Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition, 38292-38293 [2018-16764]

Download as PDF 38292 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES This final IHA includes identical required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures as the 2018 IHA, and there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change. Based on the information contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) The required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; and (4) ADOT&PF’s activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS consults internally whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species. In order to comply with the ESA, NMFS Alaska Regional Office (AKR) Protected Resources Division issued a Biological Opinion in September 2017 under section 7 of the ESA, on the issuance of an IHA to ADOT&PF under section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA. There are four distinct population segments (DPSs) of three marine mammal species that are listed under the ESA with confirmed or possible occurrence in the study area: The Western North Pacific DPS and Mexico DPS of humpback whale; the Western DPS of Steller sea lion; and fin whale. The Biological Opinion concluded that while the issuance of the authorization may adversely affect members of some listed species it is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed marine mammal species or destroy or modify any critical habitat. Note that the only modification to the IHA is a change in effective dates. No additional take has been requested or is being authorized and all mitigation measures described in the Biological Opinion will continue to be implemented to limit Level A and Level B exposures. For these reasons, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 we anticipate no new or changed effects of the action beyond what was considered in the 2017 Biological Opinion. Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to ADOT&PF for the Sand Point City Dock Replacement Project for 2019–2020, provided the previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements from the 2018–2019 IHA are incorporated. Dated: August 1, 2018. Elaine T. Saiz, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16767 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG358 Meeting of the Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open public meeting. AGENCY: This notice sets forth the proposed schedule and agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee’s (MAFAC’s) Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force (CBP Task Force). The CBP Task Force will discuss the issues outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. DATES: The meeting will be held August 22, 2018, 1–4 p.m., Pacific Time. ADDRESSES: There is no public access. Meeting is by conference call. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Cheney; NFMS West Coast Region; 503–231–6730; email: Katherine.Cheney@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given of a meeting of MAFAC’s CBP Task Force. The MAFAC was established by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), and, since 1971, advises the Secretary on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The MAFAC charter and summaries of prior MAFAC meetings are located online at https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/ partners#marine-fisheries-advisorycommittee. The CBP Task Force reports SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 to MAFAC and is being convened to develop recommendations for long-term goals to meet Columbia Basin salmon recovery, conservation needs, and harvest opportunities, in the context of habitat capacity and other factors that affect salmon mortality. More information is available at the CBP Task Force web page: https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ columbia_river/. Matters To Be Considered The Committee is convening to discuss feedback from CBP Task Force members as they shared provisional goals with their constituents and communities; drafting of their recommendations and report; and next steps for the CBP Task Force. Time and Date The meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2018, 1–4 p.m., Pacific Time by conference call and webinar. Access information for the public will be posted at https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ columbia_river/ by August 8, 2018. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to Katherine Cheney, 503–231– 6730 by August 8, 2018. Dated: August 1, 2018. Jennifer L. Lukens, Federal Program Officer, Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16731 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG311 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 overfished or subject to overfishing. Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. Upper Columbia River summer-run Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark are still overfished. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now both overfished and subject to overfishing. 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 Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, and Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. Pacific salmon stocks are overfished when the 3-year geometric mean of annual spawning escapement falls below the stock’s minimum stock size threshold (MSST). MSST for Pacific salmon is generally defined as 0.5*SMSY or 0.75*SMSY, although there are some exceptions including Juan de Fuca and Snohomish coho, where MSST is 0.636*SMSY and 0.62 SMSY, respectively. SMSY is the number of spawners corresponding to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The determinations for the two Chinook stocks are based on 2018 assessments—using data from 2017— produced by the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical Team (STT) using methodologies that have been reviewed by the Pacific Council’s Science and Statistical Committee (SSC). The determinations for the three coho stocks are based on 2018 assessments—using data from 2016—produced by the Pacific Council’s STT, using methodologies that have been reviewed by the Pacific Council’s SSC. NMFS has further determined that Upper Columbia River summer-run Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. This stock is subject to overfishing when the Fyear exceeds the maximum fishing mortality threshold VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:52 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 (MFMT), where the MFMT is generally defined as less than or equal to FMSY. This determination is based on a 2018 assessment—using data from 2015— produced by the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Chinook Technical Committee. Consistent with the requirements in the Salmon FMP, the Pacific Council has directed the STT to develop rebuilding plans for each overfished stock for the Council’s consideration. Of the six salmon stocks, only the two Chinook stocks are not internationally managed stocks. For all other stocks, the Council has limited ability to control ocean fisheries in waters outside its jurisdiction. Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark are still overfished. Thorny skate is overfished if the three-year moving average of the autumn survey mean weight per tow (B) is less than BTHRESHOLD, which is one-half of the 75th percentile of the mean weight per tow observed in the autumn trawl survey from the selected reference time series. A stock assessment was completed in 2017—using data through 2016—which supported the determination that thorny skate remains overfished. NMFS is working with the New England Fishery Management Council (New England Council) to implement conservation and management measures to rebuild thorny skate. The sandbar shark stock is overfished when current biomass (B) proxy is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST) (B < BMSST). The B proxy for sandbar shark is spawning stock fecundity. The sandbar shark determination is based on a stock assessment completed in 2018—using data through 2015—following the Southeast Data Assessment and Review process. NMFS manages sandbar shark under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and its amendments. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now both overfished and subject to overfishing. Atlantic mackerel is subject to overfishing if the fishing mortality rate (F) exceeds F40%. The stock is overfished if spawning stock biomass (SSB) is less than 1⁄2 SSBMSY, the SSB associated with fishing at FMSY. This determination is based on a benchmark assessment, finalized in 2018 and using data through 2016. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has been notified of its requirement to adopt measures to end overfishing and approve a rebuilding plan for Atlantic mackerel. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38293 Dated: August 1, 2018. Margo Schulze-Haugen, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16764 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XG368 New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; public meeting. AGENCY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Whiting Advisory Panel and Committee on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. SUMMARY: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. DATES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the Hotel Providence, 139 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI 02903; telephone: (401) 861–8000. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Agenda The Whiting Advisory Panel and Committee will evaluate Amendment 22 (limited access alternatives) public hearing comments and impact analyses to recommend final action to the Council at its September meeting. The will also receive the Annual Monitoring Report for Fishing Year 2017 from the Whiting Plan Development Team. The Advisory Panel and Committee will review recommendations to streamline small-mesh multispecies fishery regulations and make final recommendations to the Council. Other business will be discussed as necessary. E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38292-38293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16764]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG311


Determination of Overfishing or an Overfished Condition

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This action serves as a notice that NMFS, on behalf of the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), has found that the following stocks 
are overfished or subject to overfishing. Klamath River fall-run 
Chinook salmon, Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish 
coho salmon, and

[[Page 38293]]

Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. Upper 
Columbia River summer-run Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. 
Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar shark 
are still overfished. The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel 
stock is now both overfished and subject to overfishing. 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 Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, 
Queets coho salmon, Juan de Fuca coho salmon, Snohomish coho salmon, 
and Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are now overfished. 
Pacific salmon stocks are overfished when the 3-year geometric mean of 
annual spawning escapement falls below the stock's minimum stock size 
threshold (MSST). MSST for Pacific salmon is generally defined as 
0.5*SMSY or 0.75*SMSY, although there are some 
exceptions including Juan de Fuca and Snohomish coho, where MSST is 
0.636*SMSY and 0.62 SMSY, respectively. 
SMSY is the number of spawners corresponding to maximum 
sustainable yield (MSY). The determinations for the two Chinook stocks 
are based on 2018 assessments--using data from 2017--produced by the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical 
Team (STT) using methodologies that have been reviewed by the Pacific 
Council's Science and Statistical Committee (SSC). The determinations 
for the three coho stocks are based on 2018 assessments--using data 
from 2016--produced by the Pacific Council's STT, using methodologies 
that have been reviewed by the Pacific Council's SSC.
    NMFS has further determined that Upper Columbia River summer-run 
Chinook salmon is now subject to overfishing. This stock is subject to 
overfishing when the Fyear exceeds the maximum fishing 
mortality threshold (MFMT), where the MFMT is generally defined as less 
than or equal to FMSY. This determination is based on a 2018 
assessment--using data from 2015--produced by the Pacific Salmon 
Commission's Chinook Technical Committee. Consistent with the 
requirements in the Salmon FMP, the Pacific Council has directed the 
STT to develop rebuilding plans for each overfished stock for the 
Council's consideration. Of the six salmon stocks, only the two Chinook 
stocks are not internationally managed stocks. For all other stocks, 
the Council has limited ability to control ocean fisheries in waters 
outside its jurisdiction.
    Thorny skate and the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico stock of sandbar 
shark are still overfished. Thorny skate is overfished if the three-
year moving average of the autumn survey mean weight per tow (B) is 
less than BTHRESHOLD, which is one-half of the 75th 
percentile of the mean weight per tow observed in the autumn trawl 
survey from the selected reference time series. A stock assessment was 
completed in 2017--using data through 2016--which supported the 
determination that thorny skate remains overfished. NMFS is working 
with the New England Fishery Management Council (New England Council) 
to implement conservation and management measures to rebuild thorny 
skate. The sandbar shark stock is overfished when current biomass (B) 
proxy is less than the minimum stock size threshold (MSST) (B < 
BMSST). The B proxy for sandbar shark is spawning stock 
fecundity. The sandbar shark determination is based on a stock 
assessment completed in 2018--using data through 2015--following the 
Southeast Data Assessment and Review process. NMFS manages sandbar 
shark under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 
Fishery Management Plan and its amendments.
    The Gulf of Maine/Cape Hatteras Atlantic mackerel stock is now both 
overfished and subject to overfishing. Atlantic mackerel is subject to 
overfishing if the fishing mortality rate (F) exceeds 
F40. The stock is overfished if spawning stock 
biomass (SSB) is less than \1/2\ SSBMSY, the SSB associated 
with fishing at FMSY. This determination is based on a 
benchmark assessment, finalized in 2018 and using data through 2016. 
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has been notified of its 
requirement to adopt measures to end overfishing and approve a 
rebuilding plan for Atlantic mackerel.

    Dated: August 1, 2018.
Margo Schulze-Haugen,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16764 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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