International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2017 Commercial Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishery Closure in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, 40720-40721 [2017-18157]

Download as PDF 40720 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Subpart RR—Tennessee 2. Section 52.2220(e) is amended by adding entries for ‘‘2006 24-hour PM2.5 Maintenance Plan for the Knoxville- ■ Sevierville-La Follette Area’’ and ‘‘RACM determination for the Knoxville-Sevierville-La Follette Area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS’’ at the end of the table to read as follows: § 52.2220 * Identification of plan. * * (e) * * * * EPA-APPROVED TENNESSEE NON-REGULATORY PROVISIONS Name of non-regulatory SIP provision Applicable geographic or nonattainment area * * 2006 24-hour PM2.5 Maintenance Plan for the Knoxville-Sevierville-La Follette Area. * * Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Loudon Counties and a portion of Roane County (the area described by U.S. Census 2000 block group identifier 47–145–0307–2.). Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Loudon Counties and a portion of Roane County (the area described by U.S. Census 2000 block group identifier 47–145–0307–2.). RACM determination for the KnoxvilleSevierville-La Follette Area for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. State effective date EPA approval date * 12/20/2016 * 8/28/2017 [Insert citation of publication]. 12/20/2016 8/28/2017 [Insert citation of publication]. Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. PART 81—DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR AIR QUALITY PLANNING PURPOSES 4. In § 81.343, the table entitled ‘‘Tennessee—2006 24-Hour PM 2.5 NAAQS’’ is amended by revising the 3. The authority citation for part 81 continues to read as follows: * entry for ‘‘Knoxville-Sevierville-La Follette, TN:’’ to read as follows: ■ ■ Explanation § 81.343 * Tennessee. * * * * TENNESSEE—2006 24-HOUR PM2.5 NAAQS [Primary and secondary] Designation a Classification Designated area Date 1 Knoxville-Sevierville-La Follette, TN: Anderson County .................................................................................. Blount County ........................................................................................ Knox County .......................................................................................... Loudon County ...................................................................................... Roane County (part) ............................................................................. The area described by U.S. Census 2000 block group identifier 47– 145–0307–2.. * * * Type Date 2 Type 8/28/2017 ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ Attainment ................. Attainment ................. Attainment ................. Attainment ................. Attainment ................. Attainment ................. .................................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... * * * * a Includes 1 This 2 This * * Indian Country located in each county or area, except as otherwise specified. date is 30 days after November 13, 2009, unless otherwise noted. date is July 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted. * * * DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE [FR Doc. 2017–18088 Filed 8–25–17; 8:45 am] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. NMFS is temporarily closing the U.S. commercial fishery for Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) through December 31, 2017, because the 2017 catch limit of 425 metric tons has been exceeded. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from further exceeding the applicable catch limit established by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in Resolution C– 16–08 (Measures for the Conservation and Management of Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean). SUMMARY: 50 CFR Part 300 asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES [Docket No. 160422356–7283–02] RIN 0648–XF630 International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2017 Commercial Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishery Closure in the Eastern Pacific Ocean National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Aug 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 165 / Monday, August 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations The rule is effective 12 a.m. local time August 28, 2017, through 11:59 p.m. local time December 31, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Celia Barroso, NMFS West Coast Region, 562–432–1850. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States is a member of the IATTC, which was established under the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission signed in 1949 (Convention). The Convention provides an international agreement to ensure the effective international conservation and management of highly migratory species of fish in the IATTC Convention Area. The IATTC Convention Area, as amended by the Antigua Convention, includes the waters of the EPO bounded by the coast of the Americas, the 50° N. and 50° S. parallels, and the 150° W. meridian. Fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna in the EPO is managed, in part, under the Tuna Conventions Act as amended (Act), 16 U.S.C. 951–962. Under the Act, NMFS must publish regulations to carry out recommendations of the IATTC that have been approved by the Department of State (DOS). Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the Act appear at 50 CFR part 300, subpart C. These regulations implement IATTC recommendations for the conservation and management of highly migratory fish resources in the EPO. In 2016, the IATTC adopted Resolution C–16–08, which establishes a 600 metric ton (mt) catch limit of Pacific bluefin tuna applicable to U.S. commercial fishing vessels in 2017 and 2018, combined. Additionally, catch is not to exceed 425 mt in a single year; therefore, the annual limit in 2017 is 425 mt. With the approval of the DOS, NMFS implemented this catch limit by notice-and-comment rulemaking under the Act (82 FR 18704, April 21, 2017, and codified at 50 CFR 300.25). NMFS, through monitoring landings data and other available information, has determined that the 2017 catch limit has been exceeded. In accordance with 50 CFR 300.25(g), this Federal Register notice announces that the U.S. fishery for Pacific bluefin tuna in the IATTC Convention Area will be closed starting on August 28, 2017, through the end of the 2017 calendar year. The 2018 catch limit will be calculated by subtracting the amount caught in 2017 from 600 mt. During the closure, a U.S. fishing vessel may not be used to target, retain on board, transship, or land Pacific bluefin tuna captured in the IATTC Convention Area, except as follows: Any Pacific bluefin tuna already on asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Aug 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 board a fishing vessel on August 28, 2017, may be retained on board, transshipped, and/or landed, to the extent authorized by applicable laws and regulations, provided all Pacific bluefin tuna are landed within 14 days after the effective date of this rule, that is, no later than September 11, 2017. Classification NMFS has determined there is good cause to waive prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This action is based on the best available information and is necessary for the conservation and management of Pacific bluefin tuna. Compliance with the notice and comment requirement would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest because NMFS would be unable to ensure that the 2017 Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit is not further exceeded, and that biennial limit of 600mt is also not exceeded. For the same reasons, NMFS has also determined there is good cause to waive the requirement for a 30-day delay in effectiveness under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). This action is required by § 300.25(a) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq. Dated: August 23, 2017. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–18157 Filed 8–23–17; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 161025999–7662–02] RIN 0648–BG42 Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Mid-Atlantic Unmanaged Forage Omnibus Amendment National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: NMFS partially approves and implements through regulations measures included in the Mid-Atlantic Unmanaged Forage Omnibus Amendment, as adopted by the MidAtlantic Fishery Management Council and approved by NMFS on June 13, 2017. The purpose of this action is to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 40721 prevent the development of new, and the expansion of existing, commercial fisheries on certain forage species until the Council has adequate opportunity and information to evaluate the potential impacts of forage fish harvest on existing fisheries, fishing communities, and the marine ecosystem. This final rule implements an annual landing limit, possession limits, and permitting and reporting requirements for Atlantic chub mackerel and certain previously unmanaged forage species and species groups caught within Mid-Atlantic Federal waters; allows vessels to transit MidAtlantic Federal waters with forage species caught in other areas; and identifies measures that can be revised through a future framework adjustment. DATES: This rule is effective September 27, 2017 ADDRESSES: The Council prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Mid-Atlantic Unmanaged Forage Omnibus Amendment that describes the Council’s preferred management measures and other alternatives considered and provides a thorough analysis of the impacts of the all alternatives considered. Copies of the Mid-Atlantic Unmanaged Forage Species Omnibus Amendment, including the EA, the Regulatory Impact Review, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis are available from: Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Suite 201, 800 State Street Dover, DE 19901. The supporting documents are also accessible via the Internet at: • https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0013 • https://www.greateratlantic. fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/2017/April/17 ForageOmnibusAmendmentpr.html or • https://www.mafmc.org/actions/ unmanaged-forage. Copies of the small entity compliance guide prepared for this action are available from John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930– 2298, or available on the internet at: https://www.greateratlantic. fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/species/ forage/. Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted to the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office and by email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395–5806. E:\FR\FM\28AUR1.SGM 28AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 165 (Monday, August 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40720-40721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18157]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 300

[Docket No. 160422356-7283-02]
RIN 0648-XF630


International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; 2017 Commercial 
Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fishery Closure in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS is temporarily closing the U.S. commercial fishery for 
Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) through 
December 31, 2017, because the 2017 catch limit of 425 metric tons has 
been exceeded. This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from 
further exceeding the applicable catch limit established by the Inter-
American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in Resolution C-16-08 
(Measures for the Conservation and Management of Pacific Bluefin Tuna 
in the Eastern Pacific Ocean).

[[Page 40721]]


DATES: The rule is effective 12 a.m. local time August 28, 2017, 
through 11:59 p.m. local time December 31, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Celia Barroso, NMFS West Coast Region, 
562-432-1850.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States is a member of the IATTC, 
which was established under the Convention for the Establishment of an 
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission signed in 1949 (Convention). 
The Convention provides an international agreement to ensure the 
effective international conservation and management of highly migratory 
species of fish in the IATTC Convention Area. The IATTC Convention 
Area, as amended by the Antigua Convention, includes the waters of the 
EPO bounded by the coast of the Americas, the 50[deg] N. and 50[deg] S. 
parallels, and the 150[deg] W. meridian.
    Fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna in the EPO is managed, in part, 
under the Tuna Conventions Act as amended (Act), 16 U.S.C. 951-962. 
Under the Act, NMFS must publish regulations to carry out 
recommendations of the IATTC that have been approved by the Department 
of State (DOS). Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in 
accordance with the Act appear at 50 CFR part 300, subpart C. These 
regulations implement IATTC recommendations for the conservation and 
management of highly migratory fish resources in the EPO.
    In 2016, the IATTC adopted Resolution C-16-08, which establishes a 
600 metric ton (mt) catch limit of Pacific bluefin tuna applicable to 
U.S. commercial fishing vessels in 2017 and 2018, combined. 
Additionally, catch is not to exceed 425 mt in a single year; 
therefore, the annual limit in 2017 is 425 mt. With the approval of the 
DOS, NMFS implemented this catch limit by notice-and-comment rulemaking 
under the Act (82 FR 18704, April 21, 2017, and codified at 50 CFR 
300.25).
    NMFS, through monitoring landings data and other available 
information, has determined that the 2017 catch limit has been 
exceeded. In accordance with 50 CFR 300.25(g), this Federal Register 
notice announces that the U.S. fishery for Pacific bluefin tuna in the 
IATTC Convention Area will be closed starting on August 28, 2017, 
through the end of the 2017 calendar year. The 2018 catch limit will be 
calculated by subtracting the amount caught in 2017 from 600 mt.
    During the closure, a U.S. fishing vessel may not be used to 
target, retain on board, transship, or land Pacific bluefin tuna 
captured in the IATTC Convention Area, except as follows: Any Pacific 
bluefin tuna already on board a fishing vessel on August 28, 2017, may 
be retained on board, transshipped, and/or landed, to the extent 
authorized by applicable laws and regulations, provided all Pacific 
bluefin tuna are landed within 14 days after the effective date of this 
rule, that is, no later than September 11, 2017.

Classification

    NMFS has determined there is good cause to waive prior notice and 
opportunity for public comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This 
action is based on the best available information and is necessary for 
the conservation and management of Pacific bluefin tuna. Compliance 
with the notice and comment requirement would be impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest because NMFS would be unable to ensure 
that the 2017 Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit is not further exceeded, 
and that biennial limit of 600mt is also not exceeded. For the same 
reasons, NMFS has also determined there is good cause to waive the 
requirement for a 30-day delay in effectiveness under 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3).
    This action is required by Sec.  300.25(a) and is exempt from 
review under Executive Order 12866.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.

    Dated: August 23, 2017.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18157 Filed 8-23-17; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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