Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; 2016 General Category Fishery, 76874-76875 [2016-26718]

Download as PDF 76874 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Community No. Date certain federal assistance no longer available in SFHAs Region X Oregon: Beaverton, City of, Washington County Current effective map date 060060 Humboldt County Unincorporated Areas Effective date authorization/cancellation of sale of flood insurance in community September 11, 1974, Emerg; July 19, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. ......*do .............. Do. 410240 State and location October 30, 1974, Emerg; September 28, 1984, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. April 19, 1978, Emerg; January 6, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. November 7, 1979, Emerg; January 6, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. June 4, 1975, Emerg; March 15, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. November 24, 1981, Emerg; July 5, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. January 20, 1975, Emerg; May 17, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. November 14, 1974, Emerg; February 11, 1976, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. March 25, 1977, Emerg; April 1, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. February 4, 1981, Emerg; January 6, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. July 3, 1974, Emerg; February 17, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. April 10, 1973, Emerg; September 30, 1982, Reg; November 4, 2016, Susp. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. ......*do .............. Do. Cornelius, City of, Washington County 410261 Durham, City of, Washington County .... 410263 Forest Grove, City of, Washington County. Gaston, City of, Washington County ..... 410241 Hillsboro, City of, Washington County .. 410243 King City, City of, Washington County .. 410269 North Plains, City of, Washington County. Sherwood, City of, Washington County 410270 Tualatin, City of, Clackamas and Washington Counties. Washington County Unincorporated Areas. 410277 410242 410273 410238 *do = Ditto. Code for reading third column: Emerg.—Emergency; Reg.—Regular; Susp.—Suspension. Dated: October 31, 2016. Eric Letvin, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Mitigation, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2016–26679 Filed 11–3–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–12–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 635 [Docket No. 150121066–5717–02] RIN 0648–XF011 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; 2016 General Category Fishery National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: NMFS closes the coastwide General category fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for 2016. This action is being taken to prevent any further overharvest SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 11:51 Nov 03, 2016 Jkt 241001 of the available adjusted General category quota of 676.7 metric tons (mt). DATES: Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, November 4, 2016, through December 31, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978–281–9260. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) governing the harvest of BFT by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. BFT quota recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) among the various domestic fishing categories, per the allocations established in the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) (71 FR 58058, October 2, 2006), as amended by Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (Amendment 7) (79 FR 71510, December 2, 2014). NMFS is required, under § 635.28(a)(1), to file a closure notice PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 with the Office of the Federal Register for publication when a BFT quota is reached or is projected to be reached. On and after the effective date and time of such notification, for the remainder of the fishing year or for a specified period as indicated in the notification, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT under that quota category is prohibited until the opening of the subsequent quota period or until such date as specified in the notice. The base quota for the General category is 466.7 mt. See § 635.27(a). To date this year, NMFS has adjusted the General category base quota for 2016 twice, including a transfer of 125 mt from the Reserve category effective October 6 (81 FR 70369, October 12, 2016), and a transfer of 85 mt (18 mt from the Harpoon category quota and 67 mt from the Reserve category) effective October 14 (81 FR 71639, October 18, 2016), resulting in an adjusted quota of 676.7 mt. Based on the best available landings information for the General category BFT fishery, NMFS has determined that the adjusted General category quota of 676.7 mt has been reached (i.e., as of October 31, reported landings total approximately 677.4 mt). Therefore, retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant BFT by persons aboard E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1 76875 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General and HMS Charter/Headboat categories (while fishing commercially) must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on November 4, 2016. The General category will reopen automatically on January 1, 2017, for the January through March 2017 subperiod. This action applies to Atlantic tunas General category (commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels when fishing commercially for BFT, and is taken consistent with the regulations at § 635.28(a)(1). The intent of this closure is to prevent any further overharvest of the available 2016 General category quota. Fishermen may catch and release (or tag and release) BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-andrelease and tag-and-release programs at § 635.26. Anglers are also reminded that all BFT that are released must be handled in a manner that will maximize survival, and without removing the fish from the water, consistent with requirements at § 635.21(a)(1). For additional information on safe handling, see the ‘‘Careful Catch and Release’’ brochure available atwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/. Classification The Assistant Administrator for NMFS (AA) finds that it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide prior notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, this action for the following reasons: The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and amendments provide for inseason retention limit adjustments and fishery closures to respond to the unpredictable nature of BFT availability on the fishing grounds, the migratory nature of this species, and the regional variations in the BFT fishery. These fisheries are currently underway and delaying this action would be contrary to the public interest as it could result in excessive BFT landings that may result in future potential quota reductions for the General category. NMFS must close the General category fishery for 2016 to prevent the available quota from being exceeded any further. Therefore, the AA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the opportunity for public comment. For all of the above reasons, there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30day delay in effectiveness. This action is being taken under § 635.28(a)(1), and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 1801 et seq. Dated: November 1, 2016. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–26718 Filed 11–1–16; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 [Docket No. 150916863–6211–02] RIN 0648–XF010 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Exchange of Flatfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation. AGENCY: NMFS is exchanging unused flathead sole and rock sole Amendment 80 allocations of the total allowable catch for yellowfin sole Amendment 80 acceptable biological catch (ABC) reserves. This action is necessary to allow the 2016 total allowable catch of flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area to be harvested. SUMMARY: Effective November 4, 2016, through December 31, 2016. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitney, 907–586–7228. NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) according to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679. The 2016 flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole Amendment 80 allocations of the total allowable catch (TAC) specified in the BSAI are 9,853 metric tons (mt), 43,965 mt, and 115,038 mt as established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) and as revised (81 FR 75740, November 1, 2016). The 2016 flathead sole, rock sole, and yellowfin sole Amendment 80 ABC reserves are 44,308 mt, 93,897 mt, and 55,531 mt as established by the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016). The Alaska Seafood cooperative has requested that NMFS exchange 850 mt of flathead sole and 1,670 mt of rock sole Amendment 80 allocations of the TAC for 2,520 mt of yellowfin sole Amendment 80 ABC reserves under § 679.91(i). Therefore, in accordance with § 679.91(i), NMFS exchanges 850 mt of flathead sole and 1,670 mt of rock sole Amendment 80 allocations of the TAC for 2,520 mt of yellowfin sole Amendment 80 ABC reserves in the BSAI. This action also decreases and increases the TACs and Amendment 80 ABC reserves by the corresponding amounts. Tables 11 and 13 of the final 2016 and 2017 harvest specifications for groundfish in the BSAI (81 FR 14773, March 18, 2016) and as revised (81 FR 75740, November 1, 2016) are further revised as follows: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TABLE 11—FINAL 2016 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT QUOTA (CDQ) RESERVES, INCIDENTAL CATCH AMOUNTS (ICAS), AND AMENDMENT 80 ALLOCATIONS OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH, AND BSAI FLATHEAD SOLE, ROCK SOLE, AND YELLOWFIN SOLE TACS rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES [Amounts are in metric tons] Pacific ocean perch Sector Eastern Aleutian District TAC .......................................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 11:51 Nov 03, 2016 Jkt 241001 7,900 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Central Aleutian District Flathead sole Western Aleutian District 7,000 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 9,000 Rock sole Yellowfin sole BSAI BSAI BSAI 15,163 E:\FR\FM\04NOR1.SGM 04NOR1 52,659 154,278

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76874-76875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26718]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 635

[Docket No. 150121066-5717-02]
RIN 0648-XF011


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna 
Fisheries; 2016 General Category Fishery

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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SUMMARY: NMFS closes the coastwide General category fishery for large 
medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) for 2016. This action is 
being taken to prevent any further overharvest of the available 
adjusted General category quota of 676.7 metric tons (mt).

DATES: Effective 11:30 p.m., local time, November 4, 2016, through 
December 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah McLaughlin or Brad McHale, 978-
281-9260.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implemented under the authority 
of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) and 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) governing the harvest of BFT by 
persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR 
part 635. Section 635.27 subdivides the U.S. BFT quota recommended by 
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT) among the various domestic fishing categories, per the 
allocations established in the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory 
Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) (71 FR 
58058, October 2, 2006), as amended by Amendment 7 to the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP (Amendment 7) (79 FR 71510, December 2, 2014).
    NMFS is required, under Sec.  635.28(a)(1), to file a closure 
notice with the Office of the Federal Register for publication when a 
BFT quota is reached or is projected to be reached. On and after the 
effective date and time of such notification, for the remainder of the 
fishing year or for a specified period as indicated in the 
notification, retaining, possessing, or landing BFT under that quota 
category is prohibited until the opening of the subsequent quota period 
or until such date as specified in the notice.
    The base quota for the General category is 466.7 mt. See Sec.  
635.27(a). To date this year, NMFS has adjusted the General category 
base quota for 2016 twice, including a transfer of 125 mt from the 
Reserve category effective October 6 (81 FR 70369, October 12, 2016), 
and a transfer of 85 mt (18 mt from the Harpoon category quota and 67 
mt from the Reserve category) effective October 14 (81 FR 71639, 
October 18, 2016), resulting in an adjusted quota of 676.7 mt.
    Based on the best available landings information for the General 
category BFT fishery, NMFS has determined that the adjusted General 
category quota of 676.7 mt has been reached (i.e., as of October 31, 
reported landings total approximately 677.4 mt). Therefore, retaining, 
possessing, or landing large medium or giant BFT by persons aboard

[[Page 76875]]

vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General and HMS Charter/
Headboat categories (while fishing commercially) must cease at 11:30 
p.m. local time on November 4, 2016. The General category will reopen 
automatically on January 1, 2017, for the January through March 2017 
subperiod. This action applies to Atlantic tunas General category 
(commercial) permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) 
Charter/Headboat category permitted vessels when fishing commercially 
for BFT, and is taken consistent with the regulations at Sec.  
635.28(a)(1). The intent of this closure is to prevent any further 
overharvest of the available 2016 General category quota.
    Fishermen may catch and release (or tag and release) BFT of all 
sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-
and-release programs at Sec.  635.26. Anglers are also reminded that 
all BFT that are released must be handled in a manner that will 
maximize survival, and without removing the fish from the water, 
consistent with requirements at Sec.  635.21(a)(1). For additional 
information on safe handling, see the ``Careful Catch and Release'' 
brochure available atwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.

Classification

    The Assistant Administrator for NMFS (AA) finds that it is 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest to provide prior 
notice of, and an opportunity for public comment on, this action for 
the following reasons:
    The regulations implementing the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP and 
amendments provide for inseason retention limit adjustments and fishery 
closures to respond to the unpredictable nature of BFT availability on 
the fishing grounds, the migratory nature of this species, and the 
regional variations in the BFT fishery. These fisheries are currently 
underway and delaying this action would be contrary to the public 
interest as it could result in excessive BFT landings that may result 
in future potential quota reductions for the General category. NMFS 
must close the General category fishery for 2016 to prevent the 
available quota from being exceeded any further. Therefore, the AA 
finds good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to waive prior notice and the 
opportunity for public comment. For all of the above reasons, there is 
good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d) to waive the 30-day delay in 
effectiveness.
    This action is being taken under Sec.  635.28(a)(1), and is exempt 
from review under Executive Order 12866.

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

    Dated: November 1, 2016.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-26718 Filed 11-1-16; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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