Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition, 44993-44994 [2017-20686]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) Advisory Committee (Committee) at Stennis Space Center and Ocean Springs, Mississippi. DATES AND TIMES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Thursday, October 25, 2017 from 8:30–2:45 p.m. These times and the agenda topics described below are subject to change. Refer to the Web page listed below for the most up-to-date agenda. ADDRESSES: On Tuesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 26th, the meeting will be held in the Santa Rosa Room, Building #11111, John C. Stennis Space Center, MS 39529. On Wednesday, October 25th, the meeting will be held at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 E Beach Dr., Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Venues may be subject to change. Refer to the Web page listed below for the most up-to-date information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl C. Gouldman, Designated Federal Official, U.S. IOOS Advisory Committee, U.S. IOOS Program, 1315 East-West Highway, Station 2605, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Phone 240–533– 9456; Fax 301–713–3281; Email carl.gouldman@noaa.gov or visit the U.S. IOOS Advisory Committee Web site at https://ioos.noaa.gov/community/ u-s-ioos-advisory-committee/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established by the NOAA Administrator as directed by Section 12304 of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act, part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111– 11). The Committee advises the NOAA Administrator and the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 12302 of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Sep 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 and other appropriate matters as the Under Secretary refers to the Committee for review and advice. The Committee will provide advice on: (a) Administration, operation, management, and maintenance of the System; (b) expansion and periodic modernization and upgrade of technology components of the System; (c) identification of end-user communities, their needs for information provided by the System, and the System’s effectiveness in dissemination information to end-user communities and to the general public; and (d) any other purpose identified by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere or the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee. The meeting will be open to public participation with a 15-minute public comment period on October 24, 2017, from 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., on October 25, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., and on October 26, 2017, from 2:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m. (check agenda on Web site to confirm time.) The Committee expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted verbal or written statements. In general, each individual or group making a verbal presentation will be limited to a total time of three (3) minutes. Written comments should be received by the Designated Federal Official by October 20, 2017 to provide sufficient time for Committee review. Written comments received after October 20th, will be distributed to the Committee, but may not be reviewed prior to the meeting date. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required for those attending in person. Please send your name as it appears on driver’s license and the organization/company affiliation you represent to Carl Gouldman. This information must be received by October 13, 2017. Additionally, a webinar will be provided. Sign-up information for the webinar will be posted on the Web site. Matters To Be Considered: The meeting will focus on ongoing committee priorities, including discussions stakeholder needs specific to the Gulf Coast region and developing the next set of recommendations. The latest version of the agenda will be posted at https://ioos.noaa.gov/ community/u-s-ioos-advisorycommittee/. Special Accomodations: These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44993 auxiliary aids should be directed to Carl C. Gouldman, Designated Federal Official at 240–533–9456 by October 13, 2017. Dated: September 11, 2017. Carl C. Gouldman, Director, U.S. IOOS Program, National Ocean Service. [FR Doc. 2017–20679 Filed 9–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XF607 Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks are, or remain, subject to overfishing or overfished: South Atlantic red grouper, Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack, and Northwestern Atlantic witch flounder. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the appropriate fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines that overfishing is occurring, a stock is in an overfished condition, or a stock is approaching an overfished condition. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Spallone, (301) 427–8568. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, must notify Councils, and publish in the Federal Register, whenever it determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, overfished, or approaching an overfished condition. NMFS has determined that South Atlantic red grouper is subject to overfishing and overfished. This determination is based on the most recent stock assessment (SEDAR 53), finalized in 2017, using data through 2015. This assessment supports a finding of subject to overfishing because the current estimate of fishing mortality (F) is above the maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), and overfished because the spawning stock biomass estimate is less than the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 44994 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS informed the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council that they must take action to end overfishing immediately on this stock and implement conservation and management measures to rebuild it. NMFS has determined that the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack is subject to overfishing. This determination is based on the most recent assessment (SEDAR 33 Update), finalized in 2016, using data through 2015. This assessment supports a finding of subject to overfishing because the current estimate of F is above the MFMT. This stock remains overfished because the spawning stock biomass estimate is less than the MSST. NMFS informed the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council that they must take action to end overfishing immediately on this stock and implement conservation and management measures to rebuild it. NMFS has determined that Northwestern Atlantic witch flounder is still overfished and the overfishing status is unknown. The assessment peer review panel for this stock rejected the most recent benchmark assessment, finalized in 2017, using data through 2015. However, this stock is at historical low levels and other signs of poor stock condition support this stock remaining listed as overfished. Lack of similar reliable indicators for overfishing status support changing the overfishing status of this stock to unknown. NMFS has notified the New England Fishery Management Council that they must implement conservation and management measures to rebuild this stock. Dated: September 22, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–20686 Filed 9–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Non-Commercial Permit and Reporting Requirements in the Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Fishery National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Sep 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 27, 2017. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at pracomments@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Walter Ikehara, (808) 725– 5175 or Walter.Ikehara@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection. Regulations at 50 CFR 665, Subpart C, require that all participants (including vessel owners, operators, and crew) in the boat-based non-commercial bottomfish fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone around the main Hawaiian Islands obtain a federal bottomfish permit. This collection of information is needed for permit issuance, to identify actual or potential participants in the fishery, determine qualifications for permits, and to help measure the impacts of management controls on the participants in the fishery. The permit program is also an effective tool in the enforcement of fishery regulations and serves as a link between the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and fishermen. Regulations at 50 CFR 665 require that all vessel owners or operators in this fishery submit a completed logbook form at the completion of each fishing trip. These logbook reporting sheets document the species and amount of species caught during the trip. The reporting requirements are crucial to ensure that NMFS and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will be able to monitor the fishery and have fishery-dependent information to develop an Annual Catch Limit for the fishery, evaluate the effectiveness of management measures, determine whether changes in fishery management programs are necessary, and estimate the impacts and implications of alternative management measures. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 II. Method of Collection Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. Methods of submittal include email of electronic forms, and mail and facsimile transmission of paper forms. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0577. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved collection). Affected Public: Individuals or small businesses. Estimated Number of Respondents: 100. Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes per paper permit application; 5 minutes per online permit application; 2 hours per appeal of denied permit; 20 minutes per trip report logsheet. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 98. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $3,850 in recordkeeping/ reporting costs. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: September 22, 2017. Sarah Brabson, NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–20711 Filed 9–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44993-44994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20686]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XF607


Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks 
are, or remain, subject to overfishing or overfished: South Atlantic 
red grouper, Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack, and Northwestern 
Atlantic witch flounder. NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, notifies the 
appropriate fishery management council (Council) whenever it determines 
that overfishing is occurring, a stock is in an overfished condition, 
or a stock is approaching an overfished condition.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regina Spallone, (301) 427-8568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 304(e)(2) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1854(e)(2), NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary, 
must notify Councils, and publish in the Federal Register, whenever it 
determines that a stock or stock complex is subject to overfishing, 
overfished, or approaching an overfished condition.
    NMFS has determined that South Atlantic red grouper is subject to 
overfishing and overfished. This determination is based on the most 
recent stock assessment (SEDAR 53), finalized in 2017, using data 
through 2015. This assessment supports a finding of subject to 
overfishing because the current estimate of fishing mortality (F) is 
above the maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT), and overfished 
because the spawning stock biomass estimate is less than the

[[Page 44994]]

minimum stock size threshold (MSST). NMFS informed the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council that they must take action to end 
overfishing immediately on this stock and implement conservation and 
management measures to rebuild it.
    NMFS has determined that the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack is 
subject to overfishing. This determination is based on the most recent 
assessment (SEDAR 33 Update), finalized in 2016, using data through 
2015. This assessment supports a finding of subject to overfishing 
because the current estimate of F is above the MFMT. This stock remains 
overfished because the spawning stock biomass estimate is less than the 
MSST. NMFS informed the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council that 
they must take action to end overfishing immediately on this stock and 
implement conservation and management measures to rebuild it.
    NMFS has determined that Northwestern Atlantic witch flounder is 
still overfished and the overfishing status is unknown. The assessment 
peer review panel for this stock rejected the most recent benchmark 
assessment, finalized in 2017, using data through 2015. However, this 
stock is at historical low levels and other signs of poor stock 
condition support this stock remaining listed as overfished. Lack of 
similar reliable indicators for overfishing status support changing the 
overfishing status of this stock to unknown. NMFS has notified the New 
England Fishery Management Council that they must implement 
conservation and management measures to rebuild this stock.

    Dated: September 22, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-20686 Filed 9-26-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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