Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Management Measures; Proposed Amendment 11; Comment Period Extension, 47598-47599 [2018-20457]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Proposed Rules
and found that RCP2.6 would result in
approximately the same amount of
additional warming and bleaching by
2100 that has occurred over the last
century, and that implementation of the
Paris Agreement (i.e., RCP4.5) would
lead to severe consequences for coral
reefs (Hughes et al., 2017b), despite the
fact that RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 would be
even worse. Another analysis regarding
responses of coral reefs if global
warming is limited to 1.5°C, 2.0°C, or
3°C (roughly equivalent to RCP4.5,
RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) found that
estimated levels of thermal stress would
be approximately seven, 11, and 23
times, respectively, the level of thermal
stress that these reefs have already
experienced since 1878, and
approximately two, three, and six times
the level of thermal stress experienced
in 2016 (Lough et al., 2018).
All five analyses considered the
impacts of one or both of the IPCC’s
lower emissions pathways (RCP2.6 and
RCP4.5), and each analysis reached the
same conclusion: Even these lower
emissions pathways are likely to have
more severe impacts to reef corals in the
future than have been observed in
recent years (Hoegh-Guldberg et al.,
2017; Hughes et al., 2017b; Lough et al.,
2018; Maynard et al, 2015; van
Hooidonk et al, 2016), partially because
the GHG emissions that have already
occurred have irreversibly locked in a
certain amount of warming due to
‘‘commitment,’’ as described above.
Indo-Pacific reef corals would likely be
even more severely impacted by
warming-induced bleaching events
resulting from ocean warming under the
other two pathways in the future,
especially RCP8.5, as shown by two
analyses (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2017b;
van Hooidonk et al, 2016). Although P.
meandrina has several life history
characteristics that may buffer some of
the effects of ocean warming (refer back
to the Habitat, Range, and Life History
section of this finding), based on the
effects of warming-induced bleaching to
date on P. meandrina and its relatively
high susceptibility to warming, the
information in the petition and other
readily available information in our files
suggests this species may be severely
affected across its range in the future by
ocean warming projected under RCP8.5.
Ocean Warming Summary. From the
above analysis of ocean warming and its
effects on P. meandrina and the coral
reef community of which P. meandrina
is a part, we find four key points to be
relevant: (1) Substantial ocean warming,
including in the tropical/subtropical
Indo-Pacific, has already occurred and
continues to occur; (2) ocean warming,
including in the tropical/subtropical
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Indo-Pacific, is projected to continue at
an accelerated rate in the future; (3)
substantial warming-induced mass
bleaching of Indo-Pacific reef coral
communities, including P. meandrina,
has already occurred and continues to
occur; and (4) warming-induced mass
bleaching of Indo-Pacific reef coral
communities, including P. meandrina,
is projected to steadily increase in
frequency, intensity, and magnitude in
the future. In short, ocean warming is
expected to continue to affect P.
meandrina throughout its range in the
future.
Petition Finding
After reviewing the information
presented in the petition and other
readily available information in our
files, we find that listing P. meandrina
across its range may be warranted based
on the threat of ocean warming alone.
Therefore, in accordance with section
4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA and NMFS’
implementing regulations (50 CFR
424.14), we will commence a status
review of this species. During the status
review, we will determine whether P.
meandrina is in danger of extinction
(endangered) or likely to become so
(threatened) throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. If listing
is warranted, we will publish a
proposed rule and solicit public
comments before developing and
publishing a final rule. If we determine
that the species is in danger of
extinction or likely to become so in the
foreseeable future throughout all of its
range, we will list the species as
endangered or threatened, and it will be
unnecessary to determine if Hawaii
constitutes a significant portion of the
species’ range. If P. meandrina is not
proposed for listing as endangered or
threatened throughout all of its range,
we will then determine if Hawaii
constitutes a significant portion of the
species’ range. If so, we will determine
the status of P. meandrina in Hawaii,
and proceed accordingly (79 FR 37578;
July 1, 2014).
Information Solicited
To ensure that the status review is
based on the best available scientific
and commercial data, we are soliciting
information on whether P. meandrina is
endangered or threatened. Specifically,
we are soliciting information in the
following areas:
(1) Historical and current distribution
and abundance of P. meandrina
throughout its range;
(2) Historical and current condition of
P. meandrina and its habitat;
(3) Population density and trends of
P. meandrina;
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(4) The effects of climate change,
including ocean warming and
acidification, on the distribution and
condition of P. meandrina and other
organisms in coral reef ecosystems over
the short- and long-term;
(5) The effects of other threats
including dredging; coastal
development; land-based sources of
pollution, including coastal point
source pollution, and agricultural and
land use practices; disease, predation,
the trophic effects of fishing, the
aquarium trade, physical damage from
boats and anchors, marine debris,
aquatic invasive species on the
distribution and abundance of P.
meandrina over the short- and longterm; and the inadequacy of regulatory
mechanisms; and
(6) Management programs for
conservation of P. meandrina, including
mitigation measures related to any of
the threats listed under (5) above.
We request that all information be
accompanied by (1) supporting
documentation such as maps,
bibliographic references, or reprints of
pertinent publications; and (2) the
submitter’s name, address, and any
association, institution, or business that
the person represents.
References Cited
A complete list of references upon
request from Lance Smith, NOAA IRC,
NMFS/PIRO/PRD, 1845 Wasp Blvd.,
Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
Authority
The authority for this action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: September 17, 2018.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–20512 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 635
[Docket No. 180212159–8159–01]
RIN 0648–BH75
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species;
Shortfin Mako Shark Management
Measures; Proposed Amendment 11;
Comment Period Extension
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 183 / Thursday, September 20, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of
comment period.
NMFS previously published,
on July 27, 2018, a proposed rule to
amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery
Management Plan (FMP) based on the
results of the 2017 stock assessment and
a subsequent binding recommendation
by the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)
for North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks.
The comment period on the proposed
rule ends on October 1, 2018. In this
extension of comment period, NMFS is
extending the comment period to
October 8, 2018, to provide an
opportunity for the South Atlantic
Fishery Management Council (Council)
to be briefed, and to provide additional
opportunities for the Council and other
interested parties to comment on the
proposed rule.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of
comments on the proposed rule
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR
35637) is extended from October 1, 2018
to October 8, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on the referenced proposed rule
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR
35637), identified by NOAA–NMFS–
2018–0011, by any one 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-20180011, click the ‘‘Comment Now’’ icon,
complete the required fields, and enter
or attach your comments.
tkelley on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS2
SUMMARY:
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• Mail: Submit written comments to
Guy´ DuBeck, NMFS/SF1, 1315 EastWest Highway, National Marine
Fisheries Service, SSMC3, Silver Spring,
MD 20910.
Instructions: Please include the
identifier NOAA–NMFS–2018–0011
when submitting comments. Comments
sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after
the close of the comment period, may
not be considered by NMFS. All
comments received are a part of the
public record and generally will be
posted for public viewing on
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).
´
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Guy
DuBeck or Karyl Brewster-Geisz at (301)
427–8503.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North
Atlantic shortfin mako stock is managed
primarily under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act and also under
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act
(ATCA). The 2006 Consolidated HMS
FMP and its amendments are
implemented by regulations at 50 CFR
part 635.
On July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637),
NMFS published a proposed rule that
announced NMFS’ intent to amend the
2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP
based on the results of the 2017 stock
assessment and a subsequent binding
recommendation by the International
Commission for the Conservation of
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
47599
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North
Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. The
North Atlantic shortfin mako shark
stock is overfished and is experiencing
overfishing. Consistent with the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA),
NMFS is proposing management
measures that would reduce fishing
mortality on shortfin mako sharks and
establish a foundation for rebuilding the
shortfin mako shark population
consistent with legal requirements. In
the proposed rule, the end of the
comment period was announced as
October 1, 2018. However, due to
Hurricane Florence, the South Atlantic
Fishery Management Council postponed
its previously scheduled meeting by
several weeks. Without an extension of
the comment period, the Council would
be unable to receive the same briefing
provided to other Councils prior to
providing comments on Amendment 11.
As such, NMFS is extending the
comment period to provide an
opportunity to be briefed and an
additional opportunity for the South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council
and other interested parties to comment
on the proposed rule. Therefore, the
comment period for the proposed rule is
extended to October 8, 2018.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C.
1801 et seq.
Dated: September 17, 2018.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–20457 Filed 9–19–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
E:\FR\FM\20SEP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 183 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47598-47599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20457]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 635
[Docket No. 180212159-8159-01]
RIN 0648-BH75
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Management
Measures; Proposed Amendment 11; Comment Period Extension
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
[[Page 47599]]
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS previously published, on July 27, 2018, a proposed rule
to amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS)
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) based on the results of the 2017 stock
assessment and a subsequent binding recommendation by the International
Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North
Atlantic shortfin mako sharks. The comment period on the proposed rule
ends on October 1, 2018. In this extension of comment period, NMFS is
extending the comment period to October 8, 2018, to provide an
opportunity for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council)
to be briefed, and to provide additional opportunities for the Council
and other interested parties to comment on the proposed rule.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments on the proposed rule
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637) is extended from October 1,
2018 to October 8, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the referenced proposed rule
published on July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637), identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-
0011, by any one 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-2018-0011, click the
``Comment Now'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach
your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Gu[yacute] DuBeck, NMFS/
SF1, 1315 East-West Highway, National Marine Fisheries Service, SSMC3,
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Instructions: Please include the identifier NOAA-NMFS-2018-0011
when submitting comments. Comments sent by any other method, to any
other address or individual, or received after the close of the comment
period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part
of the public record and generally will be posted for public viewing on
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).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gu[yacute] DuBeck or Karyl Brewster-
Geisz at (301) 427-8503.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Atlantic shortfin mako stock is
managed primarily under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and
also under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). The 2006
Consolidated HMS FMP and its amendments are implemented by regulations
at 50 CFR part 635.
On July 27, 2018 (83 FR 35637), NMFS published a proposed rule that
announced NMFS' intent to amend the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP
based on the results of the 2017 stock assessment and a subsequent
binding recommendation by the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for North Atlantic shortfin mako
sharks. The North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock is overfished and
is experiencing overfishing. Consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), NMFS is proposing management
measures that would reduce fishing mortality on shortfin mako sharks
and establish a foundation for rebuilding the shortfin mako shark
population consistent with legal requirements. In the proposed rule,
the end of the comment period was announced as October 1, 2018.
However, due to Hurricane Florence, the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council postponed its previously scheduled meeting by
several weeks. Without an extension of the comment period, the Council
would be unable to receive the same briefing provided to other Councils
prior to providing comments on Amendment 11. As such, NMFS is extending
the comment period to provide an opportunity to be briefed and an
additional opportunity for the South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council and other interested parties to comment on the proposed rule.
Therefore, the comment period for the proposed rule is extended to
October 8, 2018.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 17, 2018.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20457 Filed 9-19-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
