of the available commercial quota (81 FR 33604; May 29, 
2016). This indicates that some fishermen south of 34[deg] N. latitude 
are continuing to land large numbers of blacknose sharks relative to 
other fishermen even though this results in earlier closures and the 
potential loss of access to the available non-blacknose SCS quota 
because of the linkage.
    Additionally, since publishing Amendment 6, NMFS has received 
comments from fishermen and the South Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council stating that fishermen in the Spanish mackerel gillnet fishery 
with HMS permits are having to discard otherwise marketable non-
blacknose SCS south of the 34[deg] N. latitude management boundary due 
to the quota linkage, even though non-blacknose SCS quota remains 
available. Thus, in preparing this proposed rule NMFS considered 
alternatives to prevent the overharvest and discard of blacknose 
sharks, maximize the utilization of available non-blacknose SCS quota, 
extend the season for non-blacknose SCS fisheries, and improve economic 
opportunities. Specifically, NMFS considered establishing commercial 
retention limits within the existing quotas for either the blacknose 
sharks or non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region south of 34[deg] N. 
latitude.
    NMFS prepared a draft EA, RIR, and an IRFA, which present and 
analyze the anticipated environmental, social, and economic impacts of 
each alternative considered for this proposed rule. The complete list 
of alternatives and related analyses is provided in the draft EA/RIR/
IRFA, and is not repeated here in its entirety. A copy of the draft EA/
RIR/IRFA prepared for this proposed rulemaking is available from NMFS 
(see ADDRESSES).
    NMFS considered three alternatives for this proposed action. All 
three alternatives would apply only in the SCS fishery south of 
34[deg]00' N. latitude in the Atlantic region. Alternative 1, the No 
Action alternative, would maintain the status quo and the current 
regulations and practices in the blacknose and non-blacknose SCS 
fishery. Alternative 2 would establish a commercial retention limit for 
non-blacknose SCS that would be in effect once the blacknose shark 
quota is reached for directed shark limited access permit holders. 
Alternative 3 would establish a commercial retention limit for 
blacknose sharks for all Atlantic HMS limited access permit holders 
that would be in effect while the blacknose shark quota is available; 
once the blacknose shark quota is reached, retention of blacknose would 
be prohibited. Under both Alternatives 2 and 3, NMFS considered a range 
of three sub-alternatives.
    Under Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, NMFS would not 
implement any new commercial retention limits for blacknose sharks or 
non-blacknose SCS in the Atlantic region for Atlantic shark directed 
limited access permit holders (shark incidental limited access permit 
holders are already limited to a retention limit of 16 combined SCS and 
pelagic sharks per trip). Instead, the blacknose and non-blacknose SCS 
quotas would continue to be linked by region and, south of 34[deg]00' 
N. latitude, access to both quotas would be closed when the blacknose 
shark quota (17.2

[[Page 51168]]

mt dw; 37,921 lb dw) is reached. Logbook data from 2010 through 2015 
indicates that on average fishermen take 207 trips per year to land the 
blacknose shark quota and land approximately 212 lb dw of blacknose 
sharks per trip. However, the average landings per trip are increasing, 
and correspondingly, the number of trips needed to land the quota is 
decreasing. In 2015, the average blacknose shark landings were 402 lb 
dw per trip, and logbook data indicate that fishermen took 
approximately 94 trips to harvest the baseline blacknose shark quota. 
Given that the fishing season has been closing earlier each year for 
the last several years, NMFS expects the trend of decreasing number of 
trips and increasing weight per trip to continue if no further action 
is taken. Under this alternative, available non-blacknose SCS quota 
would continue to go unharvested, likely in increasingly large amounts. 
Because this alternative would maintain the status quo, this 
alternative would have minor adverse ecological impacts on blacknose 
sharks as the overharvests may continue to occur and blacknose sharks 
may continue to be subject to overfishing. However, this alternative 
would likely have positive ecological benefits for non-blacknose SCS 
because the early closure of the fishery leaves the non-blacknose SCS 
quota underutilized. Overall, maintaining the status quo for both the 
blacknose shark and non-blacknose SCS management groups would have 
neutral to positive ecological impacts.
    With regard to socioeconomic impacts, Alternative 1 would likely 
continue to result in underutilization of the non-blacknose SCS quota 
as a result of the early closure of both blacknose and non-blacknose 
SCS management groups. Between 2014 and 2015, the Atlantic non-
blacknose SCS quota has been underutilized by an average of 314,625 lb 
dw (54 percent of the quota). This represents foregone revenues of 
$298,583 assuming an average value of $0.74/lb dw for meat and $4.18/lb 
dw for fins. NMFS expects that Alternative 1, the No Action 
alternative, would have minor adverse socioeconomic impacts on the non-
blacknose SCS fisheries as it would continue to allow for 
underutilization of the Atlantic non-blacknose SCS quota.
    Under Alternative 2, NMFS would implement a commercial retention 
limit for non-blacknose SCS and remove the quota linkage to blacknose 
sharks south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude. In Amendment 3 to the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP (75 FR 30484; June 1, 2010), NMFS linked the 
blacknose shark and non-blacknose SCS quotas to address the blacknose 
shark stock determination and implement measures to rebuild and end 
overfishing of blacknose sharks. Without the quota linkage, fishermen 
would be able to continue to harvest non-blacknose SCS after the 
blacknose shark quota was fully harvested but would need to discard 
blacknose sharks once that fishery closed. While many fishermen are 
able to avoid blacknose sharks when fishing for non-blacknose SCS, in 
order to allow for any non-blacknose SCS landings after a blacknose 
shark closure, NMFS estimated how many blacknose sharks could 
potentially be discarded dead by vessels harvesting non-blacknose SCS 
once the blacknose shark quota (17.2 mt dw; 37,921 lb dw) has been 
harvested and the fishery is closed. This additional mortality would be 
counted against the total allowable catch of blacknose sharks upfront, 
and the overall commercial retention limit for blacknose shark quota 
would be reduced accordingly.
    Under Alternative 2a, NMFS would implement a commercial retention 
limit of 50 non-blacknose SCS per trip once the blacknose shark quota 
is reached and remove the quota linkage to blacknose sharks for shark 
directed limited access permit holders fishing south of 34[deg]00' N. 
latitude. Under this alternative, NMFS would also reduce the baseline 
blacknose shark quota to 15.0 mt dw (33,069 lb dw) due to the estimated 
number of blacknose sharks that would be discarded dead while 
harvesting non-blacknose SCS (985 sharks). NMFS expects that this 
alternative would have minor adverse ecological impacts on blacknose 
sharks in the Atlantic region as this alternative would likely not 
change the current fishing practices and the commercial quota for 
blacknose sharks would still likely be landed quickly, potentially 
resulting in overharvests due to data reporting lags. Additionally, 
this alternative would have neutral ecological impacts on non-blacknose 
SCS in the region as fishermen could land 50 non-blacknose SCS per trip 
until reaching the quota, thus utilizing the non-blacknose SCS quota, 
without exceeding it. Overall, the commercial retention limit for non-
blacknose SCS would have minor adverse ecological impacts for the SCS 
fishery, which means the fishery for all four SCS species in the South 
Atlantic management area. The reduction in blacknose shark quota could 
cause the closure of blacknose shark fishery even earlier in the year 
but this closure would no longer close the non-blacknose SCS fishery. 
This reduction in the blacknose shark quota would result in estimated 
lost revenues of $5,193 compared to the current baseline quota under 
Alternative 1, assuming an average value of $0.87 lb dw for meat and 
$4.00 lb dw for fins of blacknose sharks. However, this alternative 
would generate an estimated 286 additional trips landing non-blacknose 
SCS at 50 non-blacknose SCS per trip, generating $34,470 in revenue 
from for non-blacknose SCS. As such, this alternative should have minor 
beneficial economic impacts on the overall SCS fishery.
    NMFS also analyzed two other alternatives that would implement 
commercial retention limits when the blacknose shark quota is reached 
and remove the quota linkage to blacknose sharks for shark directed 
limited access permit holders. Alternative 2b would establish a 
commercial retention limit of 150 non-blacknose SCS, and Alternative 2c 
would establish a commercial retention limit of 250 for non-blacknose 
SCS. Under Alternative 2b, the baseline blacknose shark quota would be 
adjusted to 10.5 mt dw (23,148 lb dw) due to the estimated number of 
dead discard blacknose sharks (2,956 sharks) which likely would occur 
in the non-blacknose SCS fishery. Similar to Alternative 2a, NMFS 
expects that this alternative would have minor adverse ecological 
impacts on the blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region as some directed 
permit holders could continue to land large numbers of blacknose sharks 
relative to other fishermen until the blacknose shark quota is landed, 
which could increase the amount of blacknose shark dead discards after 
the blacknose fishing season is closed because the quota linkage would 
be removed. Similar to Alternative 2a, this alternative would have 
neutral ecological impacts on the non-blacknose sharks in the region as 
fishermen could land 150 non-blacknose SCS per trip until reaching the 
quota, thus utilizing the non-blacknose SCS quota without exceeding it. 
However, this alternative would have minor adverse ecological impacts 
for the overall SCS fishery because dead discards would continue after 
the blacknose shark quota is reached. The reduction in blacknose shark 
quota would result in estimated lost revenues of $15,808, assuming an 
average value of $0.87 lb dw for meat and $4.00 lb dw for fins of 
blacknose sharks. This alternative would generate an estimated 286 
additional trips landing non-blacknose SCS at 150 non-blacknose SCS per 
trip, resulting in a revenue gain of $65,139 for non-blacknose SCS. As 
such, this alternative

[[Page 51169]]

should have minor beneficial economic impacts on the overall SCS 
fishery.
    Under Alternative 2c, the baseline blacknose shark quota would be 
reduced to 6.1 mt dw (13,448 lb dw) due to the estimated number of dead 
discard blacknose sharks (4,927 sharks) which likely would occur in the 
non-blacknose SCS fishery under this scenario. NMFS expects that this 
alternative would have minor adverse ecological impacts on the 
blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region as some directed permit holders 
would continue to land large numbers of blacknose sharks relative to 
other fishermen until the blacknose shark quota is landed, increasing 
the amount of blacknose dead discards after the blacknose fishing 
season is closed due to the elimination of the quota linkage. This 
alternative would have neutral ecological impacts on the non-blacknose 
sharks in the region as fishermen could land 250 non-blacknose SCS per 
trip until reaching the quota, thus utilizing the non-blacknose SCS 
quota without exceeding it. Similar to Alternative 2a, the commercial 
retention limit for non-blacknose SCS would have minor adverse 
ecological impacts for the overall SCS fishery because dead discards 
would continue after the blacknose shark quota is reached. This 
alternative would result in estimated lost revenues of $26,217 assuming 
an average value of $0.87 lb dw for meat and $4.00 lb dw for fins of 
blacknose sharks. This alternative would generate an estimated 286 
additional trips landing non-blacknose SCS at 250 non-blacknose SCS per 
trip, resulting in a revenue gain of $80,339 for non-blacknose SCS. As 
such, this alternative should have moderate beneficial economic impacts 
on the overall SCS fishery.
    Under Alternative 3, NMFS would establish a commercial retention 
limit for blacknose sharks per trip for all Atlantic HMS limited access 
permit holders in the Atlantic region south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude 
when the blacknose shark quota is available; when the blacknose shark 
quota is reached, retention of blacknose sharks would be prohibited. To 
determine the number of trips that would harvest the blacknose shark 
quota, NMFS divided the current baseline shark quota (17.2 mt dw or 
37,921 lb dw) by the product of the retention limit of the sub-
alternative and 5 lb dw (which is the average weight of each blacknose 
shark, based on observer data). For example, under Alternative 3c, the 
preferred alternative, NMFS would establish a commercial retention 
limit of eight blacknose sharks per trip for Atlantic HMS directed and 
incidental limited access permit holders. This retention limit would 
allow an average of 40 lb dw blacknose sharks per trip (8 sharks * 5 lb 
dw) and would result in an estimated 948 trips to land the baseline 
blacknose shark quota (37,919 lb dw/40 lb dw). This retention limit is 
be much lower when compared to the blacknose sharks landed per trip and 
number of trips that harvested the quota in previous years. In 2014 and 
2015, between 243 and 402 lb dw of blacknose sharks were harvested per 
trip, and the quota was fully harvested in approximately 156 and 94 
trips, respectively. Since most fishermen prefer not to discard any 
fish, NMFS believes this alternative has the potential to influence 
fishermen to revert to the fishing practices observed in 2010 and 2011 
when blacknose sharks were actively avoided when fishing for non-
blacknose SCS. NMFS expects that this alternative would have moderate 
beneficial ecological impacts on the blacknose sharks in the Atlantic 
region since the lower blacknose shark landings per trip would reduce 
the rate of landings such that the quota is not exceeded and might 
result in underharvests. Thus, this alternative could aid in the 
rebuilding of blacknose sharks and help prevent quota exceedances. This 
alternative would also have neutral ecological impacts for non-
blacknose SCS as NMFS expects that that quota would be fully utilized 
without being exceeded. Overall, the commercial retention limit for 
blacknose sharks would have moderate beneficial ecological impacts for 
the overall SCS fishery. Additionally, this alternative would also have 
minor beneficial socioeconomic impacts as the fishermen could still 
land blacknose sharks and the fishery would remain open for a longer 
period of time, increasing SCS revenues by as much as $98,664 a year on 
average if the non-blacknose SCS quota is fully utilized. Any financial 
losses due to underutilization of the blacknose shark quota would be 
minimal by comparison.
    NMFS also analyzed two other blacknose shark retention limit 
alternatives that are not preferred at this time. Alternative 3a would 
establish a retention limit of 50 blacknose sharks per trip for 
directed limited access permit holders (shark incidental limited access 
permit holders would continue to be limited to a total of 16 pelagic 
and SCS sharks per trip). This retention limit would allow an average 
of 250 lb dw blacknose sharks per trip and would result in an estimated 
152 trips to land the blacknose shark quota. The retention limit of 50 
blacknose sharks could potentially cause the SCS fisheries to close as 
early as June or July if every trip landing blacknose sharks lands the 
full retention limit, although this is highly unlikely. Under 
Alternative 3b, NMFS would establish a commercial retention limit of 16 
blacknose sharks per trip for directed limited access permit holders. 
This retention limit would allow an average of 80 lb dw blacknose 
sharks per trip and would result in an estimated 474 trips to land the 
full blacknose shark quota. NMFS expects that both of these 
alternatives would have minor to moderate beneficial ecological impacts 
on Atlantic blacknose sharks as all Atlantic shark limited access 
permit holders would be expected to revert to how they had been fishing 
in 2010 and 2011 and actively avoiding blacknose sharks when fishing 
for non-blacknose SCS. For non-blacknose SCS, these alternatives would 
have neutral impacts as the stock would be fished under the level 
established, resulting in a fishery that would be underutilized. 
Overall, establishing the commercial retention limit would have 
beneficial impacts for Alternatives 3a and 3b for the SCS fishery. 
Additionally, these alternatives would also have minor beneficial 
socioeconomic impacts to the Atlantic SCS fishery as they would allow 
for the potential full-utilization of the non-blacknose SCS quota, and 
potentially increase average revenues by $98,664 per year. Any foregone 
revenue due to under-utilization of the blacknose shark quota would be 
minimal in comparison.
    Currently, NMFS prefers to establish a commercial retention limit 
of eight blacknose sharks per trip (Alternative 3c) since the retention 
limit would have moderate beneficial ecological impacts on blacknose 
sharks, neutral ecological impacts on non-blacknose SCS, and minor 
beneficial socioeconomic impacts for SCS fishermen because they should 
be able to fully utilize the non-blacknose SCS quota. NMFS does not 
prefer Alternative 1 (No Action alternative) since this alternative 
does not meet the objectives of the rule, could result in continued 
overharvests of the blacknose shark quota, and would continue to 
underutilize the non-blacknose shark SCS quota. NMFS does not prefer 
Alternatives 2a, 2b, and 2c establishing a commercial retention limit 
for non-blacknose SCS, because that could lead to an increase in dead 
discards of blacknose sharks while targeting non-HMS species and non-
blacknose SCS depending on the commercial retention limit. In addition, 
the reduced blacknose shark quotas due to the estimated dead discards 
of blacknose sharks when the quota

[[Page 51170]]

linkage is removed, would implement a commercial retention limit for 
non-blacknose SCS south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude earlier in the 
fishing season when the blacknose shark fishery is closed than the 
preferred alternative. Thus, the non-blacknose SCS quota may not be 
fully utilized under the alternatives. Furthermore, NMFS does not 
expect the economic benefits of Alternatives 2a, 2b, or 2c to be as 
high as the benefits expected under any of the sub-alternatives under 
Alternative 3. NMFS does not prefer Alternative 3a which would set a 
retention limit of 50 blacknose sharks per trip could cause the 
blacknose shark quota to be filled relatively quickly result in and the 
closure of the non-blacknose SCS fishery before the end of the fishing 
season. Regarding Alternative 3b, which would set a retention limit of 
16 blacknose sharks per trip, at the HMS Advisory Panel meeting in 
March 2016, NMFS received comments from Panel members who supported 
maximizing the number of trips per year to land blacknose sharks as 
would be done in Alternative 3c rather than Alternative 3b. Panel 
members were concerned that Alternative 3b would not guarantee a year-
round fishery for SCS because some fishermen would land the maximum 
number per trip (16 blacknose sharks per trip) and close the fishery 
and NMFS agreed with this statement.

Administrative Changes

    In addition to the preferred alternative described above, NMFS is 
proposing to make two small, unrelated administrative changes to 
existing regulatory text. Specifically, in two locations in Sec.  
635.24(a), the regulations make reference to paragraphs (a)(4)(iv) 
through (vi); those cross-references are unnecessary because the 
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat permit under (a)(4)(iv) is a separate 
permit from the limited access permits and there is no (a)(4)(v) 
regulation. Because NMFS is already proposing changes to Sec.  
635.24(a) through this rulemaking, NMFS has decided to use this 
opportunity to propose removal of those cross-references. This action 
is administrative in nature, reflects current practice, and would not 
have environmental impacts or effects on current fishing operations.

Public Hearings

    Comments on this proposed rule may be submitted via https://www.regulations.gov, mail, or fax and comments may also be submitted at 
a public hearing. NMFS solicits comments on this proposed rule through 
September 20, 2016. During the comment period, NMFS will hold one 
public hearing and one conference call for this proposed rule. The 
hearing locations will be physically accessible to people with 
disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other 
auxiliary aids should be directed to Gu[yacute] DuBeck at 301-427-8503, 
at least 7 days prior to the meeting. NMFS has also asked to present 
information on the proposed rule and draft EA to the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Councils at their meetings during the public comment 
period. Please see their meeting notices for dates, times, and 
locations.

              Table 1--Dates, Times, and Locations of Upcoming Public Hearing and Conference Call.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Location contact
               Venue                        Date/time           Meeting locations            information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference call....................  August 16, 2016, 2      ......................  To participate in
                                      p.m.-4 p.m.                                     conference call, call:
                                                                                      (888) 635-5002, Passcode:
                                                                                      6429428. To participate in
                                                                                      webinar, RSVP at: https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e2a3c0722f8a4bee1c303445a56b6a065 e1c303445a56b6a065, A
                                                                                      confirmation email with
                                                                                      webinar log-in information
                                                                                      will be sent after RSVP is
                                                                                      registered.
Public Hearing.....................  August 24, 2016, 5      Cocoa Beach, FL.......  Cocoa Beach Public Library,
                                      p.m.-8 p.m.                                     550 North Brevard Avenue,
                                                                                      Cocoa Beach, FL 32931,
                                                                                      (321) 868-1104.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The public is reminded that NMFS expects participants at the public 
hearings to conduct themselves appropriately. At the beginning of each 
public hearing, a representative of NMFS will explain the ground rules 
(e.g., alcohol is prohibited from the hearing room; attendees will be 
called in the order in which they registered to speak; each attendee 
will have an equal amount of time to speak; and attendees should not 
interrupt one another). At the beginning of the conference call, the 
moderator will explain how the conference call will be conducted and 
how and when attendees can provide comments. The NMFS representative 
will attempt to structure the meeting so that all the attending members 
of the public will be able to comment, if they so choose, regardless of 
the controversial nature of the subject(s). Attendees are expected to 
respect the ground rules, and, if they do not they may be asked to 
leave the hearing or may not be allowed to speak during the conference 
call.

Classification

    Pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant 
Administrator has determined that the proposed rule is consistent with 
the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments, other provisions of 
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.
    An IRFA was prepared, as required by section 603 of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA). The IRFA describes the economic impact this 
proposed rule would have on small entities if adopted. A description of 
the action, why it is being considered, and the legal basis for this 
action are contained below. A summary of the analysis follows. A copy 
of this analysis is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
    Section 603(b)(1) requires Agencies to describe reasons why the 
action is being considered. This proposed action is designed to 
implement management measures for the blacknose and non-blacknose SCS 
fisheries that will reduce dead discards of non-blacknose SCS while 
increasing the utilization of the Atlantic non-blacknose SCS quota and 
rebuilding and ending overfishing of Atlantic blacknose sharks.
    Section 603(b)(2) requires Agencies to describe the objectives of 
the proposed rule. NMFS has identified the following objectives, which 
are consistent with existing statutes such as the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
and its objectives, with regard to this proposed action:
     Obtaining optimum yield from the blacknose and non-
blacknose-SCS fisheries;

[[Page 51171]]

     Reducing dead discards of sharks, particularly small 
coastal sharks;
     Continuing to rebuild the Atlantic blacknose shark stock; 
and
     Ending overfishing of the Atlantic blacknose shark stock.
    Section 603(b)(3) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires 
Agencies to provide an estimate of the number of small entities to 
which the rule would apply. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has 
established size criteria for all major industry sectors in the United 
States, including fish harvesters. Provision is made under the SBA's 
regulations for an agency to develop its own industry-specific size 
standards after consultation with Advocacy and an opportunity for 
public comment (see 13 CFR 121.903(c)). Under this provision, NMFS may 
establish size standards that differ from those established by the SBA 
Office of Size Standards, but only for use by NMFS and only for the 
purpose of conducting an analysis of economic effects in fulfillment of 
the agency's obligations under the RFA. To utilize this provision, NMFS 
must publish such size standards in the Federal Register (FR), which 
NMFS did on December 29, 2015 (80 FR 81194). In this final rule 
effective on July 1, 2016, NMFS established a small business size 
standard of $11 million in annual gross receipts for all businesses in 
the commercial fishing industry (NAICS 11411) for RFA compliance 
purposes. NMFS considers all HMS permit holders to be small entities 
because they all had average annual receipts of less than $11 million 
for commercial fishing.
    As of 2015, the proposed rule would apply to the approximately 224 
directed commercial shark permit holders and 275 incidental commercial 
shark permit holders. Not all permit holders are active in the shark 
fishery in any given year. Active directed permit holders are defined 
as those with valid permits that landed one shark based on HMS 
electronic dealer reports. Of the 499 permit holders, only 27 permit 
holders landed SCS in the Atlantic region and, of those, only 13 landed 
blacknose sharks. NMFS has determined that the proposed rule would not 
likely affect any small governmental jurisdictions.
    Section 603(b)(4) of the RFA requires Agencies to describe any new 
reporting, record-keeping and other compliance requirements. The action 
does not contain any new collection of information, reporting, or 
record-keeping requirements. The alternatives considered would adjust 
the commercial retention limits for the SCS fisheries, which would be a 
new compliance requirement for the shark fishery participants in the 
Atlantic region south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude but is similar to other 
compliance requirements the fishermen already follow.
    Under section 603(b)(5) of the RFA, agencies must identify, to the 
extent practicable, relevant Federal rules which duplicate, overlap, or 
conflict with the proposed rule. Fishermen, dealers, and managers in 
these fisheries must comply with a number of international agreements, 
domestic laws, and other FMPs. These include the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), the High Seas Fishing 
Compliance Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA), the National Environmental Policy Act, the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. This proposed rule 
has been determined not to duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any 
Federal rules.
    One of the requirements of an IRFA is to describe any alternatives 
to the proposed rule which accomplish the stated objectives and which 
minimize any significant economic impacts. These impacts are discussed 
below. Additionally, the RFA (5 U.S.C. 603(c)(1)-(4)) lists four 
general categories of ``significant'' alternatives that would assist an 
agency in the development of significant alternatives. These categories 
of alternatives are: (1) Establishment of differing compliance or 
reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the 
resources available to small entities; (2) clarification, 
consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting 
requirements under the rule for such small entities; (3) use of 
performance rather than design standards; and (4) exemptions from 
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.
    In order to meet the objectives of this proposed rule, consistent 
with the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS cannot establish differing 
compliance requirements for small entities or exempt small entities 
from compliance requirements. Thus, there are no alternatives discussed 
that fall under the first and fourth categories described above. NMFS 
does not know of any performance or design standards that would satisfy 
the objectives of this rulemaking while, concurrently, complying with 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act. As described below, NMFS analyzed several 
different alternatives in this proposed rulemaking and provides 
rationales for identifying the preferred alternatives to achieve the 
desired objectives.
    The alternatives considered and analyzed are described below. The 
IRFA assumes that each vessel will have similar catch and gross 
revenues to show the relative impact of the proposed action on vessels.
    Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, would not implement any 
new commercial retention limits for blacknose sharks and non-blacknose 
SCS in the Atlantic region south of 34[deg]00' N. latitude beyond those 
already in effect for current Atlantic shark limited access permit 
holders. NMFS would continue to allow fishermen with a direct limited 
access permit to land unlimited sharks per trip (within available 
quotas), and allow fishermen with an incidental permit to land 16 
combined SCS and pelagic sharks per vessel per trip. Amendment 3 to the 
2006 Consolidated HMS FMP established, among other things, a quota for 
blacknose shark separate from the SCS quota. The 2011 blacknose shark 
stock assessment determined that separate stocks of blacknose sharks 
existed in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Amendment 5a to 
the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP established, among other things, regional 
quotas for non-blacknose SCS and blacknose sharks in the Gulf of Mexico 
and the Atlantic Ocean in 2013. These blacknose shark and non-blacknose 
SCS quotas are linked by region and the regional SCS fishery is closed 
when the blacknose shark quota is reached. These linkages have resulted 
in the early closure of the entire SCS fishery due to high blacknose 
shark landings. Closure of the fishery as a result of Atlantic 
blacknose rapid harvest leaves the non-blacknose shark SCS quota 
underutilized. Between 2014 and 2015, the Atlantic non-blacknose SCS 
quota has been underutilized by an average of 314,625 lb dw or 54 
percent of the quota. This represents an average ex-vessel loss of 
$298,583, assuming an average value of $0.74/lb dw for meat and $4.18/
lb dw for fins. Based on the 27 vessels that landed SCS in the 
Atlantic, the per-vessel impact would be an approximate loss of $11,059 
per year.
    Alternative 2a would implement a commercial retention limit of 50 
non-blacknose SCS per trip and remove the quota linkage to blacknose 
sharks for shark directed limited access permit holders in the Atlantic 
region south 34[deg]00' N. latitude once the blacknose shark quota is 
reached. Additionally, this alternative would adjust the blacknose 
shark quota to 15.0 mt dw (33,069 lb dw). Reduction of the blacknose 
shark quota would result in an average ex-vessel revenue loss of $5,193 
for the fishery, while increased

[[Page 51172]]

landings of non-blacknose SCS would result in an overall estimated 
average ex-vessel revenue gain of $34,470 for the fishery. NMFS 
estimates that this bycatch retention limit would result in a net gain 
of $29,277 in average ex-vessel revenue for the fishery, or $1,084 per 
vessel for the 27 vessels that targeted non-blacknose SCS in 2015.
    Alternative 2b would implement a commercial retention limit of 150 
non-blacknose SCS per trip and remove the quota linkage to blacknose 
sharks for shark directed limited access permit holders in the Atlantic 
region south 34[deg]00' N. latitude once the blacknose shark quota is 
reached. Additionally, this alternative would adjust the blacknose 
shark quota to 10.5 mt dw (23,148 lb dw). Reduction of the blacknose 
shark quota would result in an average ex-vessel revenue loss of 
$15,808 for the fishery, while increased landings of non-blacknose SCS 
would result in an overall estimated average ex-vessel revenue gain of 
$65,139 for the fishery. NMFS estimates that this bycatch retention 
limit would result in a net gain of $49,331 in average ex-vessel 
revenue for the fishery, or approximately $1,827 per vessel for the 27 
vessels that targeted non-blacknose SCS in 2015.
    Alternative 2c would implement a commercial retention limit of 250 
non-blacknose SCS per trip and remove the quota linkage to blacknose 
sharks for shark directed limited access permit holders in the Atlantic 
region south 34[deg]00' N. latitude once the blacknose shark quota is 
reached. This alternative would also adjust the blacknose shark quota 
to 6.1 mt dw (13,448 lb dw). Reduction of the blacknose shark quota 
would result in an average ex-vessel revenue loss of $26,217 for the 
fishery, while increased landings of non-blacknose SCS would result in 
an estimated average ex-vessel revenue gain of $80,339 for the fishery. 
NMFS estimates that this bycatch retention limit would result in a net 
gain of $54,122 in average ex-vessel revenue for the fishery, or 
approximately $2,004 per vessel for the 27 vessels that targeted non-
blacknose SCS in 2015.
    Alternative 3a would establish a commercial retention limit of 50 
blacknose sharks per trip for shark directed limited access permit 
holders in the Atlantic region south 34[deg]00' N. latitude. This 
alternative would most likely convert the blacknose shark fishery to an 
incidental fishery as the per-trip value of 50 blacknose sharks would 
only be $270 ($218 for meat and $52 for fins) for the estimated 13 
vessels that land blacknose sharks in the Atlantic. Based on 2015 HMS 
electronic reporting system (eDealer) reports, 49 trips, or 32% of the 
overall number of trips, landed blacknose sharks in excess of a 
commercial retention limit of 50 blacknose sharks (250 lb dw). This 
alternative would likely increase the number of trips needed to fill 
the blacknose shark quota when compared to the average from 2010 
through 2015 under Alternative 1. A retention limit of 50 blacknose 
sharks could potentially cause the SCS fisheries to close as early as 
June or July if every trip landing blacknose sharks landed the full 
retention limit, but this is highly unlikely.
    Alternative 3b would establish a commercial retention limit of 16 
blacknose sharks per trip all Atlantic shark limited access permit 
holders in the Atlantic region south 34[deg]00' N. latitude. This 
alternative would have minor beneficial economic impacts as a retention 
limit of this size would allow an average of 80 lb dw blacknose sharks 
per trip and would take approximately 474 trips for fishermen to land 
the full blacknose shark quota. Based on 2015 eDealer reports, 83 
trips, or 55% of the overall number of trips, landed blacknose sharks 
in excess of a commercial retention limit of 16 blacknose sharks (80 lb 
dw). This alternative would dramatically increase the number of trips 
needed to fill the blacknose shark quota when compared to the yearly 
averages under Alternative 1. Currently, the linkage between the 
blacknose shark quota and the non-blacknose SCS quota causes the 
closure of both fisheries once the smaller blacknose shark quota is 
attained. NMFS expects that, under this alternative, the blacknose 
shark quota would not be filled and therefore would not close the SCS 
fisheries in the South Atlantic region. Thus, this alternative would 
have minor beneficial economic impacts to the Atlantic SCS fisheries as 
it would allow for the potential full-utilization of the non-blacknose 
SCS quota, and potentially increase total ex-vessel revenue by as much 
as $298,583 a year. However, given monthly trip rates in the Atlantic, 
the non-blacknose SCS quota is likely to remain under-utilized. Using 
calculations based on observed trip and landings rates of non-blacknose 
SCS in 2015, a more likely result of this alternative would be 
additional landings of 104,962 lb dw of non-blacknose SCS valued at 
$98,664, or approximately $3,654 per vessel for the 27 vessels that 
participated in the fishery in 2015. Any financial losses due to under-
utilization of the blacknose shark quota would be minimal in 
comparison.
    Alternative 3c, the preferred alternative, would establish a 
commercial retention limit of eight blacknose sharks per trip all 
Atlantic shark limited access permit holders in the Atlantic region 
south 34[deg]00' N. latitude. This alternative would have moderate 
beneficial economic impacts as a retention limit of this size would 
allow an average of 40 lb dw blacknose sharks per trip and would take 
approximately 948 trips to land the full blacknose shark quota. Based 
on 2015 eDealer reports, 105 trips, or 69% of the overall number of 
trips, landed blacknose sharks in excess of the commercial retention 
limit of eight blacknose sharks (40 lb dw). This alternative would 
dramatically increase the number of trips needed to fill the blacknose 
shark quota when compared to the yearly averages under Alternative 1. 
Currently, the linkage between the blacknose shark quota and the non-
blacknose SCS quota causes the closure of both fisheries once the 
smaller blacknose shark quota is attained. NMFS expects that, under 
this alternative, the blacknose shark quota would not be filled and 
would not close the SCS fisheries in the Atlantic region south 
34[deg]00' N. latitude. Thus, this would have moderate beneficial 
economic impacts as the fishermen would still be allowed to land 
blacknose sharks and the fishery would remain open for a longer period 
of time, significantly increasing non-blacknose SCS revenues by as much 
as $298,583 a year on average if the non-blacknose SCS quota is fully 
utilized. However, given monthly trip rates in the Atlantic, the non-
blacknose SCS quota is likely to remain under-utilized. Using 
calculations based on observed trip and landings rates of non-blacknose 
SCS in 2015, a more likely result of this alternative would be 
additional landings of 104,962 lb dw of non-blacknose SCS valued at 
$98,664, or approximately $3,654 per vessel for the 27 vessels that 
participated in the fishery in 2015. Any financial losses due to under-
utilization of the blacknose shark quota would be minimal in 
comparison.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 635

    Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Foreign relations, Imports, 
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Treaties.


[[Page 51173]]


    Dated: July 28, 2016.
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 635 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 635-ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 635 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  635.24, revise paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4)(ii), and 
(a)(4)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  635.24  Commercial retention limits for sharks, swordfish, and 
BAYS tunas.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) The commercial retention limit for LCS other than sandbar 
sharks for a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued 
a directed LAP for sharks and does not have a valid shark research 
permit, or a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued 
a directed LAP for sharks and that has been issued a shark research 
permit but does not have a NMFS-approved observer on board, may range 
between zero and 55 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip 
if the respective LCS management group(s) is open per Sec. Sec.  635.27 
and 635.28. Such persons may not retain, possess, or land sandbar 
sharks. At the start of each fishing year, the default commercial 
retention limit is 45 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip 
unless NMFS determines otherwise and files with the Office of the 
Federal Register for publication notification of an inseason 
adjustment. During the fishing year, NMFS may adjust the retention 
limit per the inseason trip limit adjustment criteria listed in Sec.  
635.24(a)(8).
    (3) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued an 
incidental LAP for sharks and does not have a valid shark research 
permit, or a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued 
an incidental LAP for sharks and that has been issued a valid shark 
research permit but does not have a NMFS-approved observer on board, 
may retain, possess, or land no more than 3 LCS other than sandbar 
sharks per vessel per trip if the respective LCS management group(s) is 
open per Sec. Sec.  635.27 and 635.28. Such persons may not retain, 
possess, or land sandbar sharks.
    (4)* * *
    (ii) A person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued a 
shark LAP and is operating south of 34[deg]00' N. lat. in the Atlantic 
region, as defined at Sec.  635.27(b)(1), may retain, possess, land, or 
sell blacknose and non-blacknose SCS if the respective blacknose and 
non-blacknose SCS management groups are open per Sec. Sec.  635.27 and 
635.28. Such persons may retain, possess, land, or sell no more than 8 
blacknose sharks per vessel per trip. A person who owns or operates a 
vessel that has been issued a shark LAP and is operating north of 
34[deg]00' N. lat. in the Atlantic region, as defined at Sec.  
635.27(b)(1), or a person who owns or operates a vessel that has been 
issued a shark LAP and is operating in the Gulf of Mexico region, as 
defined at Sec.  635.27(b)(1), may not retain, possess, land, or sell 
any blacknose sharks, but may retain, possess, land, or sell non-
blacknose SCS if the respective non-blacknose SCS management group is 
open per Sec. Sec.  635.27 and 635.28.
    (iii) Consistent with paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, a 
person who owns or operates a vessel that has been issued an incidental 
shark LAP may retain, possess, land, or sell no more than 16 SCS and 
pelagic sharks, combined, per vessel per trip, if the respective 
fishery is open per Sec. Sec.  635.27 and 635.28. Of those 16 SCS and 
pelagic sharks per vessel per trip, no more than 8 shall be blacknose 
sharks.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-18253 Filed 8-2-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P