Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2017 Commercial Accountability Measures and Closure for South Atlantic Greater Amberjack, 47640-47641 [2017-22210]

Download as PDF 47640 * * Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 197 / Friday, October 13, 2017 / Rules and Regulations * * * [FR Doc. 2017–22114 Filed 10–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R04–OAR–2017–0385; FRL–9969–29– Region 4] Air Plan Approval: SC: Multiple Revisions to Air Pollution Control Standards Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Withdrawal of direct final rule. AGENCY: Due to the receipt of an adverse comment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is withdrawing the August 16, 2017, direct final rule that approves portions of the South Carolina state implementation plan (SIP) revisions for miscellaneous rules covering air pollution control standards. EPA will address the comment in a subsequent final action based upon the proposed rulemaking action, also published on August 16, 2017. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. DATES: The direct final rule published at 82 FR 38828, on August 16, 2017, is withdrawn, effective October 13, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Wong, Air Regulatory Management Section, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960. The telephone number is (404) 562–8726. Mr. Wong can also be reached via electronic mail at wong.richard@ epa.gov. SUMMARY: On August 16, 2017 (82 FR 38828), EPA published a direct final rule approving SIP revisions submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). EPA took a direct final action to approve portions of the October 1, 2007, July 18, 2011, June 17, 2013, August 8, 2014, August 12, 2015, July 27, 2016, and November 4, 2016, submissions that revise Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 1—‘‘Emissions From Fuel Burning Operations’’ and Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 4—‘‘Emissions From Process Industries.’’ In the direct final rule, EPA explained that the Agency was publishing the rule nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:07 Oct 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 without prior proposal because the Agency viewed the submittal as a noncontroversial SIP amendment and anticipated no adverse comments. Further, EPA explained that the Agency was publishing a separate document in the proposed rules section of the Federal Register to serve as the proposal to approve the SIP revision should an adverse comment be filed. EPA also noted that the rule would be effective generally 30 days after the close of the public comment period, without further notice unless the Agency received adverse comment by the close of the public comment period. EPA explained that if the Agency received such comments, then EPA would publish a document withdrawing the final rule and informing the public that the rule would not take effect. It was also explained that all public comments received would then be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on the proposed rule, and that EPA would not institute a second comment period on this action. EPA received one adverse comment from a single Commenter on the direct final rule on both the changes to Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 1 and to Standard No. 4. As a result of the comment received, EPA is withdrawing the direct final rule approving the aforementioned changes to the South Carolina SIP at Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 1 and Regulation 61–62.5, Standard No. 4. EPA will address the comment in a separate final action based on the proposed action also published on August 16, 2017 (82 FR 38874). EPA will not open a second comment period for this action. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: September 29, 2017. Onis ‘‘Trey’’ Glenn, III, Regional Administrator, Region 4. Accordingly, the amendments to 40 CFR 52.2120(c) published on August 16, 2017 (82 FR 38828), which were to become effective October 16, 2017, are withdrawn. ■ [FR Doc. 2017–22103 Filed 10–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 100812345–2142–03] RIN 0648–XF729 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2017 Commercial Accountability Measures and Closure for South Atlantic Greater Amberjack National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for commercial greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS projects commercial landings of greater amberjack will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by October 18, 2017. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for greater amberjack in the South Atlantic EEZ on October 18, 2017, and it will remain closed until the start of the next fishing year on March 1, 2018. This closure is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource. SUMMARY: This rule is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017, until 12:01 a.m., local time, March 1, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Vara, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727–824–5305, email: mary.vara@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery of the South Atlantic includes greater amberjack and is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and is implemented by NMFS under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 622. The commercial ACL for greater amberjack is equivalent to the commercial quota. The commercial quota for greater amberjack in the South Atlantic is 769,388 lb (348,989 kg), gutted weight, as specified in 50 CFR 622.190(a)(3). Under 50 CFR 622.193(k)(1), NMFS is required to close the commercial sector DATES: E:\FR\FM\13OCR1.SGM 13OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 197 / Friday, October 13, 2017 / Rules and Regulations nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES for greater amberjack when the commercial ACL (commercial quota) is reached, or is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS projects that commercial landings of South Atlantic greater amberjack will reach the commercial ACL by October 18, 2017. Accordingly, the commercial sector for South Atlantic greater amberjack is closed effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017, until 12:01 a.m., local time, March 1, 2018. The operator of a vessel with a valid Federal commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper with greater amberjack on board must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold such greater amberjack prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest and possession of greater amberjack in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits, as specified in § 622.187(b)(1) and (c)(1). Also during the commercial closure, the sale or purchase of greater amberjack taken from the South Atlantic EEZ is prohibited. The prohibition on sale or purchase does not apply to greater amberjack that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor, as specified in § 622.190(c)(1)(i). For a person on board a vessel that has been issued a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for the South Atlantic snappergrouper fishery, the bag and possession limits and the sale and purchase provisions of the commercial closure for greater amberjack apply regardless of whether the fish are harvested in state or Federal waters, as specified in 50 CFR 622.190(c)(1)(ii). Classification The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and management of greater amberjack and the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery and is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws. This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.193(k)(1) and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because the temporary rule is issued without opportunity for prior notice and comment. This action responds to the best scientific information available. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:07 Oct 12, 2017 Jkt 244001 Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) finds that the need to immediately implement this action to close the commercial sector for greater amberjack constitutes good cause to waive the requirements to provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the authority set forth in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such procedures would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures are unnecessary because the AMs have already been subject to notice and comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. Such procedures are contrary to the public interest because of the need to immediately implement this action to protect greater amberjack since the capacity of the fishing fleet allows for rapid harvest of the commercial ACL (commercial quota). Prior notice and opportunity for public comment would require time and would potentially result in a harvest well in excess of the established commercial ACL (commercial quota). For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: October 10, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–22210 Filed 10–12–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 130312235–3658–02] RIN 0648–XF730 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2017 Commercial Accountability Measure and Closure for South Atlantic Vermilion Snapper National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. AGENCY: NMFS implements an accountability measure (AM) for the commercial sector for vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ). NMFS projects that commercial landings of vermilion snapper will reach the commercial SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 47641 annual catch limit (ACL) for the July through December 2017 fishing period by October 17, 2017. Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic EEZ on October 17, 2017, and it will remain closed until January 1, 2018, the start of the January through June commercial fishing season. This closure is necessary to protect the South Atlantic vermilion snapper resource. DATES: This rule is effective from 12:01 a.m., local time, October 17, 2017, until 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Vara, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727–824–5305, email: mary.vara@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery of the South Atlantic includes vermilion snapper and is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and is implemented by NMFS under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 622. The commercial ACL (equivalent to the commercial quota) for vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic is divided into separate quotas for two 6-month periods each year, January through June and July through December. The commercial quota for vermilion snapper in the South Atlantic is 388,703 lb (176,313 kg), gutted weight (431,460 lb (195,707 kg), round weight), for the July 1 through December 31, 2017, fishing period, as specified in 50 CFR 622.190(a)(4)(ii)(D). On September 28, 2017 (82 FR 45207), NMFS published a temporary rule in the Federal Register to reduce the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ to 500 lb (227 kg), gutted weight, effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 2, 2017, until January 1, 2018, or until the commercial quota was reached and the commercial sector closed, whichever would occur first. In accordance with regulations at 50 CFR 622.193(f)(1), NMFS is required to close the commercial sector for vermilion snapper when the commercial quota for that 6-month period of the fishing year has been reached, or is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS has determined that the commercial quota for South Atlantic vermilion snapper for the July through December fishing E:\FR\FM\13OCR1.SGM 13OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 197 (Friday, October 13, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47640-47641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22210]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 100812345-2142-03]
RIN 0648-XF729


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
2017 Commercial Accountability Measures and Closure for South Atlantic 
Greater Amberjack

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS implements accountability measures (AMs) for commercial 
greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South 
Atlantic. NMFS projects commercial landings of greater amberjack will 
reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) by October 18, 2017. 
Therefore, NMFS closes the commercial sector for greater amberjack in 
the South Atlantic EEZ on October 18, 2017, and it will remain closed 
until the start of the next fishing year on March 1, 2018. This closure 
is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource.

DATES: This rule is effective at 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 
2017, until 12:01 a.m., local time, March 1, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Vara, NMFS Southeast Regional 
Office, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: mary.vara@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery of the South 
Atlantic includes greater amberjack and is managed under the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic 
Region (FMP). The FMP was prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council and is implemented by NMFS under the authority of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 622.
    The commercial ACL for greater amberjack is equivalent to the 
commercial quota. The commercial quota for greater amberjack in the 
South Atlantic is 769,388 lb (348,989 kg), gutted weight, as specified 
in 50 CFR 622.190(a)(3).
    Under 50 CFR 622.193(k)(1), NMFS is required to close the 
commercial sector

[[Page 47641]]

for greater amberjack when the commercial ACL (commercial quota) is 
reached, or is projected to be reached, by filing a notification to 
that effect with the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS projects that 
commercial landings of South Atlantic greater amberjack will reach the 
commercial ACL by October 18, 2017. Accordingly, the commercial sector 
for South Atlantic greater amberjack is closed effective at 12:01 a.m., 
local time, October 18, 2017, until 12:01 a.m., local time, March 1, 
2018.
    The operator of a vessel with a valid Federal commercial vessel 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper with greater amberjack on 
board must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold such greater 
amberjack prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017. During the 
commercial closure, harvest and possession of greater amberjack in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ is limited to the recreational bag and 
possession limits, as specified in Sec.  622.187(b)(1) and (c)(1). Also 
during the commercial closure, the sale or purchase of greater 
amberjack taken from the South Atlantic EEZ is prohibited. The 
prohibition on sale or purchase does not apply to greater amberjack 
that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local 
time, October 18, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or 
processor, as specified in Sec.  622.190(c)(1)(i).
    For a person on board a vessel that has been issued a valid Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for the South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper fishery, the bag and possession limits and the sale and 
purchase provisions of the commercial closure for greater amberjack 
apply regardless of whether the fish are harvested in state or Federal 
waters, as specified in 50 CFR 622.190(c)(1)(ii).

Classification

    The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined 
this temporary rule is necessary for the conservation and management of 
greater amberjack and the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery and is 
consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws.
    This action is taken under 50 CFR 622.193(k)(1) and is exempt from 
review under Executive Order 12866.
    These measures are exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, because the temporary rule is issued without 
opportunity for prior notice and comment.
    This action responds to the best scientific information available. 
The Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries (AA) finds that the need 
to immediately implement this action to close the commercial sector for 
greater amberjack constitutes good cause to waive the requirements to 
provide prior notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the 
authority set forth in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as such procedures would be 
unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Such procedures are 
unnecessary because the AMs have already been subject to notice and 
comment, and all that remains is to notify the public of the closure. 
Such procedures are contrary to the public interest because of the need 
to immediately implement this action to protect greater amberjack since 
the capacity of the fishing fleet allows for rapid harvest of the 
commercial ACL (commercial quota). Prior notice and opportunity for 
public comment would require time and would potentially result in a 
harvest well in excess of the established commercial ACL (commercial 
quota).
    For the aforementioned reasons, the AA also finds good cause to 
waive the 30-day delay in the effectiveness of this action under 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(3).

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

    Dated: October 10, 2017.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-22210 Filed 10-12-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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