Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Pelagic Longline Fishery Management, 8969-8971 [2018-04315]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 42 / Friday, March 2, 2018 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG007 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Pelagic Longline Fishery Management National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a draft environmental impact analysis and hold scoping meetings; notice of availability of scoping document; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS announces its intent to prepare a draft environmental impact analysis to assess the potential effects of alternative measures under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) for management of the pelagic longline fishery. This notice announces a public process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues relating to the management of Atlantic HMS, with a focus on area-based management measures and weak hook management measures that were implemented to reduce dead discards of bluefin tuna in the pelagic longline fishery. NMFS would use the scoping process and the draft environmental impact analysis to develop a regulatory action applicable to the pelagic longline fishery. The scoping process and draft environmental impact analysis are intended to determine if existing areabased and weak hook management measures are the best means of achieving the current management objectives and providing flexibility to adapt to fishing variability in the future, consistent with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and other relevant Federal laws. NMFS is also announcing the availability of a scoping document describing potential measures for inclusion in a future regulatory action. NMFS will hold scoping meetings to gather public comment on potential management options for area based and weak hook requirements. The time and location details of the scoping meetings are available in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. NMFS is requesting comments on the NOI to develop environmental impact daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:34 Mar 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 assessments. NMFS also requests comments on the management options described in the scoping document concerning bluefin area-based management and weak hook measures that were implemented to minimize bluefin tuna bycatch and/or interactions, and relevant options that would meet the purpose and need for this action. DATES: Written comments on this NOI and the scoping document must be received on or before May 1, 2018. NMFS also will host an operatorassisted public hearing conference call and webinar March 15, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT, providing an opportunity for individuals from all geographic areas to participate in a scoping meeting. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for further details, including public scoping meeting dates and locations. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2018– 0035’’, by either 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-2018-00035, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Craig Cockrell, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, Office of Sustainable Fisheries (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, or to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to https://www. regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (e.g., name, address), 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). The public hearing conference call information is phone number 800–988– 9546; participant passcode 27079. Participants are strongly encouraged to log/dial in 15 minutes prior to the meeting. NMFS will show a brief presentation via webinar followed by public comment. To join the webinar, go to: https://noaaevents2.webex.com/ noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID= e7fc24f346f6d54043131fad6e040d4bd; meeting number: 992 830 164; PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8969 password: noaa. Participants who have not used WebEx before will be prompted to download and run a plugin program that will enable them to view the webinar. The scoping document is available by sending your request to Craig Cockrell at the mailing address specified above, or by calling the phone numbers indicated below. The scoping document, the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, and FMP amendments also may be downloaded from the HMS website at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantichighly-migratory-species. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Cockrell 301–427–8503 or Jennifer Cudney 727–824–5399, or online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/ atlantic-highly-migratory-species. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background 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 HMS, including bluefin tuna, by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 50 CFR part 635. The pelagic longline fishery for Atlantic HMS primarily targets swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna in various areas and seasons. In 1997, NMFS determined that the western Atlantic bluefin tuna stock was overfished. In addition, the 1998 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation on western Atlantic bluefin tuna required that Contracting Parties, including the United States, minimize dead discards of bluefin tuna to the extent practicable, and set a country-specific dead discard allowance. Given the status of bluefin tuna and recommendations from ICCAT, at that time, NMFS analyzed a range of different time/area options for locations with high bluefin tuna bycatch in the 1999 FMP for Atlantic tunas, sharks, and swordfish (1999 HMS FMP), and subsequently implemented the Northeastern United States Pelagic Longline Closed Area, which is effective annually from June 1 through June 30, in the final rule implementing the 1999 HMS FMP (64 FR 29090, May 28, 1999) to reduce bluefin tuna dead discards in the pelagic longline fishery. In 2006, NMFS finalized the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP, which was intended to simplify management and better coordinate domestic conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. This Consolidated HMS FMP also carried E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 8970 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 42 / Friday, March 2, 2018 / Notices forward many of the objectives of the 1999 FMP for Atlantic tunas, sharks and swordfish (e.g., reduce dead discard and post-release mortality of Atlantic HMS in directed and non-directed fisheries; reduce bycatch and bycatch mortality). In the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, NMFS also recognized the importance of western Atlantic bluefin tuna spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and considered alternatives that would provide additional protection or incentives to dissuade fishermen from keeping incidentally caught bluefin. Weak hooks have been mandatory in the Gulf of Mexico pelagic longline fishery since 2011 (76 FR 18653, April 5, 2011). Weak hooks straighten under pressure and research conducted from 2007–2015 showed weak hook use could decrease bluefin tuna catch by 46 to 56.5 percent in the Gulf of Mexico. Continued reductions of bluefin tuna catch in the Gulf of Mexico pelagic longline fishery have been observed since the implementation of weak hooks. Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (79 FR 71510, December 2, 2014) implemented several measures for the pelagic longline fishery including, but not limited to, gear restricted areas, individual bluefin tuna quotas (IBQ), and catch reporting of each pelagic longline set using vessel monitoring systems. Since implementation of Amendment 7 in 2015, NMFS has noted decreased bluefin tuna landings and dead discards concurrent with the new focus on vessel accountability in fishing practices. However, effort within the pelagic longline fishery has also decreased and quotas established for target species (e.g., swordfish) are not being met. We presented a range of potential management issues and options for consideration at recent Advisory Panel meetings that might: (1) Optimize the ability of permit categories to harvest target species and still meet goals consistent with rebuilding and management plans and other species management objectives; and (2) revitalize the target longline fisheries, including increased swordfish landings within existing quotas. We specifically received comments from pelagic longline participants and other interested parties, including comments at the Spring and Fall 2017 Atlantic HMS Advisory Panel meetings, to examine whether older fleet-wide measures such as gear requirements, area restrictions, or time/area closures may no longer be necessary to reduce bluefin tuna bycatch and still meet the objectives of the Amendment 7. The HMS Advisory Panel expressed support for the continued development of management options to be presented at the Spring 2018 Advisory Panel meeting. Scoping Process NMFS encourages participation, by all persons affected or otherwise interested in bluefin tuna area-based and weak hook management measures, in the process to determine the scope and significance of issues to be analyzed in a draft environmental impact analysis and regulatory action. All such persons are encouraged to submit written comments (see ADDRESSES), or comment at one of the scoping meetings or public webinar. Persons submitting comments are welcome to address the specific measures in the scoping document. NMFS intends to hold scoping meetings in the geographic areas that may be affected by these measures, including locations on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and will consult with the regional fishery management councils in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. After scoping has been completed and public comment gathered and analyzed, NMFS will determine if it is necessary to proceed with preparation of a draft environmental impact analysis and proposed rule, which would include additional opportunities for public comment. The scope of the draft environmental impact analysis would consist of the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be considered. Alternatives may include, but are not limited to, the following: Not amending the current regulations (i.e., taking no action); developing a regulatory action that contains management measures such as those described in the scoping document; or other reasonable courses of action. This scoping process also will identify, and eliminate from further detailed analysis, issues that may not meet the purpose and need of the action. NMFS expects to present the scoping document at the Spring 2018 HMS Advisory Panel meeting, the scheduled scoping meetings and webinar, and the regional fishery management councils, as listed in Table 1. TABLE 1—LOCATIONS, DATES, AND TIMES OF UPCOMING SCOPING MEETINGS AND COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS Time Meeting location Address March 8, 2018 ........... TBD ........................... March 13, 2018 ......... 2:00–4:00 p.m ........... HMS Advisory Panel Meeting. Public Webinar ............ March 15, 2018 ......... 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m ... Panama City, FL ......... March 21, 2018 ......... 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m ... Manteo, NC ................. April 2, 2018 .............. 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m ... Houma, LA .................. April 12, 2018 ............ 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m ... Manahawkin, NJ ......... April 18, 2018 ............ daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Date 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m ... Gloucester, MA ........... Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel, 8777 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Teleconference line: 800–988–9546, Participant pass code: 27079, Webinar Link: https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7fc24f346f6d54043131fad6e040d4bd, Event number: 992 830 164, Event password: noaa. National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 3500 Delwood Beach Road, Saint Panama City, FL 32408. Commissioners Meeting Room, Dare County Administration Building, 954 Marshall Collins Dr., Manteo, NC 27954. Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Large Conference Room, 151 Library Drive, Houma, LA 70360. Stafford Branch Public Library, 129 N Main St., Manahawkin, NJ 08050. National Marine Fisheries Service, Grater Atlantic Regional Office, 55 Great Republic Dr., Gloucester, MA 01930. The public is reminded that NMFS expects participants at public scoping meetings and on conference calls to conduct themselves appropriately. At the beginning of the scoping meetings VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Mar 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 and conference call, a representative of NMFS will explain the ground rules (e.g., all comments are to be directed to the Agency; attendees will be called to give their comments in the order in PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 which they registered to speak; each attendee will have an equal amount of time to speak; and attendees should not interrupt one another). The meeting locations will be physically accessible E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 42 / Friday, March 2, 2018 / Notices to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Craig Cockrell at 301–427–8503, at least 7 days prior to the meeting. A NMFS representative will attempt to structure the meeting so that all attending members of the public will be able to comment if they so choose, regardless of the controversial nature of the subject matter. If attendees do not respect the ground rules they will be asked to leave the scoping meeting or conference call. Because the rulemakings overlap for some gear types, the public scoping meetings being held in Panama City, FL, Manteo, NC, and Manahawkin, NJ will be held in conjunction with public scoping meetings for Amendment 11 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP (shortfin mako shark management measures). The Amendment 11 presentation will likely be given first unless polling of the audience indicates another approach is appropriate. After each presentation, public comment for that issue will be received. Meeting attendees interested in this issue are encouraged to show up at the beginning of the meeting to help determine the order of the presentations. The second presentation will not start any later than 6 p.m. The process of developing a regulatory action is expected to take approximately two years. In addition to future HMS Advisory Panel input, public comment and future analyses, there are other relevant events anticipated that may impact the development of this regulatory action, including implementation of a quota rule for Atlantic bluefin tuna and North Atlantic albacore, the three-year review of the IBQ program, and the ICCAT annual meeting in November 2018. Until the draft environmental impact analysis and proposed rule are finalized or until other regulations are put into place, the current regulations remain in effect. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: February 27, 2018. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–04315 Filed 3–1–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Proposed additions to and deletions from the Procurement List. AGENCY: The Committee is proposing to add products and services to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and deletes products previously furnished by such agencies. DATES: Comments must be received on or before: April 1, 2018. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 1401 S Clark Street, Suite 715, Arlington, Virginia 22202–4149. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Amy B. Jensen, Telephone: (703) 603–7740, Fax: (703) 603–0655, or email CMTEFedReg@ AbilityOne.gov. SUMMARY: This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51–2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Addition If the Committee approves the proposed additions, the entities of the Federal Government identified in this notice will be required to procure the products and services listed below from nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The following products and services are proposed for addition to the Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed: Products NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 7045–00–NIB–0012—Pack, Power, Portable, 12000mAh, Black 7045–00–NIB–0013—Pack, Power, Portable, 6000mAh, Black Mandatory Source of Supply: North Central Sight Services, Inc., Williamsport, PA Contracting Activity: General Services Administration, New York, NY Distribution: A-List Services Service Type: Records Management Service Mandatory for: US Navy, Military Sealift Command, Naval Station Norfolk, 471 East C Street, Norfolk, VA VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:10 Mar 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 8971 Mandatory Source of Supply: VersAbility Resources, Inc., Hampton, VA Contracting Activity: Dept of the Navy, MSC NORFOLK, Service Type: Base Supply Center Mandatory for: US Army, Picatinny Arsenal, Phipps Road, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Mandatory Source of Supply: Central Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Utica, NY Contracting Activity: Dept of the Army, W6QK ACC–PICA Deletions The following products are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Products NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 8440–00–160–6843—Scarf, Air Force, Men’s, Gray 8440–00–823–7520—Scarf, Air Force, Men’s, Olive Green 8440–01–005–2558—Scarf, Air Force, Men’s, Blue 8440–01–523–5765—Scarf, Air Force, Men’s, Black Mandatory Source of Supply: ASPIRO, Inc., Green Bay, WI Contracting Activity: Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 6530–00–290–8292—Urinal, Incontinent 6530–00–NIB–0061—Catheter, External, Male, Self-Adhering, Pop-on 6530–00–NIB–0062—Catheter, External, Male, Self-Adhering, Pop-on 6530–00–NIB–0063—Catheter, External, Male, Self-Adhering, Pop-on 6530–00–NIB–0064—Catheter, External, Male, Self-Adhering, Pop-on 6530–00–NIB–0065—Catheter, External, Male, Self-Adhering, Pop-on Mandatory Source of Supply: The Lighthouse for the Blind, St. Louis, Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Strategic Acquisition Center NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 7520–01–483–8900—Paper Cutter, Rotary, Wood Base, Gray, 28.5″ Cutting Length 7520–01–483–8901—Paper Cutter, Rotary, Wood Base, Gray, 37.5″ Cutting Length 7520–01–483–8902—Paper Cutter, Rotary, Metal Base, Gray, 18″ Cutting Length 7520–01–483–8904—Paper Cutter, Rotary, Metal Base, Blue, 12″ Cutting Length Mandatory Source of Supply: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. (Seattle Lighthouse), Seattle, WA Contracting Activity: General Services Administration, New York, NY NSN(s)—Product Name(s): 8475–01–142– 5648—Nape Strap Mandatory Source of Supply: Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped, Johnstown, PA Contracting Activity: Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Amy B. Jensen, Director, Business Operations. [FR Doc. 2018–04318 Filed 3–1–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353–01–P E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8969-8971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04315]



[[Page 8969]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG007


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna 
Fisheries; Pelagic Longline Fishery Management

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

ACTION: Notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a draft environmental impact 
analysis and hold scoping meetings; notice of availability of scoping 
document; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS announces its intent to prepare a draft environmental 
impact analysis to assess the potential effects of alternative measures 
under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery 
Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP) for management of the 
pelagic longline fishery. This notice announces a public process for 
determining the scope of issues to be addressed and for identifying the 
significant issues relating to the management of Atlantic HMS, with a 
focus on area-based management measures and weak hook management 
measures that were implemented to reduce dead discards of bluefin tuna 
in the pelagic longline fishery. NMFS would use the scoping process and 
the draft environmental impact analysis to develop a regulatory action 
applicable to the pelagic longline fishery. The scoping process and 
draft environmental impact analysis are intended to determine if 
existing area-based and weak hook management measures are the best 
means of achieving the current management objectives and providing 
flexibility to adapt to fishing variability in the future, consistent 
with the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Atlantic 
Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and other relevant Federal laws. NMFS is 
also announcing the availability of a scoping document describing 
potential measures for inclusion in a future regulatory action. NMFS 
will hold scoping meetings to gather public comment on potential 
management options for area based and weak hook requirements. The time 
and location details of the scoping meetings are available in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. NMFS is requesting 
comments on the NOI to develop environmental impact assessments. NMFS 
also requests comments on the management options described in the 
scoping document concerning bluefin area-based management and weak hook 
measures that were implemented to minimize bluefin tuna bycatch and/or 
interactions, and relevant options that would meet the purpose and need 
for this action.

DATES: Written comments on this NOI and the scoping document must be 
received on or before May 1, 2018. NMFS also will host an operator-
assisted public hearing conference call and webinar March 15, 2018, 
from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT, providing an opportunity for individuals from all 
geographic areas to participate in a scoping meeting. See SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION for further details, including public scoping meeting dates 
and locations.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ``NOAA-NMFS-2018-
0035'', by either 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-2018-00035, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Craig Cockrell, Highly Migratory Species Management 
Division, Office of Sustainable Fisheries (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, or to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered. All comments received are a part of the public 
record and will generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov 
without change. All Personal Identifying Information (e.g., name, 
address), 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).
    The public hearing conference call information is phone number 800-
988-9546; participant passcode 27079. Participants are strongly 
encouraged to log/dial in 15 minutes prior to the meeting. NMFS will 
show a brief presentation via webinar followed by public comment. To 
join the webinar, go to: https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7fc24f346f6d54043131fad6e040d4bd; meeting number: 
992 830 164; password: noaa. Participants who have not used WebEx 
before will be prompted to download and run a plug-in program that will 
enable them to view the webinar.
    The scoping document is available by sending your request to Craig 
Cockrell at the mailing address specified above, or by calling the 
phone numbers indicated below. The scoping document, the 2006 
Consolidated HMS FMP, and FMP amendments also may be downloaded from 
the HMS website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Cockrell 301-427-8503 or 
Jennifer Cudney 727-824-5399, or online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    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 HMS, including bluefin 
tuna, by persons and vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction are found at 
50 CFR part 635. The pelagic longline fishery for Atlantic HMS 
primarily targets swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna in various 
areas and seasons. In 1997, NMFS determined that the western Atlantic 
bluefin tuna stock was overfished. In addition, the 1998 International 
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) 
Recommendation on western Atlantic bluefin tuna required that 
Contracting Parties, including the United States, minimize dead 
discards of bluefin tuna to the extent practicable, and set a country-
specific dead discard allowance. Given the status of bluefin tuna and 
recommendations from ICCAT, at that time, NMFS analyzed a range of 
different time/area options for locations with high bluefin tuna 
bycatch in the 1999 FMP for Atlantic tunas, sharks, and swordfish (1999 
HMS FMP), and subsequently implemented the Northeastern United States 
Pelagic Longline Closed Area, which is effective annually from June 1 
through June 30, in the final rule implementing the 1999 HMS FMP (64 FR 
29090, May 28, 1999) to reduce bluefin tuna dead discards in the 
pelagic longline fishery. In 2006, NMFS finalized the 2006 Consolidated 
Atlantic HMS FMP, which was intended to simplify management and better 
coordinate domestic conservation and management of Atlantic HMS. This 
Consolidated HMS FMP also carried

[[Page 8970]]

forward many of the objectives of the 1999 FMP for Atlantic tunas, 
sharks and swordfish (e.g., reduce dead discard and post-release 
mortality of Atlantic HMS in directed and non-directed fisheries; 
reduce bycatch and bycatch mortality). In the 2006 Consolidated HMS 
FMP, NMFS also recognized the importance of western Atlantic bluefin 
tuna spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and considered alternatives 
that would provide additional protection or incentives to dissuade 
fishermen from keeping incidentally caught bluefin. Weak hooks have 
been mandatory in the Gulf of Mexico pelagic longline fishery since 
2011 (76 FR 18653, April 5, 2011). Weak hooks straighten under pressure 
and research conducted from 2007-2015 showed weak hook use could 
decrease bluefin tuna catch by 46 to 56.5 percent in the Gulf of 
Mexico. Continued reductions of bluefin tuna catch in the Gulf of 
Mexico pelagic longline fishery have been observed since the 
implementation of weak hooks. Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS 
FMP (79 FR 71510, December 2, 2014) implemented several measures for 
the pelagic longline fishery including, but not limited to, gear 
restricted areas, individual bluefin tuna quotas (IBQ), and catch 
reporting of each pelagic longline set using vessel monitoring systems.
    Since implementation of Amendment 7 in 2015, NMFS has noted 
decreased bluefin tuna landings and dead discards concurrent with the 
new focus on vessel accountability in fishing practices. However, 
effort within the pelagic longline fishery has also decreased and 
quotas established for target species (e.g., swordfish) are not being 
met. We presented a range of potential management issues and options 
for consideration at recent Advisory Panel meetings that might: (1) 
Optimize the ability of permit categories to harvest target species and 
still meet goals consistent with rebuilding and management plans and 
other species management objectives; and (2) revitalize the target 
longline fisheries, including increased swordfish landings within 
existing quotas. We specifically received comments from pelagic 
longline participants and other interested parties, including comments 
at the Spring and Fall 2017 Atlantic HMS Advisory Panel meetings, to 
examine whether older fleet-wide measures such as gear requirements, 
area restrictions, or time/area closures may no longer be necessary to 
reduce bluefin tuna bycatch and still meet the objectives of the 
Amendment 7. The HMS Advisory Panel expressed support for the continued 
development of management options to be presented at the Spring 2018 
Advisory Panel meeting.

Scoping Process

    NMFS encourages participation, by all persons affected or otherwise 
interested in bluefin tuna area-based and weak hook management 
measures, in the process to determine the scope and significance of 
issues to be analyzed in a draft environmental impact analysis and 
regulatory action. All such persons are encouraged to submit written 
comments (see ADDRESSES), or comment at one of the scoping meetings or 
public webinar. Persons submitting comments are welcome to address the 
specific measures in the scoping document.
    NMFS intends to hold scoping meetings in the geographic areas that 
may be affected by these measures, including locations on the Atlantic 
and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and will consult with the regional fishery 
management councils in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. After scoping 
has been completed and public comment gathered and analyzed, NMFS will 
determine if it is necessary to proceed with preparation of a draft 
environmental impact analysis and proposed rule, which would include 
additional opportunities for public comment. The scope of the draft 
environmental impact analysis would consist of the range of actions, 
alternatives, and impacts to be considered. Alternatives may include, 
but are not limited to, the following: Not amending the current 
regulations (i.e., taking no action); developing a regulatory action 
that contains management measures such as those described in the 
scoping document; or other reasonable courses of action. This scoping 
process also will identify, and eliminate from further detailed 
analysis, issues that may not meet the purpose and need of the action. 
NMFS expects to present the scoping document at the Spring 2018 HMS 
Advisory Panel meeting, the scheduled scoping meetings and webinar, and 
the regional fishery management councils, as listed in Table 1.

           Table 1--Locations, Dates, and Times of Upcoming Scoping Meetings and Council Presentations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Date                              Time                   Meeting location           Address
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 8, 2018...................  TBD.............................  HMS Advisory Panel     Sheraton Silver
                                                                     Meeting.               Spring Hotel, 8777
                                                                                            Georgia Ave., Silver
                                                                                            Spring, MD 20910.
March 13, 2018..................  2:00-4:00 p.m...................  Public Webinar.......  Teleconference line:
                                                                                            800-988-9546,
                                                                                            Participant pass
                                                                                            code: 27079, Webinar
                                                                                            Link: https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7fc24f346f6d54043131fad6e040d4bd d4bd, Event number:
                                                                                            992 830 164, Event
                                                                                            password: noaa.
March 15, 2018..................  4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m..............  Panama City, FL......  National Marine
                                                                                            Fisheries Service,
                                                                                            Southeast Fisheries
                                                                                            Science Center, 3500
                                                                                            Delwood Beach Road,
                                                                                            Saint Panama City,
                                                                                            FL 32408.
March 21, 2018..................  4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m..............  Manteo, NC...........  Commissioners Meeting
                                                                                            Room, Dare County
                                                                                            Administration
                                                                                            Building, 954
                                                                                            Marshall Collins
                                                                                            Dr., Manteo, NC
                                                                                            27954.
April 2, 2018...................  5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m..............  Houma, LA............  Terrebonne Parish
                                                                                            Main Library, Large
                                                                                            Conference Room, 151
                                                                                            Library Drive,
                                                                                            Houma, LA 70360.
April 12, 2018..................  4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m..............  Manahawkin, NJ.......  Stafford Branch
                                                                                            Public Library, 129
                                                                                            N Main St.,
                                                                                            Manahawkin, NJ
                                                                                            08050.
April 18, 2018..................  5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m..............  Gloucester, MA.......  National Marine
                                                                                            Fisheries Service,
                                                                                            Grater Atlantic
                                                                                            Regional Office, 55
                                                                                            Great Republic Dr.,
                                                                                            Gloucester, MA
                                                                                            01930.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The public is reminded that NMFS expects participants at public 
scoping meetings and on conference calls to conduct themselves 
appropriately. At the beginning of the scoping meetings and conference 
call, a representative of NMFS will explain the ground rules (e.g., all 
comments are to be directed to the Agency; attendees will be called to 
give their comments 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). The meeting locations will be 
physically accessible

[[Page 8971]]

to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation 
or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Craig Cockrell at 301-
427-8503, at least 7 days prior to the meeting. A NMFS representative 
will attempt to structure the meeting so that all attending members of 
the public will be able to comment if they so choose, regardless of the 
controversial nature of the subject matter. If attendees do not respect 
the ground rules they will be asked to leave the scoping meeting or 
conference call.
    Because the rulemakings overlap for some gear types, the public 
scoping meetings being held in Panama City, FL, Manteo, NC, and 
Manahawkin, NJ will be held in conjunction with public scoping meetings 
for Amendment 11 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP (shortfin 
mako shark management measures). The Amendment 11 presentation will 
likely be given first unless polling of the audience indicates another 
approach is appropriate. After each presentation, public comment for 
that issue will be received. Meeting attendees interested in this issue 
are encouraged to show up at the beginning of the meeting to help 
determine the order of the presentations. The second presentation will 
not start any later than 6 p.m.
    The process of developing a regulatory action is expected to take 
approximately two years. In addition to future HMS Advisory Panel 
input, public comment and future analyses, there are other relevant 
events anticipated that may impact the development of this regulatory 
action, including implementation of a quota rule for Atlantic bluefin 
tuna and North Atlantic albacore, the three-year review of the IBQ 
program, and the ICCAT annual meeting in November 2018.
    Until the draft environmental impact analysis and proposed rule are 
finalized or until other regulations are put into place, the current 
regulations remain in effect.

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

    Dated: February 27, 2018.
Jennifer M. Wallace,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04315 Filed 3-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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